Gran Canaria

The story is the usual run of the mill but at least the baddies were played by British actors this week.

Like Death In Paradise, it is the sunny vistas that make the show worth watching on cold, dark winter evenings.

The plot and characters have no depth (unlike the cliff a guest character goes over) and, as usual, Jack knows better than the local constabulary.

It's only January 17th and already we have had characters die after going over the cliffs in Vera, Playing Nice and now The Good Ship Murder. Why do scriptwriters have no imagination these days?

Kate and Piers are at each other's throats again, with her not being happy at being overlooked for the promotion her received and there isn't a detective in right after Jack murders another classic song at the end of the show.

Jack spots ex cons on board the ship, Mickey Eldergill and his fellow convict Dev. During a bus trip around Gran Canaria, Dev is plunged to his death. Piers begins his new role on the ship, it isn't long before he clashes with a frustrated Kate.

I really enjoyed it, fun, intriguing, and definitely had a couple of surprises in store. I didn't guess the outcome, not what I was expecting, but it definitely worked. There's a fair bit going on, and everything is neatly tied up, all questions answered.

Mr Barnes is an interesting character, and that accent is quite something. Greg Wood was rather good as the villainous Mickey, he played the part well, certainly looks like an ex con.

Gorgeous location work as always, and once again how nice is it to see the sun, I've all but forgotten what it looks like.

I'm enjoying this second series.

7/10.

This episode felt like it was better paced with more storyline content than some, but the language was harsher - even Bev's male replacement is crude and unpleasant, this is the sort of behaviour that makes me feel uncomfortable / I avoid in real life, so wouldn't want to watch either. And I also preferred Bev, having another woman to level the lead cast gender balance. The biggest problem however was the flashing lights during the final song being a turn off for me as that triggers illness. I might not want nor even be able to continue with this second season with these changes, which is a shame because I usually like the show. I'll have to see what the next instalment is like, hopefully it will be better and more watchable for me.