Life On Mars (2008-2009). This one is a short lived (17 episodes) American adaptation of a hit British series, and we all know how much of an uproar this sort of thing tends to generate. However, I happen to love this show. I think the producers nailed it, or maybe Im just a clueless Yank. The story centers around Sam Tyler, a N.Y.P.D. detective of the fictional 125th precinct. He is working a case in Brooklyn when he is hit by a speeding car, and knocked unconscious. He then awakens to discover that he is in the same neighborhood, but has somehow been transported to the year 1973. Sam, in his Dazed and Confused (pun intended) state manages to make his way back to the One-two-five to find that he is believed to be a transfer from a town called Hyde which he has never heard of. When he insists to his peers and fellow officers that he has traveled through time, he is dismissed as either suffering a concussion from the accident, a raging lunatic, or some kind of wild hippie with a badge. Not knowing what else to do, he chooses to embrace his situation and become a full-time member of his new team of colleagues, solving cases while also attempting to find his way home. The quest becomes rather interesting when Sam is presented with cryptic clues about his purpose, and the truth behind his predicament. While not a car oriented show, it does prominently feature some wonderful period correct vehicles,such as Sams Gorgeous 1971 Chevelle SS,and LT. Hunts 1972 Dodge Coronet. The Cast, which is probably one of the best ensembles to be featured on t.v., Includes Irish actor Jason Omara as the Infallible Detective Sam Space man Tyler, Michael Imperioli as the outspoken and obnoxious Det. Ray Carling, The Lovely Gretchen Mol as officer Annie No-Nuts Norris, and the always awesome Harvey Keitel perfectly filling the shoes as the tough-as-nails LT, Gene The Lute Hunt. Characters are well written and superbly portrayed, making them believable, and a lot of fun to watch. But, the cherry on top, and probably my favorite thing about this show is the soundtrack. Its loaded to the hilt with songs by David Bowie (Hint: the shows title), The Rolling Stones,Elton John, The Who, Paul Simon, Mott the Hoople, Lou Reed, Marmalade, T. Rex, Harry Nilsson, Thin Lizzy, The Kinks, Humble Pie, and Many, many others. Over all, this show is a real gem. I think it would have lasted longer if american audiences wanted something more intelligent than the relentless mind numbing stupidity of countless reality-show cookie cutter reproductions. But unfortunately, america is content with being spoon fed soulless garbage. But, we can still hold out some hope for something better.
Posted on: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 05:25:29 +0000
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