"New Tricks" Episode #1.0 (2003)

User Rating:

8.3/10   

Director:

Graham Theakston

Writers:

Nigel McCrery (creator)
Roy Mitchell (creator)

TV Series:

"New Tricks" (2003)

Original Air Date:

27 March 2003 (Season 1, Episode 0)

Genre:

Comedy | Crime | Drama | Mystery

Plot:

As punishment for messing up a kidnap rescue and shooting a dog in the process Detective Superintendent...

Plot Keywords:

Police | Detective | Murder | Team | Investigation

Cast

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

Runtime:

87 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Goofs:

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

Movie Connections:

Followed by "New Tricks" (2003)

Soundtrack:

End of the Line

Another gem from the UK....

I'm a bit of a sucker for high-quality drama of any kind from the UK, and this series, although currently only 2 episodes old in Aust, appears to be no exception. Although it plays heavily on how detecting methods have advanced in 15-20 years, the true beauty of the writing and acting isn't buried beneath procedure, procedure and more procedure.

I've been a big fan of James Bolam's since 'When The Boat Comes In' in the late '70's. He is joined by Denis Waterman and Alun Armstrong, with Amanda Redman as their boss. The interplay between all 4 main characters is the true backbone of the series. The story so far isn't so much about old dogs having to learn new tricks as it is about the human interest behind the lives of each of the main characters, and this is beautifully drawn without too much explanation and hoo-ha. For me, it makes me consider the dreams and plans we all have in youth, and how it is we find ourselves in retirement, wondering 'What now?' Keep an eye out for Susan Jameson playing Alun Armstrong's wife, herself married to James Bolam in real life.

If you've ever wondered: Where are they now?, then they're probably in the series, 'New Tricks.'