Hustle

Tony Jordan was briefly confronted in a low key column of a tabloid newspaper about why there are only 6 of Hustle.

If you are like me and desperately want it on for longer, Jordan claims that he is a Story consultant for Eastenders, writer for Bafta winning drama Spooks, and a writer of Hustle, which means holiday breaks are limited. He just can't find the time. A shame!

Hustle has become one of my most favourite TV dramas of all time. Although the last episode of series 2 seemed to be a slight rip-off of Entrapment, it was probably the best one they ever did! However it does leave the question of how can they top it?

Hustle raises the standards of television; television that has recently sunk into the depths of reality shows, repeats, and more reality shows. Hustle also shows that originality goes a long way.

This program contains three essential legs that keep it upright. Firstly, the idea. The idea of the show is so brilliant that it feels as if a breath of fresh air hits you in the face every time you watch it. It is produced superbly and the atmosphere of the program is modern, original, smooth and sophisticated.

Secondly, the script. Week in, week out, Hustle delivers something new and exciting. The writing is witty and gives the juxtaposition of characterization freedom to move around, while being tied down by the umbrella that is the genre and idea for the program. The dialogue is also good, by the second series the writers seemed to have let characterization seep over the wall of initial curiosity about the acceptance of the program.

The third point is the acting. Everyone plays their character perfectly, as if they are straight out of a jigsaw puzzle, everyone fits brilliantly. The actors gel well on camera and give a positive atmosphere when all together.

The only real thing i can say negatively about the show is that sometimes you have to take a step back and say, wait a minute, they are stealing. That is the greatest con on the program, they completely cover up the fact their stealing and rename their actions as HUSTLING.

But still, this program uplifts BBC's reputation and actually produces some healthy viewing. 99% of todays television is copied, processed and dragged out to the death, It is junk . Hustle is new, original, fresh, smart, packed with twists, and good entertainment. If reality TV shows are fast food, Hustle is an exotic fruit.

Here in Sweden the second chapter will be seen this evening but from only have seen the pilot I must say that "Hustle" is very, very cool.

A couple of gentlemen thieves fraud rich people who really deserves a lesson and can afford to lose some money :-). Nothing is (or was in the first episode anyway...) as it seems, except for the brilliant acting and cool surroundings. The perfect league of anti-heroes lead by Mickey "Bricks" Stone, a criminal master-mind. The best in what he does. Teamed up by old friends good at different things which complements the group perfectly. I know what I will do the coming Tuesdays!

British Television rarely gets any better than this - with the look and feel of a manic collision between Ocean's Eleven, Catch Me If You Can, The Sting and High Fidelity, Hustle is the only show currently worth watching (if you only possess terrestrial TV).

Season One was awesome and season Two appears set to carry the baton at full throttle. Witty, imaginative, engaging; it puts my faith back in British Television. Not only that but the cinematography is inventive, especially the speed ramping and occasional pauses so that characters may talk to camera, or even each other. The cast are excellent - How about a campaign for Adrian Lester as the next James Bond?

In fact, Hustle is so good, I'm going to teach it for Media Studies next year.!

After only two episodes on AMC, this spunky show has already added itself to my must-see TV list. This innovative BBC show, created by Tony Jordan follows the charmingly malevolent capers of five con artists in swanky modern London. The rogues gallery includes Mickey "Bricks" Stone (Adrian Lester), a charming debonair "inside man" who has never missed on a con, with a perfect record of 49 successful jobs, before being jailed on an unrelated charge. Now he's back on the streets and ready to get to work again, calling together the rest of the team. The other team members include Albert Stroller (Robert Vaughn) a charismatic older con man who serves as a mentor to the young group, Ash Morgan (Robert Glenister) the quirky, yet charming technogeek who is to Hustle as "Q" is to James Bond, Stacie Munroe (Jaime Murray) the alluring female component that is necessary for every caper, and newbie Danny Blue (Marc Warren) a sarcastically charming down and out master of the short con who learns of Mickey Stone and his infamous team through a mutual friend. The acting is terrific, and each team member works to make the ensemble a cohesive and chemistry rich whole. Not to mention a jazzy, eclectic atmosphere which exudes a neo-1920s-esque level of cool. With hip jazz infused music, elegant and suave art direction and scripts that crackle with wit, HUSTLE proves to be an enrapturing and entertaining instant hit!