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.
"Congratulations" to me is the best episode of a largely great Season 3, a terrific end to the season and a perfect example of what 'New Tricks' is all about. It has a lot of classic 'New Tricks' humour, an intriguing case where things are more than it initially seems to be, fun team rapport and a riveting subplot with Jack that provides major development for the character and future events for the show.
Visually, "Congratulations" looks lovely, with a brighter look but never garish and always slick and stylish. 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. The story is fun, diverting and twisty. One feels sorry for Jack, the school fire case avoids being over-shadowed too much and is resolved satisfying (though the culprit was not a massive shock) and the cliffhanger ending is tense.
It also does a great job introducing the viewer to one of the show's nastiest pieces of work in Ricky Hanson, a character that one dislikes intensely well before the big revelation and even more so afterwards. Gerry's subplot could have distracted but just about avoids that.
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. James Bolam's Jack is the quietest, most sensible (mostly) and most composed of the team, with a tragic personal life that Bolam portrays very touchingly without any overwrought-ness.
The only woman on the team, Amanda Redman more than holds her own in what is essentially the boss role of the four. Dennis Waterman brings some nice levity without unbalancing things.
Kevin Whately and especially David Troughton make excellent guest appearances and Anthony Calf proves why he is deservedly one of the longest-serving cast members.
Overall, terrific. 10/10 Bethany Cox