Deathinparadises01all May 2026

| Region | Service | |--------|---------| | UK | BBC iPlayer (free with account) | | USA | BritBox, Amazon Prime Video (with subscription or purchase) | | Canada | CBC Gem | | Australia | ABC iview | | Worldwide | Acorn TV (via Prime Channels or standalone) |

Murder on the Saint Marie Express (though sometimes listed simply as “Episode 1” or “Arrival”) Original air date: October 25, 2011 Writer: Robert Thorogood Director: Charles Palmer deathinparadises01all

The local police team — led by the pragmatic and sunny Commissioner Selwyn Patterson and the enthusiastic but inexperienced Detective Sergeant Camille Bordey — is baffled. | Region | Service | |--------|---------| | UK

The episode also introduces the iconic theme music and the recurring visual of Poole swatting away mosquitoes while refusing to remove his tie. Critical reception for the pilot was strong. The Guardian called it “intelligent, sun-drenched escapism.” The Telegraph praised Ben Miller’s performance: “Playing uptight has rarely been so entertaining.” The Guardian called it “intelligent, sun-drenched escapism

Audience figures exceeded 7 million in the UK overnight ratings — rare for a new drama at the time. This success guaranteed a full first season and eventually spawned a global franchise, including spin-offs like Beyond Paradise (UK) and Return to Paradise (Australia).