Hustle - I signori della truffa

Thank God that AMC saw the light and, in conjunction with the BBC, allowed us "Yanks" to view one of the coolest shows to come on the scene in decades. When AMC initially aired trailers for it two years ago, I intended on checking it out because of Robert Vaughn, a actor that I've admired since his "Man from U.N.C.L.E. days and the sole American in the cast. However, its airing and my schedule could not get "in sync".

It was until this third season that I started watching the show and what a pleasure each and every installment has been. The cast is flawless: Adrian Lester is authoritative and classy as leader "Mickey"; Marc Warren brings the right persona as "Danny," the "eager beaver" neophyte; Vaughn, of course, is perfect as "Albert," the senior grifter of the group; Jaime Murray holds her own as the sole female member of the quintet, providing the sexual allure but equally adept at the art of con; and Robert Glenister's "Ash" is the group's "jack of all trades," the one that stages and sets up the elaborate situations and locations for the respective "stings".

Major kudos must be given to creator Tony Jordan, as well as Bharat Nalluri for providing the idea.

The story lines are enthralling and the occasional "winks" at and asides to the audience are brilliantly executed, adding to the "tongue in cheek" flair of the show.

The cinematography is such that London has never looked better and hipper. The wardrobe budget must be astronomical because each of the principals gets to "dress to the nines."

It's too bad that because the show is an "import," it's not likely to be eligible for Emmy consideration.

It is truly deserving.

For those of us old enough to remember, there was a short-lived American show in the 60's called "The Rogues," starring the stellar cast of Charles Boyer, David Niven, Gig Young, Robert Coote, Gladys Cooper, and a young Larry Hagman.

Not since that show has "conning" been such fun...until "Hustle"

Here in Sweden the second chapter will be seen this evening but from only have seen the pilot I must say that "Hustle" is very, very cool.

A couple of gentlemen thieves fraud rich people who really deserves a lesson and can afford to lose some money :-). Nothing is (or was in the first episode anyway...) as it seems, except for the brilliant acting and cool surroundings. The perfect league of anti-heroes lead by Mickey "Bricks" Stone, a criminal master-mind. The best in what he does. Teamed up by old friends good at different things which complements the group perfectly. I know what I will do the coming Tuesdays!

Hustle raises the standards of television; television that has recently sunk into the depths of reality shows, repeats, and more reality shows. Hustle also shows that originality goes a long way.

This program contains three essential legs that keep it upright. Firstly, the idea. The idea of the show is so brilliant that it feels as if a breath of fresh air hits you in the face every time you watch it. It is produced superbly and the atmosphere of the program is modern, original, smooth and sophisticated.

Secondly, the script. Week in, week out, Hustle delivers something new and exciting. The writing is witty and gives the juxtaposition of characterization freedom to move around, while being tied down by the umbrella that is the genre and idea for the program. The dialogue is also good, by the second series the writers seemed to have let characterization seep over the wall of initial curiosity about the acceptance of the program.

The third point is the acting. Everyone plays their character perfectly, as if they are straight out of a jigsaw puzzle, everyone fits brilliantly. The actors gel well on camera and give a positive atmosphere when all together.

The only real thing i can say negatively about the show is that sometimes you have to take a step back and say, wait a minute, they are stealing. That is the greatest con on the program, they completely cover up the fact their stealing and rename their actions as HUSTLING.

But still, this program uplifts BBC's reputation and actually produces some healthy viewing. 99% of todays television is copied, processed and dragged out to the death, It is junk . Hustle is new, original, fresh, smart, packed with twists, and good entertainment. If reality TV shows are fast food, Hustle is an exotic fruit.

British TV at its best.

Great cast, especially Adrian Lester who does an amazing job (and on top of that he is gorgeous!)

Look for the "correspondance" with older sting movies. I really loves the references to "The Sting".

Witty plot, beautiful settings, clever lines and many surprises along the story line all combine to make a great show.

American TV can take a lesson or two by studying this show.

And did I mention Adrian Lester ???

Look for it !!!

Tony Jordan was briefly confronted in a low key column of a tabloid newspaper about why there are only 6 of Hustle.

If you are like me and desperately want it on for longer, Jordan claims that he is a Story consultant for Eastenders, writer for Bafta winning drama Spooks, and a writer of Hustle, which means holiday breaks are limited. He just can't find the time. A shame!

Hustle has become one of my most favourite TV dramas of all time. Although the last episode of series 2 seemed to be a slight rip-off of Entrapment, it was probably the best one they ever did! However it does leave the question of how can they top it?