So long Life on Mars

This is the last week for the U.S. version of Life on Mars. I will miss it, one of my favorite shows this season. I’m glad to see that it had developed a cult following, even an unofficial podcast. It’s a shame this fun show wasn’t given another season or a shot on cable like Mad Men or The Closer.

I have to say that even though I am a fan of the original BBC version, I prefer the U.S. one. Maybe it has to do with me being American and enjoying the show’s American stamp, its gritty ‘70’s Kojak/Serpico/French Connection style of tv cops. Not that the UK show didn’t have that tough guy detective stuff, but this show seem to enjoy pushing it. Imperioli’s whole look is Al Pacino with a porn mustache. Plus Mr. Mean Streets himself, Harvey Keitel.

I also enjoyed the supporting cast more in the U.S. version. The UK ensemble was fine, but Sam and Gene were the only two characters that I was really invested in. In the U.S. one, I’ve come to love the whole team especially Imperioli’s Ray who had the best lines:
“A Brady short of a Bunch.”
“Hey Efraim Zimbalist Junior Mint!”
“Confused as a baby in a topless bar”

Jason O’Mara had some solid ones as well with all his amusing undercover names/aliases:
“Detective Luke Skywalker.”
“ Hi I’m Tom. Tom Cruise.”
“ The name’s Bono”

He was excellent in this role. The whole cast really gelled because I think the NY team seemed more developed and fleshed out, and made me care about them.

Also, since I was familiar with the basic story of this show, the sci-fi elements didn’t bug me. I wasn’t left feeling impatient or short changed when an episode had very little clues like I felt with Lost or X-files [it always comes back to that show]. I just enjoyed the ride and all the great music. Plus their cheesy ‘70’s tough guy detective filler music was a riot and it always got me smiling.

Ah I could go on and on. So I’m just gonna say check this out when it hits dvd.