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.
"Dockers" is an even better Season 3 episode than the season opener "Lady's Pleasure". It has a case that's even more involving and twisty, shows that 'New Tricks' was getting better with having endings that satisfied and more than initially seemed and the case solving is lots of fun with a little tension. It is beautifully balanced with the character moments within the team, something that came off more memorably than the case in "Lady's Pleasure" but the two were more balanced this time. This is 'New Tricks' in its prime, the characters, their personal lives and chemistry are becoming stronger all the time and the show really has found its feet.
Visually, "Dockers" 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 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 and Susan Jameson is ever a delight. "Dockers" has one of the starriest supporting cast line-ups up to this point in 'New Tricks' with the likes of Kenneth Colley, Kenneth Cranham, Maggie Steed, Dave Hill and Frances Barber, all very good particularly Barber and Cranham.
In conclusion, wonderful. 10/10 Bethany Cox
