Saturday, 8 January 2011

Hustle

On TV: Friday 7th January
Channel: BBC 1 9pm
Episode Type: 7.1
In 1 Sentence: A dab of glamourous fun for a friday night.

BBC Summary:

Mickey and his team have a wealth of potential marks lined up, but when Eddie's niece gets scammed by ruthless modelling agent Wendy Stanton they put all that on hold to come to the rescue. Wendy is the ultimate ice-queen, and the team will need an ambitious plan to get her to pay out. With modelling shoots, lifestyle coaches and even a meeting at the Diplomatic Office of America, could this be the gang's toughest con yet?

My review:


Settling down to watch the first episode of Hustle (after a year since the last series), I didn’t allow myself any high expectations - the excellence of series 3 and 4 have been and gone; series 6 was borderline cheesy - almost a gimmick of itself. However the episode showed a hint of its former sparkle, while the characters (or indeed actors) seemed more comfortable together and settled as a team. 

Starting off with the selling of the Houses of Parliament set the tone - Hustle was back, bigger and better: the sweeping city shoots and swanky jazz band music making it into one good-looking package. And from what I’ve seen so far the clever writing is beginning to creep back, albeit slowly. If I wanted to be picky then, yes, the twists could be seen a mile off... but, that isn’t the point of Hustle. I don’t expect to be surprised anymore. What I can expect is a touch of glamour, escapism and most importantly... fun. 
Score: 8.5/10


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57 comments:

  1. Why is The Hustle not available from iTunes inc. the entire back catalog?, I for one would buy every episode.

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  2. Does anyone know where I can buy the black tie with white stripe down the middle that the character Mickey Stone wore in series 7, episode 3 of Hustle?

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  3. I hope someone will be willing to help me on this, I'm really desperate for one very special song, only one on the whole show, from this particular episode, that I fell in love with like never before on any TV show. It's season 5 episode 1...

    The song is around twentisecond minute in the show, heard during party set up by Ash & Mick for Emma & Sean... It's magical...

    You see, I live in a very small and boring town in a east european country Serbia, I am a local DJ and music is pretty much all excitment I have in my life, so please, I beg you, if you could help me anyhow, direct me to a right contact to find out about this song I would be most grateful and send you my best wishes and good karma :)

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  4. To the producer of Hustle....just a suggestion that it will be great if the team could hustle a church get rich scheme preacher. I think, it will make good viewing. So many con artists are out there preaching and making obscene money out of their congregation and highlighting that to the nation will be excellent.

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  5. Hope the BBC decide to make a Christmas Special plus an eigth series of this excellent programme

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  6. holy sht,

    i really love every single episode of hustle and its one of my all-time favourite tv-shows, but last nights episode (S7E5) was sooo extremely bad, that my buddies and i didn't believe it. the whole episode made absolutely no sense and was an insult to all the other episodes. dear chris lang, pls don't write any more episodes for hustle or try harder next time. thx

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  7. I watched a few of the current season's episodes on IPlayer and liked them enough to buy the Season 1-4 DVD pack. The stories are nice but my biggest plot complaint is that they break their #1 rule (you can't cheat an honest man) on a regular basis. In Season 1 and 2 they regularly cheat Eddie out of money for drinks. (That should be rule 1A, Never shit where you live). And a few of the main marks were perhaps disagreeable but not hurting anyone (the angry divorcee, and the Restauranteur in Season 2). It's a fun series and I enjoy seeing bad people get their comeupance, but them breaking their own rule detracts from the show. It's like watching Batman break up a bank robbery and keep a little bit on the side. Just not part of the show.

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  8. this show is great. I for one love the humor, the witty dialogue, and the over the top cons. this show is exactly what the producers were hoping for-in one word, FUN!! I wonder if Stacy and Danny will reappear in future episodes and if so, will they be at odds or on the same "side" of a con.

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  9. What a disappointment the 6th episode of the 7th series was..! Most definitely the worst written and directed episode of The Hustle to date. Appalling.. Just.. Left me speechless. :/

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  10. love this show - please bring us another series!

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  11. i love hustle so much, when is season 8 coming out

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  12. greatest show on the planet...the intelligence is great.. Hustle yaaay

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  13. the should bring back danny for a special episode,

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  14. They should bring back Danny and Stacy for a special reunited episode and have the 7 of them do a con. Leave out the competition between Emma and Stacey though, too cliche, unless it can be done just right which it probably could if written cleverly enough. I like all of the characters but don't think Danny and Stacy could be replaced, each of them are unique and have their own personalities. Hustle is fantastic.

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  15. Hustle has been confirmed for series 8!! BUT will be cancelled after that!
    See my post about it here - http://enthrallingentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/05/hustle-cancelled-after-series-8.html

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  16. love hustle bring it back please

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  17. Prompt which track plays for 26 minutes and 40 seconds and 30 minutes 14 seconds in the first series of season 7?

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  18. Kudos are now on location with Hustle currently filming series 8 in the Jewellery Quarter area of Birmingham.

    See http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=253369166956 for filming locations of series 6 & 7 and updates on sightings of series 8 filming progress when available.

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  19. Just watched 'Eyes Wide Shut'. Actress playing a model in early scene with Tom Cruise bears a striking resemblance to Kelly Adams but her name is listed as 'Louise J Taylor'. Take a look

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  20. Anonymous said...
    Why is The Hustle not available from iTunes inc. the entire back catalog?, I for one would buy every episode.
    22 January 2011 18:35

    A very Big + 1 to that...

    Considering nearly everything else the BBC does appears on iTunes why is Hustle not there? And Silks come to that!!

    More worrying I'm sure my guide showed the new Series 8 starting this Friday, now it's showing some other show instead...

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  21. Just noticed the same and trying to find out what's going on? Anyone know???

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  22. Due to the Stephen Lawrence trial a special BBC programme was shown in the place of the first of the three part BBC drama Public Enemies. As the final episode of that series is now being shown on Friday in Hustle's original slot, I should think it is either going to just be pushed back a week (the most logical answer) or put on at another time during the week. I'll let you know more when I find out!
    Sarah :)

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  23. Just seen trailer on BBC confirming series 8 starts next Friday (13th Jan) at 9 on BBC 1

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  24. cant belive this is the last series hope they change there mind and do another bring back Jaime Murray and Marc Warren

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  25. Jaime Murray will apparently be back in the last episode of the series so watch out for that! :)

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  26. Hustle hasn't been the same since Danny left and the ratings may have increased but the quality of the programmes has dropped and as i huge hustle fun. im disappointed that Marc warren is no longer in it :(

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  27. theme tune opening sound like opening theme of 'get carter' film...

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  28. The episode aired on Friday 13th January could not make them £100k as the cheque was dated 12th February 2012......slight miss....otherwise excellent , can't beat those scams!

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  29. anyone know if tonights episode will be re peated :(

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  30. It is usually repeated on thursday night on BBC 3 otherwise try iPlayer.
    :)

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  31. Don't know about the rest of you but I can't believe how poor the plots are this season. Hustle has always been slick, well acted and completely believable. I think last Friday's episode is by far the most weak one ever and as the owner of all box sets for posterity as well as watching them live, I'm aghast to say that I got bored half way through...
    It's as if now that they've decided this will be the last season, that rather than go out with a bang, they'll be content with a whimper.
    Devastated it has come to this...

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  32. Episode 1, who filmed this rubbish? The props were ridiculous, a bar of gold that size weighs about the same as a sack of coal a girlie would not be swinging it around in her shoulder bag!

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  33. Does anyone know who makes Mickey Stones shirts ?

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  34. In the episode about the Picasso theft there was a strange continuity error. If you play the part in the underground car park where the Chrysler 300C arrives( second time I think)very slowly, the number plate on the car changes from a "Normal " number to a personal plate. It is only shown once in a front on shot of the car and for the rest of the episode it has the "Normal" number. Anyone else notice? Maybe the plot was so bad I was looking for things like this?
    Can anyone on the production team explain why the change for one shot?

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  35. Season 8 Ep 3. This was best so far this season. I know they have done setting up cops before, but good twist.
    Only one slight error I would say - If DI Fisk was watching their every move (and of course his cash) did he not think it was strange that Sean was not really dressed for the occasion of being a chauffer when he brought Linda Runcorn to the final meeting, I know she was in on it, but Fisk didnt.!

    Or did i miss something??

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  36. Can anyone tell me where I can find out about the wardrobe used in Hustle - I love the style!

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  37. Who is the continuity person for Hustle ?? In the closing scenes of the latest episode Micky holds a conversation with, and thanks the Chief Inspector..... You can clearly see a 'pip' and a 'crown' on her shoulders....meaning she is a Chief Superintende - two ranks higher ! It's the little things that make the difference , or is it just a test for saddo's like me ?

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  38. I would like to mention that watching series 8 Episode 4, it occured to me that John Barrowman and Raquel Cassidy would make an excellent (UK) Hart to Hart.
    Let's get it done guys.

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  39. Please make another series. Its the best thing on TV

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  40. 8.5/10? Thats quite generous!! I am truly disappointed with series 8 as opposed to 1, 2 & 3! Series 8 have rather been a comedy than actual con jobs they pull against rich/arrogant people. I barely even remember what the 1st one is about. Then 2nd one is about Mickey being locked up and Ash giving this lecture...oh yeah the one with guy who had been conned (something about Gold) and then last week was about a policeman...i thought this series will be super as its the last, but after watching last 3 i am glad this is the last...i think the story write is running out of ideas.

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  41. Hi Hari just wanted to let you know that my score of 8.5 was for the above episode which was reviewing episode one of series 7. Clearly we both agree that series 8 hasn't completely lived up to expectations and my score is reflected in my review: http://enthrallingentertainment.blogspot.com/2012/01/hustle-series-8-episode-1.html
    And while they may not be up to the usual standard its still a bit of fun and I shall miss it when its gone!
    Thanks for commenting :)

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  42. Series 7 is utter shite. Tonight's episode has the most annoying child actor that you would hope any serious grifters would either: (a) handcuff in a cellar; or (b) stab in the neck (the preferable option). Instead, the supposedly 'expert' team allow the little prick to interfere.
    Series 7 is the most amateurishly written, cliche-ridden piece of crap broadcast by the BBC for years. Here's hoping whoever the twit was that commissioned this drivel is sacked. For God's sake, the BBC used to be a bastion of quality drama!

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  43. Will there be season 9?

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  44. I can't beleive the BBC are axing another great show such as Hustle, but the last episode did irritate me with that kid. I hope they see the error they have made and bring it back.

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  45. An amazing end to one of the best series ever. I have watched from the very first episode. It will be sadly missed but I understand them wanting to end before it becomes boring. Such a classy and well written show.

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  46. It would be good to see a one off Christmas Special of The Hustle - it would give us something to look forward amongst the usual dreary Christmas fare which is available at that time.

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  47. I really love every people in this show.I will miss you-Hustle!

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  48. What a brilliant, superb end to one of the best programmes on TV for a long time. Really loved it all and when they revealed Danny that was a brilliant twist. Will miss this programme very much, especially with the wonderful Robert Vaughn. How could anyone not enjoy such a brilliantly written and acted series, will miss it very much.

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  49. Why do you have to stop making Hustle, its such a great show, its one of my alltime favourites. I will truly miss you Micky Stone, Ash Morgan, Albert Stroller and Sean and Emma Kennedy! Hustle is a brilliant show! Please will someone create another series soon, i can't live without it!

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  50. No more Hustle, aaaaaa!!!! I love Hustle, please will there be another series. I WILL miss Mickey Stone, Ash Morgan, Albert Stroller and Sean and Emma Kennedy as will every other Hustle fan! Please make another series of one of my all time favourites!! HUSTLE IS AMAZINGGGGGGG!!!XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  51. I cannot believe nobody has mentioned the last episode's rip-off of the 1973 film The Sting. It was so obvious what was going to happen (with a villain that nasty they had to die) which is exactly what happens with Newman/Redford. The licence fee is looking like more l;ike a hustle that this

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  52. Only 8 series :( ever hear of a boxer called rocky marciano ? lol

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  53. We only discovered Hustle (Series 8) on BBC iplayer a few weeks ago. After episode 2 we ordered Series 1-7 and started watching the programme from the beginning. Absolutely fantastic! But we were hoping series 8 would at least by advertised on Amazon/Play.com by now even if it wasn't yet released, but not a word so far. We didn't finish watching Series 8 on iplayer thinking by the time we finished watching the 1-7 DVDs, series 8 would have been released. Not so, we've been stuck in front of the laptop every evening and for hours at the weekends and have now finished the 40-odd hours which comprised 1-7! So, we've started watching it again! Anyone any idea when series 8 is due to be released?

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  54. I think that Hustle is a great, classy show.

    The ONLY complaint that I have is that the shows after Danny Blue (Mark Warren) and Stacie Monroe (Jaime Murray) departed are a tiny bit LESS classy.

    The MUSIC in the first three seasons was much better. The opening credits had a ethereal, airy, lofty; almost mystical musical opening ... now, the opening theme of the show resembles that of a bad PORNO Movie.

    The ending credits for the first few seasons had this happy, fun, tap your foot, feel good music for the closing credits ... that too has been replaced by some awful music.

    Star Trek Next Generation is the only show that comes to mind that actually improved their opening theme after season one or two.

    Other than that it is a BRILLIANT show, with wonderful story lines and great characters.

    Original characters vs. new characters? Like BOTH versions. Although, I do miss Danny and Stacie from time to time. I think that Danny was a better grifter than Sean.

    The only thing they could do to make the show better, in my mind, is go back to the original music.

    peace.

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  55. why this series doesn't exist in french or french subtitles my english is so poor.........................

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