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Episódio
Temporada
New Tricks
20047
DramaComédia
Estreia
01/01/2004
País
Reino Unido
Produções
Wall to WallBBC
New Tricks é uma comédia dramática britânica que acompanha o trabalho da fictícia Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad do Serviço de Polícia Metropolitana. Originalmente liderada pela Superintendente Detetive Sandra Pullman, é composta por policiais aposentados que foram recrutados para reinvestigar crimes não resolvidos.
About
Quick guide
A British comedy‑drama about a team of retired detectives solving cold cases.
New Tricks follows the Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad of the Metropolitan Police, led by former detective superintendent Sandra Pullman. The squad is made up of three seasoned officers—Gerry Standing, Brian Lane and Jack Halford—who use their experience and wit to reopen unsolved crimes. Each episode centers on a new case, while the characters’ personal lives and ageing add humour and pathos. The series blends mystery, light‑hearted banter, and occasional darker themes, making it a unique mix of crime procedural and ensemble drama.
What to know
- The show ran for 12 series from 2003 to 2015, with 107 episodes.
- All main characters are retired police officers re‑hired to solve cold cases.
- The ensemble cast changed several times; notable departures include James Bolam, Amanda Redman, and Alun Armstrong.
- Each episode focuses on a new, independent case rather than a single overarching plot.
- Humour is derived from character quirks and their interactions, not from slap‑stick.
- The series balances light banter with mature themes like grief, alcoholism and racism.
- The setting is largely London, with occasional shoots outside the city.
- The show is available on DVD and streaming platforms.
Watch if
If you enjoy crime dramas with a witty, character‑driven tone and appreciate a mix of mystery and humour, New Tricks offers a relaxed investigative style that highlights the wisdom of age.
Skip if
If you prefer high‑stakes thrillers or action‑heavy police procedurals with minimal banter, the lighter, dialogue‑heavy pacing may feel too slow and predictable.
investigation heavydialogue heavylight tonemature themespolitical themeslanguage somelanguage strongslow burn
Show Origins
New Tricks debuted as a single pilot in 2003 before receiving a full series order. Created by Nigel McCrery and Roy Mitchell, the show was produced by Wall to Wall and later Headstrong Pictures. It quickly gained a following for its blend of crime‑solving and character‑driven humor.
The UCOS Team
Led by Sandra Pullman, UCOS is staffed by three retired officers—Gerry Standing, Brian Lane and Jack Halford—each bringing unique expertise. Their complementary skills and camaraderie form the core of the series, allowing the team to tackle a wide range of unsolved cases.
Episode Structure
Every episode presents a self‑contained investigation, often involving historical crimes or forgotten evidence. While the overarching plot is limited, recurring character arcs—such as Brian’s struggles with alcoholism—provide continuity and depth across seasons.
Cast Evolutions
Over its run, key actors departed and were replaced: James Bolam by Denis Lawson, Amanda Redman by Tamzin Outhwaite, and Alun Armstrong by Nicholas Lyndhurst. These changes brought fresh dynamics while preserving the show’s core premise.
Tone and Style
The series balances light‑hearted dialogue with mature themes. Episodes range from comedic misadventures to darker investigations, yet the overall tone remains approachable, with a focus on character chemistry rather than high‑stakes action.
Reception and Legacy
New Tricks enjoyed strong viewership on BBC One, consistently ranking in the top ten shows. Its mix of mystery and humor made it a favourite among audiences, and it remains a notable example of British crime drama with an ensemble focus.
Availability
All twelve series are available on DVD and various streaming services, making the show easily accessible for new viewers or those revisiting classic British television.
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FAQ
24 Q&A
How many seasons does New Tricks have?
The series ran for 12 seasons from 2003 to 2015, comprising a total of 107 episodes.
What is UCOS?
UCOS stands for Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad, a fictional division of the Metropolitan Police that re‑investigates cold cases.
Who leads the UCOS team?
Detective Superintendent Sandra Pullman, portrayed by Amanda Redman, is the lead, supported by retired officers Gerry Standing, Brian Lane and Jack Halford.
Why did actors leave the show?
James Bolam, Amanda Redman, and Alun Armstrong departed to pursue other projects or due to creative changes, with replacements bringing new dynamics.
Is there an overarching plot?
No. Each episode focuses on a separate cold case; character arcs provide continuity across the series.
Does the show contain violence?
The series depicts crime scenes and investigations, but violence is presented in a realistic manner rather than graphic or gratuitous.
Are there any political themes?
Occasionally episodes touch on political intrigue, especially involving corruption or public policy, reflecting realistic law‑enforcement issues.
What is the tone of the series?
New Tricks blends light, witty dialogue with mature themes, maintaining a generally upbeat tone while addressing serious subjects.
Can I watch the show on streaming platforms?
Yes, the series is available on several streaming services and can also be purchased on DVD.
Is the series suitable for younger viewers?
The show contains mature content such as drug use and some strong language, so it is recommended for mature audiences.
Did the cast change significantly over time?
The main cast changed several times; key departures included Bolam, Redman, and Armstrong, with new actors stepping in to keep the team dynamic fresh.
What is the premise of the pilot episode?
The pilot introduces Sandra Pullman as she recruits retired officers to form UCOS and sets the stage for the team's first investigation.
How does the show handle the characters' personal issues?
Personal struggles—such as Brian's alcoholism or Sandra's career progression—are woven into episodes, providing depth without detracting from case focus.
Does the series have a strong female presence?
Sandra Pullman is the central female character, supported by later additions like Tamzin Outhwaite’s DCI Sasha Miller.
What is the setting of the show?
The majority of the series is set within the Metropolitan Police Service in London, with occasional on‑location scenes elsewhere.
Is the show in a single language?
New Tricks is produced in English and includes occasional strong language typical of realistic dialogue.
How did the series conclude?
The final season wrapped up with the team solving a complex case while addressing long‑standing character arcs, leading to a satisfying series finale.
What is the typical runtime of an episode?
Episodes run approximately 56‑59 minutes in the original UK broadcast, with some international releases edited to 45 minutes.
Is there a spin‑off planned?
A planned spin‑off for a Glasgow‑based episode was shelved after production issues; no official spin‑off exists.
What makes New Tricks different from other crime dramas?
Its unique focus on retired officers using their experience, combined with a light, comedic touch and independent case structure, sets it apart.
Does the show address contemporary social issues?
Yes, several episodes tackle topics like racism, sexism, and media influence, reflecting real‑world concerns.
How many episodes were in each series?
Series varied from six to ten episodes; early series had six, while later seasons had up to ten.
Are any of the cases based on real crimes?
While the cases are fictional, they draw inspiration from typical cold‑case investigations.
Which actor had the longest run on the show?
Dennis Waterman was the only cast member to appear in every series, playing Gerry Standing.
