Call Me “Life on Mars” Fan

Did you happen to catch this new- and unfortunately one season only- show? Life on Mars was a twist on the Law & Order genre and one that really appealed to me. Jason O’ Mara starred as Sam Tyler, a dectective who is involved in a terrible accident in 2008 and wakes up in 1973. While trying to figure out what happened to him, Sam Tyler joins Precinct 125 and helps solve crime the old fashioned way. Harvey Keitel, Gretchen Mol, Michael Imperioli, and Lisa Bonet also starred.

I love a mystery and this show usually provided two per episode: one- the ongoing mystery surrounding Sam’s time travel and second, the episodic crime du jour. Each show was well scripted and gave just enough clues to help you form your idea of what happened but still leave you breathless for the next.

The support cast was also very well put together. There was lovable Chris, the rather new and naive detective. You could despise the arrogant, macho Ray but still find room to like him a little, especially when meeting his sweet wife. Gene, who runs the department like his own little fifedom, loves justice, even if you have to break heads to get it. And sweet but tough Annie rounded out the cast as the “token” department female who was struggling to prove herself as detective material in a man’s world.

SPOILER ALERT! ONLY READ IF YOU AREN’T PLANNING ON WATCHING THE SHOW…

The ending was the only thing I didn’t see coming. With the clues, I assumed Sam Tyler’s accident left him dreaming in a comatose state. I did not anticipate a leap into the future, 2030 to be exact. But as I watched the last 10 minutes, all the clues from the season fell neatly into place. Hyde, 125, life on “Mars”, even Gene Hunt (gene hunt), were cleverly recouped in the space ship headed to find genetic material on Mars.

Bravo to Life on Mars for a well put-together show! Though I am sorry it was only a one season show, perhaps it’s best to leave on such a high note. Other shows have been drawn out too long, for example, Lost, and has lost (pardon the pun) the freshness of the mystery.

For now,

Call me a Big Fan of Life on Mars!