Big Topped

Circuses are about as entertaining as bowel cancer. Pretty much how I feel about this Series 4 finale.

For some reason, D. A. C. Stick-up-the-sss takes the UCOS crew to the circus for an entire evening of, um, irritating viewers. At least Jack had the right idea: he hates circuses. After wasting several precious hours of the team's time, Stick-up-the-sss explains he's re-opening an investigation into the death of a circus freak.

Meanwhile, Pinch Face's mom has a stroke. And in the carping between the two she finds out her dad - also a copper back in the day - killed himself after finding out he was being investigated for corruption.

The writers are trying way too hard to inject some meaningful personal drama into the team dynamics. Instead, it comes across as desperate pathos.

If that's their idea of a cliffhanger, they really missed the mark.

Easily one of my last-favorite episodes.

Strickland assigns The UCOS team to investigate the death of Circus owner Burt Digman, who died in suspicions almost a decade before.

They always manage to deliver something special for the series finale, and of course they do again here.

The crime is a good one, it's interesting, with great customers, but it's the character any between Sandra and her team that makes this one an out and out classic.

Favourite scene, is actually the humorous part, poor Brian's doomed driving lesson is a tragic and funny moment. I was blown away by that scene where Sandra challenges Jack over knowledge about her father, both characters were elevated to a whole new level, Redman was superb.

Wonderful to see Hancock back on the show, and as always she was superb.

Christine Tremarco is excellent here as the desperate daughter, for some reason I was reminded of Tamsin Outhwaite.

This series has been one of the best from the show, it ends with another excellent episode, 9/10.

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.

Season 4 is to me one of the best and most consistent seasons of 'New Tricks', dipping only with the still strong "Father's Pride". It ends with a bang with "Big Topped". While the case is very interesting and keeps one interesting, there is classic team rapport and some never less than amusing humour, it's Sandra's personal life that the episode really excels in. It really hits home and tugs at the heart-strings, it is very difficult to not feel sorry for Sandra here and one can understand her upset and anger.

Visually, "Big Topped" is slick and stylish as ever. 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. This is all mixed adeptly with a seriousness without being overly so that it doesn't feel like 'New Tricks'. The story is fun, diverting and keeps one guessing.

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.

"Big Topped" has as ever strong supporting turns from Anthony Calf and Susan Jameson (her chemistry with Armstrong as always is delightful) while Sheila Hancock's performance in particular is a moving one, really making an impact with not as much screen time.

Overall, Season 4 ends with a bang. 10/10 Bethany Cox

The case of the burned circus performer is an o.k. Case, though does give some fun when the UCOS team interacts wit the circus. We also get some info about Sandra, which is shocking and creates some dram within the team. Overall, it works out about average.