Ashes to Ashes (TV Series) Episode #1.1 (2008) User Reviews

A good solid start

[Sleepin_Dragon · 7/10 · 8 August 2015]

When I think of episode 1 of Life on Mars, when I thought of episode 1 of Ashes to Ashes I couldn't really remember it, was keen to get started and went back to the start. I am a huge fan of Keeley Hawes, she was a little slow to get into the part I thought, took about 3 episodes. There is something seemingly fresh faced about her in the first episode. When she does wake up in the 1980's the series comes to life, her first encounter with Gene Hunt is fun, and seeing the expression on the others faces during her ramblings are great. I loved the scene when she goes into the 'tech' room, the 80's was a different world. How surreal the encounter between Molly, Zippy and George was, but again great fun. The music throughout is fantastic, and Vienna really makes me want to travel back in time, Keeley also looks insanely gorgeous, didn't realise how tall she was. The clown is very creepy. A solid start to what turns into a class serial. 7/10

The (stocking) tops

[xmasdaybaby1966 · 7/10 · 2 October 2020]

Shows are never the same when a major character leaves (yes, technically this is a different show with tenuous links to Drake knowing Tyler) and John Simm rarely hangs around for more than one series so 2 series of Life On Mars was good going. It will take a while for Keeley Hawes to win fans over (but stockings and stilettos are a good start!). 1981 was the first year I bought a record so enjoyed the soundtrack and the sound of heels brought back great memories too.

Gene Hunt is back

[studioAT · 6/10 · 17 August 2017]

Although John Simm's performance held it all together, the standout character in 'Life on Mars' was often Gene Hunt played by Philip Glenister, so it was no surprise that the BBC wanted to do something else with the character once 'Mars' ended.

What that 'something else' ended up being was 'Ashes to Ashes' a spin-off/sequel that sees another police officer (Keeley Hawes this time) being shot and ending up in the past (this time the 80's).

With all these similarities it's not surprising that the show received some negative press that it was all just a rehash of 'Mars', but there is a lot to like here in a fab first episode.