Beyond Paradise Christmas special proves popular
The Christmas special of Beyond Paradise has been met with favourable reception, showcasing a heartwarming narrative set in the West Country, a region well-suited for festive tales, reports BritPanorama.
The episode features the picturesque village of Shipton Abbott, a focal point following the conclusion of Doc Martin. The special intertwines multiple storylines, including the wedding of main characters Humphrey, played by Kris Marshall, and Martha (Sally Bretton), alongside the appearance of Selwyn Patterson, now retired but attending the nuptials.
Alongside the wedding festivities, the plot thickens as new characters are introduced, notably the villainous Mr Finch, portrayed by Ted Lasso’s James Lance. Finch stages a robbery at his wine bar, implicating his unsuspecting barman. Such antics evoke classic festive dramas, akin to the tones of Love Actually and A Christmas Carol.
A secondary storyline follows a man named David, played by Ade Edmondson, who struggles with dementia and seeks to reconnect with a sister he has not seen since 1968. This emotional narrative thread taps into the essence of Christmas as a time for reunions and reflections.
The episode concludes with an uplifting wedding celebration featuring local band Bellowhead performing the theme tune, highlighting the community spirit that permeates through the series. In recent comparisons, some episodes of Beyond Paradise have outperformed their Caribbean-based predecessor in viewership, signalling a successful evolution of the franchise.
Current trends in the series indicate that it has cultivated a strong ensemble cast, adding depth and intrigue as characters navigate personal and communal challenges. Selwyn Patterson’s ongoing involvement hints at future collaborations within the franchise, enriching the storylines for fans of both Death in Paradise and its spin-offs.
The Beyond Paradise Christmas special is currently available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
