'Life on Mars' saw modern Manchester cop Sam Tyler returned to the 1970s after an accident; this series sees London cop Alex Drake returned to the eighties after being shot. She too ends up working with DCI Gene Hunt, who along with Ray and Chris, has been transferred south. As Alex had been studying Sam Tyler's case she has some idea what is going on, believes that this world isn't real and thinks that once she does what she has to she will wake up in the present and be reunited with her daughter. As one would expect she is horrified by Gene Hunt's methods as they get involved in a variety of cases. She also realises that in the unlikely event that she really is back in time she might be able to save her parents. She also looks into what happened to Sam.
Anybody who enjoyed 'Life on Mars' is likely to enjoy this although there are obviously some major differences; most obviously the fact that the action has moved to '80s London and Sam Tyler, as well as WPC Annie Cartwright, are no longer present. Keeley Hawes does a fine job as Alex Drake, a character who is far more knowing that Sam as she knows much about what happened to him; this knowledge does lead to some good laughs without lessening the sense of danger key characters face. Philip Glenister's return as Gene Hunt is the highlight of the series; he is as un-PC as ever. Dean Andrews and Marshall Lancaster also make welcome returns as Ray and Chris and Montserrat Lombard is a fine addition as WPC Sharon 'Shaz' Granger. The stories nicely incorporate various '80s news events as well as a great sound track from the time. Without going into detail; the series has a fine conclusion that answers most questions about the Gene Hunt, Alex and the world they inhabit. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of 'Life on Mars'.
Anybody who enjoyed 'Life on Mars' is likely to enjoy this although there are obviously some major differences; most obviously the fact that the action has moved to '80s London and Sam Tyler, as well as WPC Annie Cartwright, are no longer present. Keeley Hawes does a fine job as Alex Drake, a character who is far more knowing that Sam as she knows much about what happened to him; this knowledge does lead to some good laughs without lessening the sense of danger key characters face. Philip Glenister's return as Gene Hunt is the highlight of the series; he is as un-PC as ever. Dean Andrews and Marshall Lancaster also make welcome returns as Ray and Chris and Montserrat Lombard is a fine addition as WPC Sharon 'Shaz' Granger. The stories nicely incorporate various '80s news events as well as a great sound track from the time. Without going into detail; the series has a fine conclusion that answers most questions about the Gene Hunt, Alex and the world they inhabit. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of 'Life on Mars'.