I didn't get into New Tricks when it originally aired in Canada because it was shown on some cr@ppy third-rate cable channel that probably went in and out of our paid tiers. I've given up on a lot of shows because of that.
Now that I have a BozoJeff Firestick and I sail the Seven Seas for all my television needs, I've binged on Minder, my favorite show of all time. Then I went looking for other shows featuring Dennis Waterman. So here I am.
This episode plays like it's Part 2 of a series pilot. The case - a murdered cop 17 years earlier - is background to the personal travails of the four principals. Fair enough. They're still introducing the characters to the punters.
I automatically like Gerry because it's Dennis Waterman. And I like the calm professionalism of James Bolam's Halford. I'm also pleasantly surprised to see latter-day Minder regular Nicholas Day turn up as assistant superintendent Bevan. I'm disappointed to see he's only in six episodes. Judging by his Shakespearean acting credits, maybe he only did TV to pay some bills.
It might take me a while to warm up to the other two regulars. I'm not a fan, generally, of characters with tics like Alun Armstrong's Lane. They're usually a writer's crutch. And then there's Amanda Redman's DS Pullman. Not a fan of ball-busting sourpusses so I hope she lightens up.
There's a lot of yelling in this episode. That wears thin really quickly.