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Subject: Life On Mars Season 1 General Discussion Thread (Spoilers) [Print This Page]
Author: shinny    Time: 12-9-2008 03:25     Subject: Life On Mars Season 1 General Discussion Thread (Spoilers)



I started watching this the other day and I'm extremely impressed. I've never seen the UK version, so I can't compare, but I really like the show. Plus I might just have a little crush on Jason O'Mara and to think he lived about 30 minutes from me, haha !!

Anyone know where the idea for the original UK show came from? It reminds me a lot of Goodnight Sweetheart. Another BBC show which is about a man (Nicholas Lyndhurst) who can travel between modern day London (then the 90's) to WWII and back.

[ Last edited by spratt89 at 3-5-2015 18:37 ]
Author: shinny    Time: 12-9-2008 03:29     Subject: Episode 1 and 2

So we get introduced to Sam in episode one. He's a cop in New York, 2008. On the job he gets hit with a car and wakes up in 1973.

What I find funny about this is Sam's reaction to police procedures during that time. He's amazed at their tactics and they think he's a loony !!.

I think Harvey Keitel is great as Hunt. He really embodies that era very well.

By Episode 2, Sam has already made his mark on the precinct. I can imagine as time progresses that they will start to see he is a really good cop and accept him more. I also think he's going to encourage Annie to become more active as a Police Woman.

*edit* - Actually I meant to say that I loved when Sam comes to in 1973 and one of the first things he sees is the twin towers and he says "No way" !! Great.

And I love the way you are getting hints of what is happening in 2008. At one point you can hear them reviving him, during episode one.

All in all I think I'm going to really like this show. I'm glad I checked it out.

[ Last edited by shinny at 12-9-2008 11:33 ]
Author: shinny    Time: 12-9-2008 04:24     Subject: Episode 3

It's so funny when Sam uses a more modern day phrase and the rest of them look at him funny. When he asked if the Veteran had been for councelling after the war, the look Ray gave him was hilarious.

And then he told Annie that women have great Gaydar she was like, what?? Funny.

Just as I thought, Sam is encouraging Annie which is nice, but why was he so bothered that Annie would see Windy in his room???? Interesting.....

Then Sam sees himself as a boy at the end. Where's this going to lead....?



[ Last edited by shinny at 12-9-2008 12:27 ]
Author: shinny    Time: 12-9-2008 08:34     Subject: Episode 5

This was an interesting one because you thought that Sam had died in the future, but it was someone else, the someone he'd prayed to say goodbye to years before. This was the first time that we met someone who knew what was going on, but they told us nothing. Still, at least it shows us that there is some sort of plan for Sam being there.
Author: shinny    Time: 12-9-2008 11:06     Subject: Episode 7

So, this is the last episode until the New Year. No too long to wait, Jan 28th.

Sam finally gets to meet his father and by giving him the benefit of the doubt, nearly gets himself killed.

I liked the scene at the end with Annie, when Sam told her he didn't hate everything about 1973. Cute !
Author: sddvasquez    Time: 1-20-2009 14:37     Subject: episode 1

was that stockard channing in the alka seltzer commercial?!

great soundtrack, just like cold case. that must be some great job but they have a real knack for picking pieces that really accent the moment. just think, a lot of old stuff is unlistenable and the intra-extra diagetical shift of music is very interesting!

well, the husband's been trying to get me to watch this since it came up on the site. i guess i know what we'll be doing this weekend!

"wow, my mom used to take me here. i bought my first hall & oats alb... ah, (an octave lower) my first led zeppelin album here!" bwahahahahhaha!

we're racing to the finish!
Author: Mnemosyne    Time: 1-20-2009 16:44

I liked this show, had to watch it when I saw the title because I like the song
I would love to see the original though. What are those things called he had in the car stereo in 1973,
is that a type of cassette? Ipod generation...

racing to the finish! You sure keep us busy, Tina!
Author: spratt89    Time: 1-20-2009 16:57

Again this was a first for me, I have not seen either the uk or us one, but i loved this episode and i think i am going to have to keep watching it now, I loved what happened in this episode as I would not of seen some of the things that happened. So overall a very good episode and enjoyable to watch


Racing to the Finish

[ Last edited by spratt89 at 1-21-2009 03:01 ]
Author: codebreaker    Time: 1-20-2009 17:47     Subject: Episode 1

I watched this when it originally aired i have also seen the UK version and spin off Ashes to Ashes but what a blast from the past with the eight track tape player

Racing to the Finish

[ Last edited by codebreaker at 1-21-2009 01:49 ]
Author: waterlilybarb    Time: 1-20-2009 18:20     Subject: Reply 7#7 Mnemosyne's post

I haven't seen it, but I imagine they were 8-track tapes.  I'm from the crossover from LP to cassette generation.   
Author: angel-87    Time: 1-21-2009 06:19

didnt like it as much as the original.

racing to the finish!
Author: Mnemosyne    Time: 1-21-2009 08:20     Subject: Reply 10#10 waterlilybarb's post

I  had LPs and cassettes as well as a child, so I'm actually a bit too old to refer to myself as ipod generation
Author: serena75    Time: 1-21-2009 11:18     Subject: Reply 12#12 Mnemosyne's post

Same here. I'm also a LP and cassette generation. Actually, I don't even have an Ipod
Author: serena75    Time: 1-21-2009 15:18     Subject: Episode 1

I really liked the first episode of Life on Mars, although I haven't seen the original. I saw the first and the second episode a while back, and plan on continue watching.
I liked the story and the different characters   
Has it really changed that much for women since the 70's?

Racing to the Finish!

[ Last edited by serena75 at 1-22-2009 00:21 ]
Author: sddvasquez    Time: 1-21-2009 17:20

Quote:
Originally posted by serena75 at 1-21-2009 23:18  
Has it really changed that much for women since the 70's?
sing it, sister!  it is truly inspiring to see how far strong women who have blazed paths in their fields have brought us, but when you see women who still feel that they will be stigmatized for using their brains you realize that there remains a long way to go!

never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has -- margaret meade
Author: LaveticusPrime    Time: 1-21-2009 19:28     Subject: Episode 1 Discussion

Racing to the Finish!

This was a nice introductory episode for the season. It shows how lost Sam is and how determined he is to try and get back to his own time.  It was nice to see Lisa Bonet again as well. I hope she has more screen time in the next episodes. Anyway, I like the old school settings and it is also interesting to see Sam trying to conceal all that he knows as far as police work to some extent so as not to seem loopy but I am sure it would be very hard for me to not just tell everyone what I know. I would definitely be kicking myself for not saving lottery results from past years. lol  

Oh well, I`m outta here. Cheers all and see you all at the finish line.....I`ll save you all a seat!! lol jk
Author: serena75    Time: 1-22-2009 04:23     Subject: Reply 15#15 sddvasquez's post

I'm singing! I was reading about the first woman running for president in the US yesterday, and I'm happy that we've come this far even though we still have a long way to go. I really admire those strong women, and I wish I was more like them.
Author: gyki98    Time: 1-22-2009 06:23

this is a nice show.i might check the other eps out wen im finnished with 24

Racing to the finnish
Author: carlorica    Time: 1-22-2009 08:55

Racing to the finish

I watched this show when it was on TV. This eps was nice and the premise of the show is cool but I had a hard time seeing how it could go on and on and on.
Author: kwargalla    Time: 1-22-2009 11:18

sorry to say but i was un-impressed.  i had looked the show over before but didn't have the want to actually watch an episode but thanks to the AR i've now watched episode 1 but i don't think i'll be coming back for more.  It just didn't grab me like i like my cop shows to.  The actors are good actors but i hardly ever like the kind of character that harvey is playing.  

i think i would have liked it better if he had woken up at the end of the episode - but i guess that would make it to much like jouneyman.

racing to the finish
Author: djdoctone    Time: 1-22-2009 12:36     Subject: Racing to the finish

wow. interesting show. I think I will be watching this regularly. It is so cool to see America back in the day. They even got the clothes and everything right. Plus the story of Sam and his pursuit of the serial killer is really thrilling. I felt bad for the little boy when Sam was about to shoot him. Will be interesting to see how that little boy gets so evil in the future.  Very nice show.
Author: munch    Time: 1-24-2009 19:27

Well the show started out okay.  But I lived through the 70's once and that was enough for me.

Racing to the finish
Author: spratt89    Time: 2-20-2009 15:36     Subject: Episode 1

First, let me say that I have never seen the original British series. That being said, I really dug "Life on Mars," and I think it has some legs if ABC sticks with it. Life on Mars was very good, a solid start. I found that I liked all the new actors, and the story was close enough to the original that I felt I was watching a set of near-identical twins performing the same roles I had already loved once before. It was a little different, but not entirely unfamiliar. Harvey Keitel as Gene Hunt is brilliant casting, I waited patiently for a real GH line and he delivered with "the year of the Fist" classic! Not bad at all, I will be giving it a chance!
Author: spratt89    Time: 2-20-2009 15:37     Subject: Episode 2

The story, although similar to the UK version, manages to find its own hilarity - speedo guy, Nixon administration, Matrix illusions, lasagnes with herbs, mistaken cop identities - all of which made the episode very enjoyable to watch. New ways for Sam to keep in contact with 2008 - robot, naked hippies, broken glass, door reflections.... All good. Also, big plus on the fantastic sets and backdrops of old New York. I look forward to seeing the the next episode of a great tv show in the making in my opinion.
Author: spratt89    Time: 2-20-2009 15:48     Subject: Episode 3

This was a really good episode, I loved this quote that was said. Windy: Book 'em Danno. Do you ever say that? Book 'em Danno. Sam: I would if I worked with a guy named Danno. Windy: You should hire one. How cool would that be? That had me cracking up, The whole storyline I thought was a bit risky but it actually turned out very well, I really did not think the commanding officer would of been the killer that was one bit surprise for me, I think Sam was great with the kid, and him and Annie work really well together, The other part I found even funnier was when Chris had to act gay and then started to get beaten up, overall a very good episode which was funny to watch at times.
Author: spratt89    Time: 2-20-2009 15:54     Subject: Episode 4

This was another brilliant episode, I loved how Sam said his name was Luke Skywalker, that was just funny as hell, It was nice to see Sam say no to the kick back but what I really liked was Sam seeing things because of LSD. The stuff he saw and the way he was when he woke up was so funny and another thing that I just could not stop laughing, I think all the cast work really well together and this show can go somewhere if it is given a chance, Sam and Annie again have great scenes like they have in previous episodes but the best scenes were between Sam and Lt. Gene Hunt those two just crack me up when they go up against each other like I think back in episode 2 when they started fighting in the hospital.
Author: spratt89    Time: 2-20-2009 17:20     Subject: Episode 5

This episode is back in line with the original design of the show and the initial episodes. There was actually a bit of a case to work out so that was fun. The episdoe has a good balance of casework and Sam wondering were he is and what he needs to do to get home. I love Fletcher Bellow and hope that his character gets to make another guest appearance. It was good to see Sam having some fun for a change. The writers totally got me with the twist at the end of the show, which shows how much I've bought into the bad cop image of the rest of the squad. so overall a very good episode to watch.
Author: spratt89    Time: 2-20-2009 17:22     Subject: Episode 6

This was another strong episode of Life on Mars. It managed to balance the cop aspect of the show with the why is Sam in 1973 aspect of the show. The two aspects also neatly tied together, which is one of the reason I watch the show. The show also ends with the possibility that Sam may try to embrace his 1973 life and actually live a little, instead of dwelling on his future/past. This could effect all aspects of his life. His interaction with the precinct guys and maybe even a love life. I do not think the love life thing is going to pan out anytime soon, but it is good to see that the other guys are thinking of Sam as one of them. Crazy, but their Crazy guy. Overall, a really strong episode that ties in all the aspects of the show that I enjoy.
Author: spratt89    Time: 2-21-2009 09:05     Subject: Episode 7

So, this review might give the episode way a bit and have a few spoilers, so if you've not seen the show you might not want to continue. This episode is absolutely pivotal to the show. We learn that Sam's Dad is not just gray but out and out bad. This show is very why is Sam in 1973 heavy, but its done very well in this episode as we actually work at the mystery rather than musing on it. For all these reasons this is a really good episode. The ending is really creepy however. What could be in the basement? Hopefully not Sam's mangled father, as I think it is bad enough being shot by your father without having to find his dead body. A really great episode of a great show
Author: spratt89    Time: 2-21-2009 09:07     Subject: Episode 8

This was a great episode of Life on Mars. A really strong opening show after the hiatus for people who watch the show. I know a lot of people are afraid to start watching at this point because they think they have missed too much, but you haven't start watching the show! The characters are really developing nicely. It is also good to see same trying to embrace his situation, even if that always gets him in trouble in the ends. The show really used the other actors more this episode which I appreciated. I look forward to how the show will continue to develop. If this episode was any indication it will be a round for awhile.
Author: serena75    Time: 2-22-2009 16:04     Subject: Reply 26#26 spratt89's post

It was great finding out more about Sam's mother.
I haven't seen the movie Sleeper, but I googled it and found out that it's about a man who lived in 1973, but is cryogenically frozen without his consent, and not revived for 200 years. I thought that was funny.
Luke Skywalker
Author: serena75    Time: 3-8-2009 11:59     Subject: Reply 30#30 spratt89's post

Did you know that episodes 8 and 9 are in the wrong order? What happens in episode 7 continues in episode 9. At least on the EU server. Maybe they're in the right order on the US server.
I think episodes 7 and 9 are the best ones so far.
Author: codebreaker    Time: 3-12-2009 09:35     Subject: Episode 14 Coffee, Tea or Annie

Good episode with a hint of Swingtown but the one time Sam talks about something Annie should of known she was a bit vague because the song I Think I Love You came out in 1970
Author: gabsimom    Time: 3-12-2009 17:08

what is Annie's connection to why he is there. And why have them fall in love if he will go back home.
Annie is suppose to be dead and now she graced the cover of a favorite magazine he had as a kid.
Author: codebreaker    Time: 4-2-2009 03:59     Subject: Episode 17 Life is a Rock

I thought the opening lines between Wendy and Sam was funny and with Sam finishing of with Wendy this is not how i prefer to start my day discussing the spices of feces and overall i think the best episode
Author: gabsimom    Time: 4-2-2009 05:17

wow what an ending! I did not see that coming, I guessed it might be a dream, like the wizard of OZ but never imagined that. In the interview posted earlier it said fans will want to watch it again for all the clues including some of the things said left in every episode.

Very cool it was like watching the sixth sense again for the 1st time!
Author: codebreaker    Time: 4-2-2009 09:47     Subject: Reply 36#36 gabsimom's post

I always thought Ray called Sam spaceman because of him saying he was from the future but now it makes more sense
Author: serena75    Time: 4-5-2009 14:39     Subject: Reply 36#36 gabsimom's post

Yes, what an ending! I never would've guessed it. Maybe I'll watch all episodes again sometime.
It's sad... this show should've continued for at least one more season.

codebreaker, that was exactly what I was thinking.
Author: shinny    Time: 4-20-2009 01:48

I finally managed to watch all of the last 4 episodes. What a brilliant ending. I did not see that coming either, lol !! It wraps everything up nicely but also leaves it open for your imagination to continue it on.

I'm really going to miss this show. I think it was cancelled prematurely, but I'm glad they got to give it a proper finish as it would have been terrible for to be left hanging.



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