Episode #1.0 (27 Mar. 2003)

After an attempt to rescue a kidnap victim the officer in charge, Supt. Sandra Pullman, who also shot a dog during the raid, is reassigned. DAC Donald Bevan puts her in charge of UCOS, a ... See full summary »

Director:

Graham Theakston

Writers:

Roy Mitchell, Roy Mitchell (creator),

Stars:

Alun Armstrong, James Bolam, Amanda Redman

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Alun Armstrong	...	Brian Lane
James Bolam	...	Jack Halford
Amanda Redman	...	Detective Superintendent Sandra Pullman
Dennis Waterman	...	Gerry Standing
Chiké Okonkwo	...	PC Clark
Jon Finch	...	Roddy Wringer
Jill Baker	...	Gaynor Wringer
Tim Woodward	...	Donald Bevan
Michael Culver	...	Ian Lovett
Susan Jameson	...	Esther Lane
Zena Walker	...	Mrs. Dubrovski
Sarah Berger	...	Mrs. Collard
Leanne Wilson	...	Amelia
Heather James	...	Alison
Jodie Kelly	...	Caitlin

Storyline

After an attempt to rescue a kidnap victim the officer in charge, Supt. Sandra Pullman, who also shot a dog during the raid, is reassigned. DAC Donald Bevan puts her in charge of UCOS, a new unit focusing on unsolved cases. There are no resources available, but Sandra is authorized to hire retired detectives and turns first to her old boss and mentor, Jack Halford, who quickly signs on. Together, they interview a number of ex-policemen and settle on Brian Lane, a reformed alcoholic who retired after a prisoner in his custody died, and Gerry Standing, who seems to know as many criminals as policemen and who won't hesitate to cut corners if it will get him a result. Their first case is that of Roddy Wringer, who is released after 21 years in prison when one of the officers on his case is found to have been corrupt. Bevan is convinced Wringer is guilty and makes it clear that he expects Sandra to prove that. As the investigation progresses, however, it appears that Wringer may not have ...

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Plot Keywords:

murder | detective | police | team | investigation | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Drama | Mystery

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Details

Official Sites:

BBC [uk]

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 March 2003 (UK)

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Wall to Wall Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Goofs

Bevan is referred to as a Deputy Assistant Commissioner, but he wears the rank insignia of an Assistant Commissioner.

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Quotes

Gerry Standing: It's er innit woof woof bang bang.

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Connections

Followed by New Tricks (2003)

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Soundtracks

"End of the Line"
Sung by Dennis Waterman

User Reviews

Best Series Around

This is the best series of its type I've seen all year. I can't help thinking it's just my luck - a series I love gets 6 episodes (and more next year) and the constant stream of cookie-cutter cop shows get never ending episodes.

I think the reasons New Tricks succeeds are many. The scripts are good, and the mix of characters superb, The acting is top flight, and the blend of comedy and drama works a treat. The stories aren't all that memorable, but that's not the reason I watch shows like this one.

The theme song is a favourite, and we were disappointed to find it isn't available in any published edition. Great stuff, BBC- a triumph of sense over sex-appeal (aside from the young constable nobody's there as eye-lolly, and even if he IS, he can still act!).