Shipton Abbott’s police team in Beyond Paradise faces significant changes as budget cuts force a character departure. The BBC spin-off from Death in Paradise follows DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and his colleagues in the fictional Devon village.
The core team includes DS Esther Williams (Zahra Ahmadi), PC Kelby Hartford (Dylan Llewellyn), and office support Margo Martins (Felicity Montagu). Series four premiered on March 27, revealing the superintendent’s departure and a mandate to reduce the team by one member. Humphrey must make the tough call, complicated by his strong bonds with the group.
Humphrey’s Dilemma
Zahra Ahmadi, who portrays Esther Williams, highlighted Humphrey’s emotional struggle. She stated: “He’s put in such a difficult situation because Humphrey has so much heart, and he’s so passionate about his job and about his team.”
Ahmadi added: “It’s so tricky for me to say this, because I have to be respectful towards Death in Paradise, but I think he’s really found his pocket in Shipton Abbott. Perhaps that’s also to do with the place he’s at with Martha and his relationship, but he just sits really well in the pocket of his life where he’s at in this present moment. And to have that compromised in the way that it is is really, really tough for him.”
She hinted that Esther might volunteer to leave, sparing Kelby and Margo.
New Faces and Mysteries
Series four introduces guest stars like Melanie Walters (64) from Gavin and Stacey, Susan George, Colin McFarlane, Michael Cochrane, Vincent Franklin, Alex Macqueen, Tristan Sturrock, Andrea Lowe, Rachel Cassidy, Emily Stott, Rina Mahoney, Susan Penhaligon, James Clay, Kenneth Collard, and Narinda Samra.
New character James Smith (Vincent Franklin) adds tension. Episodes feature mysteries blending fact and folklore, such as a novelist’s death mirroring their own prediction, a Dark Morris event gone wrong, a reappearing stolen treasure map, and a vengeful mermaid sighting.
Humphrey and Martha (Sally Bretton) embrace married life while house-hunting, as Humphrey grapples with a decision impacting the entire station.
Humphrey’s Origins
Humphrey first appeared in Death in Paradise from 2014 to 2017. He left Saint Marie after reconnecting with Martha post-divorce, paving the way for DI Jack Mooney (Ardal O’Hanlon).
Beyond Paradise airs on BBC One and streams on iPlayer.
