New Tricks

New Tricks gets its season nine DVD release, and casual viewers will be shocked to find out that one of the team has retired, permanently. That being said, the opening episode gives us a brief little bomb drop about said character moving on, but as they say, “The Show Must Go On”.

Were quickly introduced to Stephen Fisher (Tim McInnerny; Black Adder), an agent from White Hall Intelligence, who asks the team to look into the murder of a woman from 160 years ago. As odd as that request sounds, the team jumps on it, with disturbances from Fisher all along the way.

By the end of the episode it’s obvious this wont be the last we see of Fisher as his last scene, and the end scene, shows Fisher conversation to an unknown person on the telephone about the fact that this is just the beginning of something larger.

The fourth episode in the series see’s the new face, Steve McAndrew (Denis Lawson; Star Wars Franchise), a retired detective who, despite his retirement, has been cursed by a case that he’s been trying to solve for the last 9 years. A case that has suddenly seen new life when the team gets put on it.

McAndrews is a Scottish cop who is very enthusiastic about his work, a real overzealous go getter with too much energy. At first the team isn’t too excited about him being along for the ride, but they warm up to him, especially Gerry (Dennis Waterman). So much, that in fact I think I like Gerry a lot more. McAndrews seems to have brought Gerry’s inner tough guy out. In one scene Gerry grabs a confession from an oafish DJ by grabbing him where it hurts, literally.

Despite the fact that the show lost one of its veteran players I liked the way this ninth season panned out. Denis Lawson alone seems to have revitalized the show with fresh blood and new energy. The writing seems a bit more exciting as well. I also enjoyed the guest stars that appeared in this season. Not to shabby an installment for the series. Newcomer will enjoy and fans will enjoy even more.