Ashes to Ashes

People will always compare a sequel to its predecessor, sometimes rightly so, but this time they would be wrong. Life on Mars was new and unique. The story of policeman trapped in his own imagination that kept you guessing until the end as to whether this world was real or not. This is a similar idea with a twist. At the start Drake comes across as arrogant and very self assured of her policing and psychological skills but as the series progresses you can see the cracks appearing. Ashes to Ashes isn't so much a sequel as more a clever rewrite. I recommend people ignore the hype and hysteria of the media and judge for yourself.

I agree with those who say that Ashes to Ashes (or A2A as we fans call it) is different from Life on Mars (LOM), but that has several explanations. Firstly, it is set in the 1980s, and it is written in the spirit of 1980s cop shows, with fashion, glamorous shots and set pieces, etc. Secondly, the central hero is female and her perspective on life is different from Sam Tyler's. She also knows more, having read Sam's notes about his time in Gene Hunt's world in 1973.

However, it still has the unexpectedness and the central mystery of its predecessor, so that we are always wanting to know why Alex is stuck in 1981 and how and if she will get back to 2008. And of course, it has the fabulous Gene Hunt who comes into his own in this series. He is still moody and magnificent, and Philip Glenister has created a character with such charisma that I can't stop watching him. All the continuing characters are wonderful, and so are the new ones; Shaz and Viv in particular. Sam Tyler in LOM was intense, driven and edgy, and the darkness and gritty nature of 1970s style cop shows was well represented in LOM. This is equally great, but it's a different animal. I love both shows and I am really looking forward to the next series of A2A. The things that were revealed about Alex's past create new mysteries that need to be solved, so I am hoping that we will find out more. The most original aspect of both LOM and A2A is the central premise that someone can visit another time frame, whether real or imagined, and experience life there, while their body in "real life" is in a coma or near to death. It's a fascinating idea that has a lot of scope, and since it is a fantasy, anything can happen. The identity of Gene Hunt is open to debate - who is he really? I hope that we find out a lot more about this compelling character in the future. British TV at its best. Oh, and I also love 1980s music - really!

Ashes to Ashes is the sort of series that makes watching TV worthwhile. It is original, cleverly plotted, has excellent script writing, genuine character development, wit, pathos, perfect music, what more can you ask? You have to watch all three series to get the full benefit, safe in the knowledge that the story resolves itself, unlike so many open ended series where the producers run away from a satisfying ending in anticipation of yet another series. I do wonder if the naysayers on IMDb have watched to the end, fair enough if they gave up but I recommend completing. Lots of people compare it to Life on Mars, but I don't think comparison is necessary, they are companion pieces - complete in themselves but the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Every of often TV gets it so right it justifies the amount of time we spend glued to the television, think of the original series of Edge of Darkness as one example of thriller perfection, or The Durrell's as the perfect gentle humourous drama series, and be assured that Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes are right up there with them.

I find it amazing how Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah have managed to pull off this series. After so much scrutiny from the public before it's release, it was sure to have cringworthy moments and scenes that cloned Life on Mars. But instead they adapt characteristics and settings to that of the early 80's (which after all is why we watch the show), with great ease and you really do get the idea that time has carried on in the years between the two series, rather than it just being a clone of the previous.

The main differences are of course in the settings, the town and decade, but also in the character progression of Gene, Ray and Chris and the introduction of Alex Drake, the tormented but very different and witty, sophisticated main character. Keeley Hawes creates a sarcastic reaction to Alex's new surroundings which is almost a refreshing change from the intense nature of Sam Tyler. Once again, Phillip Glenister begins the series with a bang: "Tonight, my friend, your diary entry will read, 'Took a prozzie hostage and was shot by three armed bast***s." Welcome back everyone.

Ten years on since Ashes to Ashes finished, and I think looking back on it, I've found a new appreciation for the show, that I perhaps lacked a little during its original transmission.

I have to say I prefer Life on Mars, maybe it's the originality of the concept, or the harshness of the era, still Ashes to Ashes has a lot going for it.

Great direction, great stories, great visuals, and some wonderful actors, some very memorable moments, who will ever forget the first meeting, with Vienna blasting out, or that surprising final episode?

It's great from the off, if I'm honest the third series is my personal favourite, I thought the show got better as time went on, climaxing in an incredible last episode.

Gene Hunt, the man who often steals the show, Glenister is wonderful again, almost upstaged by his beautiful Audi Quattro. Hawes, as always can do no wrong, what a talent she is.

It was almost Game Over, but one final roll of the dice awaits, as Life on Mars is set to return for one last run.

Glorious. 9/10.