Introduction

Death in Paradise Season 6 hit screens in 2017, shaking things up on the sunny, fictional island of Saint Marie. This British-French crime comedy-drama, filmed in Guadeloupe, keeps pulling viewers with its mix of quirky characters, clever mysteries, and tropical vibes. Season 6 was a big shift—Kris Marshall’s Humphrey Goodman started to wrap up, and Ardal O’Hanlon stepped in as DI Jack Mooney, bringing a new flavor to the show. Why does this matter? The cast changes kept the series fresh, but they also sparked debates among fans about chemistry and consistency. Think of it like your favorite band swapping out a lead singer—exciting, but risky. With Elizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules holding strong, Season 6 balanced old and new. Let’s dig into who was who, what they brought to the table, and why this season was a turning point.

The Big Transition: Ardal O’Hanlon as DI Jack Mooney

Season 6 marked a pivotal moment with Ardal O’Hanlon joining as DI Jack Mooney, taking over from Kris Marshall’s Humphrey Goodman mid-season. O’Hanlon, known for Father Ted’s lovable Dougal, brought a warm, slightly bumbling charm to Mooney. His character, a widower from London, arrives to assist on a case and ends up staying, embracing island life despite his grief. This “fish out of water” vibe echoed earlier DIs but felt distinct—Mooney’s humor and empathy made him relatable.

Why it matters: O’Hanlon’s casting kept the show’s heart intact while refreshing the lead dynamic. How was it done? The writers eased him in during Episode 5, letting viewers warm to him before Goodman’s exit. Mistakes to avoid? Rushing the transition—fans needed time to connect. If mishandled, the show risked losing its loyal audience, as seen with some grumbling over past cast changes. O’Hanlon’s chemistry with the team, especially Joséphine Jobert’s Florence, helped smooth things over.

Elizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey: The Island’s Anchor

Elizabeth Bourgine’s Catherine Bordey, the local bar owner and mother to Camille, became a cornerstone by Season 6. She’s not just pouring drinks—she’s the emotional glue for the team. In this season, Catherine steps up as a mayoral candidate after a scandal, winning the election by Episode 8. Her arc added depth, showing her as more than a supporting figure.

Why it matters: Catherine’s stability counters the show’s revolving door of DIs. How’s it done? Bourgine plays her with warmth and quiet strength, making Catherine a fan favorite. Common mistake: Underusing her—earlier seasons sometimes sidelined her to bar scenes. Consequences of errors? A flatter show—Catherine’s role as the island’s heart keeps viewers invested. Her election plot, tied to a murder case, showed the writers leaning into her potential.

Danny John-Jules as Dwayne Myers: The Loyal Maverick

Danny John-Jules’ Dwayne Myers, the laid-back officer, was a mainstay since Season 1. In Season 6, Dwayne’s cheeky humor and rule-bending style contrast with Mooney’s earnestness. He’s the guy who knows every corner of Saint Marie, often sneaking off for a beer but always delivering when it counts.

Why it matters: Dwayne’s consistency balances the cast shake-ups. How’s it done? John-Jules leans into Dwayne’s charm, making him a fan-favorite rogue. Mistakes to avoid: Making him too comic—Season 6 gave him meatier moments, like mentoring JP. If overdone, Dwayne could feel like a caricature, losing depth. His dynamic with Tobi Bakare’s JP Hooper kept the station lively, grounding the show’s quirky tone.

Joséphine Jobert as Florence Cassell: Rising Star

Joséphine Jobert’s Florence Cassell, now a Detective Sergeant, shines in Season 6. After Camille’s exit, Florence steps up as the team’s sharp, driven sergeant. Her chemistry with Goodman—and later Mooney—adds spark, with hints of a slow-burn romance with Goodman that never fully ignites before his departure.

Why it matters: Florence’s growth kept the female lead strong. How’s it done? Jobert plays her with grit and heart, balancing brains and vulnerability. Common mistake: Ignoring her backstory—Season 6 starts exploring her personal life, like her grief over fiancé Patrice later on. If mishandled, she could’ve been just “the new Camille,” alienating fans. Her arc sets up future seasons’ emotional stakes.

Kris Marshall’s Exit as Humphrey Goodman: A Fond Farewell

Kris Marshall’s Humphrey Goodman, the clumsy but brilliant DI, starts Season 6 but leaves mid-way to follow love interest Martha Lloyd to London. His exit, announced in 2016, was bittersweet—Marshall had been a fan favorite since Season 3. His final episodes tie up his arc with a romantic resolution, leaving room for Mooney.

Why it matters: Goodman’s departure risked fan backlash, but the writers handled it well. How’s it done? By giving him a happy ending, not a tragic one like Poole’s. Mistakes to avoid: Abrupt exits—Marshall’s gradual handover to O’Hanlon worked. If botched, the show could’ve lost viewers, as some felt it did post-Miller. Marshall’s return in Beyond Paradise shows his lasting impact.

Tobi Bakare as JP Hooper: The Young Gun

Tobi Bakare’s JP Hooper, the eager officer, grows in Season 6. He’s no longer the rookie, taking on more responsibility and showing loyalty to the team. His dynamic with Dwayne—part mentee, part rival—adds humor and heart.

Why it matters: JP’s arc keeps the team dynamic fresh. How’s it done? Bakare plays him with earnest energy, making JP relatable. Common mistake: Keeping him static—Season 6 lets him evolve, setting up his later sergeant role. If ignored, JP could’ve faded into the background, weakening the ensemble. His growth mirrors the show’s ability to develop supporting characters.

Don Warrington as Selwyn Patterson: The Steady Hand

Don Warrington’s Commissioner Selwyn Patterson remains the authoritative backbone. In Season 6, he’s still the no-nonsense boss, guiding the team with dry humor and wisdom. His interactions with Mooney add a new layer to his gruff exterior.

Why it matters: Selwyn’s consistency ties the show together. How’s it done? Warrington’s nuanced performance makes Selwyn both stern and likable. Mistakes to avoid: Overusing his authority—Season 6 balances his role well. If overdone, he risks feeling distant, losing viewer connection. His presence ensures the station’s hierarchy feels real.

FAQs

Who was the new lead in Death in Paradise Season 6?
Ardal O’Hanlon joined as DI Jack Mooney, replacing Kris Marshall’s Humphrey Goodman mid-season. Known for Father Ted, O’Hanlon brought a warm, empathetic vibe to the role, playing a widower who embraces Saint Marie’s quirks. His debut in Episode 5 eased fans into the change, maintaining the show’s charm.

Why did Kris Marshall leave Death in Paradise?
Kris Marshall left in 2016 after Season 6 to focus on family, as his wife was pregnant. His character, Humphrey Goodman, exits to pursue a romance with Martha Lloyd in London. The writers gave him a happy send-off, avoiding the tragic fate of Ben Miller’s Poole. Marshall later returned in Beyond Paradise.

What role does Elizabeth Bourgine play in Season 6?
Elizabeth Bourgine plays Catherine Bordey, the bar owner and mother to Camille. In Season 6, she runs for mayor after a scandal and wins by Episode 8. Her role as the island’s emotional anchor grows, making her a fan favorite for her warmth and strength.

How did Joséphine Jobert’s Florence evolve in Season 6?
Joséphine Jobert’s Florence Cassell becomes a key Detective Sergeant, stepping up after Camille’s exit. Her intelligence and chemistry with Goodman (and later Mooney) shine. Season 6 hints at her personal struggles, setting up her emotional arc in later seasons, especially after her fiancé’s death.

Why is Danny John-Jules’ Dwayne Myers so popular?
Danny John-Jules’ Dwayne Myers is loved for his cheeky humor and loyalty. In Season 6, he balances comic relief with mentorship of JP, keeping the team dynamic lively. His long tenure since Season 1 makes him a fan staple, though he later left for theater.

Conclusion

Death in Paradise Season 6 was a turning point, blending fresh faces like Ardal O’Hanlon’s Jack Mooney with veterans like Elizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules. The transition from Kris Marshall’s Humphrey to Mooney kept the show’s heart—quirky mysteries, vibrant characters, and Saint Marie’s charm—intact. Joséphine Jobert’s Florence and Tobi Bakare’s JP added depth, while Don Warrington’s Selwyn held the team steady. Despite fan worries about cast changes, Season 6 proved the show’s resilience. Want to share your thoughts on Mooney’s debut or Catherine’s mayoral win? Drop a comment below and keep the Saint Marie vibe alive!