Episode 1

Good mystery: A murderer in a devil mask kills a businessman's wife and brother. But in the middle of the double murder investigation, Mooney and Dumas, the only detectives on the island!- take time out for an afternoon dance class! Awful. The slapstick couldn't save this. After solving the case, JP accepts Mooney's invitation to his dance class. JP shows up later without his wife, a gorgeous fashion model. JP's wedding was the climax of a great episode a few seasons back, but the doofus writers just tossed out his backstory- lazy writing. Getting tired of the music always being 60 years old.

While the characters themself are very much themselves, there is nothing much to complain about that.

The case, however, is bad. Apart from being rather obvious who commited the murder and how, the feeling that the authors thought themself to be clever cannot be escaped. Especially the resolution is really bad, as Mooney only shows how the prime suspect is not the murderer, he does not actually provide any evidence against the real murderer. Not a single piece of real evidence, apart from him telling how the crime was commited. And even him proving it was not the first suspect could easily countered by a good lawyer. In short, the idea was nice, but the resolution so bad, a backwater lawyer could bail the real murderer since there is not a single piece of evidence presented apart from a nice tale from the inspector.

There is no doubt that "Death in Paradise" has become one of my favorite shows in the last half a year, but I have had a feeling: the show was at its best when Sara Martins and Ben Miller were around. Not to say that Kris Marshalls era was bad, it wasn't, but started very unimpressively and got progressively better. DI Mooney's era though has been pretty good so far with only some entries of the eighth season being quite disappointing. The ninth season however starts with one of the best premieres of the show- "La Murder Le Diable'". It's not an amazing entry, but is very close to being one.

Let's start with good aspects first, shall we?

. The episode looks and sounds great as usual. The acting's strong all around. Elliot Cowan, Nell Hudson and especially Samuel West being very good in their roles.

. The murder mystery is hugely compelling with clever twists, turns, intriguing characters and with a very satisfying solution. Also liked the horror vibes the episode gives at times.

. The subplot about Mooney's new relationship with Anna was extremly sweet and, most of all, believable.

But..

. There are moments, when some clues are a bit too obvious for its own good.

Overall, a very good episode .

8,5/10 HK

I've been a fan of Death In Paradise since the very beginning and have (for the most part) enjoyed all the episodes. We've had some great actors as guest stars, some great stories, beautiful scenery. But the introduction of Dwayne's replacement has seen the series spiral downwards. The character of Ruby Patterson is truly irritating and pointless. Every scene with her detracts from the enjoyment of the show. Since her introduction, I have lost all enjoyment of the show. Get rid of her and replace her with Harry the lizard. He's far more of a valued member of the team.

I agree with most, Ruby is painful to watch, and every scene she is in halts the flow of the story. This episode is no different. But still, even though it isn't the most difficult murder to solve, it is still enjoyable to watch the characters just being themselves. I Believe that Moody is by far.....by far....the best Inspector of the 3. I am afraid that when he leaves the show will spiral downward quickly. It has been a good run, but I imagine that season 10, if it does happen, will be the last. And probably for the best.