The scene does what it’s intended to do: rekindle the tide of tension that was already building when the clues leading to his arrival emerged. We’re talking about the London skyline and that suspicious paperweight lizard that bears a striking resemblance to Harry sitting on a desk.

The exchange doesn’t last long, and O’Hanlon only makes one more appearance in the episode for the briefest of moments, but it’s enough to impress upon viewers the link between the shows. But honestly, Mooney’s presence wasn’t necessary.

This is no slight against the character. His departure, like all others Death in paradise detectives’, hit the franchise hard and was bittersweet, knowing that Saint Marie would welcome another DI who would no doubt give the show another thrill.

On the one hand, seeing him again in the Paraverse feels like a moment of joy, but on the other hand, it takes something away from the spin-off that he appears so early.

This is Return to paradiseIt’s (and just as importantly Mackenzie’s) time to take the stage in this corner of the Paraverse and neither of them need to hold hands.

During the same interview, Return to paradise Star Lloyd Griffith referred to Mooney’s cameo as something that “really anchors” the show, with Samson also confirming the importance of acknowledging the show’s history “and all the joy and fan base that’s in the original.”

Both points are valid but the timing of this was way off.

Return to paradise is already an interesting spin-off with great foundations, one whose roots are deep and clear in the legacy of Death in paradise. Its acclaim shines through in the comic tone of the show, the unique brand of detective tracking and in the formation of the Dolphin Cove police force (a detective learning to assimilate into a new team while struggling in an uncomfortable environment feels very much on brand ).

Still, Return to paradise finds a way to put his own stamp on it.

Dolphin Cove being Mackenzie’s home ground offers a new way to approach the Paraverse formula. Her baggage is absolutely bursting, creating instant intrigue, as are her scenes with ex-fiancé Glenn (Tai Hara).

The inclusion of Jack Mooney at this stage feels like the franchise’s way of lending credibility to the spin-off, to add weight to its connection to the brand as a way to reassure any skeptics of its validity when it was never needed too.

The Death in paradise is baked into the layers and even if it wasn’t, Mackenzie and the team can stand on their own.

Mackenzie’s connection to Jack feels very natural and authentic given that O’Hanlon’s character left Saint Marie to be closer to her daughter in London.

But seeing Mooney later in the season — once the show had its chance to impress viewers on its own merits — would have been a more impactful treatment that put a little more credence in the show’s strength instead.

Return to paradise airs Fridays 8pm on BBC One. Beyond Paradise and Death in paradise both broadcast on BBC One and streamed on BBC iPlayer.

Read more Death in paradise news on our dedicated website

TV writer, Digital Spy Janet completed her Masters in Magazine Journalism in 2013 and has continued to grow professionally in the industry since then. For six years, she honed her analytical review skills Good housekeeping institute eventually becoming Acting Director of Food Testing. She also freelanced in film and television journalism from 2013-2020, when she interviewed A-List stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. In 2021, she joined Digital Spy as a TV writer where she gets to immerse herself in more of what she loves, watch loads of TV all in the name of work. Since taking on the role, she has done red carpet interviews with the cast of Bridgerton, covered the BAFTAs and been interviewed by BBC Radio and London Live. In her spare time, she also works as a published author, the book Gothic angel.