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Hustle - Complete BBC Series 4


RRP: £29.99
Our Price: £12.97 (subject to change)

Coming out from under
Review date: 2008-05-25 Rating: 8 out of 10

This latest series of Hustle breaks the pattern established in the first three - but maybe that's no bad thing. The absence of Adrian Lester gives the series a different focus as the dominating character of Mickey is removed and the rest of the gang are given more space to show what they can do.

Danny, finally the leader, begins to grow up and understand that there's more to life than girls. Though maybe not much more! Stacie, Albert and Ash all move further into the spotlight and throughout the series Jamie Murray, Robert Vaughn and the incomparable Robert Glenister build on their own characters and play a range of fascinating "character in character" parts. New boy Billy, played by Asley Walters, is a rough diamond who takes his grifting seriously and wants to learn from Danny rather than challenge him, which gives the team a less confronational feel than the Mickey/Danny relationship did.

The two weakest scripts re-hash ideas from previous series, which is a shame; the second episode (which introduces Billy and feels a little as if the con is tacked on as an afterthought) is particularly guilty of this. The "dog in the bar" con reappears in the fourth episode, although it is far more integral to the plot than on its first appearance in Series 1.

Fortunately the other four episodes are as strong as anything in the first three series and occasionally even better.

Episode one hurtles along and has a classic Hustle twist ending. Robert Glenister in particular stands out as he works his way through the full spectrum of characters from grumpy American hire-car dealer to camp make-up artist.
Episode three belongs to Robert Vaughn, explores a little of Albert's past, looks at the way our society treats the elderly and has an eligaic quality to it which makes a welcome change of pace.
Episode five is, IMO, one of the great Hustle episodes as the team are forced to evaluate what they do and what they stand for in a tense and thrilling game of Russian Roulette using poisoned sushi.
Episode six, a fitting end to the series, plays out like Ocean's Eleven in miniature and is filled with glamour, suspense, humour and twists.

It was a risk to make the series without Lester, but it is a risk that mostly pays off. Despite a couple of wobbles, the series retains everything that makes it great. Most importantly it continues to be well-made, superbly acted, feel-good, escapist fun.



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Reviews


Stick with it
Review date: 2008-05-15 Rating: 8 out of 10

As series four opens the general feeling is that Adrian Lester took the magic with him when he left at the end of series three, but if you stick with it things do gradually start to improve and by the end you might just appreciate this fourth season as perhaps the most experimental and unique edition of `Hustle' yet...

Episode 1 (8/10) The Hustle team in Hollywood- how could it fail?! Well it starts off slow and the story never really takes advantage of the glamorous setting, but guest performer Robert Wagner is pure American charisma and even if the story falls short of Hustle at its best, there are some great character moments and funny situations to enjoy.

Episode 2 (7/10) takes us back to the gang's usual territory and introduces new gang member Billy Bond with another horse-racing-themed story that doesn't excite as much as the similarly themed `The Last Gamble' from series one, but is still pretty solid.

Episode 3 (7/10) is an episode that twists the plot in all the typically surprising ways, and which also develops the gang's new set-up, as the team adjusts to a new leader in Danny and new member Billy. The wine-scam is slow to involve, but has a nice twist in the tail.

Episode 4 (9/10) is a fantastic return to form, as Billy finally gets a chance to prove his worth. It's a wickedly funny and well-written story, as each of the crew take on an hilarious persona in the fickle world of fashion with an ultimately very satisfying conclusion. `Hustle' is back on track!

Episode 5 (8/10) sees the tables turned on the crew, as they find themselves on the wrong end of a sword, being forced to pay the ultimate price for their crimes. Very solid and inventive with some absorbing animation thrown in to boot.

Episode 6 (9/10) sees the gang make a return to the U.S. with far better results than the opening episode. The glitz and danger of Vegas is the perfect fit for the show and characters. The plot doesn't offer anything particularly different, but the whole gang looks much more at home while attempting to swindle the mob out of their fortune!

Another cracker
Review date: 2008-05-03 Rating: 8 out of 10

Hustle series 4 continues the fine tradition of quality, quirky writing and acting that the previous 3 series established. Almost all the episodes are brilliant, my only gripe being the episode dealing with the fashion industry hence 4 stars not 5.

The transition of danny from new boy to "leader" is fun to watch though you know that really this team doesn't need a leader, they're all far too good for that. Whilst all of the cast perform well, for me the main reason to watch Hustle is the superb Robert Vaughn. The part of Albert Stroller is perfect for him. Special mention for the 2 american based episodes (almost ocean's 11 and a half) and the care home episode.

I recommended this series to all who have seen the earlier series and if you haven't, get them as well.

Ernie

A shadow of its former self
Review date: 2008-04-24 Rating: 4 out of 10

As a fan of the first 3 series, I was disappointed in this outing. Without Adrian Lester (as Micky) there is something missing from the winning formula. The storylines seem to have lost the cleverness that made the first 3 series so watchable. Each of these six episodes seem to dwell on the "yes we are going to con someone but they are REALLY bad people so it's OK". They're con artists - they are not saints - but still it must be rammed down our throats that the bad guys deserve it.

Watch it if you are a fan of the first 3 series but think hard about parting with your cash to own it.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Robert Vaughn
Robert Glenister
Ashley Walters
Marc Warren
Jaime Murray

Creators:
Marc Warren (Primary Contributor)
Jaime Murray (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Warner Home Video
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
EAN: 7321903831854
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 2
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2008-04-28
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 346 minutes

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