BBC Death in Paradise fans left bemused as they expose ‘blunder’ just moments into latest episode
Death in Paradise viewers were quick to identify what they believed to be an inconsistency within moments of the BBC drama’s return on Monday evening.
The popular Caribbean-set crime series aired its third instalment of the current fifteenth season on February 16, having been shifted from its usual Friday broadcast slot due to FA Cup coverage the previous week.
DI Mervin Wilson, played by Don Gilet, found himself at the centre of audience scrutiny after a scene early in the episode raised questions about his character’s tenure on the fictional island of Saint Marie.
The long-running programme, now in its fifteenth series, typically broadcasts on Friday evenings but was rescheduled after the BBC opted to show the Hull City versus Chelsea FA Cup fixture on February 13.
Don Gilet found himself at the centre of audience scrutiny
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GETTY
During the episode’s opening scenes, the detective team gathered for a photoshoot intended to boost community confidence in local policing.
However, DI Mervin was conspicuously absent from the session, prompting Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, portrayed by Don Warrington, to demand an explanation for his whereabouts.
Officer Naomi Thomas, played by Shantol Jackson, provided the reasoning: “We did try, sir [to get him here]. He said he’s only here short-term, so didn’t think it was his place. Also, apparently, football is on.”
The Commissioner was visibly unimpressed by this justification, and those watching at home found themselves equally perplexed by DI Mervin’s claim of being a temporary presence on the island.
The long-running programme, now in its fifteenth series, typically broadcasts on Friday evenings
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BBC
The episode itself centred on the investigation into the mysterious death of a reclusive elderly resident.
Viewers swiftly voiced their bewilderment on social media platforms following the broadcast.
One fan posed the question: “Mervin is still only there short term? Huh?” Another pointed out: “Mervin says he’s here short term when he’s been here a year already.”
However, not everyone let their confusion affect their viewing experience.
Viewers swiftly voiced their bewilderment on social media platforms following the broadcast
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BBC
One viewer penned on X: “Just watched episode 3 on iPlayer. Brilliant! Will watch tomorrow night again.”
“Already have withdrawal. I’m binge-watching on iPlayer from season 1,” penned another fan.
The character first appeared on the sun-drenched Caribbean island during the Christmas special in 2024, meaning he has technically served with the Saint Marie police force for more than twelve months.
DI Mervin subsequently took on the role of lead detective throughout the fourteenth series before returning for the current run of episodes.
Despite this extended presence, the programme’s internal chronology remains somewhat ambiguous, leaving audiences uncertain about how much time has actually elapsed within the show’s narrative.
Following a candid discussion with Commissioner Patterson during the episode, DI Mervin came to recognise that skipping the photoshoot had been an error in judgement.
The detective made amends by the episode’s conclusion, rushing to join his colleagues for the group photograph after all.
Audiences have been left confused over how much time has actually elapsed within the show’s narrative
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BBC
As Catherine Bordey, played by Elizabeth Bourgine, prepared to take the picture, DI Mervin quietly thanked the Commissioner for his support.
This moment of reconciliation has prompted speculation among viewers about whether the detective might finally be ready to consider Saint Marie his permanent base rather than a temporary posting.
