Formulaic but entertaining

I ENJOY whodunnits. But when it’s been a long day, I prefer something that fits the bill while not being too taxing on the brain.

My go-to is Death in Paradise. It’s formulaic but entertaining. Also, the drama is wonderful, offset by humour, and the characters are a riot.

Over the seasons, the British lead has changed several times. But fans don’t mind as the replacement has remained compelling and fits into the fish-out-of-water mould.

Set in the fictional town of Saint Marie in the Caribbean, the laidback island vibe doesn’t extend to the crime-solving as Ralf Little leads the team as DI Neville Parker.

He is joined by DS Florence Cassell (Joséphine Jobert), DS Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) and Officer Marlon Pryce (Tahj Miles).

The regulars on the show are Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington), as the endearingly overbearing police commissioner, while Catherine Bordey (Élizabeth Bourgine) is the nurturing bar owner and newly appointed mayor.

Every murder case becomes a conundrum as the clues don’t add up until an overlooked piece of evidence eventually helps solve it.

The writers always balance the story with a few hilarious scenarios. In the latest season, it is Florence friend-zoning Neville and how they navigate the awkwardness of working together.

Death in Paradise season 11 is on BBC Brit (Dstv channel 120) on Mondays at 7pm.