The BBC's Death Valley is lovely, funny and Welsh. What's not to love?
The BBC's Death Valley is lovely, funny and Welsh. What's not to love?
Finally, proof that Wales can do more than boring crime dramas
BBC's new comedy crime drama Death Valley stars Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth
(Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Jay Brooks )
I'm Welsh, and I'll scream it from the rooftops. I'll take a Welsh flag on holiday and speak Welsh so people don't know what I'm saying. Essentially, what I'm saying is I'm a stereotype of a Welsh gal and I'm not afraid to admit it or laugh about it.
So, when I saw Gwyneth Keyworth's character Janie in Death Valley, I was over the moon to see a strong female Welsh lead who was extremely relatable, and I'm not just talking about the fact we both clearly have ADHD and have an obsession with crime dramas.
The programme airs tonight, on BBC One, however if you're like me and love a good binge watch then the whole boxset will be launching on BBC iPlayer at the same time. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter .
The series depicts a retired actor who used to be the star of a hit fictional TV detective show, John Chapel played by Timothy Spall, and a young detective, Janie Mallowan played by Gwyneth Keyworth, who become an unlikely crime-fighting duo in the Welsh Valleys.
The comedy crime drama, challenges everything we think we know about the traditional grey and gloomy crime dramas that come out of Wales. It did something that some comedy series struggle with, which is be funny. There were several moments where I audibly cackled with laughter, which can be rare when watching TV.
Most of the time though, these moments were Welsh stereotypes, which made me feel like I was in on some kind of inside joke. For example in the second episode they joke about the Welsh knowing everyone and that Janie probably went to school with someone, we later find out that they didn't go to school together, however they were cousins.
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Janie's character in general is incredibly well written by Paul Doolan, and portrayed by Gwyneth. Her mannerisms and her ability to always say the wrong thing but mean well is endearing.
When you think of Welsh leading ladies you automatically think of characters like Nessa from Gavin and Stacey, or maybe Stacey herself who is one of the worst characters ever written, don't get me started on that though. Janie, however is different to both of these characters and feels extremely relatable, whether that's her want to progress in her job or the way she always attempts to make light of situations with a joke. The way she fan girls over Timothy's character is even hilarious, and realistically how we would all feel if we met our favourite actor.
In fact, the dynamic of the pair and how they bounce off of each other makes for a fascinating watch. They almost bring a combination of what feels like watching traditional and modern crime dramas work opposite each other, in a way the writer described it perfectly as a combination of Line of Duty and Poirot.
Timothy Spall as John Chapel and Gwyneth Keyworth as Janie Mallowan
(Image: BBC )
Timothy described his character perfectly when he said, "a bearded recluse who has become a bit of a curmudgeon described by one of the locals as a 'grumpy old b**tard!"
However, when he meets Janie, he lightens up and become more welcome to inviting people in. Timothy plays this character development extremely well, and again it is relatable as we all have a grumpy old man who needs to lighten up in our lives, I'm talking to you Dad.
It's also great to see some iconic Welsh actors like Steffan Rhodri who plays the shockingly quite wholesome DCI Barry Clarke and Melanie Walters who plays Janie's mam Yvonne, but I'm also thrilled to see some new Welsh talent on our screens too.
I can honestly say that this series is incredible, and despite having an instinct to try and predict what is going to happen, and sometimes I do, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. The crime a week structure keeps things fresh, although the underlying character arcs for both individuals means you are wanting to know more. I already can't wait to watch the rest of the series, and I hope there will be many more series to follow.
Death Valley airs tonight, May 25 at 8.15pm on BBC One and the whole boxset launches on BBC iPlayer at the same time.
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