Anna Samson, the star of Death in Paradise spin-off Return to Paradise, has opened up about her character's return for the show's second series and the delightful parallels she shares with a beloved former detective from the main franchise.
A Welcome Comparison
When asked about the similarities between her character, Detective Mackenzie Clarke, and Kris Marshall's endearingly awkward Humphrey Goodman, Samson responded with enthusiasm. "That is a great compliment," she stated, revealing that she actively studies Marshall's past interviews for insight.
"I reference Kris Marshall's interviews quite a lot," Samson explained. "I find what he says about the genre, the show, the writing, and the characters to be very, very clever. He's very smart and very correct in a lot of the things he says about making a show like this."
Franchise Connections and Fan Wishes
The connections to the original series run deep. The first series of Return to Paradise featured a clever nod to Death in Paradise's history, with Mack's entrance mirroring that of Ben Miller's Detective Richard Poole as she dragged her suitcase along the beach.
Furthermore, viewers were thrilled to see Ardal O'Hanlon reprise his role as Jack Mooney, who frequently appears via video link from London. Samson also voiced her eagerness to collaborate with more detectives from the franchise's universe.
"I am constantly trying to get those other detectives somewhere in the show... out for dinner, something," the actress revealed. "I am a fan of them, but I feel like I could pretend to be cool because I'm also a detective on the show. It's a really good way of just hanging out with them when really it's just because I want to meet them."
Where to Watch
Return to Paradise is available to watch on BBC iPlayer, offering fans more sun-soaked mysteries and the familiar charm that has made the franchise a lasting success.
