New Tricks (TV Series) The Sins of the Father (2013) User Reviews

Is one of the team about to leave?

[Tweekums · 9/10 · 13 August 2013]

When Scott Bunce is released from prison after serving sixteen years of a life sentence Gerry is convinced that it is a mistake. He is convinced of the man's guilt but a re-evaluation of the evidence suggests he may be a victim of a miscarriage of justice so the case is reopened and UCOS are brought in to find out what really happened. Meanwhile Brian is worried that he could be in trouble following the events at the end of the previous episode; he also tries to sort things out with his son who he hasn't seen in years.

This episode might not have had the sunny Gibraltar setting of the opening story but it was still a good episode. The story had a degree of sadness as we see Brian trying to reconnect with his son at the same time as Bunce is trying to get back with his daughter… who believes that he killed her mother. There aren't too many suspects for the murder so there is a fair chance the viewers will guess who did it before the final reveal; but not too soon before. There is a good chance that viewers will have already heard that one of the main characters will be leaving early in the series which is a pity as it lessened the impact of the final scene; it was still rather sad even though that character is leaving because they acted on principle. As always the acting from the main characters was good; especially from Alun Armstrong and Susan Jameson who play Brian and his wife Esther; their scenes together are a delight.

Strong episode for Brian and Gerry.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 5 November 2022]

Scott Bunce is released from prison on technical grounds, convinced by Gerry, the evidence is deemed unsafe.

Very good episode, and despite it almost being time up for Brian, the case is mainly focused on Gerry, and his irritation at one of his cases being reexamined, it must be a stomach turning thing for any officer to experience. Brian does get his story though, but it's more personal, focusing on his relationship with estranged son Mark.

Intriguing, well made, and an ending that delivers the unexpected. This series has definitely started off very well, this is a good follow up to the two part Gibraltar story.

Gerard Horan is a prolific actor, this is arguably the best thing I've seen him do, he was excellent here, possibly the standout, loved his frustrations and anger.

It's a shame that Sam Hazeldine wasn't here as Mark, although James Schlesinger did a pretty good job in the role. I'm not surely I totally bought into the relationship in this one, as I have done in previous episodes.

8/10.

Paternal sins

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 6 March 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.

While not as wonderful as "The Rock" two parter, "The Sins of the Father" is still one of the best Season 10 episodes and one of last "great" episodes of 'New Tricks' before it started not feeling the same. There is little wrong here, but part of me was a little underwhelmed at suspects being too few which took away a little the surprise element.

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. Love Brian and Esther's scenes too, Brian's reconciliation and the heart-wrenching final scene, despite what he did being sackable-worthy part of you does understand fully why Brian did it. That and the next episode were a sad reminder of how in the rest of the show's run Brian is even more missed than Jack and that the lack of Alun Armstrong left such a huge hole.

The case is never less than intriguing and fun with a surprising denouement.

Visually, "The Sins of the Father" 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, which is so entertaining and charming with some nice 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. Amanda Redman more than holds her own and is very authoritative while Dennis Waterman is amusing and gritty.

Lawson as said is a worthy and nicely settled addition and Susan Jameson is splendid as Esther. Can find no fault with the rest of the cast.

Summarising, a great episode once again. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Very emotional and tense Brian gets basically fired

[ctyankee1 · 31 May 2015]

A man is in jail 16 years for killing his wife. He later gets released and wants to meet his daughter to explain what happened. His daughter saw her father standing over her dead mother and thought he did it. She is scared of him and does not want to see him. A neighbor who is angry at him testifies against him. The man gets out of jail on a technicality. UCOS proves he did not kill his wife.

Brian is dealing with another case too from years ago. A woman's son died under the supervision of a cop who just got a award from the police dept. Brian always felt the kid died of neglect by the cops. Brian gets statements on a tape recorder by the cop in charge at that time and gives it to the boys mother and the case will probably be reopened. This causes Brian to get fired which he accepts because he wants the truth to get out and give the mother some kind of information to get justice for her son. Brian's wife Esther is such a blessing. She has always been supportive, patient, loving and understanding. I am going to miss her to. Brian is no longer with UCOS but is in the next episode as a investigator for his wife's friend find her brother

I will miss Brian he added a lot of humor to the series. The man that took Jack's place is Denis Lawson who plays Steven McAndrew. He also played a cop in "The Ambassador". Now the only original characters are angry ones Sandra and Gerry. Very sad with Brian leaving.

Brian's second last episode

[safenoe · 10/10 · 28 October 2017]

Brian attempts to meet Mark and he learns he'll be a grandfather and he tells Esther. James Schlesinger plays Mark and previously Mark was played by Sam Hazeldine who played Tom Barnaby's son-in-law in Midsomer Murders.

DAC Strickland learns about Brian's secret tape recording, and the final scene was very emotional with Strickland ordering Brian to clear his desk. This was fine acting by Anthony Calf, who as Strickland gives Brian a sliver of an opportunity to recant.

Mike the cop had an affair with Lauren a few years ago and she accidentally stabbed herself when Mike was there.

A moving guitar piece played over the end credits.

T

Brian's story continues, plus an investigation

[scsaxe · 7/10 · 26 April 2022]

Brian's second to last episode starts with more Anthony Kaye, before going into a murder from Gerry's past. The story here is standard New Tricks, though the case involved Gerry, his interaction is similar to most other cases, his role is being social with the people involved and getting information from them. He doesn't want to case reinvestigated, sure of the result, but goes along anyway, and is the exact combination of rubbing it in but friendly about it when proven right/accepting of the new findings when proven wrong that the episode requires.

Brian interacts with his son a few times, who is not happy with how they've interacted in the past, and this involvement helps investigate the case. Brian's story here works to watch and makes sense for the character.