ITV viewers blast 'predictable' new drama just minutes into first episode: 'Giving it a miss!'

The six-part series, adapted from Matt Baker's novel, features Warren Brown as DCI Joe Mottram, a Metropolitan Police detective struggling with personal tragedy following his wife Sofia's unexpected death.

The programme has drawn comparisons to popular shows such as Death in Paradise and The Madame Blanc Mysteries.

Mr Brown's character travels to the picturesque Mediterranean location with his daughter Angelica, played by Beau Gadsdon, hoping to find solace with his late wife's family.

However, what begins as an attempt to process grief quickly transforms into something far more complicated when murder strikes the seemingly tranquil island community.

Within minutes of the premiere, viewers took to social media to voice their frustrations with what they perceived as formulaic storytelling.

"Always has to be a stroppy teen child in everything," one viewer complained, while another asked: "#atasteformurder oh god, is it one of those that we will be able to write the script to ourselves?"

The criticism extended to the show's pacing and overall approach, with one viewer announcing they were switching off: "Too slow. Too predictable. Too full of clichés. Giving it a miss."

Audiences also quickly identified what they believed would be an inevitable romantic subplot between Mr Brown's character and local Inspector Lara Sarrancino, portrayed by Cristiana Dell'Anna.

"So single dad will meet single female police detective and will hate each other at first but eventually fall in love," one viewer predicted.

Joe's in-laws, Chef Gennaro and Elena Da Vinale, operate a coastal restaurant on the island, and it is through them that the detective becomes entangled in local criminal matters.

The trouble begins when Gennaro's nephew Luca, who works as a sous-chef at the family establishment, finds himself arrested after a local man's body washes up on the beach.

Determined to clear his relative's name, Joe begins investigating despite initial friction with Inspector Sarrancino, though the pair eventually establish a reluctant working partnership.

According to ITV's synopsis, the detective's culinary education with his in-laws proves unexpectedly useful: "Along the way, Joe learns to cook, and his exploration of Italian dishes provides insights and clues into the crimes he is investigating."

As the investigation progresses, the island's perfect facade begins to crumble, revealing hidden deceptions.

Despite the criticism, the programme has found an enthusiastic audience among other viewers who have already binged ahead on the streaming platform.

"I am hooked! I really enjoyed Episodes 2 and 3. The family drama is just as good as the mystery. Great show! Love the story line and characters!!" one fan wrote.

Others have gone further, demanding the show's future be secured before the first series has even finished airing on linear television.

"I absolutely LOVED the first season! Please renew for a second season!!!" one viewer urged, while another praised the production values: "LOVE the episodes so far. Beautifully filmed, fantastically acted, tight plot twists. Please make Season 2 (at least!)."