Is there still any life left on Mars?

The original version of Life On Mars revolved around a very strong idea, and fortunately the relocation from bleak Blighty to the sunny States hasn't caused the central premise to be lost in translation. There are plenty of commendable creative decisions in this opening episode, which has just received its UK debut on the FX channel, and the story is remarkably faithful to the show that spawned it. However, one major casting choice makes a terrible first impression.

With so much depending on the chemistry between time-jumping coma victim Sam Tyler and the brash bullyboy copper Gene Hunt, the casting of Harvey Keitel as the latter appears to be nothing short of lunacy. The guy has delivered some mesmerising performances over the years, but he is totally lacking the physical presence and stature to do the role justice, especially given his advancing years.

Watching Keitel as Hunt feels like witnessing Montgomery Burns trying to play Rambo at times, especially when Gene attempts to kick a door down towards the end of the episode. It's a miracle that he doesn't just bounce backwards off the door. In the original pilot for the US Life On Mars, Colm Meaney showed the necessary attributes to replicate the qualities of Philip Glenister. Yet now, the faithfulness to the British version is misguided as the role needed to be dramatically rewritten to cater for Keitel.

Jason O'Mara as the hero Sam Tyler, who towers over the supposedly intimidating Hunt, is fortunately well suited for the role. Mixing the right degree of bewilderment and determination, he quickly ensures that we empathise with the protagonist's precarious predicament. One standout scene involves his internal dilemma over whether to kill the 1973 child version of the ruthless killer Colin Raimes, as Tyler nervously fumbles with the gun in his car. He also strikes up a convincing chemistry with Gretchen Mol's amusing coiffeured Annie, with the pair sharing a rather touching encounter in Tyler's flat.

The crucial scene where Tyler first awakens in 1973 arguably transcends the British Mars by the addition of a remarkably effective image witnessed by Tyler - the World Trade Centre in all its glory. "No way," he gasps, as stunned as we are. Furthermore, the chase sequences and Tyler's occasional connections to the real world are all skilfully handled by the director, with the episode flowing at a pleasing pace.

The haircuts, title sequence and Hyde references all echo the original series too, although the group camaraderie in the police station is lacking at this early stage. It was a shame not to see or hear more from the visual hilarity known as Ray Carling, while Chris Skelton barely featured at all. Much to its credit though, the American version of Life On Mars adopts the 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' approach. It's a largely impressive beginning, presumably far more effective for those who are fresh to the concept, but one can't help but feel that the miscasting of Gene Hunt will hinder future instalments.


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