Life On Mars: Series 1 – DVD Review

DVD Reviews, Reviews

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When watching cop shows from the 70s, you must remember that their police work is hampered by the lack of 21st century conveniences. They dont have cellphones to connect with headquarters while chasing down suspects on foot. They dont have the Internet for quick background checks. They dont even have computers on their desks. Theyre lucky to have manual typewriters. Theres no talk of DNA or tracking credit cards. Theyre almost like cavemen hunting down suspects with barely enough technology to spark a fire. Leave it to the BBC to develop a show that mixes modern police smarts with 70s cop gut instinct. Sam Tyler (John Simm) is a Detective Inspector Chief in Manchester. Hes on the trail of a serial killer when he gets hit by a car. When he wakes up, he finds himself in Manchester of 1973. Life On Mars: Series 1 gives us the first eight episodes where Sam Tyler struggles to get back to his time while maintaining his job on the police force.

Sam is no longer the DCI in 1973. He has to report to DCI Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister) at a police station that looks more like a military bunker than an office building. Hunt is a brute who believes knocking heads is the best way to solve a case. Hes not afraid of asserting his alpha male nature around headquarters. His two main assistants dont even come close to challenging his authority or envy his job. Detective Sergeant Ray Carling (Dean Andrews) has less grace and social skills than a police dog. Hes not much for thinking. He merely awaits Hunts orders. He does not like the new approaches to crime fighting suggested by Sam. Detective Constable Chris Skelton (Marshall Lancaster) is a bit of a wimp and simp. What differs him from Ray is his desire to learn from Ray. WPS Annie Cartwright (Liz White) is a policewoman who wants to do more than paperwork. Shes believes that Sam is really from the future. She also has a crush on him.

Sam is unsure whats really happening to him. Did he somehow get knocked through a worm hole and was projected back into time? Has he entered an alternate universe? Is this a sleeping dream? Is this a coma dream? During the eight episodes, clues are offered as Sam hears voices from the future discussing his health condition through radio and on TV. He fears hes in a coma and theyre going to pull the life support if he doesnt find the secret to getting back. Is there a case he must solve to project him back to the 2006 reality? Or will Gene Hunt merely punch hard enough to launch him 33 years into the future?

Even with the culture shock and confusion over whats really happening to him, Sam maintains his gig as a police detective. He sees it as part of his job to introduce future crime scene investigations to Gene Hunt and his crew. It does get complicated when he asks about cellphones and computers. His first case in the pilot episode has him tracking down a killer with a murder pattern similar to his 21st century suspect. Except the prime suspect in 2006 would be a child in 1973. He mixes evidence from the future with this new case even though he cant explain things to Hunt. He has to get them to trust his instincts even if they are scientifically based hunches.

Sam finds himself in a one man crusade to not merely clean up crime in Manchester, but to turn the police department into something more than the Goon Squad. He wont follow Hunts rules of order. Sam discovers Gene and other cops are on the payroll of a local mobster who patrols his own neighborhood. Things get personal when Sam discovers his family lives in a house controlled by the mobster. Can Sam stay off the take? During the investigation at a cloth mill, Sam realizes his future apartment will be inside the renovated factory. He hasnt the heart to tell everyone that the industry will fail. Sam puts his police career on the line when he investigates how a drug suspect died while in police custody. Hunt and the others dont like Sam acting like Internal Affairs. The final episode of this season has Sam meet with his family. He discovers his dad sold more than cleaning goods. Sam wants to clear his fathers name, but cant tell anyone why hes sticking his neck out.

Life On Mars is able to wrap the time traveling element around a cop show without making it a farce. The writers keep us interested in both the police work and Sams fate. What really make this show essential viewing is DCI Hunt taking charge. Hunt is a TV cop on par with Kojak and Steve McGarrett from Hawaii Five-O. He would have been a great character on CBS in 1973. Although they would have cleaned up his language, his violent outbursts and severe drinking. Life On Mars: Series 1 is addictive viewing worthy. Make time to see if Sam Tyler gets back to his real time.


The video is 1.78:1 anamorphic. From what Ive read, the series was shot on Super16 to give it a grainy 70s cop feel. It works in making the show look authentic instead an episode of That 70s Show. The audio is in stereo and Dolby Digital 5.1. The volume is set to enjoy the classic rock songs used over the top of various chases. The various accents from Manchester might be confusing. Luckily theres a subtitle option to keep the dialogue straight.


Audio commentaries are on every episode. The best is Episode 4 with John Simm, Philip Glenister, co-creator/writerAshley Pharoah, director John McKay and producer Claire Parker. Nice to hear the voices of Sam Tyler and Gene Hunt have a casual chat.

Take a Look at the Lawman (63:54) is documentary with cast and crew interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. The piece is split in half and spread over the first two DVDs. The creators discuss the long process of developing the show. Originally it was going to be a time traveling comedy. Thankfully they didnt make it a farce.

Interview with director Bharat Nalluri (2:51) is a few more answers from the guy calling “action” on the first two episodes.

The Music of Life on Mars (14:04) has composer Ed Butt discuss his approach to creating music for a time traveling cop show.

Get Sykes (7:59) has production designer Brian Sykes explain what it takes to bring 1973 back to Manchester. He based his work on the way the 70s looked in movies instead of TV shows of the time.

Out-Takes Reel (5:55) is blooper-fest. Theres a load of blown lines and blocking moves. Guess which cast member has the dirtiest mouth. Remember actors that when you are starring in a show that takes place in 1973, turn off your cellphone.


Life On Mars: Series 1 is the perfect blend of Dr. Who and Police Story. Sam Tylers fate is compelling. Can he get back to the future? DCI Gene Hunt is a force of nature who will occasionally bend to Sams new methods. Not to spoil the series, but theres only 8 more episodes to come. This limited nature to the show keeps it from being frustrating since it doesnt have to pace itself to 100. There will be an ending so enjoy the beginning. If you enjoyed the American version of Life On Mars, youll be stunned by the greatness of the original series. Life On Mars: Series 1 is as colorful as the times Sam Tyler woke up to find.




Acorn Media presents Life On Mars: Series 1. Starring: John Simm, Philip Glenister, Dean Andrews, Marshall Lancaster and Liz White. Boxset Contents: 8 episodes on 4 DVDs. Released on DVD: July 28, 2009. Available at Amazon.com

Joe Corey is the writer and director of "Danger! Health Films" currently streaming on Night Flight and Amazon Prime. He's the author of "The Seven Secrets of Great Walmart People Greeters." This is the last how to get a job book you'll ever need. He was Associate Producer of the documentary "Moving Midway." He's worked as local crew on several reality shows including Candid Camera, American's Most Wanted, Extreme Makeover Home Edition and ESPN's Gaters. He's been featured on The Today Show and CBS's 48 Hours. Dom DeLuise once said, "Joe, you look like an axe murderer." He was in charge of research and programming at the Moving Image Archive.