Life on Mars

In some ways, it is.

When I first heard "Life On Mars" was being adapted for American television, I really didn't expect much. And when I first watched it, I was unimpressed. The British series is just SO original, and SO excellent. Who could replace the Gov? No one. Even now that my opinion of the show has changed, I still think he is irreplaceable. But that's okay! The American series has other things going for it, which I suspect largely stem from a bigger budget. The music is better, for one. Also, the attention to detail is immaculate. One of the joys of watching it is experiencing the atmosphere of 1973 New York. I also quite like Michael Imperioli as Ray— perhaps he's not as funny as Dean Andrews, but he's enjoyable to watch in a grittier kind of way. I also like Jason O'Mara as Sam Tyler. He brings a lightness to the role which was absent in John Simm's portrayal. Whereas Simm was often terribly serious and painfully moral (admittedly why we loved him—it is these traits which made his exchanges with Gene Hunt so entertaining), O'Mara's Sam Tyler immerses himself more in the time period. When he takes delight in 1973, so do we. One of the few elements damaged by the adaptation is DC Chris Skelton—played in the BBC series by the talent Marshall Lancaster. Jonathon Murphy fills the role in the ABC version and he is so extremely boring that I lament the adaptation of his character every time he appears in a scene. Finally, it's certain that Harvey Keitel has big shoes to fill but he's adequate. He's a professional and has a presence which embodies 1973 New York.

If you are a big fan of the British series, you will enjoy this show. And if you've only ever seen this adaptation, I encourage you to rent the original BBC series.

The energetic and entertaining "Life on Mars" is a cop-show tonic for those tired of being CSI-ed five night a weeks. It's managed to craft a very watchable balance of humor and light science fiction in the frame of a traditional 1970's police story, and yet it's backed by some pretty solid acting chops from Harvey Keitel and Jason O'Mara. Yes, it's different from the British series which it takes its inspiration from, but if you can accept the premise, it makes for some pretty solid entertainment. For those of you fearing or thinking this could develop into another "Lost" with multiple incomprehensible story lines, the tenor of the first couple of episodes makes it clear that this show won't get overly weighted down by its time traveling premise.

Keitel cannot save this awful remake of an excellent Brit series. How dumbed down are we going to go, folks? This is like taking a great novel and turning it into a Reader's Digest Condensed Book. Gone from this American version are: 1. THE MUSIC: the BBC version serves up actual smash hits from the era, many made right in the UK, while the US version largely serves up a cheesy soundtrack trying to mimic the authentic sound of the times. 2. ACTING. Period. 3. GOOD DIRECTING. Compare the time travel scene in episode 1 in both versions. The Brit version gets it right as the camera crescendos perfectly in time with the crescendo of Bowie's "Life on Mars." The U.S. version reduces that drama to a flattening camera angle change. 4. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND IN THE EARLY 70S - a much more unique canvas for the anachronisms to follow.

Oy! Watch the BBC version and skip this crap, unless you are only watching it for 1) Keitel or, 2) because you really like soap operas

Our hero is thrust back in time by unknown means from 2008 to 1973 he is mysteriously holding a cops ID and is expected at the station house as a new transfer into H Keitels "team" of detectives. Its all confusing to him but he pulls himself together and for some reason goes to work every day as a new york detective working cases and living adventures with his new partners. We get to experience the culture shock first hand. There is also a dark unknown force always teasing Sam as to why he is there and that Sam is following someones unknown plan....

There are funny moments which are played out quite well almost looking like they are happening for real. Its a credit to the cast that they can pull it off considering the script quality.

more light hearted than the UK version and not quite so edgy. Even so in its own right its a decent show. the characters are intriguing and make you want to know more. As normal with yank shows there is always some big moral backdrop to the story which a lot of UK fans will find cheesy but the Americans love that stuff.....

each episode has its own story though they are all linked, I think the show could do with a bigger arc for us to get our teeth into spread out over several episodes or a season, though I would say it does look like its heading that way.

excellent cast. Though Harvey Keitel and Gretchen Mol both outshine Jason O'Mara the lead. He doesn't seem very realistic as a character and I wish he would take more advantage of the fact that he's from the future to make him more believable.

in summary thumbs up, good entertainment.

Great music, costumes, script and characters. I first watched the BBC series (both of them and then bought the DVDs) and am thoroughly enjoying this US version. Rather than just compare it with the BBC version I believe it best to view it on its own merits. The BBC version is pure class, as are most things containing John Simm. (I strongly recommend 'The Devil's Whore') Do not compare the characters/actors with the BBC version as it is certain to lead to dissatisfaction. The script isn't as subtle as the original, true. John Simm is a better actor than Jason O'Mara, true. However the series is very enjoyable and I may even buy the DVD of this series too. Just sit back and enjoy 50 minutes of good entertainment!