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.

Having never heard of this show prior to its debut on ABC, I absolutely loved the American version. After a few episodes, the characters really developed, and the actors seemed to gel more than in the start. A lot of humor involved Michael Imperioli and Keitel condescending women's rights and confused by 'Spaceman's' current attitudes that we take as common sense.

The British version is obviously amazing, but it's two separate countries, so the issues and slang used (along with the scenery), are very different. To be honest, I didn't understand a lot of the references in the British version. I wasn't even alive in the 70s. I am almost positive a lot went over my head in the American version as well. The basic premise, the hallucinations, and character names are really the few things both have in common. The idea of a re-make is to improve something that was done poorly yet remained popular (usually a cult classic) or alter a successful idea to reach new audiences, not produce a carbon copy. Ricky Gervais understood that concept when bringing us the Office. Even today, his characters evolve yet maintain his original, core personalities, yet that may be due to his current involvement as producer and writer.

From reading the other reviews, I believe it was impossible for fans of the original to view the American version as something attuned to our history. The anger seemed more directed at Americans for even attempting this version, not its content, the sharp, sarcastic dialog (after the growing pains), or the humor in the ideals held a mere thirty years ago. Be that as it may, the outcry was heard and new fans of the series were stripped of a potential classic before it had a chance to develop into its beautiful and savvy predecessor. Sometimes the translation is lost on its way overseas (like Coupling), but I do not think that was the case here. Every week I was eager for a new episode. Every week I laughed and got more involved with the growing complexities within each character. Due to this, the final episode will infuriate just about everyone. It was an idea meant to be led to slowly and with a lot of misdirection, yet the cancellation sped us to the "wow" moment too quickly. It became a moment of confusion, instead of revelation.

I would advise purchasing either version and cranking the volume. Otherwise, you're not going to hear the music over your own laughing and voiced epiphanies. Both soundtracks are stellar, and half the fun is guessing at the end of the series like with Lost, and I promise, you will fail as soon as you start trying.

Both versions have a place in my heart. Enjoy them!

Life on Mars.

Another prime example of a good show that had a following killed off because of idiotic decisions by a Network, this one by one of the worst offenders, ABC. Had the show not gone on a 2-month hiatus and then a time and day change, it might have seen 2 or 3 seasons, easily.

This was one of the first shows of several in a line of 70's or 80's time period. Why? Because that is the time period most of the people now in charge grew up in. It's something they, and myself, relish for a return of. Back to a "Simpler" time, if you will. Of course, EVERY generation thinks and says that lol.

This was a remake of yet another British series of the same name and many of the same named characters, with, of course, a few differences to entice the American audiences. I'm not sure what it is, but the British sure seem to have a knack for strange and interesting Television and Movie entertainment.

The show has an AWESOME cast. Jason O'Mara is in the leading role as Detective Sam Tyler. He isn't really your "normal" leading man in action based Sci-Fi Television shows, but he does a great job when put into them. Terra Nova was another show he was an "odd" leading man in as well. And now also as a cast member of Agents of Shield. When you first see him, you think, "WHAT?" But after a few episodes, you settle in and can't imagine anyone else in that role. In one of the episodes of this show, his real life wife, the stunning Paige Turco is a guest star. You will recognize her as Clarke's Mother, Abby Griffen from the show The 100. In that same episode, you get a chance to hear Jason's REAL accent. Being that he is from Ireland, it, of course, is Irish.

Gretchen Mol plays Woman Police Officer, Annie Norris. She, of course, is a very beautiful woman, but they are able to "Temper" that beauty by her uniform and meek presence. At moments along the way, they spotlight that beauty by adding some growing strength and a Burnette look here and there. Mol is a natural blonde and hot, but nothing like when she turns into a Brunette and sizzles off the TV screen. She is truly one of those women who is much better looking as a brunette and not her natural blonde. The show takes some interesting twists and turns and Mol's character, what is normally a "3rd Tier" supporting role, blasts to the forefront.

Harvey Keitel is Lieutenant Gene Hunt, the leader of the 125 unit. He is the typecast of the old 70's man in charge, gruff, tough, mean, but with a tender side. His character, like all of them, seem to grow and change because of the presence of Det. Sam Tyler.

The rest of the cast is relative unknowns, but Michael Imperioli who plays Det. Ray Carling, begins to shine as the typical 70's "Sexist Pig" male that Feminists of that era battled for control with. He is some pretty good comic relief with his lines, jokes, and name calling.

I recommend this show in general, I gave it a 7, which for me, is a very "good" rating. Any of my ratings of 6 or up you will be happy with the show and easily be able to watch the entire series. If I rate a show 8 it is an awesome show, 9 would be one of the best shows I have ever seen and 10, doesn't exist it. It is hard to classify because it crosses a few genres, Sci-Fi, Police Procedurals, Drama. d then relies on another to keep it going. Much like many of the shows being made now.

Final Note: (And if you have read some of my other reviews, MY TYPICAL RANT TIME). In my opinion, the Networks, ABC, CBS, NBC, now FOX and probably soon, the CW, have a LONG HISTORY OF DESTROYING GOOD SCI-FI SHOWS with STUPID Decisions. This show was a victim the same way. Right now, the only way a good Sci-Fi show has a shot at several seasons is on a Cable Network or the CW. The main Networks rely too heavily on an old, outdated, FLAWED, system of measurements, the Neilsens. Nowadays, most of us are busy and DVR or Stream our TV and Movie entertainment. Perhaps a Social Media system should be set up to gauge audience interest rather than the horrible "Neilsen" system used FAR TOO LONG. As proof, imagine how long CBS or NBC would have allowed a show like The Walking Dead to go on. They would have killed it after the 1st season. CBS had a decent winner in Supergirl, but yet they transferred it to their CW. They now have the new Star Trek show, but wisely(?) (We shall see), they are going to be showing just the Pilot on their network and then going to their new "Streaming" service with it. They are going to make it their "Flagship" of their streaming service. If not done right, their streaming service will crash and burn like could easily happen if not handled correctly. NBC killed the show "Revolution" which had massive ratings and proved, done properly, a Sci-Fi show can live on the Networks, but an overly long Hiatus for the show killed it. The audience moved on to other shows and by the time it came back, no one was left to watch it. Plus, they changed the premise so much, it didn't really resemble much of the original 1st season.

Yes, I HATE the Networks and can't wait until the day they bankrupt themselves from stupidity and arrogance.

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!

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.