The Unexpected Rise of New Tricks Speedrunning

New Tricks, a British police procedural known for its witty dialogue and ensemble cast, might seem an unlikely candidate for the speedrunning scene. Unlike action-packed games with clear objectives and readily identifiable glitches, the show presents a seemingly straightforward narrative structure. Yet, a dedicated community has emerged, finding innovative ways to push the boundaries of what’s possible, redefining “speed” in the context of a television series.

Exploiting Narrative Loops and Redundancy

Speedrunners have discovered clever ways to manipulate the show’s narrative. By identifying recurring plot elements and thematic overlaps across different episodes, runners have developed strategies to “skip” sections deemed non-essential to the overall narrative flow. This isn’t about skipping dialogue entirely; it’s about cleverly cherry-picking scenes that advance the overarching story while minimizing less crucial subplots. The focus is on achieving a cohesive narrative experience, even in a highly condensed form.

Mastering the Art of Selective Viewing

The key to successful New Tricks speedrunning isn’t simply watching the episodes quickly; it’s about strategic editing. Runners meticulously select key moments, often using advanced video editing techniques to blend transitions seamlessly. This demands a deep understanding of the show’s structure, characters, and overarching plotlines. It’s less about raw speed and more about a refined sense of narrative pacing and visual storytelling. They create almost a director’s cut, streamlined for efficiency and engagement.

The Importance of Character Arcs and Relationships

While some speedruns prioritize sheer speed, others emphasize maintaining the integrity of the core characters’ journeys. This approach involves carefully selecting scenes that showcase character development and crucial relationships. The emphasis is on preserving the emotional core of the show, ensuring that even in a drastically shortened format, the emotional impact of each episode remains. This type of speedrun highlights a deeper appreciation for the show’s intricate character dynamics.

The Community and its Contribution to Innovation

The New Tricks speedrunning community plays a crucial role in the evolution of the runs. Runners regularly share their strategies, discovering new techniques and optimizing existing ones. This collaborative spirit fosters innovation, leading to ever-faster and more refined runs. The community forum serves as a hub for sharing tips, debating the best approaches, and celebrating significant milestones achieved by fellow runners. This shared knowledge is vital to the continuous improvement and refining of the speedruns.

Defining “Completion” in a Narrative Context

Defining “completion” in a speedrun of a television show differs significantly from game speedrunning. There’s no definitive “end screen.” The goal often revolves around covering a specific number of episodes or seasons, or achieving a particular narrative milestone. This often involves consensus within the community about what constitutes a satisfying and representative “completion” of a chosen arc. Runners might aim for a specific character’s resolution or the conclusion of a major case across multiple episodes.

Beyond the Speed: An Appreciation for Storytelling

Ultimately, New Tricks speedrunning transcends the simple pursuit of speed. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the show and the creativity of its fans. By reimagining the narrative in a condensed format, runners showcase a profound understanding and appreciation for the show’s storytelling, demonstrating that even a seemingly straightforward police procedural can offer exciting possibilities within the speedrunning community.

The Future of New Tricks Speedrunning

The future of New Tricks speedrunning seems bright. As new runners join the community and existing runners continue to refine their strategies, we can expect even more innovative and efficient runs to emerge. The collaborative nature of the community ensures continued development and pushes the boundaries of what’s considered possible in television show speedrunning, opening the door for similar endeavors with other shows.