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.

"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.

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.

Ashes to Ashes has proved that it is an original and well written TV series. All of the characters in the show are fantastic and you instantly fall in love with them. Gene Hunt is a god as far as I am concerned! Although he may be slightly caustic, his character develops before your very eyes. The relationship between him and Alex has been very intense from day 1, his team are all so different and diverse yet normal if that makes sense?! The final series has been a real eye opener. You find out the truth about Gene's world, who he really is and why Alex was there. I wont give the ending away in case some people haven't seen it yet but I thought it was incredible. No-one I know could guess the ending. Ashes to ashes is a classic and will be for many years to come!

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!