User Reviews

Britain's Junior number one tennis player dies just after losing a final, a final that would have taken her into the professional big time.

I enjoyed the story very much, and I really enjoyed the mystery element, it had a real originality, tennis isn't often used as a subject in a drama, good to see.

Good story for Gerry this one, he's definitely changed as time has gone on.

Brian and Scampi provided some hilarious scenes, I'm sure most of us have had a dog that doesn't like bath time. I also enjoyed seeing some of the shine coming off the new boy, Steve even suffered Sandra's wrath for the first time.

I really enjoyed the performance of Tamzin Outhwaite here, she clearly impressed enough here to later land the role as Sandra's replacement. I also enjoyed seeing Alexei Sayle.

Very strong episode, 9/10.

As with most New Tricks episodes there are some really good cameos. First of all, the excellent Tamzin Outhwaite as a young tennis star's mother. There's a brittleness to her character that is underplayed and, as such, unsettles you more than the overtly unpleasant traits that some actors would have employed. The comedian Alexei Sayle is very believable as a slimy agent who may or may not be hiding secrets. The young actress, Martha MackIntosh, played the conflicted Fawn Brammall with sincerity and vulnerability. However, it is Dennis Waterman's Gerry who comes out of this episode as the most affecting character. The way he clearly cares about Fawn in a fatherly way is beautifully played and the scene where he lends her his coat perfectly captures the feelings of righteous anger and protectiveness shown by Gerry throughout the episode. It is his performance which lingers in the memory and gains extra layers on subsequent re-watching.

We see the introduction of Sasha...uh..Sasha's identical twin.....a different character played by Sasha's actor. Yes, actors play multiple characters, but it is still weird to watch. (Sasha, if you don't know, replaces Sandra in the later series)

The case itself is pretty good, UCOS goes through the usual suspects and clues for an episode like this, and the resolution makes sense. We get some fun moments from Steve and Gerry in the process.

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.

"Love Means Nothing in Tennis" for me is one of Season 9's best episodes, although it seems to be one of the season's lower rated episodes. All the episodes at this point of Season 9 were very good to start and coped remarkably well with the major change in the regular cast. As said Jack is much missed and added a huge part to 'New Tricks', but luckily Steve is a nice addition settled in reasonably well. The dynamic in the team feels more settled and accepting generally and Denis Lawson continues to add a good deal in his own way.

The case is very intriguing and fun, even with not much innovative at times. A standout scene is the unsettling ending.

Visually, "Love Means Nothing in Tennis" 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, which is so entertaining and charming with some nice 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. Amanda Redman more than holds her own and is very authoritative.

Lawson as said is a worthy and nicely settled addition, but it's agreed that Dennis Waterman's more sympathetic side stands out especially here.

Regarding the supporting cast, with standout performances from Martha Mackintosh (very touching), Alexei Sayle (hugely effective against type) and pre-Sasha Miller Tamzin Outhwaite (avoiding the histrionics that could have made her character over-the-top but the understated approach works wonder and allows one to sympathise), "Love Means Nothing in Tennis" boasts one of the season's most impressive ones.

Overall, great episode. 9/10 Bethany Cox