This was a fantastic series. Original, imaginative, very funny, touching and often quite thrilling. In John Simm (Sam) and Philip Glenister (Gene), the producers found a cracking team of cops - the former the bewildered modern day cop transported back to the 1970s after getting run over by a car, and the latter an old-time 1970s regional British detective who Sam has to work with. Yes, there is a lot of fun satire of everyone smoking, of deadbeat crims getting a hard time from the police and lots of early model car chases and primitive sieges in old factories. But there's also poignant scenes of Sam's distress at being in such an absurd situation, juxtaposed against his determination to make the most of it -- to convict criminals and fight corruption, even if he often feels like it's a losing battle. Simm's character is earnestly honest but also short tempered and sad, i.e. he's not just a wide-eyed time traveller. Glenister steals just about every scene he's in. He throws everything at his role. The line "you are surrounded by armed bastards" during yet another factory siege, is one of the classics of modern day police drama. I didn't like the more supernatural/sinister aspects. I don't think they were thought through very well. I would have been happy for him to just to travel back in time, with flashes of being in a coma, without all that spy malarkey. I would have loved this series to go on for years, but I guess it made its point and might be more memorable for being short and sweet. The ending is quite distressing. I was quite shocked by it. It's daring and certainly very thought provoking. He kind of makes a choice to live in the exciting past rather than the more monotonous future.

Love this show! I love the characters, the time it is set in and the music! Some excellent choices on the soundtrack, that IF i was born in the time period when it was set (1973) then it would have brought back memories i'm sure! All of my family and friends love this show! Gene Hunt is a fantastic character! I thinks he knows everything about policing but sadly he is generally wrong most of the time, and if he is right he gloats! He is also a great character for the mixture of seriousness and comedy about him! In short absolutely amazing show! Great producing, directing, acting, writing, and powerful camera work turn this show into something truly special. Enjoy this show, it's a kepper!

Life On MarsHaving heard so much praise for this show I thought I would give try. My first impression was one of disappointment not because of the premise but because of the casting. The lead role of a tough yet intelligent cop is played by John Simm but this actor is the exact opposite of what is needed for the role and so is utterly unconvincing. John Simm physically resembles a wimp even as he swaggers down a street or beats up a beefy villain. He has a weak and pasty face and lacks any screen charisma. The reason for casting such a lackluster actor in the lead role of a tough policeman is inexplicable.The series attempts to inject some humour in to what is essentially a cop drama with a twist. These attempts at comedy often fall flat. An example of this is evident in episode 3 where Philip Glenister playing the Gov' Hunt is asleep in an unmarked car when a call is received over the police radio about a Knife attack. The Gov' wakes on hearing the word "Knife" to show that he has an intuitive instinct for crime but Philip Glenister reacts before the word "Knife" is spoken. This is an example of poor comic timing. Often the failure of the comedic moments are because of the actors lack of comedic flare, poor editing and the directors incomprehension of how comedy should be played.By episode 3 the series has become a staple "who-done-it-cop-show with the time travel twist being relegated to the inconsequential.

I started to watch this series on PBS a couple of weeks ago. All I can say is "WOW!!!" I was lucky enough to be around in 1973. In fact '73 was one of the best years of my life! This series brings back some fond memories, especially the music and the cheesy way they used to dress back then! This show is carefully crafted; from the music, the cars, even the "minor" things like the people being clueless about cell phones, PCs, and iPods! Even the televisions are ancient! I got a kick out of the Bobbie who thought a Jeep Cherokee was a "military vehicle"! And the way the main character screams about graduating from the police academy in 1988 and saying that '88 was "Star Trek" compared to 1973! And also the way he said, "You could have at least put me in a year from A.D. not. B.C.!" The irony of it all rests with the young kids today who are just as "clueless" about that way of life just as those living back then would be "clueless" about today's technology and changes. Highly entertaining, refreshing for us "old folks" and tremendously recommended to everyone!