For those who watched the British series "Life On Mars" (*not* the <spit> American travesty of a remake), and have been watching the followup series "Ashes To Ashes," the final episode of the latter has been a long time coming, and looked forward to with as much anticipation as the finale of "Lost."
And it doesn't disappoint. I can say nothing about it, because more people here have probably not seen the two series than have seen them, and I think the former would enjoy them. Suffice it to say that there are parallels to "Lost" in more ways than merely anticipation. Philip Glenister, who plays Detective Chief Inspector Gene Hunt, is a force majeure. He has a presence unlike any other police character ever seen on TV or in the movies. Harvey Keitel fell flat on his face trying to emulate that presence, and has hardly worked since. Gene Hunt is larger than life. Which is appropriate, because we're not sure that the two characters who journey back in time to hang with him are even alive at all. The first, Sam Tyler (in LOM), was played by John Simm, and was a good foil to Gene's heavy-handed (but benevolent) tyranny. Alex Drake (in ATA) is played by Keeley Hawes, and is an even better foil. If you don't know about the series, it contains many charms, and hopefully is available on DVD in the US. I hear the second season of "Ashes To Ashes" is being broadcast now in the US, probably prior to broadcasting the final third season. All are really worth your time. Just don't rent the American version of "Life On Mars" thinking that you're watching "Life On Mars." That would be like trying to get a good buzz on by drinking Near Beer. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0478942/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1008108/
