Teenager/young woman goes missing, UCOS gets new information and investigates. The case didn't capture my interest all that much, and the ending was a bit of a letdown. There's better ones out there.
4 Reviews
They have a mystery, they figure it out, the usual
scsaxe29 April 2022
Coming Out Ball
TheLittleSongbird8 February 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.
"Coming Out Ball" is a very good episode if not among one of my favourites from 'New Tricks'. Not because there is much wrong with it, other than that some ideas in the story are not much new and some of the way Gerry is written in the episode distracts somewhat (like the whole anti-Irish thing). Wasn't sure what to make of the character Fintan McEntee, his dialogue in the opening exchange may raise some eyebrows (like the line about self-respecting Irishmen).
The case still compels though with plenty of entertainment and intrigue if not many surprises, apart from the denouement.
Visually, "Coming Out Ball" 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.
Everybody in support is solid.
In conclusion, enjoyable and well done but 'New Tricks' have done better. 8/10 Bethany Cox
'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.
"Coming Out Ball" is a very good episode if not among one of my favourites from 'New Tricks'. Not because there is much wrong with it, other than that some ideas in the story are not much new and some of the way Gerry is written in the episode distracts somewhat (like the whole anti-Irish thing). Wasn't sure what to make of the character Fintan McEntee, his dialogue in the opening exchange may raise some eyebrows (like the line about self-respecting Irishmen).
The case still compels though with plenty of entertainment and intrigue if not many surprises, apart from the denouement.
Visually, "Coming Out Ball" 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.
Everybody in support is solid.
In conclusion, enjoyable and well done but 'New Tricks' have done better. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Gerry's unhappy about helping an ex-Irish terrorist
safenoe22 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Fintan MacEntee, a former member of the Irish Republican Front, approaches UCOS regarding the kidnapping of the daughter of a wealthy industrialist. Gerry's not happy about this. Curiously, it's interesting to wonder how Irish terrorists are distinguishable from British folk, because they share the same physical characteristics, i.e. they look alike.
Gerry's not happy about Fintan, and Gerry's anti-Irish sentiments come to the fore.
Coming Out Ball has a double meaning, and we learn that Barbara loved another woman, so I guess coming out.
Also Barbara expresses reluctant to attend her school reunion because she confesses she was the "school bitch" who bullied the girls.
Gerry's not happy about Fintan, and Gerry's anti-Irish sentiments come to the fore.
Coming Out Ball has a double meaning, and we learn that Barbara loved another woman, so I guess coming out.
Also Barbara expresses reluctant to attend her school reunion because she confesses she was the "school bitch" who bullied the girls.
A fantastic watch.
Sleepin_Dragon21 July 2021
Barbara Linden Warner, a beautiful Deb, vanished in 1983, a ransom demand was set, and paid, Barbara was never seen again.
The last episode was terrific, this isn't far off, it is an excellent episode, I love the storyline, it has some real depth, nothing about the involvement of UCOS feels contrived, it is all very organic. I loved the whole cast, what an array of sheer talent, and as always the touches of humour were great.
It's well paced, and gritty, a story that's not afraid to venture into troubled waters.
What a role call, Simon Dutton, the glorious Sophie Ward, and of course thr legendary Sian Phillips, who as always is on top form. As always the regulars are tremendous, good to learn more about Sandra.
Each time they continually mentioned Miss Jones, my mind instantly kept thinking of Frances de la Tour, can you imagine.
Fintan Macentee is an interesting character, well acted, and a character that really triggered Gerry. A really interesting mixed bag, with a troubled past.
Loved it, 9/10.
The last episode was terrific, this isn't far off, it is an excellent episode, I love the storyline, it has some real depth, nothing about the involvement of UCOS feels contrived, it is all very organic. I loved the whole cast, what an array of sheer talent, and as always the touches of humour were great.
It's well paced, and gritty, a story that's not afraid to venture into troubled waters.
What a role call, Simon Dutton, the glorious Sophie Ward, and of course thr legendary Sian Phillips, who as always is on top form. As always the regulars are tremendous, good to learn more about Sandra.
Each time they continually mentioned Miss Jones, my mind instantly kept thinking of Frances de la Tour, can you imagine.
Fintan Macentee is an interesting character, well acted, and a character that really triggered Gerry. A really interesting mixed bag, with a troubled past.
Loved it, 9/10.
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