Death in Paradise returned to screens on Friday, with the new Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson, played by Don Gilet, officially stepping into the leading role after making his debut in the Christmas special.
The episode sparked a mixed response, with many complaining that the character had “lost essence” after the exit of former DI, Neville Parker (Ralf Little).
The character won the hearts of Death in Paradise fans after he fronted the series for four years.
This week, the 14th series finally kicked off, with viewers eager to find out how the new Inspector would settle into the Saint Marie force.
Wilson had previously managed to get on the wrong side of his new colleagues very quickly when he arrived on the tropical island, and fans noted his ongoing “blunt” nature on Friday, which split opinions.
One disgruntled viewer wrote on X: “They’ve ruined #DeathInParadise the likeable ‘fish out of water’ element of the detective has gone, yes the original one was abrupt but always sweltering in his suit, there’s a distinct lack of comedy now!”
Death in Paradise kicked off its new series on Friday
BBC
“I don’t like new boss in #DeathInParadise never liked him in eastenders,” another shared.
“#DeathInParadise can’t stand the new detective… rubbish… lost the essence of the character,” another criticised.
“Mervin’s first season. Still a little worried about there being a new guy. #DeathInParadise,” another admitted.
Others enjoyed the change of personality Wilson brought though, with another commenting: “arghhh I love Diva Mervin, I love this show, I love this family, I love these people, see you next Friday! #DeathInParadise.”
Some fans applauded DI Wilson’s ‘blunt’ nature
BBC
“Brilliant episode of #DeathInParadise I really really enjoyed that! Starting to love Mervin already,” someone else beamed.
Another confessed: “I know Mervin is rude and blunt, but I just love him. Two episodes in, and he might move to 2nd on my favourites list.” (sic)
Speaking last year, Gilet recalled the moment he was cast as the leading role in the BBC crime drama series.
The actor has starred is several shows but is best-known for playing serial killer Lucas Johnson on BBC soap EastEnders, a role he has portrayed on and off since 2008.
He seemed to suggest he had been awaiting a leading role in a drama for a while, which he made clear in his response to landing the part.
When asked what his initial reaction to the news was, the 57-year-old replied: “When I found out I felt this great sense of relief.
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Many Death in Paradise fans miss Ralf Little’s Neville Parker
BBC
“This is what I’ve been craving. Then it was surprise: ‘Wow. Really, me?'”
After detailing his shocked three-word response, Gilet continued: “It’s a weird feeling for an actor when you get any job, no matter what role it is, because they like your craft and what you did in the audition.
“When I was in the room, there were four people to impress, and I managed to do it.
“It was a great reminder to me that, ‘yeah, you can still do this.’ It felt like a little personal air-punch-without-anyone-looking moment.”