Too much of a good thing is just that - too much.
I don’t watch much telly as a rule. When I do sit in front of it, it is usually to watch a dvd, or something recorded on Sky+.
Ironically, what I tend to watch is old telly programmes!
I didn’t watch “Life on Mars” when it first came out. I thought it was something I would enjoy, but always seemed to forget when it was on.
Then, when I flew to Australia, three episodes were part of the ’seatback entertainment’. I was hooked. Completely and utterly. When I got back, I ordered the first series on dvd, and when it arrived I spent hours watching the whole series. I think I watched it over 3 days - and at least one of those was a work day!
Then the second series came out on dvd, and I did the same thing. At the time I thought it wasn’t quite as gripping as the first series, but I still loved it. I really cared about all the characters. I was totally engrossed in what was going on. Completely caught up in Sam’s world.
I watched both series 3 times. And each time it was in a condensed block, watching several episodes in a day. I just couldn’t let it go.
Then came “Ashes to Ashes”.
I think everyone who has watched both admits it’s not as good. I think, if it wasn’t compared with “Life on Mars” it would be applauded as a great series.
My personal gripe with it is the non-stop music. And I love the music. 1983 was “my time” - it was the year I sat my O’ levels. I was a full-on moody teenager. The music was what it was all about.
However, the music was not what the tv series was all about. At least it shouldn’t be. Music is fine when it is needed - like when the radio is on, or maybe a clip of TOTP. The night club scene in the first series is great.
But not having Duran Duran blasting from the screen watching an Audi roar up a street. It doesn’t add to the story. It takes it away.
I digress (a bottle of red wine will do that to a girl).
Stuck home alone. Bored. Annoyed with a friend.
I dig out “Life on Mars” series one.
Oh. My. God.
There really is no comparison.
I’ve watched two episodes. I want to watch the rest of them. Right now. Even though I know the story. Even though I have seen all the episodes 3 times (4 for the extra ones I saw on the plane). The acting is incredible. the writing is fantastic. You totally feel Sam’s confusion and perplexity.
They should have just left it at that.