New Tricks

For us Brits, it's always nice to see familiar faces back where they belong, and this show does that for both Dennis Waterman and James Bolam. While not quite reaching the heights that 'Minder' did for Waterman, it's nevertheless highly entertaining - and he does get to sing the title theme...AGAIN.

The real star though, is Alun Armstrong, whose portrayal of obsessive alcoholic savant Brian is both funny and touching; and the storybase of a "cold case" police unit made up of retired ex-coppers allows plenty of latitude for self-deprecating humour. Amanda Redman is always good value too, and she doesn't disappoint here as the no-nonsense boss of this team of superannuated mavericks.

Yes, there are lots of clichés and several improbable situations, but overall it's a good-natured romp with a bunch of old pros. I always try to watch it if I'm in.

We are just at the conclusion of 5 episodes, the end of the 2003 series I would imagine and therefore hopefully expecting additional episodes to be made available later in the year. This programme, unique in its storyline, tells of a senior Detective Superintendent,a lovely blonde who commences to address older cases, unsolved, with three senior ex Detectives. All have unusual characteristics such as photographic memory for one, excellent detective skills with another and criminal contacts with the third. The scripts are well written, full of humour but are still a serious crime drama series. As good as Dalziel and Pascoe, Taggart etc., and is recommended for scripting, acting and humour. Good English series

We've watched George Gently, Janet King, The Paradise, A Place to Call Home, and the list goes on. UK/British TV series are great for interesting plot, good casting, beautiful locales and of course superb actors. Our most pleasant surprise is this years-old series "New Tricks." COVID-19 isolation has expanded our viewing beyond the usual PBS/US TV dramas. In signing on to several British outlets we've seen UK shows that have increased our appreciation of the wit/culture that are hallmarks of Brit shows. "New Tricks" is a winner, night after night. There's sufficient salty language and sophisticated sexy innuendo to move the stories quickly forward, no Hallmark syrup here. Plots are unlike any other crime shows we've seen, no spoilers; just watch, you'll see.

The premise of "New Tricks" is based on three retired police officers whose investigative expertise and often cynical approach to crime solving build believable characters. Dialogue is clever, with references that are subtle but still current. Alun Armstrong is brilliant as an alcoholic savant. Amanda Redman is a perfect feminist Guv directing three older men; she's got a complicated past, but builds her team. Dennis Waterman and James Bolam complete the excellent leads. There are frequent cameos by outstanding actors seen more recently from Downton, Grantchester, Doc Martin, and Masterpiece. There's Sheila Hancock, Nicola Walker, Ian McNeice, Claire Bloom, Patrick Malahide and more.

Settle in, you'll watch and watch and miss them when they're gone.

This series just gets better and better. You cant pick who is the better actor, they are all first class. No stereotyping here, all believable, no suspension of reality required.. its just pure entertainment and the fastest hour on the TV. It remains to be seen how far they can extend the series using the same premise. This is quality viewing from the Brits, the way they do it best. Amanda Redman showed us what she was made of in " At Home with the Braithwaites " another show you cant wait to see the next episode ! She has an unconventional beauty that makes her irresistible to watch, at least to THIS viewer. The male part of the cast work so well together, as they should as they are all veterans of the screen.....the show is smooth, seamless, funny and with real non plastic people who do not look all the same unlike in police dramas from the US, which seem to run to a tired formula, tired dialogue.... and is it just me ....but in US dramas when actors leave through a door....why do they inevitably have to turn and say something ??

Bizarre and fun, New Tricks doesn't take itself too seriously, which is why it doesn't get bogged down in the mire that so many American cop shows do. Nothing against American TV, it's produced some hilarious shows, (Arrested Development and Friends come immediately to mind). But this particular type of gentle comedy / drama can only be done by the Brits. Eccentric, charismatic characters, quirky situations and witty dialogue are the strong points. Erratic pace and stereotypical minor characters are the main weaknesses. I find the problems with this show can be overlooked because it's willing to laugh at itself. I think it's great. The actors are right at home and it's sharp and original. Go for it, watch it, why not.