Episode 1

I don't think I've ever seen an episode of Death in Paradise begin with such a bang, it was like something from a horror film, a new direction for the often light mystery series.

That mask was gruesome looking, the horror undertones worked terrifically well here. Moments of silliness were at a minimum.

I thought Madeline was excellent, she has settled in incredibly well after starting off in somewhat prickly style. A terrific character. A great cast, Elliot Cowan, Ade Edmondson and Samuel West were great.

I've looked forward to this so much, it's been much publicised with the departure of Ardal, and they delivered, if it carries on in this form we're in for a treat.

I loved it, a very good mystery. 9/10

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.

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

It is New Years Eve but celebrations are put on hold. The wife of a prominent tycoon Aaron McCormack has been found stabbed to death. There was a message left behind written in lipstick.

Aaron had a recent public argument with his estranged brother Donald McCormack who is having financial problems with his own business.

Donald is a suspect but a man with a devil's mask soon attacks him and a message in lipstick is also left behind.

Donald survives but it seems someone has a vendetta against the McCormacks.

A gruesome opening but Death in Paradise still manages the balance or murder, mystery, sunshine and humour. In this episode Jack Mooney tries to learn some dancing which causes havoc. There is also a beginning of a romance for him.

Someone is stabbed on NYE. I always thought New Year's Eve can be bad. This is especially true for the one whom got stabbed