I am working away a lot at the moment but I try and read as much as possible
I am working away a lot at the moment but I try and read as much as possible
Member since:09.03.2001
Reviews:28
Members who trust:9
I have to admit that I am not really a fan of police dramas and therefore was a little amused when my I first watched this with my girlfriend, especially when I found out that it starred Dennis Waterman (I know I shouldn't but I keep thinking of Little Britain, especially when he sings the theme tune!). After watching my first episode (series 2) I found myself hooked and just had to go and by the first series.
"New tricks" was originally shown on the BBC as a one off episode back in March 2003, however it proved to be a success after gaining over 6 million viewers and as a result a series was commissioned in 2004. The DVD includes the pilot episode as well as the 6 episodes from the first series.
Detective Sergeant Sandra Pullman (Amanda Redman) is a high flier within the police force, who due to a messed up case which embarrassed her superiors finds that her career has come to a temporary stop. Pullman finds herself given the assignment of heading up a newly created unsolved
murder squad, however due to lack of manpower the team is to be made up by bringing in retired cops. To say that Pullman is unimpressed with her new role is an understatement; however she is given the right to handpick her team.
Her first choice for the team is her former boss Jack Halford (James Bolam). Halford retired from the police force after a hit and run accident killed his wife. He is still haunted by his wife's death and still talks to her (not literally) when ever he needs to talk about things. Halford is keen to join the squad and after he and Pullman are unsuccessful in recruiting appropriate candidates he recommends 2 people, who whilst highly qualified also have a lot of baggage.
Ex Detective Inspector Brian Lane is a slightly unorthodox character; retired from the Police force after a prisoner died in custody he has become paranoid of a conspiracy against him. Lane is a man obsessed about details and has an ability to remember specific dates and events. His wife Esther is concerned that this new job will bring back all of Brian's problems from the past.
Finally we have Ex Detective Sergeant Gerry Standing (Dennis Waterman), Standing is a throw back to the 1970's and appears to have been stuck in a time warp. It is fair to say that Standing has more baggage than the rest of them put together. With three ex wives (of which they form a rather bizarre extended family relationship!) Gerry retired from the force under a bit of a cloud as it appeared that he was on friendly terms with some of the criminals!
So what makes "New Tricks" any different from the hundreds of other cop shows that are shown on British television?
For a start the characters and actors are far superior to most other shows, the script writing is classy and allows for some great interplay between the cast. Each of the four main characters is fully drawn out and each has their own particular quirks, each is likable and as a viewer it is hard not to be interested in their situations.
The plots are beautifully written and each episode is entirely different to the last, it is refreshing to see a show that does not follow the well trodden route of predictability. The programme is injected with a nice balance of humour and does not get dragged into becoming depressing.
Dealing with unsolved crimes the programme is able to show how policing has changed, the crimes which have been reopened can be looked at in a fresh light due to modern policing methods such as DNA testing. However the element of using retired Police men who still wish to use 1970's policing methods allows the programme to show a contrast with the new system (as was shown in "Life on Mars".
My only criticism of the DVD is that having been used to buying American boxsets is that I wish there were a few more episodes, however this is a little trivial and obviously does not detract from a great televison programme!
"New Tricks" will appeal to a much wider audience than your usual crime programmes because of the gentle humour which has been included. The BBC should produce more shows like this, as "New Tricks" shows that you don't have to dumb down in order to achieve higher audience figures.
CAST
Ex Det Insp Brian Lane Alun Armstrong Ex Det CH Supt Jack Halford James Bolam Ex Det Sgt Gerry Standing Dennis Waterman Det Supt Sandra Pullman Amanda Redman PC Clarke Chik'e Okankwo Det Ass Commr Bevan Tim Woodward Esther Lane Susan Jamison
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![New Tricks : Complete BBC Series 1 [2003] [DVD]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78485394.jpg "New Tricks : Complete BBC Series 1 [2003] [DVD]")
May 1st, 2006
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