Ashes To Ashes Review

Somewhat inevitably, Life on Mars’ spin-off is an enjoyable if underwhelming affair. With a lighter touch, the 1981-set successor is clearly driven by a desire to extend the gratuitously un-PC fun of Philip Glenister’s “Gene-Genie” Hunt than expanding Mars’ captivating mysteries. Moreover, it’s hobbled by Keeley Hawes’ stranded Alex Drake - and thus the audience - being entirely aware of the nature of her predicament and these eight episodes frustratingly don’t raise nearly as many questions that Mars routinely did. That said, the main duo have great chemistry, Hunt’s hilarious and the climactic episodes offer up some fantastic twists that could bode for a far more focused second series.