BLOGS
New Tricks
- Posted at 2:29pm
- 08 August 2008
- by AlisonGraham-RT
- 14 comments
I try to remain aloof from New Tricks (Mondays BBC1), mainly because that infuriatingly jaunty theme tune with its in-built chortle drives me mad. It has lazy lyrics ("It's all right, it's OK/Listen to what I say") and you can just imagine Dennis Waterman (he sings it, of course) clicking his fingers during the recording.
But I know when I'm beaten. New Tricks is a tank, a great big turreted panzer of a television series that gets you in its sights then pins you up against a wall. It's a beast that brings in audiences of more than eight million every week - even its repeats clock up the kind of figures that would make most dramas put up bunting and snog each other in the emergency exit stairwell.
New Tricks' male characters are jolly dinosaurs, coppers of the old school who get things done with guile and guts, rather than la-di-da, newfangled investigation techniques. Then they go down the pub. In a recent episode, the gang reopened an investigation into a death at a brewery when someone drowned in a vat of beer. Perfect New Tricks territory - of course Jack and Gerry (James Bolam and Dennis Waterman) sampled the produce and got drunk.
In New Tricks, being drunk is still a minor miracle of comedy. As is Gerry's much discussed success with the ladies. In the brewery episode (4 August), he was given short shrift by a Dynasty-type posh bitch, one of New Tricks' many stereotypes. Gerry was baffled: she patently didn't fancy him, but worse: "I don't fancy her. It's weird."
And yet… for me, New Tricks features the best performance by an actor currently on television. I'm not ashamed to say that in this week's episode, Alun Armstrong (below) as Brian, makes me cry. I even got a bit teary a couple of weeks ago when he recited a chunk of Macbeth during some nonsense about a dead actor. It was beautiful. (Armstrong is a Royal Shakespeare Company veteran.)
Brian is an alcoholic whose grip on sobriety is delicate. He is loved and respected, but addiction is isolating and he's drowning in a well of loneliness. It's a brilliant pen portrait from Armstrong.
Comments
- Posted on 18 September 2009
- at 9:43pm
- by BrunoB
What a breath of fresh air after all those 'schedule-stuffing' reality shows. Do us all a huge favour BBC and commission Series 7!
- Posted on 17 September 2009
- at 12:33pm
- by DealBoatman
Having come to this series late, I wish I was able to see the earlier series.
- Posted on 17 September 2009
- at 8:49am
- by Bryan
A wonderful series; the only TV programme I will not allow myself to miss. Each of the lead characters brings wit and style to their individual role, and yet it is the combined talents, working in concert which make this so enjoyable.
- Posted on 16 September 2009
- at 10:03pm
- by swan
Brilliant, hope there will be a new series
- Posted on 27 August 2009
- at 11:01pm
- by NV
I can't believe we're almost at the close of another series;I love New Tricks.
My favourite character is Brian. Will somebody please get up a fansite for Alun Armstrong.
- Posted on 20 August 2009
- at 10:09pm
- by Mal
Tonights episode (20 Aug)was the best ever - fantastic performances by everyone and a great storyline.
- Posted on 31 July 2009
- at 4:08pm
- by Dave
I hold New Tricks in the highest regard - an oasis of fun an entertainment in a wasteland of mostly rubbish .
I wonder, though, if anyone else has the impression as I have, that this latest series lacks the cleverness and humour we've come to expect in the plot and dialogue of episodes so far.
In the latest episode (30 July) we're presented with an entrepeneur who exploits her employees while being invited to empathise with illegal immigrants (who are tipped off about an imminent raid by the authorities courtesy of our hero). Disparaging remarks about Daily Mail editorials, a wife-beater, and a feisty young female immigrant ** yawns **
Has there been a change in the writer(s) of this series? It's beginning to look as though it's taking a depressingly PC turn in direction.
- Posted on 29 November 2008
- at 5:34am
- by Kirsten in New York
Some of us are even watching it across the pond. There must not be as much of a delay if it still on in the U.K. and we're getting it here. There's something both entertaining and comforting about it, especially after the gory close-ups and flash lifestyles of CSI.
- Posted on 21 November 2008
- at 9:04pm
- by scengvold
NEW TRICKS is probably the best TV crime/entertainment program ever invented!
- Posted on 16 September 2008
- at 10:13am
- by analyst
Alun Armstrong should be getting awards for his acting. He is a star.
- Posted on 06 September 2008
- at 7:12am
- by MyKeL
What about a flashback episode with Rula Lenska playing "Jack" Halford's wife and, prior to her hit-and-run, getting into a fight with her husband's colleague "Gerry" Standing, played with conviction by Dennis Waterman?
- Posted on 19 August 2008
- at 5:18pm
- by francie
please, please lots more of new tricks; it's the only programme I cannot miss. I too especially enjoy Alun Armstrong's creation of Brian
- Posted on 12 August 2008
- at 4:59pm
- by raferty
compulsive viewing. great characterisation and acting all round
- Posted on 09 August 2008
- at 4:31pm
- by N
Spot on..
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