User Reviews

This definitely did not have the feel of a finale, it was very much more of a mid series tale, a finale needs to be a little more dramatic, this was way too slow and vanilla.

I really liked Madeleine, she has been a terrific addition to the show, Ruby was better in this one. The big story beforehand was always going to be about the future of DI Mooney. Is Ardal set for a return to the UK? (to a daughter he never seems to speak to?) or were they tricking us? Despite being a little sceptical about Ardal, I have absolutely loved him, and would be gutted if he left the show.

The ending was sweet at least, and it was pretty good even if the mystery didn't have any meat on the bone. Let's hope DI Mooney is staying put. 7/10

Just came to say I love her!!! I know she comes across as annoying but I think she is a fun addition. Of course no one can replace Dwayne but I enjoy her character.

Watching series for the second time. Great series. I'm not so much reviewing this particular episode, but I think it's time to air some questions. 1) Why does the team always seem to discount DI Mooney's fixation on seemingly insignificant items at the crime scene? (Peanut, fork, etc.). After months or years of working with him (or the other DIs) you'd think they would simply accept it, as it's always panned out in the end. 2) Why does the Police Commissioner constantly have doubts, and questions his methods, when each DI always gets his man/woman? 3) Last one... I admit I don't understand the politics of this region, but why do the DIs come from the UK, but the IA, Detective Sergeant M. Dumas, comes from Paris France?

Light entertainment as usual, but the real reason I'm leaving a review for this episode is a shirt worn by one of the characters. It's identical to one my my husband's. Probably from a random factory that supplies all over the world. Either that or the costume department was shopping at Mr P in South Africa, LOL!

We of course had to stop the show while hubs put his shirt on for a side-by-side photo. A fun session of "who wore it better" ensued - #DadStyle vs #DeathInParadise ... family members we asked all agreed that dad wins.

It truly is a small world after all. Photo proof available on request.

Fans of the series will notice that this episode is very different in form. I agree that the murder part of the episode is weaker. However, the murder is more of a subplot to the character development. We see deeper emotions and stories for each of the team's characters , as a whole, than any other episode. Yes, there have been deep stories, but generally not to this depth for all characters in one episode.

Also, this seems to be one season finale without a cliffhanger.

As much as I enjoy the repeating formula, it is nice to see the writers take the risk, which in turn allowed the actors a chance to showcase their depth! It wasn't as much my favorite episode, but rather wanting to see how the characters stories played out that kept me enthralled with this episode.

If you want the repeated formula, maybe skip this episode.

If not, enjoy the ride!

When Mooney and Dumas turn up at the police station in the morning. They find the body of a holidaymaker dead inside.

It really is a variation of the locked room mystery. It was a case of how did the dead man get there though.

DS Madeleine Dumas is roped in to assisting the team rather then flying back to Paris.

DI Jack Mooney reckons the answer lies with his friends all on holiday together and who all met many years ago at university.

However Mooney feels he needs to return to Britain as his daughter needs him. Commissioner Patterson though makes generous gesture.

I did like how the mystery unravelled although I did think a few of the mysteries were weak in this series.

Someone is murdered and Jack uses orthodox and unorthodox methods to solve the case.

As told numerous times before, the eighth season of "Death in Paradise" has not been great except for both parts of "Beyond the Shining Sea" and Frappe Death Day. Every other entry in this season seems to be missing the fun and the excitement the previous seasons had. Sadly, "Murder Begins at Home" is not great either and easily one of the weakest episodes of the eighth season.

Let's start with good aspects though.

. The episode looks and sounds wonderful. The acting's not bad either. Ardal O'Hanlon is a delight as Mooney and Aude Legastelois is extremly likable as Madeleine. Such an awesome new character!

. The story had some moments (especially the ending), which pulled my heartstrings, and the premise of the mystery was intriguing indeed.

But...

. The murder mystery of "Murder Begins at Home" is sadly weakish. The suspects are not interesting whatsoever. That was not caused only by unimpressive acting, but also by unfocused writing. The plot was not as investing as I would have wanted to and did not have as much twists and turns the episode could have had. That's why the solution, while not awful, felt lacklustre at best.

. Some of the humor unfortunately did not work either. Ruby has grown on me in the last couple of episodes, but the show would gain a lot more if they would pipe her down a lot more.

Overall, a middle of the road for me.

5/10 HK