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.
"Tiger Tiger" is an excellent episode, living up to the consistently solid quality of Season 8 and a more than worthy way to end it The story is continually gripping, and the consistent intrigue, clever twists, one of the show's most gruesome murders (the opening exchange describing the murder is not for the squeamish) and surprising denouement prevent it from being too predictable. Not quite one of my favourite 'New Tricks' episodes, not that there is anything wrong with it but that it just lacks the extra something of the best episodes.
Visually, "Tiger Tiger" 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'.
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 is typically great as Strickland and there are typically solid performances, nobody outstanding but no weak links.
Overall, excellent. Am aware that this is very similar wording to my previous 'New Tricks' reviews and apologies for that, but it is hard not to when the numerous strengths are the same. 9/10 Bethany Cox
