Life On Mars (TV series)

[Clarry (Clayton)]

Don't know if any of you are still watching this but my wife & I are and really enjoying it. Tonight was quite special too, channel 10 played some old 1970's TV promos during the ads, plus an couple of vintage commercials. Notably Gaytime ice cream and then Colgate with Miss Marsh sticking the chalk in the coloured liquid to show us how it really gets in. Great stuff.

[Chippy (Nick)]

I've watched it a couple of times. I really just like the lead female character. What a babe!

[Enchilada]

This American Life on Mars series has improved after the shock of the mimicry of the UK version. However, last night's was a bit confusing as the plot was similar to the original series but had a few different twists. I had some trouble remembering the parts in earlier episodes.
Apparently, the show wasn't too popular is the US, so the network had decided to limit it to 17 episodes - and there will be no second series. However, it remains worthy to watch, as unlike many cancelled series, all the loose ends will be tidied up to a conclusion. (It is unlike 2007 sci-fi American TV series 'Journeyman', which was limited to one season and cancelled after only 13 episodes. This slickly produced and interesting story line had so many thing left in the air in the last episode, which in the end was very disappointing and frustrating. I.e. I wasted 13 hours of my life. )
As to other sci-fi programs shown on Ten HD on Thursday Nights, have also left me annoyed in that the free sports channel One will remove these programs from the Ten line-up. For example, the "Battlestar Galactica" final episodes will no longer be shown on free to air , as will the quirky "Eureka". The only options will be either hire/buy 'em on DVD (whenever they are released I.e. 2010) or you luckily have at home the sci-fi channel on pay TV.
Pity the networks only focus on overall popularity instead of quality or entertainment - and not having a real commitment to the end of the series. No wonder those watching now television are now turning to the net! (Even though government seems hell bent to control the what people access - applying the same ratings as television programs, who effect might be just as horribly sterilising. )

[Dog Star (Phil)]

G'day Enchilada,
In case you're interested, I've just picked up the 4th season of Battlestar Galactia - Part One (!) today, so I'm guessing that it's generally available everywhere.
Just came inside from doing a bit of viewing and logged on so I won't be watching any of it tonight as I'm a bit tired.
Really looking forward to watching this as I've really enjoyed the rest of the series so far.
I tend to buy a lot of tv series on dvd as the local station, Imparja, doesn't have a deal with Channel 10 to screen its programmes. They showed the first and second season of Battlestar and the first season of Torchwood, but zilch ever since.
Still waiting for ABC to screen Ashes To Ashes, the UK sequel to Life on Mars. (Looks like that will be yet another dvd purchase)
On a slightly different note, I've heard that the re-make of the classic series The Prisoner has been completed. Has anyone heard who will be screening it or when?

[Enchilada]

Originally Posted by Dog Star

...and the first season of Torchwood, but zilch ever since. ... Still waiting for ABC to screen Ashes To Ashes, the UK sequel to Life on Mars. (Looks like that will be yet another dvd purchase)

Thanks Dog Star. I completely forgot about Ten now not showing the next series of Torchwood, which is also a victim of the rise of One Sport.
As to the new series Ashes to Ashes, I think the ABC said they were still negotiating. It is a pity that two of the main characters in Life on Mars won't be in it, and that it is central on the character of Gene Hunt lead the next one. (I dislike his character a bit as he seeming has no real empathy - at least that I do understand.)

Actually, I have already watched much of the next series of Eureka already from an on-line site through http://www.tv-video.net/ (TV video network), which has many good series on-line and does not spit up - "unavailable to view in your area." God I hate that!. It makes me feel like a second-rate citizen of the world. (it is not only the US that does this but the UK's BBC - which also might be pervaded as too, you know, 'politicall' )
If you do miss some crucial episode, at least you can watch it - though the quality is just abysmal (in actually in swf format.) Even better, if you want to look 'hip' but can't be bother watching whole series, just read the episode summaries on-line - like some Wiki, production sites, or the fan sites. In ten minutes you'll be discussing television around the office cooler like an absolute pro!

Note: Battlestar Galactica shows the last episode tonight in the US, which is actually before the switch to One Sport. Ten could have shown to the last episodes - but no - our viewers will just have to do something else. Might have to watch it on the tv-video site instead of wait for the DVD release sometime in 2010 or 2011 - knowing our luck. Damn frustrating methinks.

Have a good one Dog Star!

[GrahamL]

Well the wifes taken a shine to this one so its compulsary viewing
in our house .. I actually find it very watchable .

Chippy Gretchen Mol was dubbed THE new face of hollywood some years back , but as it happens sometimes that can be the kiss of death to your acting career. I think she will carve out a name for herself in time as she is vey talented .. Looking past the odd bit of nudity She did a great job in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Notorious_Bettie_Page

[Enchilada]

Folks,
There is on Friday Night the final episode of "Life on Mars" on Channel 10 at 10:25pm.

This series has turned out as brilliant, if not better, than the original UK version. The end of this series is brilliant too, finishing differently than the original and is more sci-fi based. Must see viewing for all attracted to the series - probably even without watch the earlier 16 episodes of this series!
.
The explanation of what is happening to Sam was unexpected and brilliantly contrived!!

Must watch!

Any impression of the series so far (without killer spoilers please!! )

Courtesy : Aries Toy Company

[MrB (Simon)]

This series started off okay I thought, but it just lost me in the end, haven't bothered to watch the last few episodes.
Will probably watch the final tho.
I heard somewhere that the US series has already been axed, there will be no season 2.. anyone know more?

[Gallifreyboy]

American version of Life on Mars as good as original ...... as John McEnroe would say "you can't be serious".
The climax of the final episode of season 2 and all of the various interpretations of it divided opinion amongst friends and family, the net forums were unbelievable. What you saw and what you wanted to believe confronted each other. Although a little offbeat its characters and complex story make it a must view for anyone who hasn't seen it. As Molly Meldrum would say....."do yourself a favour".

Ashes to Ashes has its own charm, just as good but in a different way. I've been looking for a good condition early 80's Audi Quattro ever since watching the series .

[Enchilada]

Originally Posted by MrB

I heard somewhere that the US series has already been axed, there will be no season 2.. anyone know more?

Yes it has. There is only seventeen made episodes. No more due to the good but unacceptable ratings. (It is not left in the air thought, like other cancelled series !) The final one may explain much the series for you!

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

I don't know how long the UK series was around before the US took it over but it was way to short a time. I could never get used to the US version, especially when it major plot is so similar to the UK.

Bit like Kath and Kim (although didn't like that series anyway)

[Enchilada]

Originally Posted by mswhin63

I don't know how long the UK series was around before the US took it over but it was way to short a time. I could never get used to the US version, especially when it major plot is so similar to the UK.

I thought that too in the very beginning, but as I saw more of it the more I warmed to it and its characters. The last few episodes have slowly deviated from the original UK version. IMO, as a US series, it is one of the better ones they have produced. Me, I started as being a doubter and have come a real fan of this series. I will miss it after it is finished on Friday - and will probably buy the series when it comes out on DVD!

[Enchilada]

A few hours to go and I am actually looking forward to it!

A review of the final episode appears on the SMH Site in "The Friday Guide : Life on Mars"
http://media.smh.com.au/entertainmen...rs-545824.html

[Enchilada]

Far out Brussel sprout. Psychedelic man!!
Still don't know if the end was another illusion or not ?

At least he got the girl in the end...

In all, a bit twisted, but all quite entertaining... :

Pity it is the last one.

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

That was officially....out there. I was NOT expecting that.

[spearo (Frank)]

I loved it
took me by surprise
frank

[Jen]

Awww so he finally got the girl in the end
Good work hehe