New Tricks (TV Series) Loyalties and Royalties (2008) User Reviews

Keep the faith.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 4 April 2022]

Brian is busy tracking down Jack, Gerry receives words from a dying man, the front man of a 70's rock band, believed to have committed suicide, could have been murdered

Thoroughly enjoyed this episode, a cracking story, great vibe, and some wonderful characters. The mystery itself is wonderfully engaging, throw in the complexity that a returning Jack adds, it's a quality watch.

Roger Lloyd Pack, George Costigan, Peter Guinness etc were all terrific, the interplay among the whole cast was exceptional.

The music was so good, not sure who recorded some of the tracks, great music.

We all know that Dennis Waterman quite often wrote the theme tune, and sang the theme tune, I spent as much time wondering if we'd hear him sing, as I did wondering whodunnit.

8/10.

Stirckland has a Band, who would have known?

[scsaxe · 7/10 · 25 April 2022]

Of course, this band doesn't show up again as is the nature of these shows, but such is life. :)

UCOs investigates the death of one of Gerry's favorite musicians from when he was younger, but finds out you shouldn't meet your heroes. The case goes pretty well, as the team talks to people and learns about the band's interactions and history while solving the case. Watching Gerry and music is quite fun, and leads to a nice twist ending.

Jack's back!

[safenoe · 10/10 · 23 August 2017]

Brian finds Jack on a beach, looking out to the dark skies, and Jack come in from the cold. Here UCOS (with Jack back!) investigate the death of a legendary singer of Bad Faith, who count Gerry and DAC Strickland as huge fans.

George Costigan, who was the big-time adulterer in Rita, Sue and Bob Too, appears as a Bad Faith member.

Also Strickland invites Gerry to join the police band to play for charity. They suggest names such as The Police (already taken), Gerry and the Pacemakers (again already taken) and AC/PC.

Death within the rock band

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 25 January 2018]

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.

"Loyalties and Royalties" for me is the best episode of Season 5 up to this point. Don't get me wrong, the previous three episodes of the season were great too, but here Jack is back after a deeply felt two episode absence and there aren't any glaring goofs.

There is a great diverting mystery, with enough to keep one guessing, with skeletons in the closet, tension, a hint of sadness, a rock music nostalgia and classic 'New Tricks' humour like the ending and Strickland's conversation with Danny Jones.

Visually, "Loyalties and Royalties" 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 a great boss while the supporting cast are all solid if no outstanding performances.

In summary, wonderful. 10/10 Bethany Cox