This remake of the well-liked 16-episode British with the same name, Life on Mars (ABC, Thursdays, 10:00 PM) has started off strongly. Waking up after a car crash in 2008 New York cop Sam Tyler (Jason O’Mara) finds himself in 1973 and wonders if he’s gone mad, is time-traveling, or is dreaming it all under a crash induced coma. Meanwhile, while pondering his fate and continually sleuthing it, he solves crimes of the week retro detective style, without the use of forensics and technology (wotta relief), in the company of a put-upon police women nicknamed “No Nuts” (Gretchen Mol), a wise guy handlebar-wearing fellow detective (Michael Imperioli), and a gruff suspect bashing boss (Harvey Keitel-huge bonus points for bringing one of the most watchable actors of our time to TV). The period music used is coolly evocative and amusingly ironic, the recreated 70’s done up with a nod and a wink, and the series itself capably blends sci-fi, comedy, and drama, all of it sprinkled with a neat touch of cosmic (and comic) mysticism into a fresh and spicy dish.
1 comment:
Here's a quick and dirty comment made in the moment of viewing episode 3 (?). Sammy meets his Mom.
Kudos all aroudn for a generally evocative 'period' feel. Nicely stylized set-pieces and artful cuts. The only serious flaw in the '70s mix is that everyone is not continually smoking. An ethical decision? Or is there a network policy putting the kee-bash on tobacco?
Post a Comment