BBC viewers can’t get enough of ‘fantastic’ detective drama

Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth star as retired actor John and detective Janie in the BBC’s hit series, Death Valley

he BBC’s cosy mystery drama, Death Valley, returned on Sunday night with its anticipated second season, and viewers can’t get enough of the new episodes.

The series follows the unlikely crime-solving duo: retired actor John Chapel and eager Welsh detective Janie Mallowan as they solve crimes in a bucolic Welsh village.

DS Janie Mallowan (GWYNETH KEYWORTH) and John Chapel (TIMOTHY SPALL)© BBC/BBC Studios/Jay Brooks
Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth star as retired actor John and detective Janie

Fans of cosy crime shows like Midsomer Murders and Agatha Raisin will love this charming and witty show. Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth have excellent chemistry as retired actor John and detective Janie in this engaging whodunnit.

Keep reading to find out what viewers have said about season two.

What to expect from season 2

In season two, Janie has been promoted to Detective Inspector and is struggling to cope with the pressure. To make matters worse, she’s been ignoring John since finding out he’s been dating her mum.

But when she’s called upon to investigate a murder at a Community Payback group, DCI Barry Clarke forces her to bring John Chapel in as the department’s consultant.

DCI Janie Mallowan (GWYNETH KEYWORTH), John Chapel (TIMOTHY SPALL)© BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway
The series returned on Sunday night

The synopsis reads: “Series two sees John reluctantly re-enter the world of acting, on the set of an epic Welsh fantasy TV series, when the pair are called to investigate a murder. Will this foray into his old thespian passion ignite something once forgotten in John?

“One thing is certain, whether investigating a murder in a coastal fishing village, a sustainable commune or the competitive world of rugby, John and Janie will continue to bring justice to the mid-Wales region.”

Who stars in Death Valley?

Emmy and BAFTA-winning actor Timothy Spall and RTS Cymru award-winning actor Gwyneth Keyworth reprise their roles as John and Janie.

John Chapel (TIMOTHY SPALL), Yvonne (MELANIE WALTERS)© BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway
Melanie Walters plays Yvonne

They’re joined by Alexandria Riley (Helen Baxter), Steffan Rhodri (DCI Barry Clarke), Melanie Walters (Yvonne Mallowan) and Rithvik Andugula (DC Evan Chaudhry).

What have viewers said about the series?

The second season has gone down a storm with viewers so far. One person penned on social media: “#DeathValley is a fantastic show! 45 minutes of it per episode is just not enough!” while another added: “Loved the first series of this and loving the second series so far.”

A third fan remarked: “#DeathValley really happy this is back. Funny and a good mystery,” while another hailed the drama as “one of the best things on TV”.

Warren (HAMMED ANIMASHAUN), Liam (JACOB ETHAN TANNER), John Chapel (TIMOTHY SPALL), Angela (ALEXANDRA ROACH), Polly (JANE HORROCKS), Sally (HANNAH DANIEL)© BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway
Viewers praised the new episodes as “fantastic”

Sharing his delight over the positive response to season one, leading star Timothy said: “You never know how something will be received, so I was delighted with the enthusiastic and very positive response.

“This is one of the reasons why I do what I do, to make something you hope is going to entertain and give value for money, after all people pay for their TV Licence and you want to give them the best you possibly can. As I get older that becomes more and more important to me,” he told the BBC.

Seasons one and two of Death Valley are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.