New Tricks : Complete BBC Series 3 [2007] [DVD]

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In an ocean of police shows competing for screen space, New Tricks has one heck of a trump card. For while its plotlines aren’t particularly radical, and while the pace is perhaps gentler than you may expect, its cast greedily devour the material and lift a good show into something really quite special.

The premise behind New Tricks is that three retired detectives are called in to work as a mismatched team of sorts to solve crimes. So far, so routine. But those three detectives are played by Dennis Waterman, James Bolam and Alun Armstrong, a trio who can not only act, but are also capable of maximising the comedy potential on offer. Then, there’s the juicy inclusion of Amanda Redman, who brought the three of them back together in the first place. Combined, these four are clearly having a terrific time with the show, and it’s fun we’re all invited to share in.

The third season of New Tricks, presented in this DVD set, features eight varied episodes and the obligatory end-of-season cliffhanger, along with some welcome guest stars. The stories cover ice cream, witchcraft, dogs and school, and it’s to the show’s credit that it does balance the serious moments with its plentiful humour exceptionally well.

In short, New Tricks is a real treat, putting core values ahead of gimmicks and letting us all enjoy the rewards of its approach. Cracking stuff. --Jon Foster