Take a look at the law man, beating up the wrong guy - Life on Mars series one. (Life On Mars: Complete BBC Series 1 (DVD))

Member Name: giksy21

Product:	Life On Mars: Complete BBC Series 1 (DVD)
Date:	27/07/09 (42 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: so different to anything that has happened before. A great concept.

Disadvantages: only eight episodes!

Typically, I have never really been on the edge, when it comes to new era television. It seems as though I have been stuck in my own little time zone. I dont know whether I am mad, have been in a coma, or if I am back in time, but it seems that I have been missing out on some great tv. Where was I when Heroes was first out, and it was all the rage? Why was I blissfully unaware of Torchwood being thrust forth to our screens? I constantly hear friends saying 'where have you been, for the past couple of years?', as I miss out on all the great new shows that come out. And then, I become really annoying to them, as I go on about a show that is new to me, but is as old to them as Peter Andre is to Jordan.


Generally, during my life, it is my darling wife that tries to keep me a bit more ' with it '. She is quite cutting edge, and quite frankly watches more television than is good for her. This does have its advantages, though, as she keeps me informed on whats goin' down in China town. Indeed, it was she who first introduced me to Life on Mars. As she explained the concept of the show to me, it seemed to be new and full of great ideas. I like a show that gets you thinking, and this one seemed to tick that box. I also liked the actors that she mentioned to me, having seen John Simm, and Philip Glenister in other shows before. Really, the only problem was that it was released in 2006, and I, as usual, only heard of it in 2008!


So, I checked out a few online stores, and found that the four dvd box set of the first series was quite reasonably priced. I was able to get it for eleven pounds, from play.com. When it arrived (quickly, as everything does from play.), it looked a nicely packaged set, and contained four discs. Each had a picture of a main character on it, and contained two episodes of the series, making eight episodes in all. As well as this, you get an exclusive dvd documentary, audio commentaries, a couple of featurettes, and an out takes reel. I was particularly tickled by the fact, that one of the featurettes was by a guy who's name was Ed Butt!


I was really hoping that this would be good. As I'm obviously stuck a generation or two behind, I get really annoyed by the price of a tv liscence. Especially as the BBC do not really produce enough to warrant it. At least if this show was good, they might have done a wee bit to make amends.


The show is better explained, if we take a look at the first episode. It is here, where we meets the characters, and get to grips with the concept, and the story. DCI Sam Tyler's girlfriend is kidnapped, and he is so worried about her that he does not concentrate on the road, as he walks away from his car. He is knocked down by a speeding car, and wakes up in 1973. He is still aware of the goings on of 2006, and is highly confused as to what has happened. Still worried about Maya, his girlfriend of 2006, he allows himself to be swallowed up by the world of 1973. It becomes apparent, that he is now only a DI, and is to work under the notorious Gene Hunt. Gene's tactics are suspect, but his results are not.


Sam ends up working on a case, which has direct bearing on events of 2006. He starts to believe, that he is here to solve that case. He thinks that if he does so, he will get back home. This episode hits on many of the topics, that run throughout the series. Sam struggles to distinguish between what is real, and what is not. Is he dead, back in time, or in a coma?


The first episode really sets the series off to a flier, and leaves you begging for more. It is filled with little links, and things that even has you, the viewer, wondering what has happened to Sam. The future is linked into Sams reality very subtly. He constantly hears things, that are obviously from the future, but he hears them through a bakelite telephone! You are so sympathetic to Sam's plight, but at the same time you are entertained by the action, and the humour of the show. 1973 is painted to be very rough around the edges. Needless to say, it is not very politically correct. The roles of woman, and black people are inferior to that of white men. The fact that this is so, is portrayed in a very comical way. The main offender, is definately Gene Hunt (Glenister.).


Gene Hunt is possibly one of the best characters to have ever been created for a television show. Stereotypically, an old skool cop, he is in essence a Male chauvinist pig. His methods are brutal. He takes bribes, drinks on the job, smokes, swears, hits people, destroys property, and disrespects women, black people, hippies and the elderly. But he gets the job done. He is the law.


Gene initially dislikes how the new boy (Sam.), is rocking the boat. Sam's methods are alien to him. They use science, and thinking. But as the series develops, they start to become a double act. They at least respect eachother. There are many comical scenes between them, and the dialogue is classic. The on screen chemistry is great, and they are complimented by a strong supporting cast. Great performances litter the entire series, and you will laugh so hard that your belly hurts. The series has many twists and turns, and although each episode is a story in its own right, the all link into eachother really well. One minute you are watching a great cop show, and the next minute you remember the fact that Sam's story is unusual to say the least.


If, like me, you have been stuck in a lift for the past three years, and have not seen this before, try it. Probably the best thing that the BBC has produced in the last decade, it will not dissappoint you. Even the soundtrack is great . The title takes its name from the David Bowie song, and the rest of the tunes are from the same era. Classic stuff, and I believe you can buy the soundtrack if you so desire.


What more is there to say? The performances are great, the characters are brilliant. There is comedy, action, suspense, and it never lets you drop your guard. I can personally guaruntee that you will like this, and for eleven quid for four dvd's? You cannot go wrong!


Cast.......


Sam Tyler -- John Simm
Gene Hunt -- Philip Glenister
Chris Skelton -- Marshall Lancaster
Ray Carling -- Dean Andrews
Annie Cartwright -- Liz White
Nelson -- Tony Marshall



My personal favourite Gene Hunt quotes........


"Drop your weapons! You are surrounded by armed bastards!"

"Your mates got balls...If they were any bigger he'd need a wheelbarrow!"

"Good Girl! Prostate probe and no jelly."

P.S. I think Sam Tyler sums Gene Hunt up best, when he said he's an "overweight, over-the-hill, nicotine-stained, borderline alcoholic homophobe with a superiority complex and an unhealthy obsession with male bonding"

Summary: Makes paying my tv liscense slightly more bearable!