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Talk Back: BBC America's "Ashes to Ashes" Series Premiere

"The shrieking of nothing is killing..."

By now, you've read my original review for Ashes to Ashes, written in February 2008 when the series first launched in the UK, and my recent second take on the darkly seductive series, after watching the whole first season.

But, now that Ashes to Ashes has aired Stateside, I am curious to know what you thought of the first episode of the sequel to Life on Mars. Are you head over heels in love with Keeley Hawes' steely-nerved Alex Drake? Are you alternately terrified and intrigued by the Pierrot clown? How awesome is Gene Hunt in the 1980s? And what's your theory on what's happened to Alex... and how does it connect to the fate of poor Sam Tyler?

(And before you ask: the song playing at the very end of the episode? It's Roxy Music's "Same Old Scene.")

Talk back here.

Next week on Ashes to Ashes, Gene Hunt is determined to keep a protest about the Docklands redevelopment under control as the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana quickly approaches, while Alex falls for a De Lorean-driving playboy.

Comments

worldofhiglet said…
I loved 'Ashes to Ashes' because it was as surprising, confusing and seeped with the culture of the time as 'Life on Mars'.

The sense of urgency, the duality of the 'cases' vs 'last moments' were all handled really well and, to cap it all, it was just total entertainment.

The fact I grew up in England in the 80s might prejudice me to like this more than those that didn't but I really think it is excellent TV.
Anonymous said…
LOVED it. Didn't watch original flavor LoM so can't say anything re: Ashes with that in mind but thought Keeley Hawes was awesome, music is great, and this Gene Hunt is much better than HK. Will definitely watch next week.
Anonymous said…
Is UK Life on Mars on DVD in the US? I watched it on BBCA when it was on a few years back but wished I had it at home as I couldn't remember what happened to Sam. I thought that this was a great follow up to Life on Mars and used the mythology in an interesting way. Can't wait to see what happens next!
Anonymous said…
@Jace Once again you read my mind. I was trying to figure out what that song was! Thanks for the recommendation to watch Ashes. I loved it and that last scene when Gene fills up Alex's glass all the way. Sexy!!!!!!
Anonymous said…
Tuned in based on your rec and glad I did. I thought it was really interesting and different. This is the first time I saw the original Gene Hunt and think you're right that he makes Keitel look grumpy instead of imposing. Will definitely be watching next week.
I liked the first episode quite alot, enough for me to post a review of it on my blog, and link this page with it as well.

It is a shame the the American version of LOM has gotten the ax, but at least there will be closure.

Keeley Hawes? I didn't have a clue to who she was until last night...and I can't get her off of my mind! ASHES TO ASHES is just creepy enough to keep you coming back for more (for those of us who have a yen for creepiness).

A great show. I hope the BBC will keep cranking out new episodes for years to come.
Anonymous said…
I loved seeing Gene Hunt in the 80s! I certainly missed Annie and Sam but was really impressed by Keeley Hawes as Alex Drake. I've seen her in a few things before but she really is on fire in this role and her relationship with Gene is fantastic (as are her outfits).

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