I've just seen the best new show of the Fall season...and the rumors are true, there is "Life On Mars".
In the interest of full disclosure, I missed the first series of the British.version when it aired on BBC America, but loved the second series. So I was already familiar with the premise.
NYPD Detective Sam Tyler is hit by a car in 2008 and wakes up in 1973. He has to adjust to a new environment and old school methods while trying to get home.
Jason O'Mara is excellent as Sam (What is it with time travelers named "Sam" anyway?). He mixes humor, vulnerability and anger as a man out of time and place making the best of a bad situation.
Gretchen Mol, an actress I've (a) never payed much attention to and (b) always confused with "Mad Men" co-star January Jones is great as Policewoman Annie Norris who tries to help Tyler and find her place on the force.
"Sopranos" star Michael Imperioli isn't given much to do but make bad jokes, wear worse suit and sport the most atrocious mustache seen on network television in 20 years...and that includes Jason Lee's on "My Name Is Earl", but there's potential.
That brings me to the man, the myth, the legend...Harvey Keitel. The old Reservoir Dog comes close to stealing the show as Sam's boss Gene Hunt. This role could do for Keitel what playing Andy Sipowicz did for Dennis Franz. It's a priviege to watch the man work.
This mix of "NYPD Blue" and "Quantum Leap" has a tough time slot and heavy competition against the final season of "ER" but it's well worth the investment. Here's hoping Sam doesn't make it home too soon.
3 comments:
Just thought I would let you know that I also partook in watching that show (no reality tv was on during the time) and also found it very likeable. It reminds me of the show that was on last season, that is no longer on now. The one where the guy goes back to different times to change the present. Anyway, I liked a show you liked, just thought you should know skinny minnie!!!
BBC America did a marathon of the original series last weekend. I got HOOKED. The British version was BRILLIANT. I'm afraid to watch the American version, though, 1) don't want to be let down if it turns out not be as good, 2) don't need to get caught up in another show! I already watch/tivo way too many! (Occupational hazard, that's my story & I'm sticking to it!) :-)
I also wanted to let you know that I absolutely love Life. I watched it last year, as well.
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