User Reviews

The UCOS team investigate the death of a DJ, unfortunately Jack is still absent.

I thoroughly enjoyed this episode, it's a bit of a classic, a truly original story. It boasts a great story, rich content, and some excellent acting.

It's such a shame that Jack is still missing, his absence is definitely felt here once again. Let's hope he's back very soon.

It's almost as if this was written some years later, after various real life crimes had come to life, inappropriate attitudes are challenged here by the team.

Danny Webb was great, Rees Shearsmith was terrific, as always, I loved his character, loved his scenes with Brian, and also loved the cheeky nod to The League of Gentleman, Tubbs.

Great episode, 9/10.

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.

Jack's absence is deeply felt and it's sad not to see him, but considering the circumstances and at least there was a reason given it makes sense. There is not much to criticise at all, it just isn't the same without Jack and there is yet another sloppy goof, this time related to the death of Princess Diana.

"A Face for Radio's" case though is absorbing and has enough to keep one guessing, nothing obvious here.

Visually, "A Face for Radio" 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'. The story is fun, diverting and keeps one guessing.

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.

The only woman on the team, Amanda Redman more than holds her own in what is essentially the boss role of the team. Dennis Waterman brings some nice levity without unbalancing things. Anthony Calf has settled in well and the supporting cast are all solid.

Overall, another great, if not quite classic, Season 5 episode. 9/10 Bethany Cox

This is an episode I watched a couple times just to get the story sorted out, but not much in it stood out to me. The case is pretty straightforward as I remember it, and the characters didn't stand out much either.

Hard to say much more about it, a lot of my less liked episodes are ones that don't stick in the brain as much, or just felt boring to watch, so its hard to comment on them.