User Reviews

With Jack absent, the team investigate the death of an actor, who died on stage some years back in tragic circumstances.

It's a good episode, which has some real moments of greatness. The story is good, intriguing and thought provoking. The best element here though, the acting, there are some exceptional scenes.

Brian's scenes on stage are incredible, his monologue and scene with Claire Bloom are some of the show's best moments, Armstrong at his best, he is exceptional. Claire Bloom is also equally terrific, for my money she's one of the best.

It's so odd to have an episode with no Jack, Bolam is definitely missed in this one. Young Strickland makes for an amusing enough stand in, with some funny jokes.

Very watchable, 8/10.

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.

Also noticed the sloppy goof regarding the Brandon/Bruce Lee mix-up, and am not sure as to whether it was a mistake on the writers' part or an accidental slip of the tongue. Jack's absence is deeply felt and it's sad not to see him, but considering the circumstances and at least there was a reason given it makes sense.

The case is a compelling one, keeps one guessing and the ending is unexpected and somewhat sad.

Visually, "Final Curtain" 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'. The story is fun, diverting and keeps one guessing.

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. Loved the theatrical skills Brian shows and really plays to Armstrong's strengths and a fond reminder of his other roles.

The only woman on the team, Amanda Redman more than holds her own in what is essentially the boss role of the team. Dennis Waterman brings some nice levity without unbalancing things. Anthony Calf has settled in well.

Claire Bloom gives a terrific guest supporting turn, one of the early seasons' best to me.

Overall, great episode. 9/10 Bethany Cox

The case is...see the title. Not particularly interesting to solve, and the ending feels a bit weak. Outside of work, Brian gets some stage time, who would have known a character being played by an actor could act. :)

So yes, out of work stuff is all right, case isn't that interesting, this gets a lower rating.