Wed. Oct 15th, 2025

I Hope Season 4 Has More Episodes, As This British Mystery Series Is Cozy Crime At Its Best

di goodman and ds williams in beyond paradise season 3 1


Beloved Death in Paradise spinoff Beyond Paradise is back on BritBox for season 3 in a more mature, emotional, yet no less enjoyable turn.

Beyond Paradise follows former Saint Marie detective, DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall), as he revels in his new life in the fictional Shipton Abbott alongside his soon-to-be wife, Martha (Sally Bretton), his mother-in-law, Anne (Barbara Flynn), as well as his colleagues, including trusty sergeant Esther Williams (Zahra Ahmadi), PC Kelby Hartford (Derry Girls’ Dylan Llewellyn) and station assistant Margo Martins (Felicity Montagu).

While Beyond Paradise has traditionally been less violent than the show it’s spun off from — Saint Marie tends to have a much higher death rate than Shipton Abbott — this season’s six cases nevertheless feel like they’ve taken on a slightly darker, more complex tone. This is no bad thing; the levity of the show’s friendships and its picturesque coastal setting provide a nice contrast to a slew of new mysteries to solve, involving sneaky poisonings, years-long family feuds, sabotage, arson, dangerous car accidents, and more.

In fact, I’d go so far as to say that this season’s cases are more memorable than those in seasons past. It truly feels like the show has found its own footing now, away from Death in Paradise’s legacy. An impressive roster of guest actors — most of whom are no strangers to British mystery television, including Midsomer Murders‘ Jason Hughes, Jonathan Creek’s Caroline Quentin, and Karen Pirie’s returning star Chris Jenks — are great additions to an already solid season.

Beyond Paradise Season 3 Does A Wonderful Job Of Honoring Its Best Characters

Beyond Paradise season 3 cast

While this season’s mysteries are genuinely enjoyable, even complex at times, Beyond Paradise season 3 truly shines due to its character development. My only real gripe with this outing (and seasons past) is that six episodes doesn’t feel like enough. By now, surely, Beyond Paradise has proven its individual worth as a show; why not give it eight episodes, just like Death in Paradise?

This would provide audiences more time with Humphrey, Martha, Anne, Esther, and Kelby, specifically, as they all deal with their own emotional challenges. As it stands, some of their personal stories felt a little rushed this season, which is a real shame. These are great characters to spend time with, after all.

This is especially true for Humphrey and Martha’s season 3 story, as well as Kelby’s journey, who has been somewhat left behind in the character development department in seasons 1 and 2. In Beyond Paradise season 3, Humphrey and Martha take in a new foster child, one who comes from a difficult family situation and needs some time to warm up to the loving couple. Their relationship with the young Rosie (Bella Rei Blue Stevenson) is undeniably heartwarming and relatable, especially as the new trio works to find their own rhythm.

Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton have always been charming as Humphrey and Martha — why else would the BBC commission an entire spinoff centered around them? — but I’d have loved to have seen them spend a bit more time with Rosie and have their relationship develop a bit more naturally before the season’s final episode. The idea of them fostering new children each season is intriguing, though, as each kid presents new issues and opportunities for character growth.

Thankfully, Dylan Llewellyn’s Kelby had a real chance to prove his talent for policing this season, and it was nice to see the show focus a bit more on his personal life as well, as he yearns for a romantic relationship of his own. Hopefully, that storyline will be explored further in Beyond Paradise season 4, which is now filming on location in Devon and Cornwall.

The real and truly romantic storyline of season 3 comes from Esther and her surprising but wholly suitable love interest, however. I won’t spoil his identity here, but the pair have genuine, palpable chemistry. It was great to see Esther come out of her shell and do something for herself, even if it was hard for her to face her demons and let go of her past. I really hope their storyline continues in season 4, as well. Ahmadi’s performance as the flirty, confused, and somewhat nervous Esther was great this season.

Let’s be honest, though. If the worst I can say about this season is that I wanted to spend more time with these characters, I think it’s safe to say that Beyond Paradise season 3 is a real success. This is simple, cozy crime at its best, filled with genuine heart, warmth, mystery, and the right balance of family and romance.

Beyond Paradise season 3 premiere is now streaming on BritBox, with new episodes airing weekly on Tuesdays.


Beyond Paradise (2023) - Poster


Release Date

February 24, 2023

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Kris Marshall

    DI Humphrey Goodman

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Sally Bretton

    Martha Lloyd


By uttu

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