DI Jack Mooney in Death in Paradise: Why he left and his link to Return to Paradise
Everything you need to know about DI Jack Mooney in Death in Paradise
Death in Paradise fans couldn’t have been happier when Ardal O’Hanlon’s character, DI Jack Mooney, appeared in series 1 of Return to Paradise. And, with him returning once again for the second series of the Australian spin-off, what better time to recap on the character and why he left Saint Marie back in 2020?
Fans of the Death in Paradise universe will know that each of the spin-offs from the franchise has a link back to the main show.
Beyond Paradise has seen Kris Marshall play DI Humphrey Goodman relocate from Saint Marie to Devon. But, at first, Return to Paradise didn’t seem to share a connection – until DI Jack Mooney popped up in series 1.
Here’s everything you need to know about DI Jack Mooney, including why he left Death in Paradise and how he is linked to Return to Paradise…
Who was DI Jack Mooney in Death in Paradise?
DI Jack Mooney was the main character in Death in Paradise between 2017 and 2020. The series often brings in new leads mid-season, and Jack was no different.
Irish comedian, actor and author Ardal O’Hanlon played the police detective inspector from London. He joined the show midway through series six and left in episode 4 of series nine.
Jack took on the role of Saint Marie’s new Detective Inspector from DI Humphrey Goodman after he decided to return to the UK to be with his girlfriend, Martha Lloyd.
DI Mooney’s time on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie almost happened by accident when he assumed he would only be staying for a few weeks. Sound familiar, DI Mervin Wilson?
When he went to the island on holiday with his daughter, Siobhan, Jack helped the local police reopen a cold case. After solving the investigation into the death of a newspaper editor eight years earlier, Jack got an offer from Commissioner Patterson to stay on the island as a detective permanently.
Jack took the job after deciding this could be the fresh start he needed after losing his wife, Kathleen. Over the next few years, Jack found love again, made new friends, and solved more grim murders than seemed plausible on such a small island.
What happened to Jack’s wife?
Jack Mooney came into the show as a recent widower. His wife, Kathleen, had died from a long illness just a month before he arrived on our screens.
However, despite his wife having only recently passed away, Jack hinted to everyone he spoke to that it had happened a long time ago, hoping to stop people from feeling sorry for him.
When did DI Jack Mooney leave Death in Paradise?
DI Jack Mooney left Death in Paradise in 2020.
Speaking of his departure at the time, Ardal said: “I’ve spent the last four summers in Guadeloupe playing Jack Mooney. I’ve even solved over 20 murder cases in my time there. It’s been a hugely rewarding and unforgettable experience.
“However, it’s time to explore other opportunities – preferably nearer the Arctic Circle. I’m confident that Death in Paradise viewers will share my enthusiasm for Jack’s successor!”
After Jack left the series, DI Neville Parker, played by Ralf Little, took his place.
Why did Jack leave Death in Paradise?
After three years of solving crimes, DI Jack Mooney still hadn’t come to terms with his wife’s death. He realised that he had been running away from his grief by coming to Saint Marie.
During his time on the island, Jack found love with Anna. She had asked him to come travelling around the world with her.
Although Anna tempted him to leave, Jack realised his love for his daughter Siobhan meant he needed to go home to London and be with her. He then made the huge decision to move back to the UK.
Jack’s change of heart came when Siobhan visited him in Saint Marie in his final episode. She had come to the island to meet Anna and gave her dad’s new relationship her blessing.
But when Siobhan talked about finishing university and moving back to their family home in London, Jack realised it was time to return and face his life without his wife.
What is DI Jack Mooney’s link to Return to Paradise?
Return to Paradise follows London Metropolitan police officer DI Mackenzie Clarke, who has returned home to Australia. She left the UK under a cloud of suspicion after authorities accused her of tampering with evidence.
Mackenzie moved from London to Dolphin Cove in series 1 of Return to Paradise. The show revealed that DI Jack Mooney is Mack’s boss at the Metropolitan Police.
He appeared in the show multiple times, but not in Australia. Instead he called Mackenzie from London to keep her up to date on how the case against her was progressing.
Eventually, at the end of the first season, he called again. Jack informed Mack that they had dropped the case and she could return to her job in London.
It took weeks for the locals in her home town to warm to Mackenzie after she jilted fiancé, Glenn, at the altar years before. However, her relationship with Jack couldn’t be more different. Their phone calls were friendly, and he clearly respected her as a detective.
Fans will be thrilled to know that Jack is back for the second series of Return to Paradise. He might still be in London for now, but there’s always hope that he might jump on a plane for a holiday to Dolphin Cove. Watch this space!
Read more: Murder Before Evensong filming locations: If Champton St Mary is a real village in cosy crime drama
