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.
Season 11 started off decently but not amazingly, and while the show is definitely past prime the season did get better and "The English Defence" is evidence of that.
For me, the only real problem with "The English Defence" is Steve's subplot. Have to agree that it didn't add very much, if at all, and didn't fit particularly well in the episode, tacked on is a good way to describe it.
The case is a very intriguing and compelling one, not too simplistic, not too convoluted as well as not too familiar even when not novel. It has enough twists and surprises to keep one guessing, and the ending is among the latter seasons' most tragic.
Will admit to starting to get used to the new team dynamic and they work pretty well together. It is charming and likeable, if not as sparkling or fresh as the original one.
Confidently and smartly written, "The English Defence" has a seriousness without being too serious and has a few comic touches without jarring tonally. All the replacements of the original characters are now well settled if not the same.
Visually, "The English Defence" 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.
All four leads are great and the episode is solidly acted in support too, despite not completely buying Anthony Barclay as a Chilean.
In summation, very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox