New Tricks (TV Series) Nine Lives (2007) User Reviews

Cats (not the musical)

[safenoe · 9/10 · 10 August 2017]

Here the UCOS folk investigate a suspicious death of Dorothy, who owned many cats running wild, and who were named as beneficiaries in her will, much to the consternation of Dorothy's relatives.

I was surprised that the legendary Jeff Rawle, who was fantastic in Drop the Dead Donkey, didn't get on-screen credit along with the other support stars (e.g. David Bamber, Adrian Scarborough) after the opening credits rolled. I saw that with respect to David (excellent in the original British production of House of Cards) an Adrian, who I remember from a Midsomer Murders episode.

Anyway, Harry Hepple (played by Adrian) is exposed when he lives a fake high-flying lifestyle in a bank, but is really a barista. Also Dale Hewson (played by David) is exposed in front of the old ladies for his ulterior motives.

First class episode.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 15 February 2022]

Jack insists on reopening a ten year old case, the death of an elderly lady, who was left in a locked house, with a load of cats.

It's a really great episode, the quality of this fourth series continues with another cracker. An impressive balance of drama and humour, parts of this were hilarious, but of course there's a really serious side.

Such an originality here, I can think of no other show that had the same mix, this is a first rate episode.

What an incredible cast here, one of the best lineups you'll ever see on a TV show, first off the legendary Eric Sykes, very much advanced in years, but loaded with charisma. There's Jeff Rawle, Victor Maguire and Lindsay Coulson. David Bamber is an absolute riot.

Scampi had somehow managed to change breeds, I'm sure I remember him being a Terrier.

9/10.

Feline homicide

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 20 January 2018]

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.

While not quite as good as the previous three episodes, there is a huge amount to recommend in "Nine Lives". It is another case of the culprit's identity not being a particularly surprising one, but nonetheless there is pretty much everything still that is so good about 'New Tricks' here.

Visually, "Nine Lives" looks lovely, with a brighter look but never garish and always slick and stylish. 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 intelligent, thought-provoking and classy, while also being very funny and high up in the entertainment value. The story is fun, diverting and with enough twists to keep one guessing.

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.

"Nine Lives" similarly boasts great guest turns from David Bamber (doing wonders with a somewhat obvious role), Adrian Scarborough and Jeff Rawle.

In conclusion, Season 4 does it again with another winner of an episode. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Esther!

[grammydawn-43404 · 10/10 · 4 January 2021]

This show makes me laugh out loud. Sometimes I feel guilty because they are investigating murders. My favorite character is Esther, Brian's wife. She is so understated and a perfect foil to his craziness.

I was bothered this episode by the lack of continuity with a previous episode. When Brian is gifted his new dog, Scampi, the dog is obviously a terrier. In this episode he is a spaniel. I know it's easy to notice these things when binge-watching, but the job of a show runner is to make sure it doesn't happen.

Otherwise, the show is perfect.

Nice Episode

[imatranslator2022 · 10/10 · 29 March 2020]

I like this episode because I'm a cat lover myself and I resent people who dislike them or animals in general.

Weird premise makes a good episode

[scsaxe · 8/10 · 29 April 2022]

A woman was eaten by cats, ......but maybe it was murder. It ends up being so, and how UCOS solves the crime with animal evidence is a fun episode. Brian gets to use his knowledge and thinking skills to solve various parts of the case, and we get a good interaction with some of the witnesses/people of interest.