The 1970s were a golden era for hair. Big hair, long hair, short hair, no hair, curving moustaches and bushy beards – they were all good. Today we look back and laugh. And from walking down the street, it appears as though some of the same trends have cycled back again. And although it lasted but one season, Life on Mars celebrates the era with fondness. But it’s not just nostalgia either. The complex show is a unique mix of cop show, drama, comedy and science fiction that insists the viewer look beyond the obvious. Or does it?
Sam (Jason O’Mara) is a cop from the present day. While involved in an intense situation has an accident that sends him into a coma. And this is where things get strange. When Sam wakes up he’s 35 years in the past, in the year 1973. He’s still a cop in New York but he’s reliving his childhood as an adult. His mom, his dad, his babysitter and even his younger self are all there. His new crew are a motley bunch of misfit cops who lack tact and could even be seen as dirty cops based on some of their questionable behaviors. Sam battles the daily grind, trying to adjust to his new life, all the while looking for answers as to how and why he’s been sent to the past.
From an episode-to-episode basis, Life on Mars follows much of the routines of a 1970s cop show. A case needs to be tackled, cars skid around the streets, moustaches go on display and bad guys get taken down. It’s presented in a nostalgic sense with plenty of classic music and era-appropriate costumes. Sometimes it feels forced but overall the take on the past is fun.
Life on Mars has a great blend of comedy, action and heart. I can’t recall anything I’ve seen in a while that offered as many layers. This keeps every episode fresh and exciting because you never know the tone from one scene to the next until you’re actually there. The action portion of the show takes stylistic spins from the past and some of the pizzazz that’s popular today. The nods to the past are both appropriate, given the show’s setting, and fun from a retrospective lens.
Life on Mars is actually a remake of a British series. I haven’t seen it to make comparisons so I don’t know how they stand against one another in either content or quality. The fact is, though, that I was pleased with the 17 episodes that make up the entire American incarnation. It is rushed at the end, but I’m guessing it’s in large part due to the show being cancelled. The final couple of episodes do indeed offer the payoff and the questions that are raised from the overriding plot are answered. It is satisfying. Although it does come together quickly and in a jolting fashion, it makes sense and offers some closure for the characters and storyline.
Life on Mars: The Complete Series DVD Review
Life on Mars hits DVD with a solid mix of content and technical prowess. The 17 episodes that make up the entire series are spread over four discs. Each episode is shown in widescreen (1.78:1 aspect ratio) with Dolby 5.1 Surround English audio. Subtitles are available in Spanish and English. Both the sound and picture are strong with no glaring weaknesses.
As far as extras go, four episodes include commentaries from various cast and crew. “To Mars and Back” is a 15-minute featurette that breaks down the show’s concepts and mysteries. “Sunrise to Sunset with Jason O’Mara” follows the leading man around for a day of shooting. Interesting and mundane at the same time, it sheds a quick spotlight on the life of an actor. Also included is a set tour featuring the Six-Million Dollar Man himself, Lee Majors, a blooper reel and ten deleted scenes.
Life on Mars: The Complete Series Gallery
