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 not as good as the first Season 2 episode "A Delicate Touch", "Family Business" is nonetheless a very well done episode. Considering the theme of the story, the episode could easily have been heavy-handed and not particularly sensitive or tactful. "Family Business" doesn't fall into either trap (though not everybody may find this the case), while still making an impact, being thought-provoking and pretty harrowing.
It is agreed that Gerry's behaviour (mainly the PC business) was odd at times and considering the case was not particularly appropriate, it didn't seem right that the team didn't say anything. The supporting cast are solid enough, but nobody is quite outstanding or a standout, a little more meat to their characters may have helped but they don't do anything that will offend the viewer.
Other than this, "Family Business" doesn't have very much wrong. The ending is more satisfying and easier to swallow than some of the endings of previous episodes (including "A Delicate Touch"). While a very serious case, one of the earlier season's most serious, there is still the mix of humour and mystery.
Visually, "Family Business" looks lovely, with a brighter look but never garish and always slick and stylish, with a touch of grit seen in the pilot and the first episode. 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.
Story is compelling, with its fair share of surprising twists and skeletons in the closet conflict and lively pacing.
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 is fun and is adding more and more all the time to the crime solving, even if some of his methods throughout the show are not one calls by the book.
"Family Business" has Anthony Calf's second appearance as Strickland and he already has settled in nicely as a far more likeable character than Bevan (in the first season), as is evident in him being one of the show's longest serving characters/actors.
To conclude, very well done, does a good job with a heavy subject. 8/10 Bethany Cox
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