Why the BBC’s 12-Episode Murder Mystery Series Has TV’s Funniest Detective Duos

An unexpected crime-solving pair

Created by Paul Doolan, Death Valley stars Timothy Spall as John Chapel, a retired English actor living in the Welsh countryside. Gwyneth Keyworth plays DS Janie Mallowan, a detective who admired John’s portrayal of Inspector Charles Caesar in an old police series.

A murder investigation brings Janie to John’s door. His years studying characters help him understand people’s motives, and his acting skills make him useful in low-stakes undercover operations.

Comedy without romantic tension

John and Janie have a relationship closer to an eccentric uncle and socially awkward niece than a romantic pairing. Their exchanges feature sarcasm and teasing, but they grow to love and respect one another.

John supports Janie, while she gives him room to use his creativity. Spall plays up John’s pretension and theatricality, and Janie often critiques his acting, to his irritation.

A Welsh setting with warmth

The series unfolds among Wales’s rolling hills, old castles and picturesque coastline. Janie and her mother often speak Welsh, giving the show a strong connection to the country’s culture and history.

The cases are neither especially frightening nor overly complicated, but they can still be challenging. The stories focus on relationships, misunderstandings and what people may do to protect themselves or loved ones.

Theatrical reveals and comic support

Each episode ends with a gathering of suspects for John’s dramatic solution, in a style reminiscent of Agatha Christie and Death in Paradise. Supporting characters add to the humor, including Steffan Rhodri’s DCI Barry Clarke. Death Valley is presented as a cozy whodunit for viewers who enjoy crime fiction and shows such as Murder, She Wrote, Midsomer Murders, Beyond Paradise and Ludwig.