Arianna Moses
Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.
Ibrahim Khider
I am a Canadian who caught the Spender series on Showcase TV during the early 90's, while I attended University. At the time I considered Spender a quirky but fun, slick cop drama set in the UK. Now, older, I have a deeper appreciation and love of the show. I really enjoy the comedic interplay between the lead, Detective Sargeant Freddie Spender (played by Jimmy Nail) and his small-time, n'er-do-well, grifter sidekick, "Stick" portrayed by the late Sammy Johnson (RIP). An unlikely friendship between a career criminal and a stoic law enforcement agent is part of the show's fun dynamics. The show intro graphics caught my eye and the soundtrack caught my ears and was soon won over by the stories, characters and location. Overall a well-put-together show that chronicles the life of Detective Spender, an undercover police agent who was raised in New Castle Upon Tyne, then operated in London for several years and now (to his chagrin) returns to Newcastle to resume police work. Spender reconnects with his friends and sidekick, but also his estranged wife and daughters who lost relations with their husband/father due to his work and location. The artistic filming style captures Newcastle (where the show is set) in a slick and edgy way, lots of creative shots of the local architecture and industrial settings and is gorgeously filmed. The weakest part of the show are the criminals/villains, whom I wish were more nuanced rather than just boiler-plate baddies. Same goes for the fellow law enforcement who tend to be the 'goodies' when we know this is not always the case. Spenders' superior in Season one was a bit wooden, but by Season two, a more interesting boss surfaces. But the ongoing dynamics between Spender and Stick (more than) make up for any shortcomings. And now to the strengths, and that is the show depicts the locality of Newcastle in an immersive way; the local color, the nightlife, and social circles and the ailing economy (transitioning from industrial to "service based"). There are some complaints about the accents, it does take some getting used to but I love it and makes me feel more immersed in the location. As mentioned, Spender's stoic personality contrasts, in a fun way, that of the carefree, free-wheeling 'Stick'. Then there is Spender's circle of fellow officer DS Dan Boyd, a bit of goofy and loveable but clueless officer (played by Berwick Kaler). Further, is Spender's musician friend, the cerebral-palsy afflicted Keith Moreland (played by Tony McAnaney--who also helps soundtrack the show) and reflects the lead's side hobby of playing harmonica alongside his blues band. I recently watched 'Auf Wiedersehen, Pet' and was impressed with the contrasted performances by Jimmy Nail: from the slightly pudgy slovenly, wisecracking carefree bricklayer, Oz, to the lean, wiry, trim and stoic detective. (Cameo appearances from Auf Wiedersehen, Pet people too!) Some describe Nail's performance of Spender as 'wooden', but I feel he does an excellent job of depicting the sullen and conflicted (from also being independent minded) cop who adheres to 'the spirit of the law' and has a decent supply of wisecracks in him. Spender has a lot to worry about; from his family, to his job jailing 'baddies', to ailing Newcastle to pulling Stick's arse out of one sling after another. It is a wonder he wisecrack's at all! Spender never made it to DVD, a shame. But I did find some episodes on Youtube and other *Cough Cough* places (ie VHS dubs), though not at the quality where I can truly appreciate the show. Seek the series out where you can. I would love to see a reboot of the series, but with Sammy's passing, it may be too difficult.
Grahame Jenkins
I have to come clean, I have a b-i-g soft spot for the programme Spender. That's not to say however that I think it's up there with top quality television such as Dexter, Revenge or Damages. I find it difficult to review it - I even struggle to separate the goods from the bads because there is good and bad in many of the key facets. Probably the most polarised view comes when considering Jimmy Nail......most people in the region consider Jimmy to be 'a total knob' his excruciatingly jarring 'posh Geordie' accent is viewed as nothing short of a betrayal to his roots. His acting is wooden. Compare this with his character Oz in Auf Wiedersehen Pet where he behaves 'naturally' and where he's one of televisions classic comedy characters. The soundtrack/titles almost approach hauntingly beautiful and menacing as befits. I love the local setting. Stick's one-liners are right up there with the best. My personal favourite - when served rare lamb in a swanky restaurant - he looks in horror at the plate of meat and so the waiter enquires if there is anything wrong with it and then explains that the chef does do the lamb 'a bit pink' Stck responds; "Pink!....a good vet could have this bugger on its feet again" For me compulsive watching if you can just overlook that blasted accent!
screenman
It seems incredible that the only other contributor to this site (at the time of writing) is from Canada.This was a blindingly good series that had a comparatively brief run in the early 1990's.Jimmy Nail - regular from the earlier and perhaps more popular 'Auf Weidersien, Pet' - played the starring role as 'Spender', the detective grudgingly rediscovering his roots. Nail also made substantial contributions to its script and production. I gather it was he who was also largely instrumental in bringing its life to a somewhat premature close. The program was extremely well rounded, with non of the needlessly graphic gloss of shoot 'em ups and pyrotechnics, yet still retaining a very earthy and believable grit. It also came with a simple but haunting little theme tune that suited the character and his circumstances to perfection, and seemed to act as a frame for each episode.I personally like the concept of short runs like this. The ideas and characters never outstay their welcome or become stale. Much better, I think, to leave you wanting more, rather than saying 'Oh, is that still on?' Some of the most iconic British TV programs have been also the briefest: 'The Prisoner', 'Fawlty Towers', 'Blackadder Goes Forth'. And to these I would certainly add the crime drama 'Spender'.It was also a refreshing change to have a star who wasn't what one might call good-looking in that typically simpering boy-band fashion. Actually, Jimmy Nail was voted ugliest man on television in some sort of European poll. But that hardly excuses the lack of interest and support from the home front. You Anglo-telly-philes ought to be ashamed of yourselves. If ever a series deserves pages of praise this one surely does. I never missed an episode.Highly recommended - on both sides of the Altantic.
