Death Valley (2025)

This cosy crime drama could run and run – and for once, that’s not a threat.

Death Valley is a funny mystery series with a good pairing at its center. Let’s hope the mysteries improve as the season goes along.

The cases are variable in entertainment value but never in depth or weight – each one is as light as a feather and as gentle as a pillow. They rely on cheerful cameos from guest stars.

The small-town eccentricity also seems forced, but what saves the show is the quality of the performances. .... The opening whodunnit is crisply written and the cast have fun.

The mystery itself doesn’t quite match the charm of its Welsh setting. The motive feels thin, the lack of evidence glaring, and Chapel’s intuitive leaps risk leaving Janie looking a touch adrift – despite her nicely judged self-deprecation. Thankfully, guest turns from Jane Horrocks, Hammed Animashaun and Hannah Daniel inject some welcome ambiguity, while Spall retains his flair for entering and exiting each scene with a rich, creamy flourish.

Death Valley is built on solid foundations – if only Doolan’s script were less eager to crack wise at every opportunity.

This is less cosy crime, more comatose crime. You’ll have forgotten all about Death Valley within 20 minutes of the end credits.