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.
"Glasgow UCOS" is very like "Part of a Whole", it is a very interesting try at doing something relatively different, and while it was not entirely successful it was generally done very well. It is grittier and more darkly sombre than can usually be seen, but the gritty elements have tension and while humour is kept at relative minimum there was enough entertainment value to keep things from being overly serious.
The story is an absorbing and clever one with a fair share of surprises that don't feel too stale, if at times over-complicated and like there was too much going on and with not enough breathing space. The denouement is an unexpected one.
Sandra and Brian are very much missed in the first time they're absent up to this point of 'New Tricks', one does get the sense here that in particular it isn't the same without Brian or Alun Armstrong. Still it was lovely to see more development to Steve, he very quickly settled in very well but he did need more development and "Glasgow UCOS" gave that. Gerry is a gritty and lively presence, and the chemistry between them has really blossomed.
Visually, "Glasgow UCOS" 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. The chemistry between the characters and cast entertains, charms and has some intensity.
Acting is very good from both Denis Lawson and Dennis Waterman, as well as the supporting cast.
In summary, pretty good but not up to high 'New Tricks' standard. 7/10 Bethany Cox