TV Addict Reports: Life on Mars - US version

[strangevisitor7]

I adored the original British version of this show. I can not express enough how terrific it was. It was unique and creative and incredibly well acted. Gene Hunt is just an amazing character. So it was with some trepidation I watched the US version last night.

No - Just No. It didn't work for me.



I know it was just the first episode and I may give it another but it was incredibly weird to watch these characters I really like being played by others. (Imagine Sam and Dean Winchester being played by British actors) I did miss the accents - somehow the very British nature of the original, added to the surreal feel of the show. I'm sure that's simply becasue I am an American.

Jason O'Mara is no John Simm. John's Sam Tyler not only acted like a fish out of water, I always felt he looked and moved like one too. He isn't a big guy and that to me added to the idea that he never looked like he belonged in 1973.

I was actually excited with what Harvey Keitel might bring to the role of Gene Hunt. But he's too old. Maybe 15 years ago he would have worked. Phil Glenister towered over John Simm adding to the feel that his Gene was larger than life. I don't get that feeling from Harvey - hell I thought Harvey looked frail. Hardly the imposing figure of legend that Gene Hunt is supposed to be.

As for Chris and Ray - Chris is invisible and Ray feels like a caricature of the stereo typical New Yorker - ultimately undecided on these two.

I do like Gretchen Mol. She is the only cast member I see as equal to the original.

I will say the moment when Sam Tyler looks up and sees the Twin towers still standing was an "Oh wow" moment for me and I thought maybe this will work. But unfortunately it was down hill from there. They even gave him the same coat that John wore and all that did was constantly remind me that Jason was not John.

My recommendation - if you haven't seen the BBC version rent it and don't waste your time on the US version.

Comments

[strangevisitor7.livejournal.com]

I recommend jumping to the BBC version. Just rewatched the brit pilot and it really is worlds better.

[unbreakableburr.livejournal.com]

Oh I've seen the original, I've got all of them downloaded to my hardrive, but the Hubby wants to give it a try because he like Harvey Keitel and Michael Imperoli so...
I'm not a fan of either of them so I could care less.

[strangevisitor7.livejournal.com]

Harvey Kietel was the reason i even watched but he's no Gene Hunt. He usually does such good job but he's about 10 years too old for the role.

[unbreakableburr.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I don't know why the switched out from the original American cast actually, seems a huge waste of money and time.

[strangevisitor7.livejournal.com]

Actually after seeing Colm Meany I thought he was better casting but both of the US choices are smaller men than US Sam and to me that messes up the dynamic

[unbreakableburr.livejournal.com]

I've watched Colm Meany for years, and he would've been perfect, he's so awesome in The Commitments and on Star Trek: TNG and Star Trek: DS9, a missed opportunity for sure.