The Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth-fronted series has been hit with complaints just minutes in
Death Valley faced a storm of criticism as viewers claimed to “switch off” just minutes into the third episode.
The six-part drama, which aired its third episode on Sunday, June 8, features Timothy Spall as John Chapel and Gwyneth Keyworth as DS Janie Mallowan delving into the mysterious demise of a best man, reports the Express.
However, despite attracting viewers’ eyes, it was for all the wrong reasons. Disgruntled fans didn’t hesitate to blast the show on social media, with one irate viewer proclaiming: “What on earth is this s***?” (sic)
“#DeathValley No wonder everyone is talking about it… It’s utter drivel and woke toboot. Refund the BBC if this is the best they can s**t out.” (sic)
Another disgruntled fan expressed their dismay: “Heard it was bad, but jeezo it’s horrendously bad. The lead lady is soooo irritating and the script is chronically unfunny. A new low for BBC Sunday night viewing, absolutely horrendous.”
Frustration peaked for some, prompting them to turn off their TVs, as one viewer confessed: “Caught up with #DeathValley on BBC1. I love stuff staring Timothy Spall but just had to turn off after a few minutes due to the awful co-star detective played by Gwyneth Keyworth shouting all the time. She must be one of the most annoying TV characters ever.”
Further amplifying the chorus of disapproval, another comment stated: “I’m on the third episode of “Death Valley” – I really gave it a try, but it really doesn’t get on me. I can’t stand the main characters, they are cringe… in general I really like those shows, but this I’ll skip and that Ludwig will return soon.”
One viewer was utterly unimpressed, venting on social media: “#DeathValley on BBC1 is one of the worst programmes I’ve ever sat through!”.
Nonetheless, despite some viewers knocking the series, others have expressed their enjoyment, with a fan sharing: “I know a lot of people seem to enjoy slagging off #DeathValley, and I admit that when I saw the initial trailer, I thought it looked poor.
“However, having binged the series the other day, I can quash my original reticence & say that I loved it. Daft, funny, cosy & Welsh.”
Another viewer chimed in with support: “Enjoying #DeathValley too. It’s Sunday night viewing and I remember ‘By the Sword Divided’ and ‘The Pallisers’ so this is quite fun.”
In spite of receiving a volley of criticism, Death Valley has shown impressive resilience in viewing figures, as disclosed by the BBC. The show’s inaugural episode, which premiered on 25 May, captivated a substantial audience of 2.9 million on BBC One.
This debut not only becomes the most viewed launch for a new BBC Scripted Comedy in the past five years but also eclipses Ludwig’s premiere last September, which attracted an audience of 2.8 million.
You can catch up on Death Valley on BBC iPlayer