Rating: R16 - Contains Violence, Offensive Language & Sex Scenes.Duration: 600 mins.
Genre: Television, Drama.
Actors: Philip Glenister, John Simm, Dean Andrews, Noreen Kershaw, Marshall Lancaster, Tony Marshall, Liz White.
Release Date: Available Now.
Synopsis
Remember the 1970s? Sam Tyler doesn't - he was only four at the time. Smart, savvy, sharp-suited detective Sam is at the top of his game. Then, after a near-fatal car accident, Sam finds himself mysteriously transported back to 1973…
The Reality
Trust the British to inject some much needed originality into the Television Cop Drama genre, and they’ve done it in style with Life On mars.
Struggling to accept that he has been mysteriously transported back to the early seventies, Sam quickly alienates himself to everyone but a lowly female cop. I say lowly because this is the seventies, and females were still relegated to the ‘nice bot of skirt’ mentality.
Figuring that he may as well get the job done while he figures out how to get back to his life in the naughties, Sam causes even more friction at work with his new fangled approach, and insistence on doing things right, for putting the truth ahead of forced confessions.
But his style, honesty and fresh approach starts to be seen as valuable to his new boss, who takes him under his wing, as they fight crime, the old fashioned way, finishing everyday at the local pub.
There’s much to love about Life on Mars, there’s the nostalgic look back at the seventies, a time when the PC brigade hadn’t sucked all the fun out of life, a time where there was still hope for the world. There are the lovable characters, an oddball assortment, that as individuals would drive you crazy, but together seem to just click.
Then there’s the storyline, as Sam’s old life keeps intersecting with his new life, and as he learns to accept where he is, and make the most of it.
Roll on season two.
Food for thought
It’s only through honest work that the truth comes to light.
Special Features (not reviewed)
• Take a Look at the Lawman: A 60-minute documentary covering the making of the programme
• Get Sykes: A 30-minute interview with the production designer
• Outtakes reel
• The Music of Life on Mars
• Audio commentaries on all episodes with cast and crew
Comments
2 comments to "Life on Mars"
12:20 PM
It wasn't all one-way though, with Tyler introducing extra honesty into the 70's police team's procedures though. Remember in the first ep, when they caught the guy who was destined to resurface in 30 years time, he decided to go along with Gene whathisface and throw away the prisoner's pyschiatric report. I think Tyler learns a few lessons too, about being flexible with the rules.
12:40 PM
You're not wrong their Violet.
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