Wait. Let’s be real for a second. Replacing Ralf Little was never going to be easy. For four years, Neville Parker was the awkward, sun-allergic heart of Saint Marie. So when the news dropped that Don Gilet was taking over the lead in Death in Paradise, the internet did what it does best: it panicked.
But here’s the thing.
Don Gilet isn’t just some random actor filling a slot. He’s a heavyweight. If you’ve spent any time watching British TV over the last two decades, you’ve seen him. Maybe you remember him as the terrifying Lucas Johnson in EastEnders, or perhaps you caught him in Sherwood or Shetland. He’s got range. And as DI Mervin Wilson, he’s bringing a completely different energy to the Honoré police station.
The Arrival of DI Mervin Wilson: A Holiday Gone Wrong
Most detectives arrive on Saint Marie because of a job transfer. Not Mervin. In the 2024 Christmas Special, Mervin Wilson was actually on the island for a holiday. He was literally at the airport, ready to escape the "slow-paced" lifestyle he clearly despised, when a murder pulled him back in.
Talk about bad timing. Or great timing, depending on how much you like watching a grumpy Londoner try to navigate a tropical heatwave.
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Unlike the detectives before him, Mervin didn't come with a suitcase full of allergies or a quirky obsession with puzzles. He came with baggage—the literal and emotional kind. The show runners did something clever here. They gave him a personal connection to the island through his biological mother. It’s a deeper, slightly more serious motivation than we’re used to seeing in the usual "fish out of water" setup.
Why Don Gilet is the Perfect Choice
Honestly, the show needed a shake-up. After 13 seasons, the "clumsy Englishman in the sun" trope was starting to feel a bit... well, expected. Don Gilet brings a sharp, blunt, and slightly impatient edge to the role.
- He’s experienced: Gilet played a detective before in 55 Degrees North. He knows how to carry a procedural.
- The "Lucas" Factor: There’s a natural intensity to his acting. Even when he’s being funny, there’s a gravity to him that makes the murder mysteries feel higher stakes.
- A New Dynamic: His interactions with Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (the legendary Don Warrington) are gold. Selwyn has seen it all, and Mervin’s "let’s get this done and go home" attitude is the perfect foil for the Commissioner's poised authority.
Some fans on Reddit have already pointed out that Mervin feels more like Richard Poole—the original DI—than any of the others. He’s grumpy. He’s formal. He’d probably rather be in a pub in London than on a beach in the Caribbean. But it works. It grounds the show in a way that feels fresh for 2026.
Facing the Heat (Literally)
Filming in Guadeloupe is no joke. Don Gilet has spoken about how intense the heat is on set. It’s one thing to watch the shimmering blue water from your sofa; it’s another to be wearing a suit while your "every sinew is screaming at you to run into the sea," as Gilet put it.
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That physical discomfort actually helps the character. Mervin Wilson should look like he’s struggling. He should look like he’s a bit over it. When you see him wiping sweat from his brow or looking annoyed at a coconut, that’s not just acting—that’s the reality of 30°C humidity.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Transition
There’s this idea that a new DI means the show has to "reset." People worry that the chemistry with DS Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) or Officer Darlene Curtis (Ginny Holder) will vanish.
But if you’ve watched the latest episodes, you’ve seen the opposite. Mervin’s arrival has forced the team to step up. He isn't as collaborative as Neville was right away. He interrupts. He’s focused. This has created a really interesting growth arc for Naomi especially, as she has to hold her own against a more dominant personality.
The Mystery of the "Ulterior Motive"
One of the biggest talking points this season has been the hints about Mervin's past. Why was he really on the island? The show teased that he might have secrets, and as we move deeper into his tenure, those layers are starting to peel back.
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It’s not just about the "murder of the week" anymore. There’s a serialized mystery involving his family that keeps us coming back. It’s a bit darker than the usual Death in Paradise fare, but it hasn't lost the show's signature "sunshine and puzzles" charm.
How to Keep Up With Mervin’s Cases
If you’re just jumping back into the show, here is how you can catch up on the Don Gilet era without getting lost in the 14 years of backstory.
- Start with the 2024 Christmas Special: This is Mervin’s origin story. It explains why he stayed and introduces his specific brand of detective work.
- Watch the dynamic with the Commissioner: Pay attention to their scenes in the office. It’s the best character writing the show has had in years.
- Look for the recurring themes: The show is leaning more into Mervin's personal history than they did with Jack Mooney or Humphrey Goodman.
Don Gilet has successfully taken a "deeply loved jewel" and made it his own. He isn't trying to be Ralf Little, and he definitely isn't trying to be Kris Marshall. He’s DI Mervin Wilson—blunt, brilliant, and arguably the most capable detective the island has seen in a decade.
Next Steps for Fans:
Check the official BBC iPlayer schedule for the latest Series 14 air dates to see Mervin’s latest clash with the local customs. If you're outside the UK, keep an eye on BritBox or your local streaming service, as the global rollout for the Gilet era is moving faster than previous seasons due to high demand.