"New Tricks" The War Against Drugs (TV Episode 2009) Poster

(TV Series)

(2009)

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9/10
Mixed personal storyline and case works well
scsaxe2 May 2022
Brian enters a rehabilitation program, and hears about a mysterious death some time ago, and the team investigates. But to avoid stressing Brian, they keep the investigation and case separate. The result is a solid episode, where the other 3 UCOS members solve the case (including some fun Gerry stuff) while also working around Brian. We also see a little of what he's doing at the clinic.
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8/10
The Trinity Clinic
ygwerin119 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Brian Lane is his own worst enemy he constantly fails to appreciate his wife, Esther despite all she has done for him in his life. He takes her for granted that she will always be strong enough, to support him, when he cannot support himself.

When does Brian ever spare a thought for Esther? Does he never even imagine that Esther might need him, as much as he cannot hope to survive without her?

Esther finally reached the end of her wits and gave Brian an ultimatum, that he must undertake therapy and managed to convince him to attend the Trinity Clinic.

Clinics cost money but where can the Lanes, possibly hope to to locate the vital funds?

The Trinity Clinic houses at least one skeleton in its closets, but when Esther had placed a strict embargo on Brian what can UCOS do?

When Gerry heard that the Trinity Clinic includes within its Tutors, a Sex Therapist he doubtless looked her up on the net. Gerry jumped at the opportunity to get involved directly in the investigations, by being parachuted into the Trinity Clinic as a patient.

Not only is Gerry admitted as a Sex Addict in the Clinic, Sandra became his ever loving spouse and Jack his brother.
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10/10
A top five episode.
Sleepin_Dragon30 April 2022
Brian goes into rehab after his recent battles with alcohol, it turns out a suspicious death happened there some time back.

This was an incredible episode, surely it must rank as one of the show's top five episodes, it was genuinely an amazing watch.

Where to begin, first off, I'll start with the obvious, Brian, the last series had a story arc about his demons, his alcoholism, this episode deals directly, it's a pivotal episode in his story, Alun Armstrong is incredible here, some of his scenes were captivating.

The story, how on Earth did they go from a story of addiction, to the story of a recent, harrowing war in Europe, the writing was just on point.

Plenty of humour, Sandra was responsible for most of the amusing lines, but when she needed to deliver the serious moments, she did.

Ten acting was terrific all round, an impressive supporting cast, Fay Ripley, Nicholas Sidi and of course Richard Wilson were awesome.

It felt very original, I was captivated from start to finish, truly an amazing hour of drama, 10/10.
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10/10
Brian recovers, and Gerry goes undercover as a sexaholic in a rehab
safenoe29 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
When I entered my review for this episode, it had 69 IMDb votes. Talking of which, Gerry goes undercover as a sexaholic (or sex addict) in the rehab clinic where Brian is seeking treatment for his alcoholism. UCOS investigate the mysterious death of a patient 9 years earlier, thanks to a tip-off from Brian.

Fay Ripley appears as one of the counselors, and she was fantastic in Cold Feet and its revival.

Also Steve Elder, who played an MI5 undercover operative in a Judge John Deed episode, appears as the brother of the patient who mysteriously died.
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10/10
'New Tricks' goes to rehab
TheLittleSongbird30 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.

"The War Against Drugs" is a terrific start to Season 6. While the case is a very compelling one with plenty of intrigue and surprises, it's everything centred around Brian that gives the episode its heart and power and what makes it memorable. The stuff with Gerry is entertaining too

Visually, "The War Against Drugs" is slick and stylish as ever. 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. This is all mixed adeptly with a seriousness without being overly so that it doesn't feel like 'New Tricks'.

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. Susan Jameson shows Esther's frustration, loyalty, empathy and strong will splendidly.

Overall, terrific. 10/10 Bethany Cox
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