Return to Paradise

I love the combination of a Sea Change setting, music and Aussie & Brit characters, with the Death In Paradise style. The theme song is just like the Sea Change theme - and I'm waiting for SeaChange's Magistrate Laura Gibson (Sigrid Thornton) to turn up. Nice when DI Mackenzie called DI Jack Mooney (Ardal O'Hanlon) at. New Scotland Yard in London. Retired teacher and police volunteer Reggie Rocco (Cecilia Ireland) gives the show that dinkum Aussie character - "we're as good as any toffs - everyone's equal in Australia" - which makes the show different to the somewhat colonial Death In Paradise. Also good to see an indigenous (Aboriginal) Aussie - Aaron McGrath, as Constable Felix Wilkinson. The UK audience will like Detective Senior Constable Colin Cartwright (Lloyd Griffiths), who liked Dolphin Cove and has moved from the UK. Perhaps in future episodes, we'll also see retired Detective Sergeant Jack Darby (Bryan Browne) and retired British clinical nurse Joan Kirkhope (Greta Scacchi) from Darby and Joan.

Used a VPN to watch and it exceeded my expectations. I thought it would be a fun watch but not live up to the main show and Beyond Paradise. But I would have to say that I'm impressed by EP 1. Mackenzie is very strong as a lead character and I'm really liking the dynamics, especially between her and Philomena. I really like the nods and ties to Death in Paradise.

I'm really excited to see more and for it to eventually be aired on BBC One so more people will see it. Very strong spin off and I'm glad it's a part of the paraverse, I've seen that it had a strong debut in Australian which gives me hope they'll want to produce more in the future (if the rest go well as well of course).

I saw some people say Mackenzie is female Richard, I would have to disagree, but that's just me.

I know we all love the original in Death in Paradise and all had thoughts that "oh god this is going to be bad.." "oh its set in Australia.. at the beach because of course."

BUT.. I did read a few internet reviews who didn't recommend watching this, in fact do the opposite.

It may not be England, or the original series but the spin off is worth a watch. Anna Samson is amazing in the role of DI Mackenzie Clarke. Great to see her back on TV after leaving Home and Away.

Also great to see on screen again is Celia Ireland as "Reggie Rocco" who is hilarious in the scenes she is in.

Recommend watching this as I caught it very early on the ABC Iview ap, a great first episode, will watch to see what happens next.

I mean though, if you don't like it, maybe watch something else?

The formula is the same as Death in Paradise (which I have enjoyed over the years). The first episode was a little slow but after just watching the second episode I think the show is starting to come into its own and it too is enjoyable. The characters are starting to be fleshed out and their individuality and quirkiness is nice to see. I do think Anna Samson is probably the weak link in the cast however I've only seen a couple of episodes and she may soon shine. The rest of the cast seems great. The scenery is also great and typical of NSW. I'm looking forward to future episodes. I recommend watching!

With the first series of 'Return To Paradise' just finished on the ABC, the question most viewers will be asking is "When will series 2 arrive?".

As amiable and entertaining as the British 'Death in Paradise' from which it sprouted, this six part series has been a delight. The setting of Dolphin Cove (cousin of Porpoise Spit?) is quintessential Aussie coastline, with a perfect surf break and touches of Byron Bay.

The Police team have a few sit com quirks -- slightly stilted dialogue on occasions, regular moments when all they have to do is stand around listening to the main characters talk -- yet they became endearing, especially Lloyd Griffith as Det SC Colin Cartwright.

Anna Samson's DI Mackenzie Clarke did what some might consider impossible: create a new detective who has her own voice and unique character. She is the backbone of the series and eminently watchable throughout.

Plots were solid and well constructed, especially the final episode which cleverly tied the police procedural to the simmering connection still charging the atmosphere between Mackenzie and her ex.

There were few surprises across the half dozen eps, but the writing was certainly good enough to keep fans of the genre guessing (and happy!).

We approached this series with a little trepidation. Would it be simply a half-hearted re-hash of the original? But it was much more than that. Fresh as an ocean breeze and entertaining throughout. We really hope to see DI Mackenzie Clarke back in Dolphin Cover soon.