Re: Life on Mars: "The Dark Side of the Mook" 2/4 - Grading & Discussi
I went with Above Average - I'm glad they altered the ep to keep it in continuity since switching episodes last week. Everyone's still growing on me except Keitel. I love him as an actor, but for whatever reason his Hunt just isn't doing much for me. Guess I'm still spoiled by Glenister.
Yeah. He's too low-key. Glenister was charismatic, over-the-top, reactionary, thuggish, and larger then life. He does his usual calm, tough guy shtick like he does in most of his work. He's too above the fray. He's too intellectual and even tempered to capture the character. He needs to mix it up with Sam more. There's nothing wrong with Keitel's take really, I just prefer Glenister's version.
It seems they're making Ray as Sam's foil here, and making him more Gene-like. It's a different take. I think it could work, if given enough time.
As much as I ADORE John Simm, I slightly prefer Jason Omara. Simm's Sam was a forthright crusading scrapper on the edge of a nervous breakdown half the time. He was also a bit of goody two-shoes who's ability to always be right, no matter what, could be annoying if it weren't Simm playing the character.
Omara has the build and look and personality of a cop. He's also way funnier and doesn't have as much of a stick up his ass. He's also more human and flawed. I like that. Simm could be a little too perfect and a little too good at times.
One thing this version is superior to the original with is the humor. It's way funnier. Which I also like. The original could be a little to cerebral at times.
) is being interrogated at the precinct, there isn't any of the washed-out sepia tone that characterizes most of the 1973 scenes in this show - the coloring was normal, like the 2008 scenes from the pilot. Maybe this is a coincidence.
