Last night saw the press launch of Ashes to Ashes, the much-anticipated follow-up to Life on Mars.
Which is pretty much all I can say, as the PR company are being very strict on embargoes. A full Square Eyes special preview will emerge nearer the series transmission date, which is currently scheduled for February 8th or thereabouts. We’ll also have interview material from stars Keeley Hawes, Philip Glenister and a couple of other members of the cast, both on the blog and in the weekly print edition of The Stage.
What I can say is that, for the most part, any fears I had about whether or not the series could work as a 1981-set sequel to the 1973-based original were well and truly laid to rest by the time the end credits rolled.
Except for one very small thing…
One thing that really irks me in TV scripts is when a line of dialogue clearly has been included as exposition for the audience’s ears, and is something that one character would never say to another. There is one such line in the first episode of Ashes to Ashes, and it stuck out at me because the rest of the script is pretty much spot-on throughout.
Who, when talking to their daughter, would ever say as part of a normal conversation:
Your godfather will take you home.
Is that really how one family member would talk to another? I can understand “your father”, “your uncle <insert name of friendly uncle here>” or the like — but who ever refers to godparent status in normal conversation?
There. Told you it was a small thing. Still, let’s end on a positive note:
If you liked Life on Mars, you’ll adore Ashes to Ashes. Unless you’re coulrophobic…
Thanks for the warning! Clowns are easier to handle with advance warning.
Am delighted you've given it the thumbs up Scott, bar the teeny peeve with the script. I was apprehensive about a sequel to the brilliant LoM, so wasn't really paying attention to the scheduling and would probably have missed the first showing. But I shall pay attention now.
Scott dear,- I'm glad you're so positive about it. Really looking forward to watching it. I never was one for sci-fic, but LoM never felt like that. I hope the script still gives Phillip Glenisters those glorious one-liners!
Loved Life on Mars, especially watching for clothing/script errors. 1981 will make my fun a little more difficult.
Can't wait for it, Loved LoM, love Phillip Glenister, thanks for your opinion Scott.
Did the BBC get Philip Glenister cheap? Must have - he is worth more than ten hollywood actors. After years of not bothering to switch on apart from the news and weather i was astounded by the Life on Mars series (just finished watching after everyone else recommended it )Apart from the brilliant script and acting only Glenister could still ooze sex appeal sporting white flesh in a pair of garish seventies nylon swimming trunks. Cant wait for ashes to ashes - its got me watching TV again!
did anyone not think that said godfather looked like a smartened up version of the drug dealer, so me thinks it was done on purpose