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.
While still not one of the best 'New Tricks' episodes, "Lottery Curse" is among the better ones for Season 12. Wasn't bowled over by it, but it was very good on the whole.
Although not as interesting as any member of the original team, Ted is more settled and Larry Lamb plays him well. The team dynamic charms and amuses and feels more natural. Still think it doesn't sparkle anywhere as much as the original team dynamic and doesn't have its freshness.
The case very interesting and twisty, that avoids being too confusing while suitably challenging. The identity of the culprit didn't surprise me hugely though.
Also was not a big fan of the Sasha subplot, that added very little and it was pretty corny. Otherwise the writing is very interesting and amusing.
Visually, "Lottery Curse" 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.
Good performances from the whole cast.
Overall, very good episode and one of the better ones of Season 12. 8/10 Bethany Cox
