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.
'New Tricks', as indicated a fair number of times, was past its prime/glory days by Season 12, when there was a whole new team that were charming enough but didn't sparkle anywhere near as much. Season 12 was still watchable enough though but it took some getting used to. "The Fame Game" is a decent episode, albeit not a great one.
While not as interesting as any member of the original team, Ted is more settled and Larry Lamb plays him well. The team dynamic charms and amuses and feels more natural, again though it doesn't sparkle and feels a touch stale.
The case holds one's attention and is interesting and not confusing or simplistic. The solution didn't quite add up for me for the main reason mentioned in the previous review, some suspension of disbelief is needed. The personal stories are nicely done on their own but not all of them add much, Sasha's is a bit soapy and it is one of those situations that while relatable has been portrayed better elsewhere.
"The Fame Game" is not without its amusing moments and also enjoyed Steve's role in the episode.
Visually, "The Fame Game" 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 thought-provoking and amusing enough, if somewhat stale by now.
Good performances from the whole cast, whatever reservations to be had about the chemistry it's not the fault of the actors but the writing.
On the whole, decent but not great episode. 7/10 Bethany Cox
'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.
'New Tricks', as indicated a fair number of times, was past its prime/glory days by Season 12, when there was a whole new team that were charming enough but didn't sparkle anywhere near as much. Season 12 was still watchable enough though but it took some getting used to. "The Fame Game" is a decent episode, albeit not a great one.
While not as interesting as any member of the original team, Ted is more settled and Larry Lamb plays him well. The team dynamic charms and amuses and feels more natural, again though it doesn't sparkle and feels a touch stale.
The case holds one's attention and is interesting and not confusing or simplistic. The solution didn't quite add up for me for the main reason mentioned in the previous review, some suspension of disbelief is needed. The personal stories are nicely done on their own but not all of them add much, Sasha's is a bit soapy and it is one of those situations that while relatable has been portrayed better elsewhere.
"The Fame Game" is not without its amusing moments and also enjoyed Steve's role in the episode.
Visually, "The Fame Game" 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 thought-provoking and amusing enough, if somewhat stale by now.
Good performances from the whole cast, whatever reservations to be had about the chemistry it's not the fault of the actors but the writing.
On the whole, decent but not great episode. 7/10 Bethany Cox