18 reviews
Oh dear...
Sadly I must agree with other reviewers about this new Ruby character. No reflection on Shyko Amos - she's just playing the part - but oh my gahhd, Ruby is a monumental pain.
I've always really enjoyed DiP, even with its often far-fetched murder "solutions" (like this one) but unless this character seriously tones it down I'm going to have real problems watching from now on. Unfortunately I suspect that, with Dwayne's departure, the makers see her as some kind of equivalent comic relief (she's nothing of the sort) so my hopes are not high.
I've always really enjoyed DiP, even with its often far-fetched murder "solutions" (like this one) but unless this character seriously tones it down I'm going to have real problems watching from now on. Unfortunately I suspect that, with Dwayne's departure, the makers see her as some kind of equivalent comic relief (she's nothing of the sort) so my hopes are not high.
- seymour_sp
- Jan 21, 2019
- Permalink
Episode 8.2
Saint-Marie has a zoo. The owner is killed by a tranquilizer dart, Jack Mooney and the team has to investigate the murder.
Jack also has to contend with Dwayne's replacement. Officer Ruby Patterson is the Commander's niece and it looks like she is not cut out to be a police officer. Especially as she manages to shoot JP with a tranquilizer dart.
It was a nicely constructed episode that mixed with Ruby's infectious zeal which is not to everyone's taste. Underneath she is rather sharp when you think she is gossiping but finding out more details.
I did think the way the murder was committed was rather preposterous. I have been to paradise islands, you hardly notice mosquito bites until after you have been bitten. Not sure how a dart could be mistaken for a mosquito unless Saint-Marie has large genetically modified ones.
Jack also has to contend with Dwayne's replacement. Officer Ruby Patterson is the Commander's niece and it looks like she is not cut out to be a police officer. Especially as she manages to shoot JP with a tranquilizer dart.
It was a nicely constructed episode that mixed with Ruby's infectious zeal which is not to everyone's taste. Underneath she is rather sharp when you think she is gossiping but finding out more details.
I did think the way the murder was committed was rather preposterous. I have been to paradise islands, you hardly notice mosquito bites until after you have been bitten. Not sure how a dart could be mistaken for a mosquito unless Saint-Marie has large genetically modified ones.
- Prismark10
- Jan 17, 2019
- Permalink
Great series spoiled by new member
I love Death in paradise, it is my favorite TV show of all time, but Officer Ruby Patterson, the replacement for Officer Dwayne Myers is just awful.
She is irritating and has turned a great show into a bad comedy.
Apart from her this episode was pretty good. The murder was unrealistic but this is fiction. I think they could use some new writers and remove this irritating addition to the show.
- nicholls_les
- Jan 17, 2019
- Permalink
Murder Most Animal
Ruby has grown on me
I'm writing from the future... saw this episode couple months ago and have watched others since. Wanted to say I really like Ruby now. She's smart and plucky and offers a lot of background - she often knows someone in the case from being friends way back. Wouldn't have wanted her to try to copy Dwayne. She has personality, which a lot of people don't. She's just the type of person I would like to work with... almost always cheerful, but sincere and dedicated. And her relationship with her uncle is funny. Love the show, through all its changes.
RUBY IS RUBY...NOT DWAYNE !!
It's called casting. Mistake prone Ruby who happens to have the Island's Commissioner as an Uncle. Roll with her over-the-top zanniness which she does very well. The way I see it, is built within the irony of her character. She is chalk on the blackboard, hair in your soup most times but her comedic value is unique and defines the level of how relaxed you are, watching this comedy. So, have a beer, kick your feet up and laugh.... Show the mood you're in.
- terrynazar
- Apr 12, 2022
- Permalink
Finally! A character!
For a while the cast has felt like boring ghosts of their predecessors. Thank god for Ruby! An actual character with a clear personality and room for growth.
- rosietheriveter-80883
- Jun 3, 2021
- Permalink
A defining moment
The Death of Death in Paradise?
I opted not to do a snap reply after watching this last night, because it would have been a scathing reply. Instead I decided to watch with fresh eyes, and see if I could find some positives.
A great guest cast, with some real talent on show, but what a shame Jonathan Kerrigan was bumped off so quickly, the show has a habit of doing that to talented actors. The guest cast all took it seriously, and played out a well written mystery.
Ruby....... Dwayne had become the silliest of characters towards the end of his time, and it seems that level of daftness has moved to the new addition. Nothing wrong with her acting talents, I've seen her before and she's good, but this Ruby character.....Am I watching Police Academy? Are they intent on turning this show into some sort of farce?
The writing was really good, but the tone was really off, I like it when it's funny, but this was generally.... Stupid. 5/10
A great guest cast, with some real talent on show, but what a shame Jonathan Kerrigan was bumped off so quickly, the show has a habit of doing that to talented actors. The guest cast all took it seriously, and played out a well written mystery.
Ruby....... Dwayne had become the silliest of characters towards the end of his time, and it seems that level of daftness has moved to the new addition. Nothing wrong with her acting talents, I've seen her before and she's good, but this Ruby character.....Am I watching Police Academy? Are they intent on turning this show into some sort of farce?
The writing was really good, but the tone was really off, I like it when it's funny, but this was generally.... Stupid. 5/10
- Sleepin_Dragon
- Jan 17, 2019
- Permalink
Dart
- bevo-13678
- Nov 11, 2020
- Permalink
What the hell happened?
New cop addition is dismally poor completely un-funny and a show wrecker!
Who decided to turn excellent BBC entertainment into The Magic Roundabout meets The Pink Panther?
Terrible the Ruby character must go asap or the show is doomed
What happened to the casting, directing and acting?
Whatever happened to the originally great casting, acting and directing? How did DiP go from the likes of Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Danny John Jules and Sara Martins, to the character that Shyko Amos plays (awfully)?
Did the writers and director change from season to season, to the point where season 8, especially episode 2 looks like it was written and directed by rank amateurs (or high school kids) trying to copy Naked Gun or Police Academy?
This episode could possibly have the worst rating of all the seasons and episodes. Are the marketers, writers, directors, producers and even Robert Thorogood paying attention to the depths to which this formerly wonderful series is plumbing?
Where the original seasons focused on locale, and combined it with brilliant acting and subtle comic relief, this episode looks like a boring, crude remake of the Scooby Doo team.
Did the writers and director change from season to season, to the point where season 8, especially episode 2 looks like it was written and directed by rank amateurs (or high school kids) trying to copy Naked Gun or Police Academy?
This episode could possibly have the worst rating of all the seasons and episodes. Are the marketers, writers, directors, producers and even Robert Thorogood paying attention to the depths to which this formerly wonderful series is plumbing?
Where the original seasons focused on locale, and combined it with brilliant acting and subtle comic relief, this episode looks like a boring, crude remake of the Scooby Doo team.
- snootusmaximus
- Jan 22, 2019
- Permalink
Death of a formerly good series
Hoping that the next 'Death' in paradise is that annoying,big mouth Ruby character, installed by that useless Commissioner. What blatant nepotism!
Bring in an 80's sitcom wacky character. That should increase ratings..duh.
This new character might as well have a goofy catchphrase..with her professionalism and IQ it could be Fat Albert.....Hey, hey, hey!!
Horrible choice for what was a good show....a long time ago.
- jrush-50573
- Apr 30, 2019
- Permalink
Stupid addition of new officer Patterson
It was such a great show in the beginning. Loved Richard the first inspector, loved Humphrey the second inspector, but Jack no. He's too much of a comedian. And now this new officer...... too stupid for words!
Not sure I can continue watching
I love this series and have watched from the beginning, This episode would have been a 10 star rating, but it was ruined with a cast change. I've been amazed and pleased with how it continues to be successful in spite of the dramatic changes of the actors playing the DI role. It can be challenging when actors leave a series. What I don't understand is how they could replace Danny John-Jules (Dwayne) with "Ruby". I'm shocked! She is just awful--not the actress, but the character and her script. She is not funny, simply irritating. It's hard to watch. I'm soooooo disappointed. I'm assuming the audience agrees and she will be written out, but if not I seriously don't know if I can continue watching. Bummed.
- kmmcdougall-41661
- Apr 26, 2020
- Permalink
I suppose it was bound to happen eventually...
Many television series, sooner or later, have one particular episode which can be identified as to where the series finally "jumped the shark." I believe this is it, and it can all be blamed on the new character, Officer Ruby Patterson. Watch the episode...even the other characters, when first meeting her, realize she doesn't belong there!
Having a comic relief character is fine. It can be argued that Dwayne Meyers filled that role when he was there. But Dwayne did it subtly, with style, and didn't overdo it. Ruby is almost a caricature! More like the Officer Hooks character from the Police Academy movies.
Death In Paradise has been my favorite TV series since episode 1 premiered, but if this Ruby character remains the way she is, as far as I'm concerned, DIP ended with season 7.
Having a comic relief character is fine. It can be argued that Dwayne Meyers filled that role when he was there. But Dwayne did it subtly, with style, and didn't overdo it. Ruby is almost a caricature! More like the Officer Hooks character from the Police Academy movies.
Death In Paradise has been my favorite TV series since episode 1 premiered, but if this Ruby character remains the way she is, as far as I'm concerned, DIP ended with season 7.
Better than the previous one.