Death Valley

[jtremlett]

This just popped up on iPlayer, with Timothy Spall, who is usually excellent. It is a comedy crime drama, I think, with 6 parts available to stream. I lasted for 5 minutes. Perhaps those who have watched more can say whether it is worth sticking with it?

[DickyC]

We tried hard to like it. What a waste of a talent like Timothy Spall.

He has rent to pay, so I'll forgive him this time. I lasted longer than five minutes because I fell asleep.

[cuprabob]

Looked to me as if Timothy Spall fancied some time in Wales while doing nothing too strenuous.

[FiF]

Critics are likening this to Ludwig. Nope, not even close. There have been worse offerings but it's not a keeper to be honest.

[marcosgt]

I thought Timothy Spall was good in it, but the shouty Welsh woman ruined it for me.

I could definitely see similarities to Ludwig in it.

Both were equally preposterous with a quirky main character (although I found Ludwig more ridiculous as a character, to be honest).

I'm not sure I'll bother watching another episode, though.

[Squadrone Rosso]

Well we enjoyed it. Light hearted entertainment. Probably helps that we’re Welsh.

[lornemalvo]

marcosgt said:

I thought Timothy Spall was good in it, but the shouty Welsh woman ruined it for me.

I could definitely see similarities to Ludwig in it.

Both were equally preposterous with a quirky main character (although I found Ludwig more ridiculous as a character, to be honest).

I'm not sure I'll bother watching another episode, though.

I'm five minutes in and may give it five more. The shouty Welsh woman is doing my head in, and I'm Welsh. How could anyone like that make detective? seems unlikely.

[Bazil Bush]

Managed one episode.
I really like Timothy Spall but this is not for us.
Won’t be continuing with it.

[hondajack85]

This is just a wales set Ludwig. I guess you cant have to many of these Cozy mystery things.
Im sure someone will compain about some minorities shoehorned into the show ,but how else do you sell this stuff around the world?
The hapless police chief is quite funny.

[FiF]

Problem is there are only so many basic ideas that are worthy of production, and then writers and production companies create a not that different slant on that.

On a different level how many productions have been made that are effectively a retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Back on topic, we effectively have the following
Death Valley
Ludwig
Professor T
Patience

all essentially a civilian helping solve crime and coping with their neuro-divergent or possibly just odd behaviour. This one DV is the worst of those imo. The others depends on your taste, I certainly rate Patience and Ludwig highly, Professor T slightly lower but all still watchable for different reasons. Death Valley, just irritating.

Then there are other genres where brilliantly deductive nosey parker runs rings round blundering plod.
Father Brown
Miss Marple
Poirot
Sherlock
Etc

Some just defy logic
Murder in Paradise, Carribbean French territory can only survive due to superior investigative properties of ex-pat Metropolitan Police DI. As a confirmed carrot, ps off.

Then what about Madame Blanc, antiques dealer, France again, etc etc.

There was another one, can't recall what it was called but the only merit was the footage of an utterly fabulous Citroen DS.

Those are just UK productions picked almost at random. Not even going to start on USA and Aussie dross.

[Squadrone Rosso]

We’re 3 episodes in and still enjoying

[nicanary]

I've watched two now, and it's only Spall's charisma that's saving it. The denouments are farcical, almost like a reprise of Columbo.

[marcosgt]

nicanary said:

I've watched two now, and it's only Spall's charisma that's saving it. The denouments are farcical, almost like a reprise of Columbo.

I agree.

Second one was better than the first, somewhat less shouty detective (although we got the 'bonus' of her mother, who was similarly loud).

'Up' there with Beyond Paradise, I'd say.

M

[Squadrone Rosso]

Ratings have been excellent. Beat Ludwig apparently. We loved it, and Ludwig.

[Kamov]

Absolutely brilliant, its one massive joke, its taking the pee out of the genre, its funny and closer to Gavin and Stacy than a detective show. The female copper is fantastic.

[Gladers01]

Squadrone Rosso said:

We re 3 episodes in and still enjoying

We're enjoying it, not a bad storyline with some good actors, great scenery especially the Beacons and love the Welsh accents.

Iechyd Da

[eccles]

Squadrone Rosso said:

Ratings have been excellent. Beat Ludwig apparently. We loved it, and Ludwig.

We're loving it as well. It's nice to recognise various locations they use.

[FredAstaire]

gave up after about ten minutes.

[cuprabob]

Decided to watch another couple of episodes and I have to agree the 2nd & 3rd episodes were better than the 1st.

[Truckosaurus]

hondajack85 said:

....I guess you cant have to many of these Cozy mystery things....

Indeed. This is just mildly entertaining lightweight fluff that you can rattle through the whole series in an evening ot two and forget about it until another season comes along next year.