Ep 1. A Death in the Family

In New Tricks season 9 episode 1, entitled "A Death in the Family," viewers are reintroduced to the show's beloved cast of characters and thrust into a new case with high stakes.

The episode opens on a somber note, as Sandra Pullman (played by Amanda Redman) receives the news that her father has passed away. Struggling to come to terms with her grief, she returns to her childhood home to begin making arrangements and sorting through his belongings. But when she discovers a mysterious letter among her father's things, she realizes that there may be more to his death than meets the eye.

Enter the UCOS team, comprised of retired detectives Gerry Standing (Dennis Waterman), Steve McAndrew (Denis Lawson), and Danny Griffin (Nicholas Lyndhurst). As always, the team's chemistry is on full display as they set out to unravel the secrets of Sandra's family history and get to the bottom of what really happened to her father.

Along the way, viewers are treated to plenty of classic New Tricks moments, from Gerry's one-liners to Danny's knack for making connections that others might miss. But the show also tackles some heavier themes in this episode, as it explores the ways in which family ties and personal histories can shape our understanding of the world.

As the team delves deeper into Sandra's past, they uncover a web of lies and secrets that threaten to destroy everything she thought she knew about her family. But with their trademark persistence and a healthy dose of humor, they are ultimately able to help Sandra find closure and come to terms with her loss.

Overall, New Tricks season 9 episode 1 is a strong start to the show's ninth season. It strikes a perfect balance between humor and drama, while also showcasing the strengths of its talented cast and their chemistry with one another. Fans of the show will no doubt be eager to see where the season goes from here, as the UCOS team continues to tackle new cases and explore the complexities of the human experience.