Object of Desire

I used to like this series. But then I watched it again recently and I had a growing dislike toward Brian character, especially in the way he behaves with his wife. It didn't matter too much most of the time, but in this episode he simply is abhorrent. The way he shouts at his wife, forbid her to dispose of some items in the attic (when he himself considers as normal to sell objects that don't belong to him), opens her email, justifies his bout of temper, it's appalling.

It's not just that it didn't age well, it never was ok in the first place.

It's too bad really because the episode is above average but for this utterly repulsive character.

This episode is about the antiques trade, including some shady business as you might expect, as the team investigates the death of a trader. The first part is a bit disorganized and meandering as it sets up the threads, but has good, memorable characters for the team to interact with. But this setup pays off excellently in several exciting scenes towards the end of the episode, as the team solves the case.

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.

"Object of Desire" is a particularly wonderful episode of the eighth season, which continues 'New Tricks' generally very high standard. The story is continually gripping and the intrigue and twists prevent it from being predictable, although like with Season 8 in general there are familiar elements.

Visually, "Object of Desire" 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'. The Brian and Esther subplot is very deeply felt.

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.

Supporting cast are all strong.

In summation, wonderful. 10/10 Bethany Cox

James Larson, a handsome and charismatic Detective asks for Sandra's help, being an old flame adds complications.

It's a very good episode, I am absolutely loving this series, I think it's proving to be even better than the last. I love how they're exploring Sandra's personal life a little deeper, we had the relationship between her and her mum, now we see old flame James.

So much to interest and intrigue in this one, the case itself is fascinating, I had never dreamed that such things go on, but I'm told they certainly do. Brian's side story is tremendous too, it's the first time we've gotten to see him so stressed in a while. The ending comes as a huge surprise, it's one of those I never saw coming.

Paul McGann is awesome here, what a tremendous actor, in good company here with Anna Calder Marshall, Jesse Birdsall, and Manu others.

It's a terrific episode, 9/10.