Ashes to Ashes

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.

"Ashes to Ashes" is great entertainment. A lighter, more colourful series than its predecessor, "Ashes" captures perfectly the essence of the early '80s.

The first episode begins on a sombre note but it's only a matter of time 'til the fun kicks in. Philip Glenister's Gene Hunt makes a very welcome return, this time with a bright red Audi Quattro. Car fans will be in seventh heaven watching this series! Keeley Hawes (known to many as the voice of Lara Croft) is perfect in the role of DI Alex Drake. Aware of Sam Tyler's experiences, Drake is a more knowing character and the script is lighter and full of more comic potential. Despite this, it still retains the power to hit hard messages home and there's gritty realism in some scenes.

9 out of 10. This is what you pay the licence fee for.

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 have been having a marathon of great British dramas as of late.

I find this series, in some cases, better than Life on Mars. I do believe a lot of it is likely biased, considering I'm an 80s girl, and love the music of the era, but the story and characters are still strong!

Some of Gene Hunt's one liners goes over my head. Likely due to the fact I'm not British.

Still... Give it a go!