New Tricks

New Tricks has been my favourite television show since I was a little girl. I love the main quartet of actors and their multi-dimensional, complex, wonderfully British characters. For ten years, it has consistently had the highest viewing figures of almost any BBC drama. Now that its in it's tenth series, inevitably there has to be some changes. Staying in one role for that amount of time, no matter how much you love it, must get tedious. Some people crave change more than others, but to me, ten years still seems like a hell of a long time.

Amanda Redman is the single most perfect actress to play the character of Sandra Pullman. When she leaves the show in episode eight, undeniably some of the original magic will be lost, especially considering the departure of Alun Armstrong, the fantastically loopy Brian, in episode four. However, people who are going to stop watching the show after this are, in my opinion, missing the point entirely.

Personally, I can't say I'm Tamzin Outhwaite's biggest fan, but who knows, she will probably be great. I know that she will never replace Amanda, but she isn't trying to: she is a different actress portraying a different character. At the end of the day, I have faith that the writers will keep up the incredibly high standard of storylines and character development.

One of the things I like the most about New Tricks is how the characters steadily become more fascinating with each passing series. This is because of the brilliant quality of both acting and writing featured on the show. This isn't going to get worse in any way- in fact, with two new characters to explore and develop, it will probably get even better.

So what I really want to say is don't give up on New Tricks just because two of the main characters and actors are leaving. Keep watching it, because it is an original British drama, because it has such a high calibre of acting and writing and because I honestly believe that the old dog has got life in it yet. By all means, if the team dynamic doesn't work, if the plots become boring or if Gerry sells his beloved Triumph Stag, stop watching it, but please just give it a chance first.