Return to Paradise updates TV Guide: Complete Who’s Who at Dolphin Cove & Episode Guide
"Return to Paradise" is Australia’s highly anticipated spin-off of the internationally beloved Death in Paradise franchise. This thrilling six-part mystery series infuses the familiar whodunit charm with a distinct Australian twist, featuring breathtaking locations along the Illawarra coast and Sydney’s northern beaches.
Lead Character: Meet Detective Inspector Mackenzie Clarke
DI Mackenzie Clarke is an Australian expatriate with a reputation for solving impossible murder cases in London under the supervision of DI Jack Mooney. However, her career takes a nosedive after a courtroom scandal accuses her of falsifying evidence. Fleeing England with her career in jeopardy, Mackenzie seeks solace in her hometown of Dolphin Cove, a picturesque but claustrophobic small town on the New South Wales coast.
Unfortunately for Mackenzie, her past in Dolphin Cove is complicated. After leaving her fiancé, Glenn, at the altar years ago, she is not exactly the town’s favorite person. To make matters worse, Glenn is now the town's forensic pathologist, and his mother, Sergeant Philomena Strong, is Mackenzie’s new boss.
Mackenzie’s unique knack for focusing on unusual clues—be it an out-of-place sock or a pie in the wrong spot—helps her solve the seemingly unsolvable. However, gaining the trust of her colleagues and the townspeople will be just as challenging as solving any murder.
Meet the Characters of Dolphin Cove
Here’s a breakdown of the fascinating team Mackenzie is working with at Dolphin Cove:
DI Mackenzie Clarke (Anna Samson): Determined, sharp, and unyielding, Mackenzie may not have planned on returning home, but she’s ready to crack Dolphin Cove’s toughest cases. Can she repair her broken relationships in the process?
Detective Senior Constable Colin Cartwright (Lloyd Griffith): A British migrant with his eyes on Mackenzie’s job, Colin is the Dolphin Cove enthusiast with a skeptical view of Mackenzie’s unconventional methods.
Constable Felix Wilkinson (Aaron McGrath): Felix is a rule-abiding officer who is both perplexed and fascinated by Mackenzie’s investigative style.
Reggie Rocco (Celia Ireland): Mackenzie’s former eccentric schoolteacher, now a local volunteer cop, Reggie serves up both town gossip and quirky wisdom.
Glenn Strong (Tai Hara): The town’s forensic pathologist and Mackenzie’s former fiancé. Though their past is complicated, working together may offer them both a chance for closure.
Sergeant Philomena Strong (Catherine McClements): Mackenzie’s former mentor and Glenn’s mother. She’s tough, no-nonsense, and holds a lot of influence in Dolphin Cove.
Filming Locations: A Stunning Australian Backdrop
Dolphin Cove serves as the fictional setting, but the real magic happens on location in the stunning Illawarra region and Sydney’s northern beaches. According to production designer Emma Fletcher, the goal was to highlight the lush, natural beauty of the region, while maintaining a light-hearted tone reminiscent of the original Death in Paradise series.
Episode Guide for Return to Paradise
Here’s a sneak peek at the six thrilling episodes in season one:
Episode 1: R.I.P. Tide
- Guest Cast: Ardal O’Hanlon (DI Jack Mooney), Jenni Baird (Susan Stirling), and Jeremy Lindsay Taylor (Stuart Granger)
- Plot: Mackenzie’s return to Dolphin Cove is anything but quiet when local surf carnival hero, Stuart Granger, is found dead. Now, she must solve the case while dodging the disdain of her old neighbors.
Episode 2: Dead Last
- Guest Cast: Naomi Sequeira (Jade McCready), Roy Joseph (Nick Dosanjh)
- Plot: Mackenzie investigates a suspicious car accident that leads her deep into the town’s underground betting scene, all while dealing with Colin’s constant doubts about her methods.
Episode 3: Curl Up and Dye
- Guest Cast: Airlie Dodds (Bianca Bailey), Tess Haubrich (Skye Bailey)
- Plot: A local hairdresser’s death has the whole town buzzing, but Mackenzie suspects foul play, especially when too many people seem to benefit from the stylist’s demise.
Episode 4: Killer Climate
- Guest Cast: Harry Greenwood (Byron), Maia Thomas (Fiona)
- Plot: As Dolphin Cove experiences an unusual heatwave, a local environmentalist’s protest turns deadly. Was it an accident, or did someone use the climate crisis as a cover for murder?
Episode 5: Dead Bowl
- Guest Cast: Peter O’Brien (Artie), Maggie Dence (Rita)
- Plot: A long-time resident’s death at the town bowling club opens up a web of secrets that stretch back decades. Mackenzie must untangle old grudges to get to the truth.
Episode 6: Oh Mine Papa
- Guest Cast: Ardal O’Hanlon (DI Jack Mooney), Roxie Mohebbi (Lottie)
- Plot: A shocking revelation about Mackenzie’s own father adds a personal twist to the season finale. With Jack Mooney’s assistance, Mackenzie uncovers more than just a killer in this explosive conclusion.
Conclusion: Will Mackenzie Find Peace in Paradise?
Return to Paradise delivers all the tension and mystery that Death in Paradise fans adore, with a unique Australian flavor. As Mackenzie navigates personal challenges and professional obstacles, she proves that solving crimes isn’t just about logic—it’s about heart. This show is not just about catching killers, it’s about healing old wounds, building new relationships, and, of course, soaking in that beautiful coastal landscape. Catch Return to Paradise on ABC TV or stream it on ABC iview.
FAQs About Return to Paradise
1. When does Return to Paradise premiere?
The series premieres on Sunday, 8 September 2024, at 7:30 PM on ABC TV and ABC iview.
2. Is Return to Paradise connected to Death in Paradise?
Yes, Return to Paradise is an Australian spin-off of the popular Death in Paradise series. It shares similar themes but is set in the picturesque town of Dolphin Cove, Australia.
3. Where was Return to Paradise filmed?
The series was filmed in the Illawarra region, south of Sydney, and on Sydney’s northern beaches, showcasing stunning Australian coastal landscapes.
4. How many episodes are in the first season?
Season one of Return to Paradise consists of six episodes.
5. Who stars as DI Mackenzie Clarke?
Anna Samson plays the lead role of DI Mackenzie Clarke.
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