Death in Paradise Inspectors in Order: From Ben Miller to Don Gilet in 2025

Introduction

If you’ve ever binged Death in Paradise, you know the show’s magic lies in its ability to swap out lead detectives without losing its sunny, murder-solving charm. Since 2011, this BBC crime drama set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie has cycled through five inspectors, each with a distinct vibe, from Ben Miller’s uptight Richard Poole to Don Gilet’s brooding Mervin Wilson, who debuted in the 2024 Christmas special and led season 14, which wrapped on March 28, 2025. Why does this matter? The rotating inspectors keep the show fresh, blending cozy mysteries with fish-out-of-water humor. Whether you’re new to the series or a longtime fan, this article breaks down the Death in Paradise inspectors in order, their unique approaches, and how to dive into their eras. Let’s start with the guy who set the tone.

The Original Sleuth: Ben Miller as DI Richard Poole (Seasons 1-3)

Ben Miller’s Richard Poole kicked off Death in Paradise in 2011 as a British detective sent from London to investigate a murder on Saint Marie. He’s the ultimate fish-out-of-water: a suit-wearing, tea-drinking grump who hates the heat, the sand, and pretty much everything about the island. His logical, almost robotic approach to solving crimes—like piecing together clues in the pilot episode where he cracks a fellow officer’s murder—set the show’s formula: gather suspects, deliver a dramatic denouement, and catch the killer. Poole’s clashes with the laid-back island culture, especially with DS Camille Bordey (Sara Martins), created a love-hate chemistry that hooked viewers. His tragic murder in season 3, episode 1, by a classmate over an identity theft secret, shocked fans, though he returned as a guest in seasons 3 and 10.

Iconic Moments and Style Analysis

Poole’s briefcase-toting, tea-obsessed style screamed “outsider.” In episode 1.1, he solves a locked-room mystery with pure logic, setting the stage for the show’s puzzle-like cases. His habit of talking to Harry, the computer-generated lizard in his bungalow, added quirky charm. Common mistake? Fans often skip early episodes, missing how Poole’s rigidity shaped the team dynamic. Without his groundwork, the show’s tone—serious crime with light humor—wouldn’t exist. Skipping his era risks losing context for later inspectors.

Actionable Takeaways: Start with season 1, episode 1, on BBC iPlayer or BritBox to see Poole’s foundation. Make a watchlist of his 19 episodes (2011-2014) to track his growth from grumpy loner to slightly less grumpy team player. Check fan discussions on Reddit for debates on his chemistry with Camille.

The Clumsy Genius: Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman (Seasons 3-6)

After Poole’s death, Kris Marshall’s Humphrey Goodman arrived in season 3, a clumsy London detective who solved Poole’s murder using his predecessor’s notes. Goodman’s scatterbrained genius—scribbling clues on random scraps of paper—brought humor to the show. Unlike Poole, he embraced island life, swapping suits for casual shirts and sipping drinks at Catherine’s bar. His romance with Camille Bordey fizzled, but his relationship with Martha Lloyd led to his exit in season 6 to stay in London, spawning the spin-off Beyond Paradise in 2023. Goodman’s 30 episodes (2014-2017) leaned into comedic crime-solving, like in “A Dash of Sunshine” (3.2), where he unravels a complex family murder.

How Goodman Changed the Show’s Dynamic

Goodman’s knack for spotting tiny details—like a misplaced key in episode 3.5—made him a fan favorite. His bumbling nature hid a sharp mind, but he sometimes forgot to communicate with his team, leading to messy investigations. Fans who miss his era often overlook how his humor balanced darker cases. Ignoring his seasons means missing the show’s shift to a lighter tone. His departure for love, not death, kept hope alive for his return.

Actionable Takeaways: Binge seasons 3-6 on BBC iPlayer for Goodman’s 30 episodes. Try jotting down clues during episodes like he does—it’s fun and sharpens your mystery-solving skills. Check out Beyond Paradise for more of his story. Join X discussions to see why fans love his goofy charm.

The Family Man: Ardal O’Hanlon as DI Jack Mooney (Seasons 6-9)

Ardal O’Hanlon’s Jack Mooney, a widowed Irish detective, took over in season 6, bringing emotional depth. A recent widower, Mooney arrived in Saint Marie on holiday but stayed after solving a case in London with Goodman’s team. His empathetic, dad-like vibe—seen in his bond with his daughter Siobhan—made him relatable. Across 24 episodes (2017-2020), Mooney’s warmth shone, like in episode 7.4, where he tackles a case tied to family loss. His departure in season 9 to face his wife’s memory in the UK felt earned but bittersweet.

Emotional Depth in Mooney’s Cases

Mooney’s cases often hit hard, like a murder linked to grief in 8.3. His Irish charm and polite-but-direct questioning style (“I’m so sorry for your loss, but…”) added warmth without losing focus. A common mistake is rushing through his seasons, missing the emotional layers. Without his heart, the show could’ve felt too formulaic. Fans who skip him miss the balance of humor and humanity.

Actionable Takeaways: Watch seasons 6-9 for Mooney’s arc. Pair with Beyond Paradise for context on the show’s emotional tone. Join fan groups on Reddit to discuss why Mooney’s era resonates with viewers who value heart. Take notes on his family-focused cases for deeper appreciation.

The Analytical Introvert: Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker (Seasons 9-13)

Ralf Little’s Neville Parker, a tech-savvy Manchester detective, arrived in season 9 to sign off on a body but stayed due to health issues (mosquito allergies!) and a canceled flight. His analytical, introverted style—using gadgets and data to crack cases—marked a shift. Over 35 episodes (2020-2024), Parker grew from a recluse to a team player, especially with DS Florence Cassell. His exit in season 13, leaving to travel with Florence, closed a chapter. The season 13 finale, with its emotional farewell, showed his growth.

Parker’s Tech-Driven Investigations

Parker’s gadget use, like analyzing digital footprints in 10.6, brought a modern edge. His allergies caused funny mishaps, but his overthinking sometimes delayed cases, frustrating the team. Fans who start with Parker miss earlier context, making his growth less impactful. Not watching his era means missing the show’s techy evolution. His departure left fans eager for what’s next.

Actionable Takeaways: Stream seasons 9-13 on BritBox or PBS. Use apps to track allergens like Parker for a fun tie-in. Tech fans can start with 9.1 to see his style. Check X for fan reactions to his exit and predictions for season 14.

The Fresh Face: Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson (Season 14 Onward)

Don Gilet’s DI Mervin Wilson debuted in the 2024 Christmas special, taking over in season 14 (January-March 2025). A Londoner, Wilson’s intense, brooding style contrasts with past inspectors. His backstory—investigating his estranged mother’s suspicious death—adds personal stakes, as seen in the trailer where he says, “I don’t think her death was an accident.” Gilet, known for EastEnders and Shetland, brings a sharp edge, with 10 episodes so far. His friction with the team, like clashing with Darlene over manners, promises drama.

Comparing Wilson to Past Inspectors

Wilson’s caustic tone echoes Poole’s early grumpiness but feels darker, less comedic. His personal mission sets him apart from Goodman’s humor or Mooney’s warmth. Fans expecting another lighthearted DI might be thrown off, but his intensity suits the show’s evolving stakes. Season 15, confirmed for 2026, will likely explore his family ties further. Missing his debut risks losing track of new plot threads.

Actionable Takeaways: Watch the 2024 Christmas special on BBC iPlayer first. Look for Easter eggs about Wilson’s mother in season 14. Follow X posts for fan takes on Gilet’s debut, like @bbcpress’s May 2024 announcement. Join Reddit to predict his arc.

Why Inspector Rotations Keep the Show Fresh

The BBC’s strategy of rotating inspectors every few seasons keeps Death in Paradise dynamic. Each detective—Poole’s logic, Goodman’s chaos, Mooney’s heart, Parker’s tech, Wilson’s grit—shifts the tone while preserving the core: clever mysteries, tropical vibes, and team banter. Fan reactions on Reddit show love for variety, though some miss Poole’s era. Without changes, the show could stale, like formulaic procedurals. As of March 2025, season 14’s success and 2026 renewal prove the formula works. Ignoring rotations risks missing the show’s adaptability.

Actionable Takeaways: Vote in X polls for your favorite inspector. Join Reddit’s r/DeathInParadiseBBC to debate changes. Watch mixed seasons to compare styles—try one episode from each era.

FAQs

1. How many inspectors have there been in Death in Paradise?
   Five main detectives as of 2025: Richard Poole (Ben Miller), Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall), Jack Mooney (Ardal O’Hanlon), Neville Parker (Ralf Little), and Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet). A lesser-known DI, Charlie Hulme (Hugo Speer), appeared briefly in season 1 but was killed off early. Each brought a unique style, keeping the show fresh.

2. Who is the current inspector in Death in Paradise 2025?
   Don Gilet plays DI Mervin Wilson, introduced in the 2024 Christmas special and leading season 14 (January-March 2025). His intense style and personal stakes, like investigating his mother’s death, mark a darker tone. Watch the special on BBC iPlayer to catch his debut.

3. Where can I watch all Death in Paradise seasons?
   Stream seasons 1-14 on BBC iPlayer, BritBox, or PBS. Some episodes air on BBC One or PBS, with repeats on BBC UKTV. Check platforms like Prime in New Zealand or 9Gem in Australia for availability. Always verify regional access.

4. Why do inspectors keep changing in Death in Paradise?
   The BBC rotates inspectors to refresh storylines and accommodate actor departures, like Ben Miller leaving for family in 2013. It prevents staleness but risks fan backlash if transitions feel forced. The variety keeps mysteries engaging.

5. Is there a best order to watch the inspectors’ eras?
   Start chronologically (season 1) for full context, especially Poole’s setup. For humor, jump to Goodman’s season 3. New viewers can try season 9 for Parker’s tech vibe but may miss team dynamics. Mix eras to compare styles.

Conclusion

From Ben Miller’s rigid Richard Poole to Don Gilet’s intense Mervin Wilson, the Death in Paradise inspectors in order show how the show evolves while staying true to its cozy mystery roots. Each brings something new: Poole’s logic, Goodman’s humor, Mooney’s heart, Parker’s tech, and Wilson’s edge. Pick an era based on your mood—logic for Poole, laughs for Goodman, feels for Mooney, gadgets for Parker, or drama for Wilson. Stream on BBC iPlayer, BritBox, or PBS to catch up. Who’s your favorite inspector? Comment below, share with fans, and subscribe for more Death in Paradise updates!