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.
Despite liking the pilot "The Chinese Job" a good deal and finding a lot to like (although it could have been better) about "ID Parade", it was with the second episode "Painting on Loan" where 'New Tricks' properly hit its stride, felt more settled and where the tone and writing felt more established and the 'New Tricks' we're familiar with. "1984" was a step or two down from "Painting on Loan", it has a lot of fine elements but fell short in other areas.
"1984's" weak spot is the ending. It was another one of those cases that was too easy to solve, even with several suspects it was not hard to figure out who it was once the twists started adding up and the motive compared to what the rest of the case revealed didn't ring so true to me.
The supporting cast are all solid, but for me only Nicholas Day and Susan Jameson properly rose above that.
Visually, on the other hand, "1984" looks lovely, with a brighter look but never garish and always slick and stylish. 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. Most of the funny lines come from Brian this time, not just at the end but finding out how he feels about rudeness. Regarding the latter, one can actually see where he's coming from and identify with him, especially when things happen in your life that you feel should be taken seriously but aren't (like being bullied at school with me).
Story is compelling, with its fair share of surprising twists, great use of the setting and lively, but never rushed, pacing. The obviousness of the final solution disappoints a little, but it is very interesting to see how the case is solved (that has always been part of the fun).
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.
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. James Bolam's Jack is the quietest, most sensible 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, here with much better material that actually serves a point and is fun, has very good comic timing while being serious when needed.
In summation, good 'New Tricks' episode from the first season but far from being one of the show's best. 7/10 Bethany Cox
'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.
Despite liking the pilot "The Chinese Job" a good deal and finding a lot to like (although it could have been better) about "ID Parade", it was with the second episode "Painting on Loan" where 'New Tricks' properly hit its stride, felt more settled and where the tone and writing felt more established and the 'New Tricks' we're familiar with. "1984" was a step or two down from "Painting on Loan", it has a lot of fine elements but fell short in other areas.
"1984's" weak spot is the ending. It was another one of those cases that was too easy to solve, even with several suspects it was not hard to figure out who it was once the twists started adding up and the motive compared to what the rest of the case revealed didn't ring so true to me.
The supporting cast are all solid, but for me only Nicholas Day and Susan Jameson properly rose above that.
Visually, on the other hand, "1984" looks lovely, with a brighter look but never garish and always slick and stylish. 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. Most of the funny lines come from Brian this time, not just at the end but finding out how he feels about rudeness. Regarding the latter, one can actually see where he's coming from and identify with him, especially when things happen in your life that you feel should be taken seriously but aren't (like being bullied at school with me).
Story is compelling, with its fair share of surprising twists, great use of the setting and lively, but never rushed, pacing. The obviousness of the final solution disappoints a little, but it is very interesting to see how the case is solved (that has always been part of the fun).
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.
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. James Bolam's Jack is the quietest, most sensible 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, here with much better material that actually serves a point and is fun, has very good comic timing while being serious when needed.
In summation, good 'New Tricks' episode from the first season but far from being one of the show's best. 7/10 Bethany Cox