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.
'New Tricks' was past its best by now, with integral characters no longer with us, but was certainly not an unwatchable period.
A large part of me is still lamenting the loss of Brian, with his unique cleverness, quirks, humour and emotional complexity that was such a huge part of the show, and that the lack of Alun Armstrong's presence leaves a large hole.
Danny is not bad a replacement though, not near as memorable, interesting or endearing but he's gelling well, is likeable and is played with subtle charm by Nicholas Lyndhurst.
With a darker, grittier and more sombre tone than there usually is, the case is very compelling with lots of twists and turns, not all surprising but many are, tied up satisfyingly and cleverly. The episode serves as a more than worthy send-off to Sandra, with particularly excellent work from Amanda Redman, in particularly a very touching ending that sees a familiar face offering some tear-jerking words of wisdom.
Visually, "The One that Got Away" 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, with some amusing humour wisely kept at minimum for a serious case.
A huge part of 'New Tricks' appeal is the chemistry, which is so entertaining and charming with some nice tension.
Uniformly great performances from the whole cast, with top honours going to Redman.
In summary, a worthy send off for Sandra and one of the better episodes of Season 10 and of the "not the same" period. 9/10 Bethany Cox