I just read half a dozen reviews of "Life on Mars" from viewers who are obviously fans of the original. History has shown that remakes of anything rarely please those who are anxious to see it again. However, if you've never seen the original (which I haven't), I think you just may enjoy this particular remake. Never a fan of cops & robbers shows, I stumbled upon Life on Mars to fill my spare hour after Grey's Anatomy. Sam's return to 1973 was an enjoyable trip down memory lane for me! I was 10 years old in 1973, yet I knew every song and instantly connected with the clothes, the hair, and the times! I was outraged and entertained by Lt. Hunt (Keitel); he is politically incorrect (of the Archie Bunker variety), lacks any sort of conscience or scruples, and is a modern day cowboy who lacks the morals and ethics that have been so finely honed by society over the last 30 years. You can't help but love him and hate him all at the same time! Detective Tyler (our main man) is, by comparison, politically correct having arrived from the 21st century, and finds the 125th's whole approach to law enforcement to be downright barbaric! It's fascinating to watch someone from today try to relate to the ways of yesteryear!! The break-out fight scenes among the detectives, the love-hate relationships that are developing, and the subtle humor buried within all of it make for a fun hour of surprises and whimsy. All this from a cop show!! I love the music and poly suits and the references to past events. If they're a little challenged in getting the exact date right, who cares? The intent is to take you back to another place in time and it absolutely worked for me! Jason O'Mara's "Sam" is reminiscent of Mel Gibson's "Riggs" in Lethal Weapon - what's not to love??
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lorislusarz17 October 2008
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podmartin20 October 2008The 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.
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interpol_ated7 November 2008In 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 himit 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 Skeltonplayed 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. -
steven-elia31 January 2010Having 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! -
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!
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aedine3525 August 2011Keitel cannot save this awful remake of an excellent Brit series. How dumbed down are we going to go, folks? This is like taking a great novel and turning it into a Reader's Digest Condensed Book. Gone from this American version are: 1. THE MUSIC: the BBC version serves up actual smash hits from the era, many made right in the UK, while the US version largely serves up a cheesy soundtrack trying to mimic the authentic sound of the times. 2. ACTING. Period. 3. GOOD DIRECTING. Compare the time travel scene in episode 1 in both versions. The Brit version gets it right as the camera crescendos perfectly in time with the crescendo of Bowie's "Life on Mars." The U.S. version reduces that drama to a flattening camera angle change. 4. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND IN THE EARLY 70S - a much more unique canvas for the anachronisms to follow.
Oy! Watch the BBC version and skip this crap, unless you are only watching it for 1) Keitel or, 2) because you really like soap operas -
Vic_max10 November 2008Who can resist checking out a new series with a time-travel aspect? I couldn't - so I watched. The pilot was pretty good. The stories, however, looked as if they would get tiresome since he's perpetually in 1973. Fortunately, the show's developers leave a little hook at the end of each episode where he's flashing forward to the present time. What they they are going to do with it is unknown, but it keeps me interested and watching.
If you haven't seen the show, it's about a present-day police officer who is severely hit by a car while investing a crime. He wakes up as a police officer in 1973 and, in every episode, tries to figure out what happened and what he needs to do to get back.
After a slightly shaky start, the series is holding up. The constant references to what life was like in 1973 (esp. things we take for granted) keeps it interesting - but it's Jason O'Mara (who plays the lead character) who holds the show together. His style of skepticism, seriousness and conflict (1973 values vs. modern values) is really great to watch.
There are some similarities to Journeyman from NBC, but let's hope this one sticks around. -
DianeBaby25 October 2008I never saw the original, but personally I love this show. Jason O'Mara does a wonderful job and is really believable. Watching the first show was such a blast from the past, it absolutely took me back to 1973 when I was in high school.
While I respect everyone else's opinions, I don't see why this is receiving such negativity. I have the first 3 recorded and watched, and am now enjoying watching the first one again. I hope this show sticks around.
And Harvey Kaitel? Wow, he's a fabulous actor, so believable as the tough guy boss. It's also so great to see Michael Imperioli in a series again, I loved him on Sopranos. Gotta say, I love the look he's got. He's hotter than ever! -
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. -
padriscoll23 October 2008I really enjoy this program. Maybe because I was around in 1973 and remember what it was like. Vietnam, gays called fairies and queers, lots of hair, bell-bottoms, sideburns, women were second class citizens and were just starting to get jobs other than teacher or secretary. I was a token woman back then as a merchandiser and had to face discrimination. Men didn't understand I was just trying to support my four kids. I was always being told that I was taking food from men's families. It was hard but worth it. I never saw the BBC version so cannot compare. I hope it stays around long enough to develop a following. ABC don't yank it - remember MASH! This is well written and the actors are all great. I am so sick of those cheap "reality" programs. At last, a program with a story line and characters,
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dangermous31 January 2010Our hero is thrust back in time by unknown means from 2008 to 1973 he is mysteriously holding a cops ID and is expected at the station house as a new transfer into H Keitels "team" of detectives. Its all confusing to him but he pulls himself together and for some reason goes to work every day as a new york detective working cases and living adventures with his new partners. We get to experience the culture shock first hand. There is also a dark unknown force always teasing Sam as to why he is there and that Sam is following someones unknown plan....
There are funny moments which are played out quite well almost looking like they are happening for real. Its a credit to the cast that they can pull it off considering the script quality.
more light hearted than the UK version and not quite so edgy. Even so in its own right its a decent show. the characters are intriguing and make you want to know more. As normal with yank shows there is always some big moral backdrop to the story which a lot of UK fans will find cheesy but the Americans love that stuff.....
each episode has its own story though they are all linked, I think the show could do with a bigger arc for us to get our teeth into spread out over several episodes or a season, though I would say it does look like its heading that way.
excellent cast. Though Harvey Keitel and Gretchen Mol both outshine Jason O'Mara the lead. He doesn't seem very realistic as a character and I wish he would take more advantage of the fact that he's from the future to make him more believable.
in summary thumbs up, good entertainment. -
midnightrambler5114 February 2009I liked this show from the first episode and the more I get to know the characters, the better it gets. I love the music from that era and that helps a lot with the story. Sometimes it is hard to follow and there are a few things that are weird, but I suppose they will explain as the the series develops. I've never seen the BBC version and haven't read anything about it. I am a big Harvey Keitel fan and have never seen Jason O'Mara in anything before (plays his part well). Gretchen Mol and Maggie Siff are hot and I Like the story line with those two. I hope this doesn't get canceled because there are few shows on TV that I like anymore, but if they do, I hope they end all the story lines.
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allondro-212 October 2008I watched this and was prepared to hate it, as I am a huge fan of the original series. The experience was akin to watching the two different versions of Max Headroom. The British versions of both are gritty, dark and slightly depressing; the American versions are more upbeat, brighter and less effective as a result. This show does show promise though. I was a bit disappointed at the way the plot blew through the original script. It was recognizably the same story, but 'streamlined' for an American audience. As we all know, Americans can't understand British TV (or so the executives believe). Jason O'Mara is passable as Sam Tyler, but he was too obviously trying to be John Simm. His performance at times seemed forced. Maybe he just needs to get to know his character a little better. The standout character is Harvey Keitel as Gene Hunt. He isn't Philip Glenister, but he has some of the bad ass attitude that Glenister simply reeked of. Let's hope that he can carry the show, because the other characters seem to be pale copies of their British counterparts.
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The last five minutes of the final episode of 'Life on Mars' were so bad that the magic spell the show cast on me is now broken and I am no longer upset about its cancellation. It was like ending 'Gone With the Wind' with a McDonald's commercial.
Many say that the ending must have been rushed after news of it not being picked up for another season, and that's why it was so awful. But I fully believe this is what was planned all along, because it was deemed that American audiences would not be able to handle the type of ending that the British version had – where Sam jumps off of a building to put himself back into 1973. That ending was even tough for the Brits to take (and they are a far more stolid group than we Americans). For the entire year until 'Ashes to Ashes' (the Brit spin off) arrived, fans were hoping that Sam didn't really kill himself but just somehow put himself back in a coma. Hints told the opposite – the final words we heard over the radio after Sam jumped were "He's slipping away from us." And alas, Sam Tyler was dead. Since American producers and a major network don't seem to have the courage to go to that place, why bother with the series at all?
Your ending took me from caring intensely about these characters to thinking them all ridiculous. I always get a bit sad at the end of a really good book, because I've spent days in an amazing alternate world, and then it's gone. That's how I felt for weeks when I found out that 'Life on Mars' would be canceled. The ending not only broke the spell but it made me feel totally manipulated.
And talk about "on the nose." The worst dialogue is when characters say exactly what they mean. It stands to reason that entire scenes that are "on the nose" are garbage.
The ending didn't even make sense:
1. What idiot would choose to be a cop (whether in 2008 or 1973) for his "restful, relaxing" two-year cyber-journey?
2. The whole point of the 'real-unreal' dilemma – that Sam could feel actual pain in 1973 but was numb in his real life – was totally lost in the ending.
3. Um, so he woke up from his virtual reality game and is now in love with Commander Norris, because there was a character who looked like her in his virtual reality? Give me a large personal break.
4. Ray Carling – with or without mustache – would never be on a NASA flight.
5. A guy with a snake tattoo on his hand would never be on a NASA flight.
6. A senior citizen (yes, Harvey Keitel is actually a senior citizen) would never be on a NASA flight without a whole lot of whoopla. If, in some absurd reality, the ending were possible, no one would care if "2B" woke up. They'd all be asking how grandpa was doing?
7. PEOPLE FLOAT IN SPACE!!!
Oh, and then you ended it with Gene Hunt's shoe stepping onto Mars. The point? None. But gee, isn't it a neat image? Yeah, let's throw that in too.
Should we make the final music "Life on Mars" by David Bowie? Naah, that would make too much sense. Let's play some Elton John and Reunion. That'll really throw 'em off.
The addition of the tiny "Soul Finders" that looked like NASA equipment / 70's toys was a fascinating image. It's also how I know that this was the intended ending all along. But what would have been far more understandable was that Sam woke up in a hospital facility where much of the equipment resembled the "Soul Finders." Then, fine, you don't want to end it with a suicide? Okay, well, end it with him getting his hands on some coma inducing meds. End it with him really going to the old Annie and reading to her. End it with the kiss with young Annie after he's hung up the phone on the 'voice' who purports to be able to get Sam back to the present. Whatever! Just don't end it like a Star Trek episode but with less production value.
The only time a finale like this worked was when Bob Newhart woke up with the co-star of his former series (Suzanne Pleshette) and remarked on what a strange dream he just had. And that was a sitcom. In the case of 'Life on Mars' the ending lacked artistic integrity. It "jumped the shark" at the worst possible moment.
The ending of the British version, with the TV Test Card girl skipping down the street to turn off our televisions, is saying to the audience, "Don't worry. It's just fiction. It's a TV series, and it's come to its end." It wasn't insulting – more like an 'in-joke.' On the other hand, the ending of the American version was saying, "You're all idiots, and you wouldn't understand or accept it if we told you what really happened, so we're going to dumb it down for you."
In the future, please try to remember your audience. The viewers of "smart TV" are not stupid. We could have handled more. And for us, it is much more important that there is a strong emotional closure to the story than a massive twist. Frankly, you owe us one more episode – an episode where we find out that Sam's NASA reality isn't reality at all, but just another elaborate fantasy cooked up in his coma-brain. And then get him back to 1973. Otherwise, you owe me seventeen hours of my life back. For now, I'm going to have to watch the British version again just to get the bad taste of mini-Mars-rovers out of my mouth. -
Dommy531 March 2009Life On Mars: is a fresh and new look back into the 70's...
Great writing,and the cast & crew are superb... This show needs a *SecoundSeason*...... Lets give it a chance...... The show has such a wonderful cast of seasoned actors... Harvey Keitel, Michael Imperioli, Jason O'Mara, Gretchin Mol, and Jonathan Murphy. Imagine yourself going back in time 30 year's and trying to adjust...How would you deal with it? Sam Tyler (Jason O'Mara) just can't help but to get confused,but seems to find a way to make it right...way to go Sam. Gene Hunt (Harvey Keitel) is his hard hitting boss,and I do mean hard hitting,(the nose know's).... Ray Carling (Michael Imperioli) is the wise crack-in bad ass,his one liners,always hit there mark,no one does it better... Annie Norris (Gretchin Mol) has to be the strongest women I know,being called "no nuts" in a room filled with men in the day would freak anyone out ...go Annie! and guys She's cute too!!! Chris Skelton (Joanthan Murphy) is the young-in of the crew,and hanging with these guys could make you get smart fast,"street smart",but watch out he does have some moves of his own,and is learning fast... -
katesgram20004 November 2008I was a huge fan of 60's and 70's cop shows and this show has captured the feel of those.
I graduated high school in 1974 so the nostalgia of this show is also probably a factor in my enjoyment of it. Love the clothes the cars the music.
I never saw the British version of the show so I don't have that to compare it to but I really enjoy this show and the whole retro feel it has.
Now it is telling me my submission doesn't have enough lines so I have to add some more.
OK- How about this- does anyone think the set for the detectives office looks like the one from Cagney and Lacey? -
grendelkhan9 August 2010It's nearly impossible to look at the US Life on Mars without comparing it to the UK original. It can't live up to the standard set. It deserves to be reviewed on its own merits, though.
The US series essentially adapts the UK scripts, with a more American-centric attitude. Therein lies part of the problem. Since the UK scripts were written with UK experiences in mind, the American ones end up a bit too knowing about the 70's nostalgia. It tends to throw it in your face, rather than immerse you in this world. Also, it never really invokes the police shows of the 70's, as did the UK version.
The characters are rather thinly fleshed out, particularly Ray and Chris. It's possible they could have grown if the series had continued, but they do seem rather clichéd. Gretchen Moll and Jason O'Mara are fine as Annie and Sam and really only suffer in comparison to the original British actors. Harvey Keitel is another matter. he just plays Harvey Keitel. There's nothing particularly wrong about his performance, but it is rather subdued for a character like Gene Hunt. Hunt is written as a flamboyant, testosterone driven leader, but Keitel delivers it with his usual reserve. It never quite meshes.
The series starts rather weakly, with too much false nostalgia dominating. It improves as the episodes progress and lets the mystery of Sam's experience take center stage. However, the series never really plays the ambiguity well. Has Sam traveled in time, or is he delusional or in a coma? The series never really leads you back and forth as the UK series did so brilliantly. This version pretty much sticks to one conclusion.
The ultimate failure is the ending. Since the show was canceled, things were wrapped up quickly. the ending is set up, after a fashion, but it is so clichéd that it can never succeed.
In the end, the show demonstrates why it is rarely a good idea to try to remake something that established itself as a classic at the beginning. You can only fail. At best, you might introduce a new element, but it tends to lead the production away from what made the original great. That really seems to be what happened here. Mad Men proves that you can do a nostalgic show and do it well, if you have a good concept and follow through on the details. The details were lacking in LOM. It's worth a look, but the UK series is so far beyond it that you really only need to see it. -
rack_focus9 October 2008I love British TV, but I have not seen the original. I liked this show, especially the situation with the female cop. I'm a big fan of period pieces, so it is nice to have the 70s angle that the short-lived Swingtown thrived on.
Don't listen to those who have seen the original if you want to determine whether or not you should watch this show (unless you have seen the original and want to know if it compares.) I'm going to watch this show until it's over, then check out the original.
Awesome music (but kinda weak audio editing in the sense that they are just throwing in the music to have the awesome music and not really suit the scene), and O'Mara has been pleasing thus far. We need a little more of the subtle nostalgia of Swingtown, but other that, it's pretty good. (The nostalgia is based off of my dad and not me since I was -12 in 1973.)
Watch it. -
wanbliwinyan8 February 2009I was so happy to see Life On Mars come back on television...This show could survive with or without Lost (even though I love that show too, so LOM's is a great follow up to that.) In our home we have a good age demographics. My grandkids who are 16 and 18...my daughter 38 and myself 59...Love this show...
The acting is phenomenal and we are always intrigued with the "mysteries" that the "Spaceman" wonderfully played by Jason O'Mara is confronted with.I loved Michael Imperioli on Sopranos and he just shines here...Who knew he could provide comic relief?...Harvey Keitel (one of Americas best actors) never disappoints...Gretchen Mol is wonderful as is the rest of the cast...
5 stars to ABC for using their noggins and putting this show back on the air.
It's a show that makes you want to watch television again...
BTW...How can you not "dig" the 70's tunes?...
Kick back and enjoy...it'll make you want to dig those old bell bottoms out of the closet and throw on some Jefferson Airplane... -
joey_clamz10 October 2008I've seen the original series, the pilot that was scrapped and the new pilot that aired last night. Yes, the first American pilot was bad. Not 'one star' bad, but pretty close. The re-shot pilot is MUCH better. I think it could have been better still, but hey, at least someone recognized that the first go was awful.
I'll start with Lisa Bonet. She was there. That's about all I can say. Maybe it was the director trying to make her come off as super-sultry or maybe she just can't act,I don't know. Either way her performance left me wanting... wanting another actress in Maya's role.
Keitel was good. He brought a bit of an edge to Gene Hunt and I think that once the writers hit their stride that he will really be able to open up.
I was a little apprehensive about Jason O'Mara, but he pulled it off in the second go.
All around the production was much better. Better acting, better casting, better editing, better everything. Quite a bit of the dialogue needs work, seems forced by the writers, not in delivery. All in all, it was a good pilot. I think that if given the chance the show can gel and maybe one-up the Brit version (which was by no means 'perfect.') I hope the show sticks around! -
btchakir-14 March 2009I never saw the British original... I'm sure it was great... but I've gotten hooked on Sam and Gene and Ray and Annie and I don't want them to be canceled.
All they have to do is put it on a night where it won't get screwed by other top shows... hell, I've followed it to the Wednesday night slot... I'd follow it anywhere else.
And i want to know what happens to Sam... will he get back to 2008? Will he be able to slib back and forth? Is he really dead or dying in 2008? Is this heaven? Hell?
I want to know! -
One of the problems I remember having after watching the first episode of the BBC version of Life on Mars was that I never felt that John Simm played Sam Tyler bad ass enough to be the top cop in Manchester. Jason O'Mara doesn't have that problem. You see him squaring off, going one one one with a suspect right away. In my opinion, this is one way the American LoM outdid it's British counterpart. Simm eventually won me over, but O'Mara gets off to a very good start in my book.
Sadly, I didn't think that Harvey Keitel was imposing enough as Gene Hunt when placed next to the turbo-charged American Sam Tyler. But here is where I think they could do something interesting. They're never going to satisfy all the fans of the BBC version if they keep following the exact storyline of the original. They could separate from the BBC version by shaking up the precinct one more time by bringing in a new lieutenant that's bigger and badder than even the British Gene Hunt. I know, it's heresy to suggest that Keitel isn't the tough guy he once was -- sorry.
Sam Tyler's knowledge of modern criminology must be set in contrast to the old school method of just cracking skulls. Since they have buffed up the American Sam, his foil needs to be someone that you could imagine knocking him out in one blow. -
Little-Mikey5 October 2009As a rule, the US remake of a UK program usually pales in comparison to the original UK version, like a "new stereo remake" of classic oldie. The characters of the US version are usually a little tamer and have a more heart. For example, when the UK series TILL DEATH DO US PART became the US series ALL IN THE FAMILY, the despicable bigot, Alf became the the lovable bigot, Archie.
After watching the UK version which I thoroughly enjoyed, I got the US version and was initially disappointed. Both characters were living parallel lives that were initially identical. They even shared the same name, Sam Tyler. On the pilot episodes, both the Brit and the Yank on opposite sides of the Atlantic, were pursuing identical crimes and both got run down by a hit and run driver and both landed in 1973. As if that wasn't enough, both Sam Tylers found themselves working for a Gene Hunt. Both the British Gene Hunt and his American counterpart had identical personalities, though their accents were a bit different.
The story line on both versions were almost virtually identical. But some additional twists and turns were added to the US series, just enough to change the storyline which in turn would also change the outcome.
In spite of the British version having the distinction of being "the original", life in 1973 New York City for a 21st century cop is more like another planet than life in 1973 Manchester.
The Twin Towers overshadowed the landscape in 1973 New York City. The cars were bigger muscle cars, unlike the small 4-cylander cars that make up most of the traffic on today's American highways.
Unlike Manchester's unrest which was limited mainly to a few strikes, some hooligan activities and some Irish unrest, New York City's unrest went a lot deeper, deeply torn apart by the war in Vietnam, the draft (which was stopped that year) college protests, racial strife and the hippie movement. And the streets of New York were a lot meaner with a higher crime rate than the streets of Manchester.
The US version grew on me, mainly because I remember 1973. The music takes me back and the issues of the time are still as vivid to me today as they were way back then.
As a whole, I must confess that I think the US version is actually better than the UK version. Even though I loved the UK version, it was the US version that I found myself wanting to watch again and again.
I think Jason O'Mara is a better actor than John Simm, not that John Simm isn't a great actor, he is. But John Simm is a British actor playing a British detective. Jason O'Mara is an Irishman playing an American detective, going as far as to nail the New York dialect and passing off as a native New Yorker!
The series also captured that 1973 flavor, even going as far as to use the same style background music that was used in the good police dramas from that era, except that some hits from that era do pop up.
Give it a chance, the series will grow on you. -
cjw-410 October 2008I am giving this a seven based on the plot material alone. This was a fair rendering of the original British pilot script with a few nods to NY society added in.
I think Jason O'Mara is wonderful, however I am worried about Harvey Keitel and Gretchen Mol being the right actors for their parts. Gene in this version is missing his snap, crackle,& pop! He is supposed to be unpredictable, and a slightly dangerous man who will do anything if he deems it necessary: he is supposed to be physically threatening and slightly out of control! Harvey on the other hand is OK, but his voice is Richard Harris' Dumbledore and I can't imagine him running down a bad guy and shoving his face into the ground. Maybe they should have kept Colm Meany, I don't know. This really concerns me because Gene Hunt is basically the second star of the show, he also carries most of the humor, but I didn't feel that he was very funny this time around.
Annie: First of all I am mad that they made her a blond. After that, Annie is supposed to be smart but subdued, a necessary evil of her times when women were supposed to stay in the background. There was supposed to be a reluctant chemistry between her and Sam, but I didn't feel that, I just saw her being resentful of her position in life, and mothering to Sam. There was a realness to Liz White's Annie; a fierceness combined with a certain innocence and deep caring. However Gretchen's performance felt forced and rushed, as though the actor hadn't really understood who Annie was supposed to be.
I thought Michael Imperioli was a good Ray. Ray is the ultimate dumb cop who makes fun of anything he doesn't understand. I love the hair too!
Jonathan Murphy was a passable Chris, who is supposed to be the bumbling new guy on the block, still impressionable and learning the ropes. He's the one who is the most interested in Sam's processes. Gene just wants whatever works, and Ray thinks he's crazy.
Finally Jason O'Mara as Sam Tyler. I think he pulled it off for me because he seems to have gone to the Mel Gibson school of acting. (Mel does a good job of suffering on screen!) That said, I think he was the one actor who made the part his own without trying to be exactly like John Simm. I would definitely watch just for him, and to see what they do with the story arch.
I also wonder if they are going to redo several or all of the scripts from the British version. Next week's episode also looks like a remake. I hope they do take it in a different direction though. All in all, I will continue watching it out of curiosity, to see if it will get better with time, we all remember favorite shows that got off to a rocky start.
If this crumbles, I highly recommend the British version, all two seasons for some of the best cop/drama/sci-fi/comedy mix you'll see this for awhile. Highly recommended -
It's become a running gag now in England that American remakes always flop. The Red Dwarf US pilot is hated by American fans, and the overseas version of Fawlty Towers wasn't to include Basil, the main character. Thank God the BBC haven't allowed there to be a US Doctor Who. Anyway, along comes Life on Mars, one of the biggest success stories for the BBC in years. And as with everything successful in Blighty, America came a'calling. Was this similar to the weak remakes of old? Sadly, yes, it was. The biggest insult to the original thought comes in the form of its ending. And without spoiling it, Life on Mars' US ending is possibly one of the least original and cheesiest endings a US remake ever had. Which adds to the cheek of the writers asking permission to change the ending, due to the original not being "creative enough". My one piece of advice to viewers is to avoid this remake with a 1 mile pole, and to purchase the UK original. It's on both DVD and iTunes around the world now, and was successful enough to gain a second run in the form of Ashes to Ashes, totaling 5 series compared to America's one series. America's version of Life on Mars really was a "God awful small affair"... cheesy ending I know, but fitting for the show itself.