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Friday, August 5, 2011

Life on Mars

I'm just wrapping up the U.S. version of the show. And it's a crime that it didn't get to at least finish out a 20 episode season, let alone get a couple renewals.

Basically what we have is a cop show, about a guy who was in an accident in 2008 and wakes up in the exact same spot but it's 1973. And he keeps doing his job in this new reality that is like being on another planet for a guy that is from 35 years in the future.

With the exception of a few oddities in every episode which are generally nothing major, we have a period piece. A great 70s cop show. That has just an incredible cast behind O'Mara. Gretchen Mol, Michael Imperioli who steals every scene he's in. Not too mention the LT played by Harvey Keitel who is just perfect, down to the fresh faced rookie on the team. As well as the soundtrack. And the weekly guest stars as thugs and cops from other precincts. Not too mention more than a few returning compatriots of Imperioli's from The Sopranos. And that's weird seeing some of them as cops.

The show is based on the UK series of the same name. And they are also somewhat different. Especially in the ending of the US version which is coming up.

But the show was so good, that I figured I'd write some stuff down before I get there. Only a couple episodes left. But another show that deserved to get a few seasons at least under it's belt.

Tune down the odd stuff a little bit, and it plays as a great period piece cop show.
And it's great fun having O'Mara there when he knows what some things are that the others don't, or when he remembers something from the 'future' and wins a bet or two with his smug co-worker. Or has to explain what he meant when he was talking about laptops or cell phones..

4 out of 5 stars

Just to point out, the below trailer is from the Pilot I presume. The cast has totally changed for the series. Although Colm Meaney would have be an awesome LT as well. But I think I prefer Keitel just by a small margin..

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