The Marlow Murder Club Creator Reveals What He Loves More Than Death in Paradise
Why The Marlow Murder Club Feels Different for Thorogood
While still serving as an executive producer on Death in Paradise, Thorogood hasn’t penned an episode since season 11 in 2022. Instead, he has been focusing on bringing The Marlow Murder Club to life, a series that follows three amateur female sleuths as they uncover local crimes. Based on his own novels, the show offers him a creative freedom that’s distinctly different from his Caribbean-set whodunit.
One of the biggest changes? The storytelling structure. Unlike Death in Paradise, which resolves each mystery in a single episode, The Marlow Murder Club takes a more expansive approach. Since its debut, the series has split its cases over two episodes, and in season 2, fans will see three separate stories unfold across six episodes.
A Longer Format, A More Enjoyable Experience
During a Q&A for season 2, Thorogood revealed how UKTV played a crucial role in shaping the show’s unique format. Initially, the network envisioned a traditional case-per-episode format, similar to Death in Paradise. However, he pushed for a different approach.
“But you only get 45 minutes to tell a story in,” Thorogood explained. “One of the things I really love about Death in Paradise is the character interactions—the small moments, the relationships developing around the case.”
Recognizing the value of this, he proposed a shift: “I asked if there was any way we could stretch a story over two episodes. That way, we’d have more space for the fun moments and deeper relationships.”
Surprisingly, UKTV agreed, even developing a new model to accommodate this vision. “Without them, we wouldn’t have the chance to tell these longer stories. And honestly, it makes the writing so much more enjoyable,” he added.
What Sets The Marlow Murder Club Apart
One of Thorogood’s favorite aspects of this extended format is the ability to slow down and let characters breathe. Unlike Death in Paradise, which requires a tightly packed plot to fit within a single episode, The Marlow Murder Club allows for more leisurely storytelling.
“There’s a wonderful scene where they’re supposedly searching for Sir Peter’s will,” he said with a smile. “But they’re not really looking for the will, are they? It’s just friends chatting, spending time together, while also solving a case. That’s the beauty of it.”
This contrast highlights how Death in Paradise focuses more on fast-paced investigations, while The Marlow Murder Club thrives on character-driven moments that enrich the mystery.
Star-Studded Cast Returns for Season 2
The upcoming season of The Marlow Murder Club brings back fan-favorite trio Samantha Bond, Jo Martin, and Cara Horgan, alongside Natalie Dew. But that’s not all—viewers can also expect some exciting guest appearances, including Samantha Womack, Andrew Knott, Nina Sosanya, and Hugh Quarshie.
For those eager to dive in, The Marlow Murder Club season 2 premieres on U&Drama and U on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 8 PM. If you missed the first season, you can catch up on U now!
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
1. What makes The Marlow Murder Club different from Death in Paradise?
Unlike Death in Paradise, where each case is wrapped up within a single episode, The Marlow Murder Club spreads its mysteries over two episodes, allowing for deeper character interactions and more engaging storytelling.
2. Who are the lead stars of The Marlow Murder Club?
The show stars Samantha Bond, Jo Martin, Cara Horgan, and Natalie Dew, with season 2 featuring guest stars like Samantha Womack and Nina Sosanya.
3. Where can I watch The Marlow Murder Club?
Season 2 will air on U&Drama and U starting March 19, 2025. Season 1 is available for streaming on U now.
4. Will Robert Thorogood return to writing Death in Paradise?
Currently, Thorogood is focused on The Marlow Murder Club, and he hasn’t written an episode of Death in Paradise since 2022. However, he remains an executive producer.
5. Why does Thorogood prefer writing The Marlow Murder Club?
He enjoys the extra time it gives for character development and humor, making the writing process more enjoyable compared to the fast-paced nature of Death in Paradise.
Are you excited about The Marlow Murder Club season 2? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! For more exclusive updates, visit Flickcore.us.