Death in Paradise’s Don Gilet responds to character criticism: ‘I don’t have to defend Mervin’

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Okay, so when DI Mervin Wilson first showed up in last year’s Death in Paradise Christmas special, let’s just say fans had opinions. It wasn’t exactly a universally loved introduction – people were definitely divided on whether he’d fit in, and the reaction was pretty mixed overall.

Originally, the detective came to Saint Marie looking for his mother, and later joined the police force there. While some fans liked the new direction the show took with his character, others didn’t, finding him harsh, negative, and overly critical of the island and its ways.

When questioned about the criticism aimed at Mervin before the holiday special, Gilet unsurprisingly defended his character.

Gilet explained that Mervin’s lack of family experience, something he’s always desired, is now a reality, and it’s making him anxious. This helps explain why he sometimes doesn’t come across well, as we discussed in a previous article where we defended him.

I have a feeling we’re going to see a completely different side of this character. He’s usually so competent at work – solving cases seems effortless for him, it’s just what he does and he’s amazing at it. But this time, it feels like things will be much more personal and we’ll see him really open up and be vulnerable, which is something we haven’t seen before.

He struggles with expressing his feelings and being open about his vulnerabilities. As he begins to understand that family isn’t just about blood relations, but about finding a sense of belonging, those walls start to come down. This realization happens gradually throughout the first season and becomes clearer in the second, revealing what family and home truly mean – feeling comfortable and accepted, regardless of whether you’re related to the people around you.

Mervin is starting to feel comfortable enough with the people around him to let them see his true self.

Shaquille Ali-Yebuah, the actor who plays Officer Sebastian Rose, explained that it’s ironic how Mervin is struggling to understand things that have been obvious all along.

Naomi, Officer Rose, we’ve always been there for him, like the family he never had. We keep showing up when he needs us most. It feels like you’re looking for something, searching for answers. Maybe what you need has been right in front of you all along, but you just haven’t noticed it yet.

Ali-Yebuah explained that the characters are beginning to understand Mervin, mirroring his own journey of self-discovery.

He recently gained a brother and had a difficult upbringing without parents. This explains why he’s become tough and guarded. Now, he’s come to the Caribbean, which offers a very different atmosphere and way of life.

It’s amusing to watch us, having grown up with a unique Caribbean upbringing, help Mervin relax and become more open.

It’s really important for the team to keep building those connections, because their holiday trip to Saint Marie this year will bring them their most challenging case so far…

A company Christmas party turns deadly when four colleagues discover a dead body in the pool of their Caribbean villa, according to the official description of the story.

Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson and his team discovered the murder weapon, but were puzzled to find it was secured in a drawer—thousands of miles away in Swindon—at the time of the murder!

“Stuck in Saint Marie, the team calls on the help of a familiar face to crack the case…”

But the case isn’t the only thing on Mervin’s mind..

He’s distracted by waiting for news from the brother he recently found, and that’s keeping him from enjoying the Christmas spirit on Saint Marie.

Will Mervin be able to work out his personal problems and embrace the holiday season, both for his team’s sake and the well-being of the island community?

Joining Don Gilet as the detective inspector, the cast also includes Shantol Jackson as Naomi Thomas, Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey, Ginny Holder as Darlene Curtis, and Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Sebastian Rose.

The episode features guest appearances by Josie Lawrence, known for her role in EastEnders; Kate Ashfield, who starred in Shaun of the Dead and Sanditon; Pearl Mackie from Doctor Who and The Diplomat; James Baxter, previously seen in Waterloo Road, Still Open All Hours, and Emmerdale; Billy Harris of Ted Lasso; and Alix Serman.

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The Death in Paradise Christmas special will air on 28th December at 8:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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2025-12-09 03:38