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.
Like what was said for "The Sins of the Father", "The Little Brother" is still one of the best Season 10 episodes and one of the last "great" episodes of 'New Tricks' before it started not feeling the same. There is little wrong here, other than that it occasionally got a little over-complicated in places.
As said Jack is much missed and added a huge part to 'New Tricks', but luckily Steve is a nice addition settled in incredibly well, he feels part of the team and it is like he has been there for longer. The dynamic in the team feels more settled and accepting generally and Denis Lawson continues to add a good deal in his own way. Love Brian and Esther's scenes too. This was a sad reminder of how in the rest of the show's run Brian is even more missed than Jack and that the lack of Alun Armstrong left such a huge hole.
The case is never less than intriguing and fun with a surprising denouement.
Visually, "The Little Brother" 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, which is so entertaining and charming with some nice tension.
Denis Lawson, Dennis Waterman and Amanda Redman all give their reliably strong performances, while Susan Jameson is ever splendid as Esther and the support is solid. Alun Armstrong, and his ingenious balance of quirks, funny yet endearing comic timing and poignant pathos, is the star of the episode.
Overall, great episode and a worthy if sad swansong to Brian. 9/10 Bethany Cox