Death Valley Creator: Why Murder Mysteries Struggle to Be Funny

Paul Doolan, the mastermind behind Death Valley, mentioned that his upcoming comedy-drama is quite distinctive in the current lineup. He described it as a genre rarely executed well on modern television.

In the series, Timothy Spall, known from The Sixth Commandment, and Gwyneth Keyworth, who starred in Lost Boys and Fairies, form an unlikely pair. One is a world-weary retired actor once celebrated for his detective roles, while the other is a lively, active detective herself.

Or more concisely: Timothy Spall, known from The Sixth Commandment, and Gwyneth Keyworth, who starred in Lost Boys and Fairies, play contrasting characters in the series – a retired, jaded actor famous for playing detectives versus a sprightly, active detective.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I find myself drawn into the complex bond between John Chapel (Spall) and the driven Detective Sergeant Mallowan (Keyworth). In this unique partnership, it’s John who assists Mallowan in delving deeper into the minds of suspects, providing insights that prove instrumental in cracking each case.

For Doolan, Death Valley served as an opportunity to create the kind of television shows he wished to see, expressing to the media that combining crime dramas with comedic aspects often falls short of being truly satisfying.

He mentioned: “I’m quite fond of both murder mysteries and comedy, yet I rarely find their blend done well. Many crime series seem excessively gloomy, featuring depressing, tormented investigators without a hint of humor.

Combining murder mysteries with comedy can result in an unsuccessful blend, as it tends to produce an overly sweet, quaint feel or a spoof that’s loaded with humor but lacks a well-constructed mystery plot.

Doolan went on to say: “I was looking for a movie that combines humor with crime, yet remains engaging for those who appreciate a well-crafted mystery.

The screenwriter is predominantly recognized for his contributions to comedic series such as Trollied and Bloods. Initially, transitioning to another genre was a daunting prospect for him, but eventually, he recognized a striking similarity between crafting jokes and the subtle hints in a mystery.

He suggested, “Arrange matters so you can return the call at a later time, aim to mislead the listeners and guide them towards a false trail.

Comedy may not always receive its due recognition, yet it’s essential to remember that humor requires the same structural foundation as a drama. Crafting something amusing isn’t easy.

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2025-05-25 09:34