The Death in Paradise Christmas special once again delivers a polished and reassuring piece of festive television. Rather than attempting to reinvent itself, the series leans into what it does best: a gentle murder mystery, strong ensemble chemistry, and a tone that prioritises warmth and accessibility. The episode also demonstrates how effectively the franchise now operates as a shared universe, something that becomes increasingly important as the show moves deeper into its long run.
The episode centres on a seemingly straightforward case that quickly becomes more complex, unfolding against the backdrop of Christmas celebrations on Saint Marie. When a sudden death disrupts the festive calm, DI Mervyn Wilson and his team are tasked with unravelling a mystery filled with misdirection, secrets, and carefully placed clues.
Running alongside the Saint Marie investigation is a London-based storyline involving Selwyn Patterson, who was a surprise guest at Humphrey and Martha’s wedding in the Beyond Paradise Christmas special the previous week. That appearance feeds directly into his much more substantial role here, as Selwyn assists with a murder investigation in San Marie . The crossover is handled with confidence, expanding the shared world of both shows without feeling gimmicky.
Personally, I would be more than happy to see Selwyn return on a full-time basis, and the suggestion within the episode that this could be a possibility adds further emotional weight to his involvement. At the same time, a personal subplot involving Mervyn’s brother runs parallel to the case, adding depth and insight into the detective’s past without disrupting the familiar structure of the series.
Dom Gilet’s DI Mervyn Wilson continues to grow into the role following his introduction last season. It was always going to be difficult not to compare him to Ralph Little’s Neville Parker, whose performance remains one of the show’s strongest. While Mervyn may never fully replace some of the series’ most popular detectives, Gilet is increasingly convincing as a long-term lead. The Christmas special benefits from giving the character more emotional context, allowing him to feel more rounded and established rather than simply functional.
The supporting cast remains one of the show’s greatest strengths. Don Warrington’s Selwyn Patterson is, as ever, a stabilising presence, providing authority, warmth, and continuity. His involvement here feels particularly meaningful given the crossover elements.
Shantol Jackson’s DS Naomi Thomas also continues to impress. Her dynamic with Mervyn is well defined, and their exchanges are sharply written, with effective comedic timing that enhances the episode without undermining its drama.
Officer Sebastian Rose, played by Shaquille Ali-Yebuah, shows clear progression. Sebastian feels more confident and capable, and his increased competence strengthens the overall team dynamic. It is a subtle development, but one that reflects the show’s ongoing commitment to allowing its characters to grow rather than remain static.
Despite its longevity, Death in Paradise continues to succeed because it understands its identity. It remains an easy watch, balancing light humour with murder-mystery mechanics that never become overly dark or demanding. The Christmas special exemplifies this balance, delivering comfort and familiarity while still offering moments of character-driven depth.
Looking ahead, the episode leaves plenty of reasons to be optimistic about season 15.
With Don Gilet continuing to settle into his role, character relationships becoming more clearly defined, and the possibility of Selwyn’s increased involvement, the series feels far from creatively fatigued.
If this Christmas special is any indication, Death in Paradise enters its fifteenth season with renewed confidence rather than complacency and that reliability remains one of its greatest strengths.