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.
Both parts of the two-part "The Rock" are among the best episodes of the later seasons and definitely the high-point of Season 10, would go as far to say they are high-points of 'New Tricks' overall too. "The Rock: Part Two" continues the entertaining, emotional and hugely intriguing quality of the first part, and excels in balancing all three brilliantly and excelling just as much making them very believable individually. It also gives the feeling that making "The Rock" two parts was justified, with the case being as jam-packed and complex as it is.
The story keeps one guessing and on their toes and it ties everything up beautifully with a solution that rings true. The highlight is Brian's climactic confrontation at the hearing, one of the greatest scenes of the show with some of its best acting.
As said Jack is much missed and added a huge part to 'New Tricks', but luckily Steve is a nice addition settled in incredibly well, he feels part of the team and it is like he has been there for longer. The dynamic in the team feels more settled and accepting generally and Denis Lawson continues to add a good deal in his own way.
Visually, "The Rock: Part Two" 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 in a gentle but sparkling way and high up in the entertainment value. This is all mixed adeptly with a moving seriousness without being overly so that it doesn't feel like 'New Tricks'.
A huge part of 'New Tricks' appeal is the chemistry, which is so entertaining and charming with some nice tension. Especially good is the chemistry between Sandra and Brian.
Denis Lawson has settled in very well, while Amanda Redman balances authoritative boss and loyal friend/colleague beautifully and Dennis Waterman brings levity and grit. The supporting cast are also solid. It, and the second part, is Alun Armstrong's episode though, Armstrong's superb balance of comic timing and pathos was always one of 'New Tricks' consistently best elements and all that can be seen, as well as a wider emotional range than before which Armstrong conveys in an utterly transfixing way, especially at the end.
Overall, brilliant. 10/10 Bethany Cox
