Life On Mars
Genre: Crime, Fiction
Rating: ****
Main Cast: John Simm, Philip Glenister, Liz White, Dean Andrews, Marshall Lancaster
Life On Mars is a BBC Television series based in Manchester staring John Simm as policeman Sam Tyler. After being hit by a car in present day 2006 Tyler awakens back in 1973 to find himself working under the command of corrupt Chief Superintendent Gene Hunt portrayed as Philip Glenister.
Throughout the series Sam Tyler tries to find out if he is in a coma, a dream or if he really is in 1973, Tyler gets more and more subtle hints on what really is going on with him in this world.
“My name is Sam Tyler. I had an accident and I woke up in 1973. Am I mad, in a coma, or back in time? Whatever's happened, it's like I've landed on a different planet. Now, maybe if I can work out the reason, I can get home.”
In terms of set design I feel they done the best job they could have done in terms of portraying the culture and times of the 1970’s. The music, clothes, cars and culture are fantastically recreated to fit the times.
The soundtrack is perfect for any fan of the early 1970’s rock scene, it plays songs from Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Thin Lizzy, Paul McCartney and much much more. The main title of this series comes from the David Bowie song Life On Mars and lyrics of third song contains “The law man beating up the wrong guy”.
In conclusion I feel this series is a must see for anybody that has an interest in the 1970’s culture or an interest in crime shows in general.