Ep 3. Episode 3

Set on the stunning Caribbean island of Saint Marie, Death in Paradise follows British Detective Inspector Richard Poole as he investigates a series of puzzling and intriguing murders. Season 1 episode 3 opens with DI Poole being woken up in the middle of the night by his sergeant, who informs him that there has been a murder on the island.

The victim, a man named Jim, was found dead in the pool at a luxury villa complex. It quickly becomes apparent that he was electrocuted, and a pair of wire cutters is discovered at the scene. DI Poole and his team begin their investigation by questioning the villa's residents and staff. They discover that Jim was a local odd job man and had been hired by the villa's owner, millionaire entrepreneur Max Leigh, to install a home cinema system.

As the investigation progresses, the detectives find a number of potential motives for Jim's murder. They learn that he had recently been in a fight with one of the villa's guests, a famous actress named Lexi Cunningham. They also uncover evidence that suggests Jim was involved in a blackmail plot targeting one of the villa's residents.

As DI Poole and his team delve deeper into the case, they begin to suspect that Max Leigh may be involved. They discover that he had been having an affair with Lexi Cunningham, and that he had recently dismissed Jim from his job at the villa. When Max is found dead in his office, the detectives are left with a complex web of clues to unravel and suspects to eliminate.

As the episode progresses, DI Poole begins to develop a soft spot for the island of Saint Marie. He starts to enjoy the slower pace of life and the beautiful surroundings, and begins to see that there is more to policing than just solving crimes. This is highlighted when an attempt is made on his life towards the end of the episode. DI Poole survives, but is left shaken by the experience, and begins to realise that he has become emotionally invested in the island and its people.

Death in Paradise season 1 episode 3 is a classic whodunit with plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers guessing until the very end. It is a testament to the show's writing and acting that, despite the relatively formulaic nature of the murder mystery genre, the characters and setting make for an engaging and enjoyable viewing experience. Fans of murder mysteries, crime dramas, and lighthearted entertainment will find much to enjoy in Death in Paradise.