Return to Paradise

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.

The main attraction of the main series and its spin-offs is always nature. As an Australia and nature fan, you will of course get your money's worth. The plots have not been reinvented. It's the old "Death in Paradise" concept with a little "Beyond Paradise" sprinkled in. For me personally, it was nice entertainment to watch the team getting together and solving cases. What I personally could have done without is the love triangle. This concept is outdated and boring for me. I was annoyed that it was used again for the series. It would have worked well without it. The stylistic device "will they or won't they" rather annoyed me. I don't think it's still appropriate for people of that age, who have learned to communicate better and are better able to self-assess their actions than previous generations.

I did look forward to this series and loving the scenery of the South Coast of NSW. One of my favourite holiday destinations. Going into the story I was struck that it had the familiar elements of "Sea Change", the lead even looked like Sigrid Thornton, but the vet was no Diver Dan. They maybe over doing the "quirky", however, I'm willing to keep going, if only for the scenery. The other characters are what you might expect from the original series, the gruff but likeable commander, a ditzy pc. Somehow, this might have more of a personal story attached other than catching the crook. Australians are good at detective drama/comedy so let's hope this turns into a gem.

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?

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.