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 11 started off decently but not amazingly, and while the show is definitely past prime the season did get better. This can be seen with "Breadcrumbs" though it is not one of the best episodes of the season.
Maybe the number of characters is a couple too many, though in a way it is more preferable to not having enough suspects which makes things less too prematurely foreseeable. Sasha's personal life bits are a touch too awkward, even when intended to be that way it was taken a touch too far and jarred slightly.
Actually, there is not really much wrong with "Breadcrumbs" and there is nothing to be offended by. The case is a very intriguing and compelling one, not too simplistic, not too convoluted as well with enough turns to keep one guessing. Was surprised by the ending.
Will admit to starting to get used to the new team dynamic and they work pretty well together. It is charming and likeable, if not as sparkling or fresh as the original one and Brian's absence since Season 10 is still lamented (one of the main reasons why the show hasn't been the same since).
Confidently and smartly written, "Breadcrumbs" has a seriousness without being too serious and has a few comic touches without jarring tonally. All the replacements of the original characters are now well settled if not the same.
Visually, "Breadcrumbs" 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.
All four leads are great and the episode is solidly acted in support too.
Overall, very enjoyable. 8/10 Bethany Cox