grim_tales

Can we talk about UK series on here? I watched this on Monday on BBC1 UK.

"Life on Mars"
DCI Sam Tyler (John Simm) is knocked unconscious in an accident following his girlfriend Myra's kidnap. When he wakes up, he finds he's been transported back to 1973.
Is it real, or fantasy? Why is he there? There are some great little touches like the retro fashion, technology and Open University on BBC2 late at night with the famous BBC test card Its' interesting to see the different attitudes to police work, how the 70's cops thump suspects while Sam is more methodical, and any woman who walks into a room is belittled and patronised.
Its' a superb idea for a detective drama, the question of "Is it real or fantasy" really upping the thriller element and bringing an extra dimension to the story.
That said, I wonder if it can sustain 8 episodes but I'll definitely watch it next week.

Chew

Certainly. You just won't get as many responses.

I heard about this show over the weekend, sounds pretty good.

dotheDVDeed

Oh, I get it...

The date is in european format, with the day first, then then the month.

Sorry, this yank was perplexed

TIM

Achtung

I saw the ads on TV while I was over there. Might have to check it out if its good.

grim_tales

Sorry for the confusion I meant 9 January 2006

benedict

Cor blimey guv'ner, they've only gorn and commissioned a second series already!

riley_dude

Sounds good so where can I see it?
Sounds kinda like what happened to Felicity during her last season.

grim_tales

Isn't there a station showing BBC shows in the US called BBC America (or something like that?) Can you get it via digital or cable?

Didn't realise a second season had beem comissioned already, which pretty much garantees that this season will end with some lose ends still to be tied up?

Cruella

This idea was used couple of times by famous detective writer, I forgotten his name sadly. He transported one man back in the future where he tried to prevent the crime (and ended up comitting it), and in another story he sent policeman back to the beginning of police. I always thought something like that would make great series.

Bateman

Yeah you have it right. We have BBC America on digital cable (and sat I guess too). It usually takes quite a while for the most current series to show up though and we don't get all of them. Seems like the DVDs are often out before the turn up on BBC America.

Sounds like a really interesting show. Its tought to beat British crime dramas and this one sounds a bit different.

grim_tales

The series sounds a little bit like Quantam Leap in a way doesn't it? Maybe a little bit of Back to the Future too.

Chew

If the likes of BBCAmerica can't even start showing what's turning into a pretty big hit in the new Dr. Who series, I'm not sure what we can expect them to pick up in the way of new BBC shows.

grim_tales

Hey,

The sixth episode has just been shown over here (UK). Cracking stuff.
If a 2nd series has been comissioned, thats kinda disappointing IMO (wierdly), its the sort of story that needs to be done and dusted in one season.

raven56706

geez... i used to watch this show when i was in london..... nucking futs

Achtung

Well they did finally agree on a deal to show it on Sci-Fi. BBCA usually takes at least a couple of years to bring shows over here if they're hits there. I think The Office was an exception, in that it aired here about a year after it did in the UK.

BDB

I've been able to find it around, and am waiting till a lull in the tv season to sit and watch all 6 eps. I like the premise, but its probably too UK centric to get a legit following in the US

wendersfan

I thought the only shows BBC America airs anymore are Benny Hill, AB Fab, and home improvement/decorating/gardening shows.

BDB

actually mrs bdb watches
wire in the blood and another murder/mystery show I can't remember the name of.
she likes them both a lot.

benedict

I find that some Brits just don't get all the US cultural referents in "Imported" shows but can often live with it. I've read US magazines and seen US shows for so long that a lot of these refrents I actually do comprehend. But, yes, I would imagine that a fair bit of the material will go over the head of your average American or, for that matter, your average young Briton.

Well worth watching, though, IMNSHO.When I get time I'll post a semi-interesting story in part linked to this show. Until then....

grim_tales

Possibly!

grim_tales

What does IMNSHO mean?

Joe Molotov

In My Not So Humble Opinion, I'm guessing.

I watched the first episode the other day and enjoyed it. I like how it transitioned to 1973 with the David Bowie song still playing, only it's on an 8-Track instead of an Ipod.

grim_tales

I noticed that too, was funny.

Its' the final episode tonight, can't wait to see what happens, though with the news that the BBC has comissioned a 2nd season already, Sam getting back 2006 seems unlikely....

andicus

Looking forward to the finale tonight as well! I've really been enjoying this series.

grim_tales

Life on Mars Finale - 4/5

Good episode of whats been (IMO) a superb series - and its nice to see some humor back after last weeks immensely dark episode. But as a finale it seems to tease us viewers by coming so close to a conclusion and then throwing it away.. I can't believe we have to wait another year for Season 2, and I wonder how long they can up the "Is he dead/mad/in a coma" premise again.

Some nice moments with the radio commentator though.. "and there really is an improvement in Sam's condition.. the signs are stronger" and I loved Gene's comment about the porn titles being "a disgrace to the Western.. if Sergio Leone knew what they were doing!"