Timothy Spall takes on a new role in the upcoming series Death Valley, marking his first foray into the cozy crime genre after four decades in the entertainment industry. Set in a fictional version of a scenic village in Wales, the series juxtaposes picturesque landscapes with a surprisingly high incidence of murder, providing a light-hearted twist on traditional crime narratives.
Spall stars as John Chapel, a retired actor grappling with the remnants of his past fame from a long-running detective series. His character forms an unlikely alliance with a young police officer, Janie Mallowan, portrayed by Gwyneth Keyworth. The duo navigates a series of comical yet darkly humorous scenarios, including a hiking guide’s untimely demise and the chaotic underbelly of an amateur dramatics society.
Paul Doolan, the writer behind the series, describes his vision as a response to the often grim tone of contemporary crime dramas. “I’m a murder mystery fanatic and I love comedy,” Doolan explains. “Modern crime shows are relentlessly grim. Here, I hope at the end titles you’re feeling a little better than you did at the start.”
Spall, who previously played a victim in the dark true-crime drama The Sixth Commandment, expressed his excitement for this new genre. “I’ve been acting for so long that I’m regarded as part of the fabric,” he said, acknowledging the career longevity that has made him a familiar face in British television.
The Character of John Chapel
John Chapel is characterized as a classically trained actor, whose past as a 19th-century gentleman detective in a series called Caesar haunts him. Though he remains polite to those who recognize him, his vanity and insecurities often lead to humorous situations, particularly in his interactions with Janie.
Janie, enthusiastic and resourceful, serves as a foil to Chapel’s pretentiousness. “They’re both stubborn and can both be pedantic,” Keyworth describes their dynamic. “But their friendship helps them both, as quite lonely people.”
Spall acknowledges the generational gap between their characters but insists that emotionally, they are akin to siblings. “There is no gap emotionally,” he notes. “They have become friends, but he’s dealing with someone he considers to be a philistine.”
A Unique Blend of Humor and Mystery
The series promises a refreshing blend of comedy and intrigue, steering clear of the dark themes often associated with crime series. Spall emphasized the importance of humor in the narrative, stating, “It is nice to be able to play someone who occasionally displays actorly conceits.”
The portrayal of John Chapel as a somewhat insecure figure who overcompensates with bravado adds depth to the humor. While Janie focuses on evidence and data, Chapel uses his acting background to read human emotions and motives, allowing for a dynamic partnership that evolves throughout the series.
As Spall reflects on his career, he recalls the fame he experienced in the 1980s with the hit television comedy Auf Wiedersehen Pet, where he played the character Barry. “The last episode of the first series got 18 million viewers, which is ridiculous,” he recalls. “It was an odd juxtaposition because that fame coincided with a period when I was out of work.”
Despite the ups and downs of his career, Spall’s enduring presence has made him a staple in the industry. “I’ve been around for so long now that I’m regarded as part of the fabric. People are much less amazed than they used to be,” he explained, noting the shift in how fans interact with celebrities in the age of smartphones and social media.
The series Death Valley is now available for streaming on BritBox, inviting audiences to experience a unique take on crime that promises to entertain and uplift.
