Life on Mars (American TV series)

Synopsis

The protagonist, Detective Sam Tyler, works at the 125th Precinct Detective Squad of the NYPD. In 2008, he lives with his girlfriend and partner, Detective Maya Daniels, who is kidnapped by a murderer they are investigating. While crossing the street, Tyler is distracted and hit by a speeding police car. He regains consciousness in the same spot in 1973, dressed in period clothing, carrying a period-accurate identity card, and driving a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro.

He returns to his precinct to find an unfamiliar 1970s squad with rotary dial telephones, reel-to-reel tape recorders, and typewriters. The detectives expect him as a transfer from a place called "Hyde". His disorientation and future references earn him the nickname "Spaceman", but he becomes a valued squad member. Later, with Sam supposedly in a coma in 2008, Maya ends their relationship.

Several plots involve Sam investigating earlier versions of his 2008 cases, such as discovering the mentor of a future serial killer or stopping a serial killer early. Storylines are driven by conflict between Sam's 2008 values and the more corrupt policing of the era, as well as personal discoveries about his past that reshape his understanding of his former life. He struggles between his 1973 relationships and his desire to return to 2008.

Cast

Sam Tyler, a detective played by Jason O'Mara, wakes up in 1973 after being hit by a car in 2008, frequently clashing with the era's attitudes. Michael Imperioli is Ray Carling, a hot-tempered detective with big ambitions. Gretchen Mol plays Annie Norris, a policewoman fighting sexist barriers to become a detective. Jonathan Murphy portrays Chris Skelton, a kind but inexperienced junior detective.

Harvey Keitel stars as Gene Hunt, the tough squad leader. Maggie Siff appears as Maria Hunt Belanger, a social worker who briefly dates Sam and is revealed to be Gene's daughter. John Cenatiempo is Sizable Ted, a physically imposing detective. Tanya Fischer plays Windy, Sam's free-spirited hippie neighbor.

Lisa Bonet portrays Maya Daniels, Sam's partner in 2008. Jennifer Ferrin is Rose Tyler, Sam's struggling mother. Dean Winters plays Vic Tyler, his father. Edi Gathegi and Clarke Peters share the role of Fletcher Bellow, a young Black detective.

Peter Gerety plays Franklin Morgan, an agent sent to the precinct after a mission fails. Michael Bertolini is Colin Raimes, a suspected serial killer. Peter Greene plays Jimmy McManus, an Irish gang leader in New York.

Production

David E. Kelley wrote and executive produced the pilot, then handed over responsibilities. Executive producers were Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, and Scott Rosenberg. After the pilot, ABC ordered an overhaul: cast and crew were replaced, production moved from Los Angeles to New York to take advantage of tax credits, and the setting changed from Los Angeles to New York, at the fictional 125th precinct. The script was rewritten with permission from the original creators to remove ambiguity in favor of a "mythological element" and "deeper mystery".

The series premiered on ABC on October 9, 2008, following Grey's Anatomy. It aired on Global in Canada, FX in the UK, and Network Ten in Australia. On November 20, 2008, ABC ordered four additional episodes. After a winter hiatus, it moved to Wednesdays on January 28, 2009, following Lost.

On March 2, 2009, ABC decided not to order a second season, allowing producers to wrap up the storyline. All 17 episodes aired, with the finale on April 1, 2009.

Reception

He stated that the American team thought the British ending "wasn't extreme enough" and described the American ending as like revealing "Gene is a Martian!" which he felt was a mistake. He believed strong endings should allow viewers to work things out.