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.
Although somewhat of a let down after the terrific previous episode "The War Against Drugs", "The Truth is Out There" for me is a better episode as has been said. It is a long way from being one of my favourite 'New Tricks' episodes this said. As has been noted, "The Truth is Out There" is a very different episode.
What is essentially a light-hearted show this is an uncharacteristically heavy one. This is apparent in as early as the opening exchange between Sandra and Jack, opening exchanges have often been amusing, this one was very sombre. Not a bad thing, just noting the difference. The American portrayal didn't bother me that much.
"The Truth is Out There" is a strange episode (not as much as "Wicca Work" though) somewhat, with a lot crammed in and a fairly complicated story. The different strands seem muddled and unrelated to each other on paper, but oddly enough actually tie up better than expected and just about avoids being confusing. Was not sure what to make of the ending though, it was an interesting one and different, one can also see where Brian is coming from, but the ambiguity of it was oddly unsatisfying in a case that to me needed to have everything tied up.
Visually, "The Truth is Out There" 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, though the humour is more prevalent in other episodes.
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. The supporting cast are solid, if not quite what one would call outstanding.
In summary, odd and atypical but interesting and generally well done. 8/10 Bethany Cox