Cops That Pass in the Night.

[Adam Colclough]

Less than a week has passed since the last episode aired and, at the risk of coming over all ‘Doris’ I’m already missing the splendid Life on Mars.

That said I’m more than a little dubious about the sequel, set to be shown next year, even if, as the press have been claiming the BBC have managed to sign Hollywood star Thandie Newton to appear in it a programme that original doesn’t really deserve being turned into just another franchise to be flogged for all its worth, but that’s showbiz I suppose.

At least the equally enjoyable, if far less ambitious, New Tricks is back on BBC 1. Last week’s opener was, as ever, streets ahead of the usual by numbers Police shows you get on the box, not least because, as with Life on Mars, you get the distinct impression that Redman, Bolam and co are genuinely enjoying their roles rather than just going through the motions.

Long may they continue to do so.