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.
"Cry Me a River" is the first episode of the period when 'New Tricks' was not as good as it was, but it is actually a good example of why the post-Brian Lane era isn't as unwatchable as one would fear.
It is most notable for the introduction of Brian's replacement Danny Griffin, who on first impression is not a bad character at all and Nicholas Lyndhurst portrays him very charmingly (appreciated too that the episode tried to show some of his personal life early on). His problem is that he just isn't Brian, at this stage lacking his unique intelligence (though an intelligent character in himself) and never quite matching Brian's emotional complexity, and Brian and Alun Armstrong no longer with us leaves quite a large hole. Am aware that that is an unfair thing to say, just my feelings.
Gerry's hostility towards a new member of a team is pretty old already, and while it is understandable (with Brian having been such an integral part of the team) it's gotten somewhat stale.
The story does play secondary to Danny's arrival, but it is a fun and intriguing case with a shocking and clever denouement.
Visually, "Cry Me a River" 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.
Denis Lawson, Dennis Waterman and Amanda Redman all give their reliably strong performances, and Lyndhurst is charming. The supporting cast also fare well though no outstanding standouts.
Overall, better than expected but not completely satisfying. 8/10 Bethany Cox