The proper pilot of the American version of Life on Mars has now screen, and there have been a few changes since the pre-air. Most are good...
They've followed the British pilot a lot more closely in some things. Sam doesn't blab that he's from 2008 to everyone, and indeed he's been transfered from Hyde. Although I'm not sure why they did that last bit. Hyde isn't as recognised a district as it is in the UK, so it seems like an unnecessary nod (as I said, most bits are good, but there are a few strange touches). Annie is back to being a normal plod (Bureau of Police Women!), and we have Ray and Chris as usual. Even the future breaking moments are better handled.
One of the biggest changes is in the casting. I was never a fan of Colm Meaney as Gene. As Ray, he would have stolen the show, but Gene...? So, he's out and they have someone else in. However, it almost looks like they casted according to physical similarity to Philip Glenister as opposed to what is appropriate for Gene. But they definitely got themselves a big name: Harvey Keitel. Wow. Not entirely convinced he works as Gene either, to be honest. Will have to see.
Next week we get a proper US plot (hopefully), but I'm willing to accept this as a US translation... for now.
[END]
Sunday, 12 October 2008
LoM-US: Take Two
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2 comments:
I don't know... I loved Schlamme's direction of the original pilot. This feels too much like TV. Also why make a US version if you're going to keep the UK version and just do it with different actors?
Finally... I liked the female cop was a detective in the preair. It was a tough beat for a woman to be a shield at that time... and I can't find a single mention of the 'Bureau of Police women' anywhere... don't even know if it existed in the US... kinda lame
I can hear the conversation:
"Is this the British show? Why isn't it just like that?"
"Well, we wanted to make it more American."
"Dammit, I said remake the British show!"
"...yes sir!"
Bureau of Policewomen? Right here:
http://www.nycpolicemuseum.org/html/tour/wip_web.htm
Looks like it finished in 1973.
But, yeah, a little too close to the original pilot. We can only hope the second episode shows the potential.
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