Life On Mars.

In an attempt to keep picking out the good stuff from the UK (a little overwhelming when you're kind of catching up I suspect, but trust me - no mention if there's not a recommendation, one way or another) here's a show that I have only caught snippets of. So how can I recommend it? Well, on the basis that it has been one of the true major hits for the BBC, in all aspects, during this past years shows.

Yep, already set to return for a second series, and born out of the reignition of interest in TV with a Sci-Fi edge thanks to the successful return of Dr.Who, this is perhaps the first hit from a wave of new shows from all channels which will see familiar genres or franchises from the past reborn ('Robin Hood' is filming, for example) with the same attempts being made - to reference the past and create a new future for primetime telly.

The premise in this show is one of Sam Tyler arriving in 1973 from 2006, but apparently it's not clear if he is actually there or imagines he is there. In the bits of the series I've seen, there's clearly a 'now versus then' aspect that's incredibly visible throughout, and there were Police Advisors to give details on the differing approaches of the 70s. Tyler is then at odds with how to solve crimes whilst having been used to modern technology and methods, and now finds himself working with people more determined to 'get a result' as you might expect they would say.

Classed as Sci-Fi then, but clearly plays into the arms of those that love well made TV Drama with a depth that's easy to cope with of an evening, and also clearly for those with a soft spot for Cop Dramas of the 70s which still remains somewhat popular or nostalgically remembered : 'The Professionals', 'The Sweeney' and so on.

'Life On Mars' Trailer Embedded at Play.com Listing.
'Life On Mars' Official Website at BBC Drama; Profiles, BTS, Episode Guide (10 Hours in total), Viewer Reviews, Clips.
'Life On Mars' Review at SFX, Review at Strange Horizons.
'Life On Mars' Press Release

'Life On Mars' due May 15th 2006 on R2 UK 4-Disc DVD set at Amazon.co.uk [Direct Link].