Life on Mars (uk)

[JonathonWally]

So, after hearing how good this show is for so long and after watching a few episodes of the US version, I finally watched the original UK version.

It really is good.


First thoughts, I had no idea the US pilot copied every little thing about the UK pilot, from just about the exact wardrobe to almost every single camera move, that's just kinda sad.


I don't know much of UK television, so you'll have to excuse my ignorance when it comes to the cast.

I knew about the show, but it wasn't until seeing John Simm on Doctor Who that I really got interested in it. He and Philip Glenister are outstanding in this show, I mean, really great.

 

[Jax]

Life on Mars is eaily one of the best UK TV shows in several years and I don't mind that the US copied 7 episodes because it was needed to lay the groundworks (the episode about the black cop was done better in the U.S version imo) and there going there own way for the 10 episodes remaining of season 1.

John and Phillip were easily the best thing to come out of the show and am really glad Ashes to Ashes brought back at least one of them.

 

[nevermore]

It was a fantastic show. I especially loved the way the whole series was so self-contained and tightly written. It's a perfect example of the way I think US VT shows should be made: a specific number of seasons, just what you need to complete the story and then out.

I really don't have much interest in the US version at this time; I think I'll wait til it's been around for a while, maybe until it ends, and then see if it's worth checking out.

 

[auntiehill]

I LOVED this program. John and Phillip had wonderful chemistry, and I was wowed by how the show ended. I was just fascinated by this show. I tried watching "Ashes to Ashes," but it just fell flat for me. The main character is just not appealing, and the relationship with Gene Hunt was really forced.

I couldn't even bear the US version. It was like watching someone trying to impersonate a good friend---badly.

If this EVER comes out on DVD here in the States, I am definitely buying it.

 

[Bob The Skutter]

Life on Mars is one of my favourite recent shows. It had some moment that were really drawing me in and gave my emotions a good tug. I haven't felt that with the US version, but it may be a case of more familiarity with Britain, I don't think it is, but who knows.

There was a bit on Digital Spy not too long ago saying Philip Glenister was saying he's had a call from Harvey Kietel asking him for his advice on the role.

The British actor, who also plays the character in follow-up Ashes To Ashes, said he received a phonecall from Keitel about the part.
"A friend working on set of the US series rung me up and said: 'Phil, I've got Harvey Keitel here, he wants to talk to you.' I thought: 'Oh yeah, as if,'" he told The Mirror.
"But it was Harvey Keitel. And he said: 'I admire your work, Mr Glenister - can I call you Phil?' He said he'd really enjoyed doing it and seen the originals, which he liked very much.
"In homage to me he said he had a pair of white shoes exactly the same as Gene Hunt wore in our series, but then he asked me if I had any tips about playing the guy.
"I just heard myself saying the most stupidest, poncy, theatrical thing: 'Just enjoy it, darling!'"

 

[Tulaberry whine]

I adored the British version of Life on Mars - everything about it clicked for me almost from the get go and it's gone down as my favourite recent sci fi show alongside nuBSG. I am very leary about the US version, which is due to start in here in the next few weeks, and will probably give it miss. When it comes to 'US versions' of otherwise fine television series, fool me once etc ...

And if it is such a faithful copy (lazy retread?), why even bother making a US version, why not just show the original UK version? Speaking from experience I already know the answer, but come on ...

 

[auntiehill]

^That's exactly how I feel about it! Why not buy the rights and show it? Why bother to make a copy?

It aired on BBCAmerica, but not everyone gets that channel here, so why not show it on a cable outlet--the way BBCAmerica and SciFi both show Dr. Who.

There actually are a few Americans out here who enjoy creative, original and intelligent programs.

 

[Bob The Skutter]

I adored the British version of Life on Mars - everything about it clicked for me almost from the get go and it's gone down as my favourite recent sci fi show alongside nuBSG. I am very leary about the US version, which is due to start in here in the next few weeks, and will probably give it miss. When it comes to 'US versions' of otherwise fine television series, fool me once etc ...

And if it is such a faithful copy (lazy retread?), why even bother making a US version, why not just show the original UK version? Speaking from experience I already know the answer, but come on ...

The first episode was a direct copy, after that they were a mingling of 2 or more episodes, and then from now on it appears they're going in their own direction.
I very much prefer the original, and wouldn't really care at this point if I missed it, but I'm willing to give it a chance to grow past the beginning and see if it improves once it goes it's own way.

 

[Jim Steele]

I couldn't even sit through the first 15 minutes of LoM US episode 2. Even the disappointing Ashes to Ashes is a fuck sight more entertaining than the remake.

 

[Bob The Skutter]

I couldn't even sit through the first 15 minutes of LoM US episode 2. Even the disappointing Ashes to Ashes is a fuck sight more entertaining than the remake.

While I did the same, I did later go check it out again when i heard it was getting better, which is true, but I still prefer Ashes...

 

[Deckerd]

I couldn't even sit through the first 15 minutes of LoM US episode 2. Even the disappointing Ashes to Ashes is a fuck sight more entertaining than the remake.

While I did the same, I did later go check it out again when i heard it was getting better, which is true, but I still prefer Ashes...

The US version will run to 8 seasons.

I'm a Ashes to Ashes fan. I don't see any problems with it, except the stupidly tarty clothes the star has to wear.

 

[Zulu Romeo]

I've not had a chance to see Ashes to Ashes or the US Life on Mars, but the original UK Life on Mars was an incredibly enjoyable show. So much that having seen briefly one episode repeated on BBC Four, I ended up getting the series 1 box set just so that I could catch up in time for series 2.

 

[Bob The Skutter]

I couldn't even sit through the first 15 minutes of LoM US episode 2. Even the disappointing Ashes to Ashes is a fuck sight more entertaining than the remake.

While I did the same, I did later go check it out again when i heard it was getting better, which is true, but I still prefer Ashes...

The US version will run to 8 seasons.

I'm a Ashes to Ashes fan. I don't see any problems with it, except the stupidly tarty clothes the star has to wear.

That and she's so knowing that it sometimes makes her a bit insufferable and smug. But I suppose that does make it different to LoM.

 

[Deckerd]

That and she's so knowing that it sometimes makes her a bit insufferable and smug. But I suppose that does make it different to LoM.

She had to be different from Sam's postmodern eco-man.

I love her comments when she was sure she was dreaming it all.

"Good morning, constructs!"

 

[arch101]

I really liked the British version but I have been impressed with the US version so far. In some ways, it's better for an American audience. I remember the '70s and the show is very nostalgic for me. Especially whenever a wide shot of the city includes the World Trade towers. When I see all those cars, clothes, clunky phones, typewriters, smoke-filled rooms, etc. I remember all of that first hand and I enjoy the show all the more.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Life on Mars is one of my favourite recent shows. It had some moment that were really drawing me in and gave my emotions a good tug. I haven't felt that with the US version, but it may be a case of more familiarity with Britain, I don't think it is, but who knows.

There was a bit on Digital Spy not too long ago saying Philip Glenister was saying he's had a call from Harvey Kietel asking him for his advice on the role.

The British actor, who also plays the character in follow-up Ashes To Ashes, said he received a phonecall from Keitel about the part.
"A friend working on set of the US series rung me up and said: 'Phil, I've got Harvey Keitel here, he wants to talk to you.' I thought: 'Oh yeah, as if,'" he told The Mirror.
"But it was Harvey Keitel. And he said: 'I admire your work, Mr Glenister - can I call you Phil?' He said he'd really enjoyed doing it and seen the originals, which he liked very much.
"In homage to me he said he had a pair of white shoes exactly the same as Gene Hunt wore in our series, but then he asked me if I had any tips about playing the guy.
"I just heard myself saying the most stupidest, poncy, theatrical thing: 'Just enjoy it, darling!'"

That is so cool!

I totally love the US version - it's one of my favorite shows. Especially since it's set in New York City. I'm sure the UK version is good and all that, but I'll stick with the remake, thank you.

My attitude towards this, is almost certainly influenced by 1) having seen the US version *first*, and 2) my love for New York. Everyone loves the version they saw first. All other versions are inevitably compared to that. People who started out on the UK version will never enjoy the US one quite as much, and vice versa.

 

[Thrall]

I LOVED this program. John and Phillip had wonderful chemistry, and I was wowed by how the show ended. I was just fascinated by this show. I tried watching "Ashes to Ashes," but it just fell flat for me. The main character is just not appealing, and the relationship with Gene Hunt was really forced.

I couldn't even bear the US version. It was like watching someone trying to impersonate a good friend---badly.

If this EVER comes out on DVD here in the States, I am definitely buying it.

Pretty much sums up my take on it. The British have much better TV then we do. This is a fact.

I did have difficulty understanding some of lingo at times. "What the hell is a poof?...Oh, right. They call cigarette's fags."

 

[IcecreamLtDan]

I have to agree that it sure seems like the British have better television shows than the US. I absolutely love the original Life on Mars. I bought the dvd sets off of eBay and watch them on my region free dvd player. I ripped them to my hard drive to watch while I'm on the road. I've bought the Gene's rules on policing book and a couple of posters as well. I've watched the US version and it's actually not too bad, not as good as the original but not bad. I'll keep watching. I've seen Ashes to Ashes and while not as good, I love seeing the Gene Genie in action again and look forward to season 2. Other than documentaries and sports I have little use for American television.

 

[Bob The Skutter]

^I think it's not so much that we make better shows we both have our fair share of horrible shows, but I think the fact we have shorter runs and usually fewer writers sometimes leads to better writing or more consistent tone, with less filler.

 

[Jim Steele]

^I think it's not so much that we make better shows we both have our fair share of horrible shows, but I think the fact we have shorter runs and usually fewer writers sometimes leads to better writing or more consistent tone, with less filler.

Exactly. Check out My Family for an example of a shitty British show that's gone on far too long.