I've been a fan of A. Horowitz for years, seeking out his TV shows (Midsomer Murders, Foyle's War, Murder in Mind, others) and reading his books (Magpie Murders, Silk, Moriarty etc.). I'm a little disappointed that this show relied on so many clichés, without even an ironic wink that they were clichés. It felt like a weak buddy movie from the 1980s. The plots were imaginative--implausible but still entertaining and fine for television crime. The villains, though, were a little too diabolical. The mastermind in case 1, for example, and the two female contract killers. Perhaps this show was a little bit influenced by Horowitz's young adult fiction or is actually intended for adolescents? It's not as intelligent or mature as some of his other work.

'New Blood' is a lively new television drama, about a pair of young, somewhat reckless and egoistical men who work respectively for the police and the Serious Fraud Office, who find themselves inadvertently working together on a series of cases, in defiance of their bosses and any common sense. The plots are a little silly, to be honest, offering a simplified vision of how the world works, and the programme's style uses lots of sped-up footage, look-aheads and flashbacks, but it's nicely paced and there's some merit in the portrait of a pair of young Londoners, trying to enjoy their lives and get ahead in the world. It's not exactly deep, but it's certainly not boring. The formula may get tired if there are subsequent series; but the first series at least has been entertaining and fun.

In this era of hardly ever being able to turn on almost any television programme be it drama,comedy,even daytime shows such as This Morning and Loose Women without sex the main focus to get attention then I'm afraid I'm going to be in a sad minority of really enjoying something that is obviously not to be taken seriously but nonetheless has entertainment enough in the dynamics between two very different,very handsome guys who are neither full of ego or muscle....simply gradually working toward a friendship that was not easily attained at first but is definitely growing because of their intertwining adventures bringing them both into both dangerous and also at times,hilarious predicaments.I have to impress upon anyone taking time to read my review that I'm VERY far from being a prude....I've watched and been enthralled with the entire six series of GOT....loved Breaking Bad...currently watching House of Cards and Versailles...adored Happy Valley,Line of Duty et al.However,I have mind enough to recognise a wonderful bit of escapism and bromance which is watchable by pretty much anyone without causing offence and embarrassment if a family settle down for an evening together; let's face it,that is becoming increasingly difficult now.Surely there is room enough with all the many,many channels available and online viewing,too to make the odd hour available for some outlandish,fun,attractive guys bringing smiles and heartwarming moments during their adventures!If I'm alone in this,I really don't mind.....but I hope that by some magic both actors and others who genuinely agree with me might just read this and nod their heads even if only in quiet acceptance!What's not to like??! Two handsome,utterly likable men get into scrapes during their investigations and are gradually,grudgingly forming a friendship that is obviously going to be cemented eventually.One has twinkling eyes and a truly engaging,winning smile...the other,dark brown serious eyes,the kindest of hearts and intelligence that more than aids in every case.Both more or less pretend to themselves they're unsure of the other,especially Rash...but in truth they are so drawn in on every investigation that it all intrudes upon their personal lives,too.A great little series and leaves you feeling good. That means success so I suppose it also means the death knell once the series finishes.....not hard enough,violent enough,"realistic" enough. Ho hum........

I have to say this new series is refreshingly different in the way in which it is filmed. Very quirky, fast, day to night scenes of London and the accompanying music was great. I also LOVE the opening song, Rag 'n Bone Man by Wolves. Gutsy, bluesy heavy, excellent choice. The two actors who take much of the lead, Mark Strepan and Ben Tavassoli are not only lovely to look at, they are also great at what they do and their developing relationship is at times funny and touching and at times serious and convincing. I love them! The first series focuses on a murder which happened in India some years previously. The two cops have to seek a way to work together to find out the connection between what happened in India and what has happened to several people, now dead in London in the present date. All is intricately bound up in a pharmaceutical war between two companies. I think it's a great series and I would not be surprised if it doesn't gather a young following, a bit like Being Human, it has the same unique feel about it. Well done BBC!