Ashes To Ashes

After wrapping up all the loose ends in the final episode of Life on Mars there didn't seem to be any more of the story to tell; however, the public were still hungry for more Gene Hunt. But instead of giving him his own show what we have here is a weaker re-tread of the original series with a far less engaging partner. The actual detective side of the show works as well as before, but the mystery is missing this time and Alex Drake's awareness of her situation soon becomes annoying.

I loved Life on Mars and I thought it impossible that Ashes to Ashes could be any good (no John Simm for one thing). Then I heard that Keeley Hawes was cast and I thought I'd give it a chance. This series was every bit as good as Life on Mars and the writers, director (s) and production team made the switch from 70s Manchester to Thatcher's London seamlessly. Pacy, exciting, superb storyline (and a great revelation in the last episode), this merits watching again and again. Great music, cleverly used too. The scenes with Gene Hunt, Chris and Ray are as brilliant as in Life on Mars. I think one reviewer felt that some elements were overdone? - not if you remember the 80s they weren't. I can't wait for series 2.

Hey what is it with people having a go at keely hawes she was and is amazing in this brilliant series i for one thought it was brilliant and she is a babe too but still its the gene genie who is king more series please

There is something about the character of Alex Drake that i find annoying i certainly cared a whole lot less about her efforts to get home than that of Sam Tyler from the previous series but its saved by Gene and his sidekicks who deliver the laughs in abundance! Cant say i will be counting the days down to the next series tho:( Why couldnt they have just made a series without the time travel (ie.Alex Drake) yet still in the 80s!!

Having been a huge Life On Mars fan, I had eagerly anticipated Ashes To Ashes. The show did not fail to make me laugh, gasp and, in places, cry. Philip Glenister is brilliant as my all-time favourite TV character, the hilarious and wonderful DCI Gene Hunt. His witty and often politically incorrect one-liners and good, old-fashioned policing ways are pure genius. Keeley Hawes settles into the program nicely, playing the part of Alex Drake more than well, aswell as adding a splash of femininity. The supporting cast, plots and soundtrack are all commendable - a number of these episodes have some of the best storylines of the whole Life On Mars saga. This is a highly enjoyable piece of TV, a rare stroke of genius and one of the best comedy-dramas the BBC has done in a very long time.