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' was past its best by now, with integral characters no longer with us, but was certainly not an unwatchable period. For me, "Wild Justice" is one of the better episodes of this period and a solid way to finish Season 10.
While it is charming, witty and likeable, the chemistry between the leads was stronger in 'New Tricks' prime era (Seasons 1-9 when characters that made the show (especially Brian, which the show wasn't the same without when he left) were still there. Prime-era 'New Tricks' also had more spark and freshness.
Sasha however is more settled in and more confident as a leader, and Tamzin Outhwaite does a very good job again. The ending is not as soapy either, although a very sombre one, so that's already two improvements over the previous episode "Roots".
Case itself is very compelling, with some nice twists and turns, not all surprising but many are, tied up satisfyingly and cleverly.
Visually, "Wild Justice" 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, with a nice mix of the comedic and the serious.
Cannot fault any of the performances (the leads are very good and Ralph Brown is suitably creepy), and while the chemistry is less than perfect it just about works enough all things considered.
In conclusion, solid. 8/10 Bethany Cox