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Saturday 3 March 2012

Hustle: Series 8 (2012)

basics...
The final series of the cocky con-men (and woman) show saw more daring heists, more celebrity guests stars and a final episode that brought back old friends. 

brilliant...
Hustle has so much charm, such glossy production values and a core cast of likable rogues that it's easy to forgive some of the weaker plots - there are only so many different variations of con that you can do over 8 series - and although I can't pick any particular ropey scripts out, I can say with confidence that the final episode was one of the best they've ever made. Bringing back Stacie (Jaime Murray) and then Danny (Marc Warren) was a masterstroke and brought good closure for the gang and the viewer. The cheeky, Moonlighting-style breaking of the fourth wall that Hustle has played around with over the years came to the fore in a final scene that saw the characters leave the set of Eddie's Bar and drive off into the sunset was satisfying and appropriate. I've enjoyed Hustle so much over the years, it's always been a pleasure to watch. Even though it has been light and fluffy it has never been cheap or soapy, yet never tipping over into life-threatening drama. The perfect antidote to some of the more serious shows out there.

but...
I liked the return of two original cast members, but why has Ashley Walters' series 4 character, Billy Bond, who replaced Mickey and preceded Emma and Sean, never even received a passing mention since he inexplicably left? Even a throwaway line in the final episode would have been nice.

briefly...
I now have to try and live in a world with no more Spooks and no more Hustle. It's going to be hard.

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