New Tricks (TV Series) Powerhouse (2007) User Reviews

Brian refers to 9/11 to solve a memo found

[safenoe · 9/10 · 14 August 2017]

In this episode Brian uses his knowledge of American dates (month/day hence 9/11) to identify a memo from the US Embassy that were intended to be incinerated at the Battersea Power Station. The origins are the Mau Mau uprising and it's very intriguing, and leads to moral discussions about war and uprising, British colonialism and the rights of Africans.

This episode still has its charms, with Jan Francis and George Cole, both of whom starred with Waterman in Stay Lucky and Minder, respectively. The episode also features Georgina Rylance, an Oxford Brookes University graduate.

I loved the scene where the UCOS gang are on a double decker bus recreating the crime scene. Amanda Redman's impersonation of a bus inspector was priceless! Talking about double deckers, I love double decker chocolate bars.

Another classic from this wonderful series.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 16 February 2022]

UCOS investigate whether or not one of the last men to be hanged was done so justly, or was a miscarriage of justice.

Such a good episode, the standard throughout this series has been of the highest order, absolutely brilliant, great story, fantastic art of characters, and the usual wonderful play among the regulars.

Good to see the team involved in an active enquiry for a change. I loved the complexity of the story, it wasn't your usual run of the mill mystery.

Great to see Dennis Waterman and George Cole reunited again, many of us will have fond memories of Minder. A wonderful cast here, including an ever wonderful Jan Francis and Roy Hudd.

I really liked the music, if you've watched any of the Inspector Wexford series, it sounded like that, really good.

A class act, 9/10.

Team figures out what happened in a standard episode

[scsaxe · 7/10 · 2 May 2022]

There's a case from long ago, the team pieces together what evidence remains, and figure out what happened. The case pokes some interest or long lost hobby or event in Brian's life, and we see his reaction. It's pretty standard as these things go, and this episode does it about as well as expected.

The case does do a good job of plausible having evidence survive long enough for UCOS to investigate, instead of just being lost long ago.

Powerhouse indeed

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 21 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.

Season 4's previous four episodes were all wonderful. "Powerhouse" shows the season and show not faltering and lives up to its episode title very aptly.

The classic rapport between the team is there, as is the fun case solving and a diverting mystery.

Visually, "Powerhouse" 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 double decker bus scene is indeed hilarious. This is all mixed adeptly with a seriousness without being overly so that it doesn't feel like 'New Tricks'. The story is fun, diverting and keeps 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.

George Cole is similarly wonderful and gives one of my favourite guest turns for 'New Tricks'.

Overall, Season 4's high quality continues with this powerhouse episode. 10/10 Bethany Cox