Life on Mars

[MovieAddict]

What happened? Where did it go?

So I'm happily entranced and addicted to BBCs Life on Mars aired weekly on PBS. Had the DVR recording it every week...went to watch late night yesterday...and it wasnt recorded! At first I was going to be angry with my wife for messing with the DVR controls. But after an exhaustive TV title search, it is no where to be found (cannot even find it on PBS web site).

Why would they stop airing the show half way trhough the run?

AUUGGGGHHHHHH!

I guess I gotta buy the DVD now.

[HGervais]

You know only 16 episodes were made, right?

[Polynikes]

There was a sequel series "Ashes to Ashes", the second and final series of which is soon to air on BBC. The conceit is the same in a different setting (London in the 1980s). Like "Life on Mars", the character of Det Insp Gene Hunt is central to the programme.

I am slightly surprised "Life on Mars" has been shown in the USA, as a lot of the humour and plot relies on a good understanding and knowledge of 1970s British society and culture. I never quite knew what to make of the programme myself. At one level, it is daft and incoherent, and the plot does not hang together convincingly - yet the juxtaposition of some (stereotyped) 1970s views clashing with current political correctness does make for some moments which made me smile.

I gather there was an American version made. How was the equivalent of Gene Hunt portrayed?

[HGervais]

There was a sequel series "Ashes to Ashes", the second and final series of which is soon to air on BBC. The conceit is the same in a different setting (London in the 1980s). Like "Life on Mars", the character of Det Insp Gene Hunt is central to the programme.

Actually it is the third and final series which is due to start airing in a few weeks. Series three is supposed to explain what Gene Hunt is.

I gather there was an American version made. How was the equivalent of Gene Hunt portrayed?

Not so good. Keitel was pretty terrible casting.

[Michael Stailey]

I gather there was an American version made. How was the equivalent of Gene Hunt portrayed?

http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/lifeonmarsus.php

[HGervais]

I gather there was an American version made. How was the equivalent of Gene Hunt portrayed?

http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/lifeonmarsus.php

Eh. The problem with Keitel had less to do with performance or acting chops but had everything to do with size. Glenister is the huge, hulking force of nature and for better or worse that is not what Keitel brings to the party. I would be curious to one day see the pilot with Colm Meaney in the Gene Hunt role.

[Jim_Thomas]

I gather there was an American version made. How was the equivalent of Gene Hunt portrayed?

http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/lifeonmarsus.php

Eh. The problem with Keitel had less to do with performance or acting chops but had everything to do with size. Glenister is the huge, hulking force of nature and for better or worse that is not what Keitel brings to the party. I would be curious to one day see the pilot with Colm Meaney in the Gene Hunt role.

Yeah, Meany struck me as perfect casting for the role; I can only assume that some suit wanted more name recognition.

[MovieAddict]

You know only 16 episodes were made, right?

Yes I know, but they stopped airing after episode 9...go figure...?