Life on Mars (British TV series)
01-23-08 | 07:22 AM
#126
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Oh, how could I forget one of the best parts?!?
01-23-08 | 10:49 AM
#127
Moderator
Saw the finale last night. I liked the resolution, but it felt rushed. They didn't give enough information to sell me on why Sam did what he did.
I also thought it was odd that in the entire second season they never referred back to the events in last season's finale.
I also thought it was odd that in the entire second season they never referred back to the events in last season's finale.
01-23-08 | 04:05 PM
#128
Guest
I also saw last nights episode, but I'm a little (lot) confused. Is Sam actually in 1973 and as the inspector said, he actually is suffering from amnesia?
If so, how does that explain why he knows so much of the future (our time)?
Any detailed explanation for someone slow like me would be greatly appreciated!
Thanx Chris
If so, how does that explain why he knows so much of the future (our time)?
Any detailed explanation for someone slow like me would be greatly appreciated!
Thanx Chris
01-23-08 | 04:31 PM
#130
Guest
I also didn't realize that this was the last episode. That's how slow I am!
The second and final series ended on 10 April 2007.
This helps me to understand the ending better.
Chris
The second and final series ended on 10 April 2007.
This helps me to understand the ending better.
Spoiler:
Chris
Last edited by mrpayroll; 01-23-08 at 04:43 PM.
01-23-08 | 09:14 PM
#131
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Its late and low on time so I'm still saving my thought dr when I have more time. However, spoilers below ,
One problem I have with him being dead is that n turn makes all of the characters fictional, which din my opinon significantly weakens the spinoff [I]Ashes to Ashes[/]. If this new girl has a life alering issue and comes across Gene in the 80s how is that even possible if it was all in Sams head?! Is Gene suddenly an angel of some sorts?
Again, I'll post more later when I have some time to think over in more detail.
One problem I have with him being dead is that n turn makes all of the characters fictional, which din my opinon significantly weakens the spinoff [I]Ashes to Ashes[/]. If this new girl has a life alering issue and comes across Gene in the 80s how is that even possible if it was all in Sams head?! Is Gene suddenly an angel of some sorts?
Again, I'll post more later when I have some time to think over in more detail.
01-24-08 | 04:00 PM
#132
Originally Posted by Superman07
Its late and low on time so I'm still saving my thought dr when I have more time. However, spoilers below ,
One problem I have with him being dead is that n turn makes all of the characters fictional, which din my opinon significantly weakens the spinoff [I]Ashes to Ashes[/]. If this new girl has a life alering issue and comes across Gene in the 80s how is that even possible if it was all in Sams head?! Is Gene suddenly an angel of some sorts?
Again, I'll post more later when I have some time to think over in more detail.
One problem I have with him being dead is that n turn makes all of the characters fictional, which din my opinon significantly weakens the spinoff [I]Ashes to Ashes[/]. If this new girl has a life alering issue and comes across Gene in the 80s how is that even possible if it was all in Sams head?! Is Gene suddenly an angel of some sorts?
Again, I'll post more later when I have some time to think over in more detail.
Apparently this psychologist is Keeley Hawes character in Ashes to Ashes...
01-24-08 | 09:12 PM
#133
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
It's been a while since I've seen the first series, and specifically the first episode, so that makes this challenging.
While in part I felt the ending was heartfelt, I'm left unsettled by it. I may actually have prefered to see the jump and the fade to black the last we saw. Otherwise I think it makes the "resoluation" unduely complicated. And it's not that I don't like a thinking show!
I think it comes down to two issues:
One, the wrong setup!
We were told from the beginning that Sam was from 2006. However, at the last minute we are given this new figure (doctor/tumor) that tells Sam he's really from 73 all along. Why? Especially if he really IS from 2006. This goes away from some of the fundamentals and suddently shifts the focus of the story on Sam's willingness to make a decision one way or another. However, even then that's iffy, because it appears that decision is taken from him as he suddenly awakes and is plucked from the tunnel. What's the point though? That his conscious self can make the decision to jump off the building? Even then we don't really understand why. You assume he figured out it was a dream? Or did he figure out it was the afterlife?! Getting back to diversion from the original premise, as somebody else said it felt rushed. When he was "back" in 2006 why did we see nothing of his visitors that also manifested themselves in 73. What about his girlfiend that kicked everything off and was the first case in 73 that wasn't solved 100%? What about the "change" he made with respect to that casino owner that tired to break out of the mental instituation and kill him in the hostpital vice to "original" where Sam tried to bring him down?
Second, it invalidates the rest of the characters.
If Sam was dreaming/dead, then nothing we ever saw was real. While interesting, I feel cheated. Especially since I know "Gene Hunt" is going to be in a spinoff. I understand the connection somebody mentioned above (the new character being the 2006 person who received Sam's note), but I think that may even be too out there for me! And I'm a fan of non-traditional television. To me, that would mean that Gene and Co. are angels and demons of some sort if they are able to manifest themselves in the "same" form/personalities to this new character. That also begs the question, why?! As a result, if that is the case, they are even less effective because that is what they are/chose to be. NOT based on anything to do with Sam Tyler/Sam Williams.
Overall I really enjoyed the show and the characters that we were introduced to. However, I can't help but feel that the ending was rushed and they put it togther at the last minute. As somebody else said there was little continuity between series 1 and series 2. What is also bothersome about this is that they said they didn't not want to outstay their welcome. I certainly think they understayed it on two accounts. First, they had really just started to turn the corner as a gelled cast, and I believe was evident from the nex to last episode. Additionally, I think that also showed how the stories could take more of a personal nature and build upon the relationships that Sam had developed to that point. Second, I think this would have given them more time to weave the stories together and come up with a more robust conclusion. Note that I didn't say different per se. I think the elements were there at the end, but it's like they didn't fully develop their toughts and rules before bringing it all together.
I'm sure I'll have more later as if that wans't enough. However, as I said when I started it's complicated.
While in part I felt the ending was heartfelt, I'm left unsettled by it. I may actually have prefered to see the jump and the fade to black the last we saw. Otherwise I think it makes the "resoluation" unduely complicated. And it's not that I don't like a thinking show!
I think it comes down to two issues:
One, the wrong setup!
We were told from the beginning that Sam was from 2006. However, at the last minute we are given this new figure (doctor/tumor) that tells Sam he's really from 73 all along. Why? Especially if he really IS from 2006. This goes away from some of the fundamentals and suddently shifts the focus of the story on Sam's willingness to make a decision one way or another. However, even then that's iffy, because it appears that decision is taken from him as he suddenly awakes and is plucked from the tunnel. What's the point though? That his conscious self can make the decision to jump off the building? Even then we don't really understand why. You assume he figured out it was a dream? Or did he figure out it was the afterlife?! Getting back to diversion from the original premise, as somebody else said it felt rushed. When he was "back" in 2006 why did we see nothing of his visitors that also manifested themselves in 73. What about his girlfiend that kicked everything off and was the first case in 73 that wasn't solved 100%? What about the "change" he made with respect to that casino owner that tired to break out of the mental instituation and kill him in the hostpital vice to "original" where Sam tried to bring him down?
Second, it invalidates the rest of the characters.
If Sam was dreaming/dead, then nothing we ever saw was real. While interesting, I feel cheated. Especially since I know "Gene Hunt" is going to be in a spinoff. I understand the connection somebody mentioned above (the new character being the 2006 person who received Sam's note), but I think that may even be too out there for me! And I'm a fan of non-traditional television. To me, that would mean that Gene and Co. are angels and demons of some sort if they are able to manifest themselves in the "same" form/personalities to this new character. That also begs the question, why?! As a result, if that is the case, they are even less effective because that is what they are/chose to be. NOT based on anything to do with Sam Tyler/Sam Williams.
Overall I really enjoyed the show and the characters that we were introduced to. However, I can't help but feel that the ending was rushed and they put it togther at the last minute. As somebody else said there was little continuity between series 1 and series 2. What is also bothersome about this is that they said they didn't not want to outstay their welcome. I certainly think they understayed it on two accounts. First, they had really just started to turn the corner as a gelled cast, and I believe was evident from the nex to last episode. Additionally, I think that also showed how the stories could take more of a personal nature and build upon the relationships that Sam had developed to that point. Second, I think this would have given them more time to weave the stories together and come up with a more robust conclusion. Note that I didn't say different per se. I think the elements were there at the end, but it's like they didn't fully develop their toughts and rules before bringing it all together.
I'm sure I'll have more later as if that wans't enough. However, as I said when I started it's complicated.
01-25-08 | 06:51 AM
#135
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Originally Posted by Super X
Here's my take:
Spoiler:
I also follow your second point, but I think that also leaves me with the same issue two I described above.
I don't know, maybe Gene will have changed enough, which is explained by the "decade" leap. In turn, this is Hawes' character's subconscious filling in the details of Gene that she wasn't intimately familiar with.
01-26-08 | 09:26 AM
#136
DVD Talk Legend
Ok - well, I started watching this - I've come in during the 2nd season (I think from the first episode of season 2) and it's kinda dull for me. I'm sure it would help a lot to have come in on the first episode, but I don't know that these later episodes would hold my attention that much more if I had based on what I've seen. The idea sounds really interesting, but the acting is poor and the characters are just so silly... like horrible cliches. I'll watch a few more that I have DVRed and see if they pull me in.
01-27-08 | 07:05 AM
#137
Mod Emeritus
Originally Posted by Trigger
[....] and the characters are just so silly... like horrible cliches.
01-28-08 | 03:52 PM
#139
Mod Emeritus
Edit: Possible spoilers in link re last ep of Life On Mars if you've not yet seen it
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co....ars_goes_south
Bit of a scrappy article but the latest news, so worth reading.
01-28-08 | 04:35 PM
#140
Guest
There's actually some spoilers (clarification) in that article regarding Sam and what really happened in the last episode. I didn't mind reading it because it cleared up a couple of things, but some of you may want to wait until you've finished viewing the final episode before reading that article.
Chris
Chris
05-07-08 | 12:10 PM
#141
Guest
http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-da...,3647675.story
I don't remember if we had heard about this or that if it was posted earlier in this thread.
This would be a remake that I would watch. It would be interesting to get an 'American' interpretation of the 70's (since I was a teen during most of it).
Chris
'Mars' Mission May End for David E. Kelley
Show's creator may depart; pickup seems likely
May 7, 2008
David E. Kelley's remake of "Life on Mars" has a strong chance of joining ABC's lineup next season -- albeit possibly without Kelley.
The "Boston Legal" and "Ally McBeal" creator is reportedly reconsidering his involvement with the show, at least in part because of financial matters. However, he would have to approve any deals since he controls the rights to the BBC series about a present-day cop who finds himself transported back to the 1970s.
Meanwhile, the showbiz trade papers report that ABC is talking with the team of Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec and Scott Rosenberg about joining "Life on Mars" as executive producers. The trio co-created "October Road" and worked on Showtime's "Going to California" together; Appelbaum and Nemec are also veterans of "Alias."
"Life on Mars" has taken a long road to ABC. Kelley snagged the rights to the show (whose original version has aired on BBC America) in 2006 and was put into development for fall 2007. Kelley and ABC decided, however, to push the project back after having trouble casting a lead actor in the crush of last spring's pilot season.
Jason O'Mara ("The Agency," "Grey's Anatomy") landed the lead role over the summer and was joined by Colm Meaney ("Layer Cake"), Lenny Clarke ("Rescue Me") and Rachelle Lefevre ("What About Brian"). A pilot was shot last summer, but the writers' strike derailed its chances of joining ABC's schedule at midseason.
The show is considered a strong contender to make ABC's 2008-09 schedule. It's one of only a few completed pilots the network has in hand, having opted to push production of others to May and June and concentrate mostly on relaunching returning shows in the fall.
Show's creator may depart; pickup seems likely
May 7, 2008
David E. Kelley's remake of "Life on Mars" has a strong chance of joining ABC's lineup next season -- albeit possibly without Kelley.
The "Boston Legal" and "Ally McBeal" creator is reportedly reconsidering his involvement with the show, at least in part because of financial matters. However, he would have to approve any deals since he controls the rights to the BBC series about a present-day cop who finds himself transported back to the 1970s.
Meanwhile, the showbiz trade papers report that ABC is talking with the team of Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec and Scott Rosenberg about joining "Life on Mars" as executive producers. The trio co-created "October Road" and worked on Showtime's "Going to California" together; Appelbaum and Nemec are also veterans of "Alias."
"Life on Mars" has taken a long road to ABC. Kelley snagged the rights to the show (whose original version has aired on BBC America) in 2006 and was put into development for fall 2007. Kelley and ABC decided, however, to push the project back after having trouble casting a lead actor in the crush of last spring's pilot season.
Jason O'Mara ("The Agency," "Grey's Anatomy") landed the lead role over the summer and was joined by Colm Meaney ("Layer Cake"), Lenny Clarke ("Rescue Me") and Rachelle Lefevre ("What About Brian"). A pilot was shot last summer, but the writers' strike derailed its chances of joining ABC's schedule at midseason.
The show is considered a strong contender to make ABC's 2008-09 schedule. It's one of only a few completed pilots the network has in hand, having opted to push production of others to May and June and concentrate mostly on relaunching returning shows in the fall.
I don't remember if we had heard about this or that if it was posted earlier in this thread.
This would be a remake that I would watch. It would be interesting to get an 'American' interpretation of the 70's (since I was a teen during most of it).
Chris
05-07-08 | 12:44 PM
#142
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Over money?! These guys make enough money at that level and have offers all over the place. If his ego stops this from making it to TV then I'll be disappionted.
Has the first sereis of A-to-A finished yet? Has a second series been commissioned?
Is this pilot for this anywhere to be found?
Has the first sereis of A-to-A finished yet? Has a second series been commissioned?
Is this pilot for this anywhere to be found?
05-07-08 | 01:31 PM
#143
DVD Talk God
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Directionally Challenged (for DirecTV)
Frankly, I have a hard time picturing DEK's style working for Life to begin with, so maybe a change is for the better.
I wouldn't be surprised if Boston Legal is also part of the money issue with ABC. I think BL is quite expensive to make and AFAIK, it hasn't been renewed yet.
I wouldn't be surprised if Boston Legal is also part of the money issue with ABC. I think BL is quite expensive to make and AFAIK, it hasn't been renewed yet.
05-07-08 | 01:35 PM
#144
Guest
Originally Posted by Superman07
Over money?! These guys make enough money at that level and have offers all over the place. If his ego stops this from making it to TV then I'll be disappionted.
Has the first sereis of A-to-A finished yet? Has a second series been commissioned?
Is this pilot for this anywhere to be found?
Has the first sereis of A-to-A finished yet? Has a second series been commissioned?
Is this pilot for this anywhere to be found?
Philip Glenister as DCI Gene Hunt
Keeley Hawes as DI Alex Drake
Marshall Lancaster as DC Chris Skelton
Dean Andrews as DS Ray Carling
Montserrat Lombard as WPC Sharon "Shaz" Granger
A female police detective has an accident and wakes up to find herself thrown back in time 27 years, where she soon conflicts with DCI Gene Hunt's team, which she recognizes from the reports made by DCI Sam Tyler about his own trip to 1973 after a similar accident.
Season 1
1. 1- 1 7 Feb 08 Episode 1
2. 1- 2 14 Feb 08 Episode 2
3. 1- 3 21 Feb 08 Episode 3
4. 1- 4 28 Feb 08 Episode 4
5. 1- 5 6 Mar 08 Episode 5
6. 1- 6 13 Mar 08 Episode 6
7. 1- 7 20 Mar 08 Episode 7
8. 1- 8 27 Mar 08 Episode 8
05-07-08 | 02:51 PM
#146
DVD Talk Legend
Pretty sure there is no Season 2 Of Ashes.
05-07-08 | 03:19 PM
#148
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Ashes to Ashes gets second series
BBC One drama Ashes to Ashes, which stars Philip Glenister as politically incorrect policeman DCI Gene Hunt, is to return for a second series in 2009.
The show, a sequel to Life on Mars, has received an average of 6.5m viewers since it began in February.
Julie Gardner, the BBC's head of drama in Wales, said she was "delighted" to be bringing back the "bold, confident storytelling and great characters".
The current series ended on Thursday with an audience of 5.4m.
Set in 1981, the police drama also stars Keeley Hawes as police psychologist DI Alex Drake.
The first episode, in which Drake wakes up in the 1980s after being shot in an incident in modern-day London, attracted 7m viewers.
Simon Crawford-Collins, from production company Kudos, said: "The Eighties have had a real revival over the past few months.
"Ashes To Ashes seems to have captured the imagination of the nation.
"I'm sure viewers will be desperate to know who's back in the second series but for now they'll just have to watch the last episode of series one to find out."
Filming for the next series will begin in the summer.
The show, a sequel to Life on Mars, has received an average of 6.5m viewers since it began in February.
Julie Gardner, the BBC's head of drama in Wales, said she was "delighted" to be bringing back the "bold, confident storytelling and great characters".
The current series ended on Thursday with an audience of 5.4m.
Set in 1981, the police drama also stars Keeley Hawes as police psychologist DI Alex Drake.
The first episode, in which Drake wakes up in the 1980s after being shot in an incident in modern-day London, attracted 7m viewers.
Simon Crawford-Collins, from production company Kudos, said: "The Eighties have had a real revival over the past few months.
"Ashes To Ashes seems to have captured the imagination of the nation.
"I'm sure viewers will be desperate to know who's back in the second series but for now they'll just have to watch the last episode of series one to find out."
Filming for the next series will begin in the summer.
05-07-08 | 03:26 PM
#149
Mod Emeritus
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/03_march/27/ashes.shtml
The Eighties revival continues - the hugely popular Ashes To Ashes will return for a second series on BBC One.
The hit drama, made by Kudos Film and Television in association with Monastic Productions, has been recommissioned by the BBC following strong ratings and fantastic feedback from its army of fans.
Series one has averaged well over 6.5 million viewers so far and the opening episode achieved audience figures of more than eight million.
Details of the new series are being kept under wraps until the current series has ended but Simon Crawford-Collins, Executive Producer and Head of Drama at Kudos, promises there will be more fun for fans of the "Gene Genie".
He says: "The Eighties have had a real revival over the past few months; Ashes To Ashes seems to have captured the imagination of the nation.
"I'm sure viewers will be desperate to know who's back in the second series but for now they'll just have to tune into the last episode of series one to find out."
Julie Gardner, BBC Wales Head of Drama, who commissioned the second series, says: "I'm delighted Ashes To Ashes will return to BBC One next year.
"The series epitomises all that is great about BBC drama with its bold, confident storytelling and great characters.
"I can't wait for more blue eyeliner, Quattro cars and Eighties music to burst on to our screens in 2009!"
Ashes To Ashes is written and created by Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah, two creators of the award-winning Life On Mars.
It is produced by Kudos in association with Monastic Productions, the new production company of Matthew Graham and Pharaoh.
Executive producer duties will be split between Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah for Monastic Productions, Simon Crawford-Collins and Jane Featherstone for Kudos, and Piers Wenger for the BBC.
Filming on series two will begin in the summer and Ashes To Ashes will return to BBC One in 2009.
The hit drama, made by Kudos Film and Television in association with Monastic Productions, has been recommissioned by the BBC following strong ratings and fantastic feedback from its army of fans.
Series one has averaged well over 6.5 million viewers so far and the opening episode achieved audience figures of more than eight million.
Details of the new series are being kept under wraps until the current series has ended but Simon Crawford-Collins, Executive Producer and Head of Drama at Kudos, promises there will be more fun for fans of the "Gene Genie".
He says: "The Eighties have had a real revival over the past few months; Ashes To Ashes seems to have captured the imagination of the nation.
"I'm sure viewers will be desperate to know who's back in the second series but for now they'll just have to tune into the last episode of series one to find out."
Julie Gardner, BBC Wales Head of Drama, who commissioned the second series, says: "I'm delighted Ashes To Ashes will return to BBC One next year.
"The series epitomises all that is great about BBC drama with its bold, confident storytelling and great characters.
"I can't wait for more blue eyeliner, Quattro cars and Eighties music to burst on to our screens in 2009!"
Ashes To Ashes is written and created by Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah, two creators of the award-winning Life On Mars.
It is produced by Kudos in association with Monastic Productions, the new production company of Matthew Graham and Pharaoh.
Executive producer duties will be split between Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah for Monastic Productions, Simon Crawford-Collins and Jane Featherstone for Kudos, and Piers Wenger for the BBC.
Filming on series two will begin in the summer and Ashes To Ashes will return to BBC One in 2009.
05-07-08 | 04:00 PM
#150
Originally Posted by mrpayroll
I should look for this on the newsgroups and download them. Chris
Mod note: We do not discuss illegal downloading here. Please refrain from this.