BBC One Debuts Comedy-Crime Drama Death Valley in Wales

BBC One's new comedy crime thriller Death Valley stars Timothy Spall as John Chapel, a retired actor famous for his role in the fictional detective series Caesar, and Gwyneth Keyworth as Detective Sergeant Janie Mallowan, a sharp-witted Welsh officer and a superfan of Chapel's show. Set in a fictional town in rural Wales, the series embraces Welsh culture and language, highlighting the evolving friendship between the two unlikely partners as they solve real murders together. Janie, still grappling with grief and emotional challenges, finds comfort and inspiration in the show Caesar, while John brings his theatrical flair and experience to actual investigations, leading to humorous and heartfelt moments. The show is praised for its blend of comedy and mystery, with strong character dynamics shaped by their generational, cultural, and personality differences. Supporting cast includes a tech-savvy junior officer, a skeptical detective chief inspector, a forensic expert, and John's loyal housekeeper, enriching the ensemble. Created by Paul Doolan and filmed entirely in Wales, Death Valley stands out for its meta approach to the crime genre and its celebration of Welsh identity.