Science Fiction & Fantasy : Life On Mars : Complete BBC Series 1 [2006]

Life On Mars : Complete BBC Series 1 [2006]

£13.38


How would the modern face of policing cope in the land of The Sweeney? That’s the question posed by Life on Mars, as DI Sam Tyler (John Simm) a modern cop transported back to 1973 after a nasty car accident. There, he finds himself dealing with the significantly rougher attitudes and behaviours of old-school British policing, as exemplified by his new boss, DCI Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister). It’s a fish-out-of-water story, as Tyler attempts to teach his new colleagues some very modern methods, while attempting to get used to sheepskin jackets, wide lapels and man-made fibres. This first series of the hugely successful BBC programme sets the scene and introduces the characters that make up Tyler’s new world, but stumbles a bit by trying too hard to explain exactly how he got there (the coma subplot just gets in the way). Life on Mars is at its best when Glenister is on screen--he’s bigoted, chauvinistic and aggressive, and goes through each episode alternately bellowing or scowling. But he’s a product of his times, and in his heart, all he wants is to catch the bad guys. For Tyler, it’s all about the means, while for Hunt it’s all about the ends. They may not like each other much, but their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, and just one of the things that make this excellent series so watchable. --Ted Kord

Great stuff - I missed this on TV the first time round, so bought Series 1 to watch on holiday. With great effort we managed to limit ourselves to one episode a day. Aside from the nostalgia (I d just started college in 1973) it was a sharp reminder of just how much things have changed (technologically and in attitudes) over the past 35 years. (I do agree with the reviewer who said there should have been more muck around).Although Philip Glenister steals the the show as DCI Gene Hunt, John Simm is also excellent and very subtle as Sam Tyler. The portrayal of the developing relationship between the two is a joy to watch as their initial hostility to each other and their policing methods begins to turn into a (kind of) very grudging respect.One other thing - in a time-travelling (?) scenario its great to have writers who don t get bogged down in the philosophical problems of the main character meeting themselves and changing the course of history.Can t wait to see how series 2 turns out...

THE ABSOLUTE BEST MINI-SERIES EVER. - The title says it all.Anyone who,at the end of the series,does not want it to go on and on does not appreciate brilliant drama.If only the rest of the world could get within miles of the Poms when it comes to television drama.I forgive you for borrowing the Ashes in 2005 and putting up such a pathetic fight for them in 2006-2007.But then again,may you forever keep on giving us such brilliant dramatic films,and awful cricket teams.

darwinian - One of the best new shows I have seen in many, many years. As someone who joined a law enforcement agency in 1974 it brought back many old memories of the days before mobile phones, computers and the other rubbish we re loaded with these days. Great script, great acting and the music is a peach. Only thing missing of my memories of England in the 70 s is - not enough muck. Everything looked too clean - probably too hard to re-create.

Word of Warning - Arrange for this to be delivered on a day where you have nothing planned: you will watch all eight episodes back to back. It is addictive. Brilliant acting throughout from all. Great script. Crazy concept that somehow works. Politically incorrect. Addictive.I bought the second series after watching this.See other reviews for details.

BRILLIANT, NOT TO BE MISSED - BRILLIANTOne of the best tv series of the past number of years. Fantastic writing and acting - gripping stuff. Everything of the 70 s was spot on - I remember them well and the casting for Gene Hunt and Sam Tyler was spot on - buy it and watch it - you will not be disappointed. FANTASTIC STUFF




Life On Mars : Complete BBC Series 1 [2006]