Ep 1. Lady's Pleasure

In the first episode of the third season of "New Tricks," titled "Lady's Pleasure," the team of retired detectives from the Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad (UCOS) find themselves confronted with a challenging mystery that tests their investigative skills once again.

As the episode begins, we are introduced to Detective Superintendent Sandra Pullman (played by Amanda Redman) and her team of unconventional detectives. Led by the determined and resourceful Pullman, the team consists of the sarcastic ex-detective Gerry Standing (played by Dennis Waterman), the intellectual and enthusiastic Brian Lane (played by Alun Armstrong), and the tech-savvy and gadget-loving Jack Halford (played by James Bolam). Together, they form an unlikely but effective group with an impressive track record of solving cold cases.

In "Lady's Pleasure," the UCOS team receives a new case involving the mysterious death of a wealthy and influential auctioneer named Hugo Ross. Although initially deemed a suicide, new evidence suggests foul play may have been involved, prompting UCOS to launch an investigation and determine whether this was indeed a case of murder.

The team delves into the world of fine art auctions, where they discover an intricate web of secrets and hidden agendas. The victim had been set to auction an alleged lost painting by renowned artist James McBride, known for his provocative and scandalous works. The painting, titled "Lady's Pleasure," is rumored to contain scandalous content that could potentially damage the reputations of several prominent figures from various industries.

To unravel the truth, Pullman and her team interview a range of individuals connected to the case. Their investigation leads them to Hugo Ross's wife, Rosalind, who appears aloof and secretive about her husband's death. They also meet several prominent figures from the art world, including gallery owner Sir Tim Chandler and collector Annabel Bunn. Each person has something to hide, making it increasingly difficult for the UCOS team to separate fact from fiction.

As they venture deeper into the case, the team faces a myriad of challenges, including obstructive witnesses, hidden motives, and unexpected alliances. Brian's expertise in art history proves invaluable as he uncovers a troubled history involving James McBride and his muse, a mysterious woman known as "The Lady." By examining McBride's controversial artistic motifs and discovering the artist's personal connection to Ross, the team begins to unravel the complex relationships that may have driven someone to murder.

Throughout the episode, interpersonal dynamics among the UCOS team continue to evolve. Brian, struggling with his own personal demons, finds solace in his work and embraces the challenges presented by the case. Jack, haunted by the unsolved murder of his wife years ago, finds renewed determination to seek justice for the victims. Gerry's street smarts and dry wit add levity to the often intense investigation. And Sandra's unwavering commitment to justice and her team binds them all together, driving them forward in their pursuit of the truth.

As the episode reaches its climax, the UCOS team uncovers shocking revelations that test their resolve and put their lives in danger. With time running out, they must rely on their collective expertise and dogged determination to expose the killer and bring them to justice.

"New Tricks" season 3, episode 1, titled "Lady's Pleasure," is a thrilling entry in the compelling crime drama series. With its intricate plot, intriguing characters, and unexpected twists, this episode showcases the team's resilience and enduring passion for solving cold cases. Will they be able to untangle the threads of deception and ultimately find justice for Hugo Ross? Tune in to find out.