I hate every person on this show and can't even watch anything with Denis Waterman in it anymore.

Just thought I'd share that with everyone

[mossy2103]

Thank you for that less than illuminating post. I'm sure that we will all feel all the better for hearing your view.

[LanceWilkins]

If you want this series to end you might get your wish.

It's becoming obvious that James Bolam (Jack Halford in the series) doesn't want to carry on -- is he ill?

He was not in yesterday's story (14 July) nor in next week's. And the stories only work with all four characters. So an educated guess is that this is the last series.

Great series -- but perhaps it has had its day.

[mossy2103]

Originally Posted by LanceWilkins

If you want this series to end you might get your wish.

It's becoming obvious that James Bolam (Jack Halford in the series) doesn't want to carry on -- is he ill?

No, not obvious that he wants or doesn't want anything. Unless you have seen a report that says otherwise?

He was not in yesterday's story (14 July) nor in next week's. And the stories only work with all four characters. So an educated guess is that this is the last series.

Great series -- but perhaps it has had its day.

I think that you have missed the fact that Jack Halford has disappeared due to the killer of his wife walking free. It's all part of the storyline, you are reading too much into it. Maybe he was ill during filming and the script was changed?

[LanceWilkins]

I got my view from a comment in last week's Radio Times throwing doubt on Bolam's continual presence in the series. This was on Monday's TV Choice page.

Agree it's all speculation --and I would like some facts from the BBC: but there are none.

[mossy2103]

That piece mentions the character Jack not planning to return for a while - quite understandable when you have seen the person who killed your wife and tried to kill you walk free thanks to the wonderful judicial system. And it's quite understandable that new Tricks fans would see this as a blow (as Jack is one of the central characters and is well-loved as a character).

Personally, I would not be reading too much into this. Yes, maybe he did fall ill (but wouldn't we have heard something about it by now), but there is no evidence that James wants out.

As for facts from the BBC, perhaps there is nothing to say because, well, there is nothing untoward going on.

[Flukie]

Originally Posted by mossy2103

That piece mentions the character Jack not planning to return for a while - quite understandable when you have seen the person who killed your wife and tried to kill you walk free thanks to the wonderful judicial system. And it's quite understandable that new Tricks fans would see this as a blow (as Jack is one of the central characters and is well-loved as a character).

Personally, I would not be reading too much into this. Yes, maybe he did fall ill (but wouldn't we have heard something about it by now), but there is no evidence that James wants out.

As for facts from the BBC, perhaps there is nothing to say because, well, there is nothing untoward going on.

He's seen in the trailer for the series as a whole, in other episodes.

I just assumed he had another job to do and the dates clashed, or something like that.

[LanceWilkins]

Why are we arguing?

I just want some facts from the BBC about the future of New Tricks. And I'm trying to provoke some reaction to give us facts.

It's a great series, and I want to know.

[Blackhorse47]

Originally Posted by dustintheturkey

I hate every person on this show and can't even watch anything with Denis Waterman in it anymore.

Just thought I'd share that with everyone

Not sure why you're confused, but thanks for letting us know. Perhaps if I have the time I'll list the several thousand tv shows I don't watch.

As regards James Bolam. Yes, he did look ill and increasingly so last series so I'm guessing this storyline is to help him reduce the number of episodes, which is fine and might explain the apparent swapping of the order run to miss out the last season cliffhanger. I wouldn't think he has fallen out with the producers as his wife is still in the show each week--his real life wife, that is. Either way he's always been a very private person who keeps his opinions to himself, so I doubt anything will get revealed.

[mossy2103]

Originally Posted by LanceWilkins

Why are we arguing?

We are not. As far as I am concerned we are putting forward our views, in response to what you posted.

I just want some facts from the BBC about the future of New Tricks. And I'm trying to provoke some reaction to give us facts.

So have you asked the BBC directly?

[mossy2103]

Originally Posted by Blackhorse47

I wouldn't think he has fallen out with the producers as his wife is still in the show each week--his real life wife, that is.

Susan Jameson for those who did not know.

Either way he's always been a very private person who keeps his opinions to himself, so I doubt anything will get revealed.

Very true.

[LanceWilkins]

Originally Posted by Blackhorse47

Not sure why you're confused, but thanks for letting us know. Perhaps if I have the time I'll list the several thousand tv shows I don't watch.

As regards James Bolam. Yes, he did look ill and increasingly so last series so I'm guessing this storyline is to help him reduce the number of episodes, which is fine and might explain the apparent swapping of the order run to miss out the last season cliffhanger. I wouldn't think he has fallen out with the producers as his wife is still in the show each week--his real life wife, that is. Either way he's always been a very private person who keeps his opinions to himself, so I doubt anything will get revealed.

Good point about his wife -- and I do hope that all four will be back together soon -- I'm talking both actors and characters.

When you have an entertaining series it's something to celebrate.

[mossy2103]

Originally Posted by LanceWilkins

Good point about his wife -- and I do hope that all four will be back together soon -- I'm talking both actors and characters.

When you have an entertaining series it's something to celebrate.

Agreed on all of that - it's one of the very few dramas that has great ensemble acting (where no one actor or character hogs the limelight, or gets the best lines). It works because all of the characters depend upon each other.

[Urban Bassman]

Originally Posted by mossy2103

That piece mentions the character Jack not planning to return for a while - quite understandable when you have seen the person who killed your wife and tried to kill you walk free thanks to the wonderful judicial system. And it's quite understandable that new Tricks fans would see this as a blow (as Jack is one of the central characters and is well-loved as a character).

Personally, I would not be reading too much into this. Yes, maybe he did fall ill (but wouldn't we have heard something about it by now), but there is no evidence that James wants out.

As for facts from the BBC, perhaps there is nothing to say because, well, there is nothing untoward going on.

James Bolam is an extremely private man (and I mean extremely), he fell out with Likely Lads co-star Rodney Bewes when RB inadvertantly made a small comment about JB's private life.

If he has been ill then we probably would not have heard anything.

Susan Jameson (JB's real life wife) was in last nights episode.

Edit - same as Blackhorse - just got delayed while posting.

[Blackhorse47]

Originally Posted by mossy2103

Agreed on all of that - it's one of the very few dramas that has great ensemble acting (where no one actor or character hogs the limelight, or gets the best lines). It works because all of the characters depend upon each other.

And all the characters have character, if you know what I mean. With most generic cop shows everyone is a walking cliche and their character types don't affect the show in any way so that anyone could solve the crime. Here Jerry will break the rules, Brian will do something obsessive, Jack will show good old fashioned police work and Sandra will try to avoid her face cracking. It all makes for perfect viewing with even the smaller roles like the boss, Esther, Jerry's family all being believable as human beings.

[mossy2103]

Originally Posted by Urban Bassman

James Bolam is an extremely private man (and I mean extremely), he fell out with Likely Lads co-star Rodney Bewes when RB inadvertantly made a small comment about JB's private life.

If he has been ill then we probably would not have heard anything.

I meant seriously ill, the sort of illness that stops you working or means that you have to cut down permanently. Of course, as we get older we will all get ailments, and some will be more serious than others. Some will get illnesses that are transient. So it is entirely possible that if he was ill, he took some time off in order to recover.

[DICKENS99]

Wasn't the filming of this series delayed whilst Amanda Redman did her ITV show? Might explain Bolam's absence if it's due to other work commitments, though I still think it's a planned part of the storyline rather than being reactive to events such as illness.

Alun Armstrong was on Radio 4 when it came back and made no mention of it being the last series (though he did say they always say 'no more' when they finish!)

[Sloopy]

I just presumed Jack's absence was part of the storyline involving the acquittal of his wife's killer, although I must admit the show works best with all four main characters.

Still, it's always worth watching each week.

I haven't heard anything about James Bolam wanting to quit.

[mossy2103]

Originally Posted by DICKENS99

Wasn't the filming of this series delayed whilst Amanda Redman did her ITV show? Might explain Bolam's absence if it's due to other work commitments, though I still think it's a planned part of the storyline rather than being reactive to events such as illness.

Agreed. There is no sign of any hasty script rewrites, the story progression seems quite natural, leading on as it did from last week's.

[♣ Moya]

I'm sure most of us would enjoy Dennis Waterman going AWOL in the series for a while.

[Sloopy]

Originally Posted by ♣ Moya

I'm sure most of us would enjoy Dennis Waterman going AWOL in the series for a while.

At least he seems to have had the veneers filed down a bit, though.

[mossy2103]

Originally Posted by ♣ Moya

I'm sure most of us would enjoy Dennis Waterman going AWOL in the series for a while.

Well I for one would not - the series needs all of them (and somehow I see past the "teeth" issue)

[♣ Moya]

It's not the teeth I have a problem with.
Nor the character.
It's the actor's ham acting.

[Sloopy]

I think the show works best as an ensemble piece.

While he may not be the greatest of actors, Dennis suits this kind of show, IMO.

[Ginger Nut]

It's interesting that his daughter (both real and in the show) has also had a visit to the dentist. Perhaps they got a family discount.

I always noticed when she was on telly that she would make a point of not baring her horrible yellow teeth. She now sports lovely white hollywood veneers.

Perhaps it is genetic in their family somehow.