User reviews

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?

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.

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.

Beautiful scenery backdrops a murder mystery show led by a quirky detective with a shady past. The humor is light although the first episode didn't have the intriguing plot that the French/British series it's based on has. It's passable, but the lead actress doesn't seem' comfortable in her role as a weird police officer with commitment issues and an emotional retinue understaffed. Her facial expressions tend towards pantomime. She over does the confusion of other's responses to her which seems unlikely given it's a personality trait. The second episode was better and the lead seemed more convincing in her role as a sociopath. This is an ok show but lacks the Caribbean vibe of the original. Recommended to soft mystery fans.

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.

I will check out the next episode, not least because I tend to like seeing things shot in Australia.

But I have to wonder why some creators seem to feel the need for "weird" in every series. The lead character, Mack, has a nasty back story and a problematic current situation, an absent mother -- whom I fear will not be absent long, and who will add to the "weird" already contributed by the "volunteer police person."

The single best thing about this for me was the reference to Inspector Mooney, to whom Mack referred as "Jack." That's OUR Inspector Mooney, from the original Death in Paradise, and it holds out a little hope that Ardal O'Hanlon may make a cameo or even guest appearance at some point. The postcard on his desk that said "Visit Saint Marie" was another nice touch.

But this was a rather clunky debut, with too much time spent on telling us Mackenzie Clark, including that she is "brilliant." As a result the other cop regulars-to-be got very short shrift, especially Catherine McClements, whom I suspect is going to be criminally underused.

Let's hope it sharpens up -- a cop show in Australia always has potential, as does a Thorogood spin-off, but there have been too many first-rate Australian cop shows for one to coast on his reputation. This one will have to raise its game.

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.

Both Return to Paradise and Beyond Paradise lack the verve, spark and colour of the original, Beyond Paradise. I agree with another poster that the main character, Mackenzie Clarke, is hard to like. I assume the producers will realise this and her character could easily be tweaked for the next season (should there be one - the door was, not surprisingly, left open for a second run and ratings for the first season were solid). The other characters are eclectic and likeable, the murders confounding, the "love triangle" is somewhat unsatisfactory, and the scenery is great, so there is plenty to work with and improve. Return to Paradise has potential....

This is apparently an Australian Broadcasting Corporation and a British Broadcasting Corporation joint venture. The series "Death in Paradise" is a long running BBC and French TV series that has gone through a number of police inspectors, starting with actor Ben Miller and it's set on the mythical island of St. Marie in the Caribbean. "Beyond Paradise" was spun off from "Death in Paradise" and stars Kris Marshall who was an inspector in "Death in Paradise". He returns to the UK and policing specifically in the Devon and Cornwall area in the southwest.

"Return to Paradise" appears to be the newest of the franchise, set in Illawarra, south of Sydney. It stars Ana Samson as a Metropolitan Police (Scotland Yard) inspector who returns to her home town and ends up leading a murder investigation.

The main problem is the casting of Anna Samson as DI Mackenzie Clark, she doesn't make the role believable, she's bad. Poor acting and directing. She is not a Kris Marshall. The script is shaky, needs some work.

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!

On the basis of this first series, I'd have to say that it was more fun than Death in Paradise. Anna Samson as DI Mackenzie Clarke is most impressive as the tenacious detective on loan from the British police, while the other quirky characters stay within the bounds of credibility.

The unrequited love interest is included, this time by Tai Hara as Glenn Strong, a forensic pathologist, who is tall, dark, and handsome. Unfortunately for Mackenzie, he has a girlfriend in Andrea Demetriades as Daisy. All these main characters are well known to Australian audiences.

All in all, a good start to what will hopefully become a continuing series.

I quite like the rather corny Death in Paradise, so was ready for this version, but it lacks something the original has which I can't quite put my finger on. Perhaps its the acting, which overall isn't great. I think the lead actor was miscast. I understand she is supposed to be on the autism spectrum and lack empathy, but she just looks expressionless and her character isn't likeable. I have no idea why she is always dressed in the same clothes, this is distracting. I realise its supposed to be corny but this show isn't convincing or quirky. It seems like it's made for a UK audience and they may like the beach scenes.

The lead 'Mack''s acting felt very forced and not authentic. The story-line was a bit ho-hum, with a less than intriguing 'reveal' at the end.

Unless there's a dramatic improvement, its not up to par with the original, nor with the English sequel. But unlike some Aussie-made shows, the twangy-drawl was kept to a minimum which is huge plus. The only reason I wanted to watch it really was because it was filmed in the Illawarra, and it was cool to see some familiar spots. I might give the second one a go and see if it settles into its groove. Kudos to some of the other actors though - the male detective and the 'pretend' cop lady - they added some refreshment to an otherwise parched performance.

Three episodes were all I could take before I realized I would not be coming back for more of this show.

As an Australian I was really looking forward to seeing a show made in Australia with a theme along the lines of Death In Paradise. Unfortunately this isn't that show.

Bland uninspired acting by some of the lead characters leaves me feeling that something is missing from the storytelling.

Blank facial expressions used to give the impression that everything has come to light, become boring when they are used repeatedly.

I am sure Police procedures would not be handled as they are in this production, or we would all be criminals.

Very poor acting. Nothing like the English version, so its hard to keep focused. Facial expressions on lead character are over the top and a change in clothing/uniform wouldn't go a miss. She treats the rest of the police force staff as idiots. The Australian scenery does have some merit, but that is all the show has going for it. The other detective, comes across as very slow and a bit of a dim wit, which makes you wonder how he became a detective in the first place. This then makes you question the authenticity of a role of detective. Hope this show improves, or never to return otherwise. Fingers crossed.

I think this is meant to be quirky. Instead it's boring and corny and overly-acted. Every expression is dialled up, there are unnecessary pauses, staring into space.

The show falls short of its potential, despite a promising setting at the quintessential Australian beach town.

While the series boasts stunning visuals, the storyline lacks depth and coherence. The characters feel one-dimensional, and the pacing is sluggish, making it hard to stay engaged. The show attempts to tackle important themes like tradition versus modernity, but these are often overshadowed by predictable plots and underdeveloped subplots.

Ultimately, *Return to Paradise* feels like a missed opportunity, relying too heavily on its scenic backdrop without delivering compelling drama.

I've never written a review and this is so bad I had to tell everyone.

Acting is bad. Main character is wooden. She always looks surprised and can't act. Her voice and facial expressions have no light and shade. I can't believe how bad it is. It's a very poor imitation of Death in Paradise which I always watch. If Mackenzie was played by a different actress it might be watchable. The end of the second episode was the first time she showed some emotion when she apologised to her ex boyfriend and cried. The scenery is beautiful on the coast of NSW. I really wanted to like it but it'd so unbelievable. Don't bother.

The biggest contrast when comparing the Aussie show to the two English versions is that in the English versions all the main characters are likeable and fun. The characterisation of the Aust show was horrid.

Anna Sampson came across as wooden and stilted, but that could have just been the script writing. There was no joy in any interaction with the lead. There was no humour at all. The reason people keep watching Death in Paradise is not just because the murder mysteries are intriguing, it's because of the human joy shared by the characters - all the characters. I was so disappointed by this production. The Aussie team could have done so much better.

Hands in pockets, hair flicking, wide eyeballs...awkward acting. Everyone works so hard to make the lead actor look ok. It's painful to watch.

No chemistry between lead actors.

But the inconsistency with the obviously blow dried, styled hair that is so self-consciously flicked, and a supposed person who is so quirky (read spectrum) is just offensive. Either have unselfconscious hair, ie a tight bun or add some acting skills. Otherwise it's just a piece of light comedy that passes muster.

So close but so disappointing. Just one problem. The casting of the lead actor.

Hopefully next series will address the issues. Maybe a new lead?

I could barely get through the first episode of this, but wanted to give it a proper chance. I can't think of one redeeming quality to this show except the scenery.

It's trying too hard to have quirky characters and fails spectacularly. It's like a spoof the original series.

Acting is below average, and the lead actor's face (DI Makenzie Clarke) is cringing and hilarious and not in a good way. She gurns her way through the entire episode and looks bored most of the time. She also constantly has this bizarre, pout going on.

All the other characters are cliche and just awful to watch.

It's quite an embarrassment to the original Death in Paradise series.

It's a shame as I was hoping for it to be at least as good as Beyond Paradise, which I really like and look forward to both it and Death in Paradise returning for Christmas.

Loved Death in Paradise in all of the series. Fun, light-hearted silliness Tuned in to RTP expecting similar. Sadly let down. Tried to watch in the hope that it will improve, but it isn't happening.

The whole show is disjointed and lacking anything to keep me interested. Story lines are horribly weak. Is it for sale outside Australia? Could be an travel advert? Pretty scenery Shocking acting.

The lead is an emaciated marionette who struts around the set with jagged, bird like movements and weird expressions and with no acting qualities I can see. The others do a little better in their roles and do manage to keep the storyline together.

Come on ABC. You can do better than this surely? We don't watch commercial tv, and at the point of only watching streaming services.

Hard Quiz is about the only worthwhile Aus show being made, but there are only so many repeats I can stand.

The BBC is managing to to keep some viewing but again, MidSomer Murder repeats are wearing thin.