Review: Life on Mars

By: Nicole Balliargeon
Posted In: Entertainment

What would you do if you suddenly woke up and found yourself transported to the 1970s? Everything is different, there are no computers, no cell phones and Hawaii Five-O is what everyone is watching.

For Detective Sam Tyler, this is very real. In the new show Life on Mars, based on the BBC show of the same name, Tyler is in a terrible accident and wakes up in New York City 1973. Is he dreaming or dead? This is the mystery and enjoyment of the show as the viewer tries to solve this with him.

Tyler, played by Irish actor Jason O’Mara, has to cope with not only trying to figure out what has happened to him, but he also needs to learn how to adjust to working in a police station in the 70s and solve crimes. For instance, there are no computers, all files are hand written and filed. Also, his lieutenant played by the remarkable Harvey Keitel, does not think twice about physically abusing the criminals and women are struggling to be taken seriously as police officers.

Not only that, but his coworkers think he is insane for constantly mentioning things from the future and they do not believe him when he says he is from 2008.

The plot of the show is intriguing, but it also has an amazing soundtrack filled with classic rock songs of the 70s. Named after the David Bowie song, “Life on Mars,” I had great expectations for the music on this show and I was not disappointed. The Who, the Rolling Stones, Simon and Garfunkel and Dusty Springfield, are only a few that have been played, fitting perfectly with the scenes as they unfold. It’s great fun to listen to all of the songs that your parents grew up singing along with.

You also get to learn more about the 70s culture that wasn’t taught in school and it is great to get a new point of view on the era. So, if you find yourself bored on a Thursday night, put it on ABC at 10 pm and go along for the ride, as Sam Tyler tries to do what he does best, “catching bad guys,” in 1973.