User Reviews

Shadow show, a movie about...I don't remember really, but one clip gets a murder investigation going. The mystery itself is somewhat fun, with a stereotypical arrogant movie director at the center and the character's connections to movies looked at.

The most memorable scenes are the ending and the questionings of said director, otherwise the episode is standard New Tricks fare.

The team are shown a snippet from a low production movie made back in the 90's, it's shows a woman being slapped, and a man running on stopping proceedings, soon after the actress disappears, and the director is killed.

It's an absolute classic, it delivers hugely on every level, the story is imaginative and unique, the character okay is great, and its arguably some of the best acting you'll see.

I've reviewed many things over the years, and two voices have always stood out, Stacey Townsend and Sandra Dickinson, to get the both of them in one show, it's a treat, and the pair are great, it's no accident that Townsend is compared to Orson Welles.

The ending is wonderfully dramatic, and it will have you on the edge of your seat. Just watch the delivery of Alum Armstrong, once again he's at the top of his game.

I'm watching this just a few days after the tragic passing of Dennis Waterman, I hope he's regarded with the acclaim he deserved, absolutely brilliant, here you get to see just how good he is.

Class act, 9/10.

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.

"Shadow Show" is another great episode of a generally strong Season 6. Like the previous review, also appreciated the film noir nature of the story and the modern day social media references.

The case is a compelling one, with its fair share of intrigue and surprises.

Visually, "Shadow Show" 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 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.

Anthony Calf is always a welcome presence as Strickland and support is very good.

Summarising, great. 9/10 Bethany Cox