Have always been a big fan of detective/mystery shows from a fairly young age, well since starting secondary school.
'Inspector Morse', 'A Touch of Frost', 'Midsomer Murders' (in its prime), 'Law and Order', 'Inspector George Gently', 'Criminal Minds', 'Murder She Wrote', you name them to name a few. 'New Tricks' has also been a favourite from the start (despite not being the same without the original cast in recent years). Although it can be corny at times (in an endearing sort of way) it has always been perfect for helping me relax in the evenings. Something that was needed during all the hard times endured in school.
"Wicca Work" was a pretty good episode but has never been one of my favourites, actually among the lesser episodes of the show's prime period. Being somewhat of a departure episode atmosphere-wise, it is also something of a polarising one at the same time. It's fun with some nice twists along the way but it's also very strange for 'New Tricks'. As far as the show goes, this is by quite some way the weirdest and it is very hard to discern as to whether that's a good thing or not, sometimes it works while at other times it doesn't work so well. With Sandra's last line, the viewer knows exactly where she's coming from and empathises.
For my tastes, the ending felt obvious, with too few suspects, and more silly than creepy or suspenseful. The supporting cast (non-regulars) are decent enough, but nobody stands out.
There are strengths though. Visually, "Wicca Work" looks lovely, with a brighter look but never garish and always slick and stylish with some darkness. The music is a good fit and the theme song (sung with gusto by none other by Dennis Waterman himself) is one of the catchiest for any detective/mystery show and of any show in the past fifteen years or so.
Writing is mostly intelligent, thought-provoking and classy, while also being very funny and high up in the entertainment value. A few strange spots here and there, like the denouement. There are a few neat twists and conflict, while the atmosphere has some spookiness.
A huge part of 'New Tricks' appeal is the chemistry between the four leads and their performances. The chemistry is so easy going and charming with a little tension.
One of the show's biggest delights is Alun Armstrong, achieves a perfect balance of funny comic timing and touching pathos which was maintained all the way up to his final episode. It is also lovely here to see his role in the team and skills appreciated more all the time. James Bolam's Jack is the quietest, most sensible (mostly) and most composed of the team, with a tragic personal life that Bolam portrays very touchingly without any overwrought-ness.
The only woman on the team, Amanda Redman more than holds her own in what is essentially the boss role of the four. Dennis Waterman brings some nice levity without unbalancing things, while showing some seriousness at the same time.
In summary, pretty good but very strange. 7/10 Bethany Cox
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