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.
"17 Years of Nothing" is one of my favourite episodes of a good to great Season 2 ("Trust Me" is my favourite), with the weakest episode "Fluke of Luck" still having a lot of fine qualities despite being over-stuffed. Gerry's gambling withdrawal subplot threatens to distract from the case but doesn't, instead at times being the butt of some of the humour.
The ending is also one of the season's better ones, it was a real surprise and it feels rounded off though it was disappointing that one doesn't really get to know the culprit that much. Other than that some of the very intriguing science also at times rather bogus, especially with the stuff with the chemical composition of the bones, that is my only issue with it.
Visually, "17 Years of Nothing" 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. The first and last scenes are for me two of the show's funniest ensemble scenes, the last one especially is proof at how 'New Tricks' delivered so well on the humour of their final scenes.
Story is compelling, with its fair share of surprising twists and skeletons in the closet conflict, and lively, but never rushed, pacing.
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 with a little 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. James Bolam's Jack is the quietest, most sensible (mostly) 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 brings some nice levity without unbalancing things.
Anthony Calf has fully settled in as Strickland and Susan Jameson and her chemistry with Armstrong are delightful. Timothy West is particularly excellent of the supporting cast.
Overall, great and my second favourite episode of the second season. 9/10 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.
"17 Years of Nothing" is one of my favourite episodes of a good to great Season 2 ("Trust Me" is my favourite), with the weakest episode "Fluke of Luck" still having a lot of fine qualities despite being over-stuffed. Gerry's gambling withdrawal subplot threatens to distract from the case but doesn't, instead at times being the butt of some of the humour.
The ending is also one of the season's better ones, it was a real surprise and it feels rounded off though it was disappointing that one doesn't really get to know the culprit that much. Other than that some of the very intriguing science also at times rather bogus, especially with the stuff with the chemical composition of the bones, that is my only issue with it.
Visually, "17 Years of Nothing" 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. The first and last scenes are for me two of the show's funniest ensemble scenes, the last one especially is proof at how 'New Tricks' delivered so well on the humour of their final scenes.
Story is compelling, with its fair share of surprising twists and skeletons in the closet conflict, and lively, but never rushed, pacing.
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 with a little 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. James Bolam's Jack is the quietest, most sensible (mostly) 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 brings some nice levity without unbalancing things.
Anthony Calf has fully settled in as Strickland and Susan Jameson and her chemistry with Armstrong are delightful. Timothy West is particularly excellent of the supporting cast.
Overall, great and my second favourite episode of the second season. 9/10 Bethany Cox