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.
The first episode to feature none of the original team, "The Curate's Egg" is decent all things considered. At the same time, it does feel something is missing and things just don't feel the same.
Even though it is clear that it's meant to be unsettled in the team dynamic when somebody leaves and is replaced, here things feel particularly unsettled with one person (Sasha) down and Gerry's replacement Ted having some funny lines but not having much interesting about him yet. Larry Lamb does do quite well though, it is not easy filling big shoes.
The team dynamic is charming and amusing enough, especially with Danny and Steve, but doesn't sparkle or feel as fresh or as gelling.
Will admit too to finding that the whole instant dislike to new team member would have been more entertaining if it had not already been done quite a few times beforehand and hadn't already felt an old idea recycled to tiredness by Season 10.
Not saying that "The Curate's Egg" is bad. Far from it. It has some very funny lines, a very interesting and twisty case that avoids being too confusing while suitably challenging and Danny's subplot is amusing and sweet. The comedy doesn't grate and the seriousness also doesn't go overboard.
Visually, "The Curate's Egg" 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.
Good performances from the whole cast, Nicholas Lyndhurst standing out of the regulars. Lamb fares decently but it doesn't yet feel like he's settled in yet.
Overall, pretty good but something is missing. 7/10 Bethany Cox