Life on Mars; U.S. version

Jaan · 06-20-2008, 03:05 AM

OKay, one of the best shows I've seen in a while was the BBC show Life on Mars, which I guess is currently playing on BBC America. Now, there is an American version that will be airing and a screener of the first episode is out on the interwebs and I just got done watching it.

It's not bad. It looks very much like the British version, the same gritty dark feel, same lighting etc. Of course, there are American cars now and they're in Los Angeles instead of Manchester and in that respect it feel a little like all the American cop shows us old timers grew up with here in the states, Kojack, Starskey & Hutch and so forth. One of the things I liked about the British version was the cultural differences, but at least the cars are nicer this time. The first episode is pretty much the same as the British version, so they must be going with the same story arcs.

Oh, Colm Meaney plays Gene Hunt now. At first I thought I would miss his accent but he still sounds alot like he did on Star Trek the Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. I wonder if he's going to order his coffee black triple sweet?

Colm Meaney also delivers the best line in the whole episode. When discussing Sams time travelling and then asking if he want to help question a possible witness; "...wanna join, or are you brunching with the Klingons?"

For now I'd say watch it, especially if you haven't watched the original version. Time will tell if it will live up to the original.

jincay · 06-20-2008, 09:07 AM

I tried to to watch it last night but the missus and I got bored about half way through. Maybe people are just more polite in 70's LA than the 70's Mancunians, didnt seem dirty/gritty enough.

HP_Lovecraft · 06-20-2008, 11:56 AM

I was really looking forward to the US version. Generally, when UK shows are remade in the USA, they almost always miss the point. (ie Coupling, Red Dward). Occationally they get it right (ie Office), but its rare.

However, I keep hearing problems about the US version. Like script rewrite. Redoing the casting. It sounded too much like the studio was wiping out all the clever points. So its interesting to hear that the US pilot is basically the same as the UK version? curious.

now I want to see it. Colm Meaney uses that same accent he does in all his movies. Regardless of who he plays, he always sounds like he is from Belfast

06-20-2008, 03:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jaan XYZZY Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: People's Republic of Massachusetts	Life on Mars; U.S. version OKay, one of the best shows I've seen in a while was the BBC show Life on Mars, which I guess is currently playing on BBC America. Now, there is an American version that will be airing and a screener of the first episode is out on the interwebs and I just got done watching it. It's not bad. It looks very much like the British version, the same gritty dark feel, same lighting etc. Of course, there are American cars now and they're in Los Angeles instead of Manchester and in that respect it feel a little like all the American cop shows us old timers grew up with here in the states, Kojack, Starskey & Hutch and so forth. One of the things I liked about the British version was the cultural differences, but at least the cars are nicer this time. The first episode is pretty much the same as the British version, so they must be going with the same story arcs. Oh, Colm Meaney plays Gene Hunt now. At first I thought I would miss his accent but he still sounds alot like he did on Star Trek the Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. I wonder if he's going to order his coffee black triple sweet? Colm Meaney also delivers the best line in the whole episode. When discussing Sams time travelling and then asking if he want to help question a possible witness; "...wanna join, or are you brunching with the Klingons?" For now I'd say watch it, especially if you haven't watched the original version. Time will tell if it will live up to the original. __________________ If your glasses fog up and you want to make your own mask fans, here's how; V-Force Mask Fans JT fans with speed control "My happiness doesn't depend on anything. My heart is always happy. I do have anger issues though."

06-20-2008, 09:07 AM	#2 (permalink)
jincay Distruster of Joggers Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: 6,874 Paul Simon's north of the white house	I tried to to watch it last night but the missus and I got bored about half way through. Maybe people are just more polite in 70's LA than the 70's Mancunians, didnt seem dirty/gritty enough. __________________ We are all Africans (with a few bits of Neanderthal thrown in)

06-20-2008, 11:56 AM	#3 (permalink)
HP_Lovecraft Post Whore Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Southern Maine	I was really looking forward to the US version. Generally, when UK shows are remade in the USA, they almost always miss the point. (ie Coupling, Red Dward). Occationally they get it right (ie Office), but its rare. However, I keep hearing problems about the US version. Like script rewrite. Redoing the casting. It sounded too much like the studio was wiping out all the clever points. So its interesting to hear that the US pilot is basically the same as the UK version? curious. now I want to see it. Colm Meaney uses that same accent he does in all his movies. Regardless of who he plays, he always sounds like he is from Belfast __________________ www.montneel.com "the evidence strongly suggests that neither Billy nor Adam (Smart Parts) could have invented the electronic paintgun" -Garr M. King, U.S. Judge

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