Key Highlights
- The article discusses the TV show “Return to Paradise” as a form of “mental mini-break” in a formulaic but cheerful crime drama format.
- “Return to Paradise” stars Anna Samson and is part of the larger “Death in Paradise” franchise, known for its sunny setting and predictable plotlines.
- The show offers escapism through its guaranteed resolution and optimistic outcomes, catering to viewers seeking a lighter entertainment experience during challenging times.
- Comparisons are made between “Return to Paradise” and other shows like “Death in Paradise” and “Beyond Paradise,” highlighting their varying viewer numbers and characteristics.
The Sun-Kissed World of “Return to Paradise”
In the current television landscape, where the content can often be seen as pish, twaddle, or brain-rotting bilge, a welcome respite comes in the form of the BBC’s crime drama, “Return to Paradise.” This show, part of the larger “Death in Paradise” franchise, is described by television critic Carol Midgley as offering a “mental mini-break,” providing an escape into a predictable but cheerful world. The series, which features Anna Samson as Detective Inspector Mackenzie Clarke, who returns to her native Dolphin Cove, Australia after a stint with London’s Metropolitan Police force, fits into the broader category of shows known for their sunny settings and formulaic plotlines.
Escapism Through Formula
In an era where the world is characterized by shouting and violence, viewers like Midgley suggest that some people seek out formulaic, cheerful escapism. This isn’t because they are stupid but rather to find certainty in a tidy parcel of entertainment, wrapped up neatly with all the evidence being laughable and the outcome certain. The show’s predictable nature, which includes low-stakes murders and a comical denouement spoofing classic detective stories, offers a comforting escape from reality. While some might argue that such content is brain-numbing, it serves as a mental break from the harsh realities of life.
Comparisons Within the Paraverse
“Return to Paradise”, while not the strongest entry in its franchise, still holds up reasonably well. It averages about 4.5 million viewers compared to “Death in Paradise’s” 6.7 million and “Beyond Paradise’s” 5.5 million. The series maintains a sense of quirkiness with characters like DI Mackenzie Clarke, who is described as having high cheekbones and saucer eyes but never tucking her shirt in.
Her aloofness is somewhat offset by pouting and nose-wrinkling, which, while initially annoying, become part of the show’s charm.
The narrative structure of “Return to Paradise” is relatively straightforward, with cases solved through mundane observations such as a torn fabric on a boat’s awning. While these plot points might seem daft to some, they are consistent with the show’s formulaic approach and add to its appeal. The returnee plotline, where Mackenzie Clarke comes back to her hometown after working in London, adds an element of contrast and tension, especially given her relationship with ex-fiancé Glenn (Tai Hara).
Conclusion
A Comfortable Dose of Prozac
In the current climate, “Return to Paradise” serves as a reminder that not all television is created equal. While some may dismiss it as simple entertainment, others find solace in its predictable but cheerful format. The show’s arrival just as the clocks go back into winter time is no coincidence; schedulers have understood the value of offering viewers a mental mini-break from the harsher realities outside their homes.
As Midgley concludes, these shows offer a form of televisual Prozac, providing a comforting and escapable world where war and famine don’t exist. The Paraverse, with its sunny settings and optimistic resolutions, caters to those who need a break from the more complex and often troubling aspects of real life.
