TV
How good was the 'Ashes To Ashes' finale?
Published Monday, Jun 8 2009, 21:58 BST | By Ben Rawson-Jones | 66 comments
Cheer up Gene Hunt. Apart from being a mentalist magnet, you're also responsible for dragging this eagerly-awaited season finale out of its predictable and formulaic comfort zone to ensure it remained very watchable indeed. A very effective final twist, with the legendary Hunt mug plastered all over the walls of a hospital (a bit like the MRSA bug) also made us yearn for next season to reach our screens imminently. It wasn't all plain sailing though, and at times the episode threatened to go down faster than Linda Lovelace in a Huntism.
Having said that, Drake herself had reverted to the all-knowing, smug aspect of her character that surfaced occasionally during the first season. Rambling on about figures from the future to her bemused (if fictional!) colleagues while punching Gene in the face only served to diminish one's yearning for her to have a happy ending. The episode also failed to sustain the tension established by the opening scene, when Alex discovered that her present self has just 15 hours left to fend off a brain infection. Plastering hospital readings on random 1982 paraphernalia wasn't sufficient development of the premise.
There were plenty of laughs throughout the episode too, with Ray's meal of deep fried willy the undoubted highlight. "What you having for lunch? Meat and two veg?" quipped the serially underused Viv to the embarrassed alpha male wannabe. Shaz turning up in her wedding dress to save her terminally awkward hubby Chris from a shooting was a true crowd pleasing moment, while Gene's unique Jackanory takeover was a devilish and hilarious treat. "Shut your gob! Or I'll come round your home and stamp on all your toys," ranted the new narrator of the much-loved children's show, prompting Alex to fittingly quip - "Another childhood memory ruined!" Cracking stuff.
Despite struggling to muster much interest with the self-contained crime plot and failing to round off the Summers intrigue in fine style, Ashes To Ashes still managed to leave us on a high. Put that down to the legendary Gene Hunt, regular chuckles, and an ending that showed genuine progression by returning Alex to the present while opening the door to further adventures for her and the freshly pixelated Hunt. Could it just be that the Gene Genie might seep through into the present day? Or would the lack of David Bowie hits in recent years cause too many problems for retitling the show? The mind boggles...
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James, on May 22nd, 2010
I thought it was great but somewhat wierd at the same time
I thought it was great but somewhat wierd at the same time
Paul Dunkley , on May 22nd, 2010
Your comment on 'N' reg in final episode of A2A could be from 1974. My dad had a 'K' reg (1971) Beetle until 1985. It could have easily been around. I take it the vehicle itself wasn't from '96?
Your comment on 'N' reg in final episode of A2A could be from 1974. My dad had a 'K' reg (1971) Beetle until 1985. It could have easily been around. I take it the vehicle itself wasn't from '96?
Jules, Lancashire, on August 19th, 2009
The ending was fantastic, Ashes to Ashes has to be the best show on tv, lots of twists and turns that you think you know how it ends and then they throw a spanner in the works by having Gene in his style to get Bolly to wake up. Roll on series 3 for final showdown of this FAB show.
The ending was fantastic, Ashes to Ashes has to be the best show on tv, lots of twists and turns that you think you know how it ends and then they throw a spanner in the works by having Gene in his style to get Bolly to wake up. Roll on series 3 for final showdown of this FAB show.
linny bridgnorth, shropshire, on June 16th, 2009
Not as good as Life on Mars, although I have watched the ending to LOM endless times and I STILL can't figure the bloody logic behind it , that's if any logic was intended. Back to Ashes to Ashes, needless to say, it had a lot to live up to, and most of the time it struggled relentlessly in the shadow of LOM, even Gene, Genie was a paler version of his former self, no doubt grudgingly accepting the onset of the political-correct corruptness beginning to rear it's over-the-top head. However, it has to be said that it needed to be treated as a seperate entity, and though there were times when I found myself longing for Sam Tyler to come walking through the doors of the London MET, like Raymondo's worst nightmare, some of the old magic was still there. I loved the 80,s backdrop, as I was an 80's teenager, so it was great nostalgia. The ending was far more simplified (ish), and although the air of mystery is still casting it's ominous cloud from LOM, I still need closure. Basically, WHAT THE HELL IS IT ALL ABOUT, AND WHAT IS THIS THING ABOUT SENDING COPPERS BACK IN TIME? Just a thought, but would,nt it be great if some copper went back in time to 1888, during the Jack the Ripper killing spree, with Philip Glenister as Inspector Abberline? Now the policing of Victorian London would make Gene Hunt look like Robo Cop.
Not as good as Life on Mars, although I have watched the ending to LOM endless times and I STILL can't figure the bloody logic behind it , that's if any logic was intended. Back to Ashes to Ashes, needless to say, it had a lot to live up to, and most of the time it struggled relentlessly in the shadow of LOM, even Gene, Genie was a paler version of his former self, no doubt grudgingly accepting the onset of the political-correct corruptness beginning to rear it's over-the-top head. However, it has to be said that it needed to be treated as a seperate entity, and though there were times when I found myself longing for Sam Tyler to come walking through the doors of the London MET, like Raymondo's worst nightmare, some of the old magic was still there. I loved the 80,s backdrop, as I was an 80's teenager, so it was great nostalgia. The ending was far more simplified (ish), and although the air of mystery is still casting it's ominous cloud from LOM, I still need closure. Basically, WHAT THE HELL IS IT ALL ABOUT, AND WHAT IS THIS THING ABOUT SENDING COPPERS BACK IN TIME? Just a thought, but would,nt it be great if some copper went back in time to 1888, during the Jack the Ripper killing spree, with Philip Glenister as Inspector Abberline? Now the policing of Victorian London would make Gene Hunt look like Robo Cop.
Olivia, London, on June 15th, 2009
Really enjoyed this series and loved the ending. But why do people want to see Gene Genie in 2009???? This would totally castrate the man. He belongs in his time. If he DOES end up being a character from the present then his no nonsense personality is all wishful thinking during his dream/coma. His acting was spot on, heartbreaking and totally convincing. I'm sorry to break any hearts but I don't believe he and Alex will or should get together either. Yes they have chemistry but that doesn't mean they would work as a couple. They work beautifully as colleagues. I can't BEGIN to pretend that I have any idea how this will all pan out but I just wanted to make those points. Bring on the next series and yes, PLEASE stop comparing Saint Sam to Alex. Different Actors, different characters.
Really enjoyed this series and loved the ending. But why do people want to see Gene Genie in 2009???? This would totally castrate the man. He belongs in his time. If he DOES end up being a character from the present then his no nonsense personality is all wishful thinking during his dream/coma. His acting was spot on, heartbreaking and totally convincing. I'm sorry to break any hearts but I don't believe he and Alex will or should get together either. Yes they have chemistry but that doesn't mean they would work as a couple. They work beautifully as colleagues. I can't BEGIN to pretend that I have any idea how this will all pan out but I just wanted to make those points. Bring on the next series and yes, PLEASE stop comparing Saint Sam to Alex. Different Actors, different characters.
Hope, Ireland, on June 14th, 2009
The best thing they could do in series three is bring Gene Hunt to 2009 (or 2010) and he and Alex work in a modern police station and all the political correctness drives Gene crazy. Gene meets Molly, which knocks down the last obstacle to Gene and Alex getting together.
The best thing they could do in series three is bring Gene Hunt to 2009 (or 2010) and he and Alex work in a modern police station and all the political correctness drives Gene crazy. Gene meets Molly, which knocks down the last obstacle to Gene and Alex getting together.
Dee, Herts, on June 14th, 2009
Unless they kill off the annoying Drake woman, this show is dead to me. Don't get me started on what they have done to the brilliant Gene Hunt- a former shadow of himself. Third series? End it now. RIP Life On Mars.
Unless they kill off the annoying Drake woman, this show is dead to me. Don't get me started on what they have done to the brilliant Gene Hunt- a former shadow of himself. Third series? End it now. RIP Life On Mars.
Jords, on June 13th, 2009
Only disappointing thing for this finale is that we didn't hear 'Ashes to Ashes' during the climatic scene. Haha. Apart from that another gripping series. :)
Only disappointing thing for this finale is that we didn't hear 'Ashes to Ashes' during the climatic scene. Haha. Apart from that another gripping series. :)
Lawrence of Stowmarket, on June 13th, 2009
Sadly the AtoA series has included very similar situations and scenes to Life on Mars, suggesting that the writers could not come up with any more original ideas. They should address the questions left over from LonM rather than now adding more unanswered questions. I still watched it!
Sadly the AtoA series has included very similar situations and scenes to Life on Mars, suggesting that the writers could not come up with any more original ideas. They should address the questions left over from LonM rather than now adding more unanswered questions. I still watched it!
am i alive or dead?, on June 12th, 2009
if they dont bring a2a back right now im gonna go 2 the bbc n stamp on their toys. i need more a2a 2 keep me alive. giv it 2 me!
if they dont bring a2a back right now im gonna go 2 the bbc n stamp on their toys. i need more a2a 2 keep me alive. giv it 2 me!
Matthew Littledyke, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, on June 12th, 2009
Great series finale thought the final touch was great it leaves a lot of questions to be answered in series 3 could Alex Have woke up but not realised that she was from 1982 all along or is this a waken dream and she could slip back into the coma anytime we will just have to wait and see.
Great series finale thought the final touch was great it leaves a lot of questions to be answered in series 3 could Alex Have woke up but not realised that she was from 1982 all along or is this a waken dream and she could slip back into the coma anytime we will just have to wait and see.
Kerry, on June 11th, 2009
i love ashes to ashes, series 1 was brillant, but series 2 was far better as get brillant and leaves you wanting more. can't wait for series 3
i love ashes to ashes, series 1 was brillant, but series 2 was far better as get brillant and leaves you wanting more. can't wait for series 3
Dan - Ashton-under-Lyne, on June 11th, 2009
I thought the final episode was good but did anyone notice that in one scene they drove past a N reg (1996) Rover? I thought they could of at least discussed the car or move it.
I thought the final episode was good but did anyone notice that in one scene they drove past a N reg (1996) Rover? I thought they could of at least discussed the car or move it.
Rich Hall Bristol, on June 11th, 2009
Second series was tighter, darker and welcome; a few grating repetitions from Gene, making a bit of a pastiche, but never mind. An improvement. Should there be a third series? Absolutely not… An example of why: in concluding LOM, I considered “Annie” to be a part of Sam’s psyche (Thanatos/Eros), those final words perhaps even a dialogue between the self and the soul, an acceptance of death. The test-card girl, turning off the credits might have been the nurse turning off the life support. None of these opinions matter, of course. They are personal to me. What does matter, however, is that LOM was intelligent enough to leave space for interpretation and imagination for its viewers. It remains an excellent programme that endures because people like to talk about it, and think about how aspects may be interpreted. The idea that a third series will answer those questions fills me with dread. Another flat and trite idea of parallel universes or time-travel, will not only ruin the good work done on A2A, but also – more importantly – devalue the LOM product.
Second series was tighter, darker and welcome; a few grating repetitions from Gene, making a bit of a pastiche, but never mind. An improvement. Should there be a third series? Absolutely not… An example of why: in concluding LOM, I considered “Annie” to be a part of Sam’s psyche (Thanatos/Eros), those final words perhaps even a dialogue between the self and the soul, an acceptance of death. The test-card girl, turning off the credits might have been the nurse turning off the life support. None of these opinions matter, of course. They are personal to me. What does matter, however, is that LOM was intelligent enough to leave space for interpretation and imagination for its viewers. It remains an excellent programme that endures because people like to talk about it, and think about how aspects may be interpreted. The idea that a third series will answer those questions fills me with dread. Another flat and trite idea of parallel universes or time-travel, will not only ruin the good work done on A2A, but also – more importantly – devalue the LOM product.
Nige, on June 11th, 2009
maybe both sam and alex have been dreaming they are from the future and are infact from the 70's and 80's respectively
maybe both sam and alex have been dreaming they are from the future and are infact from the 70's and 80's respectively
Alex - Essex, on June 10th, 2009
Absoluately brilliant ending , I loved everything about specially when Shaz was holding a gun in a wedding dress and Summers , I think he really is a very interesting character and we got to meet the younger version which is really interesting to see , at the end of the episode I thought it ended but its great it is coming back in 2010 and filming is beginning very soon if not yet but they have to try and have series 3 even better now but it is going to be tough but i think it is going to really good , as they is something about Hunt...
Absoluately brilliant ending , I loved everything about specially when Shaz was holding a gun in a wedding dress and Summers , I think he really is a very interesting character and we got to meet the younger version which is really interesting to see , at the end of the episode I thought it ended but its great it is coming back in 2010 and filming is beginning very soon if not yet but they have to try and have series 3 even better now but it is going to be tough but i think it is going to really good , as they is something about Hunt...
S. Dunn, London, on June 10th, 2009
I loved the ending. I'm convinced it's misleading - she hasn't woken in 2008, it's a coma-within-a coma. Logically (if there is any logic!) if Gene shooting Summers ends with him dead, then why would shooting Alex cause her to wake up? Can't wait for series 3. They def need to work on 'crime of teh week' element, it was sadly the element that let series 2 down which was a shame when they had massively improved the tone and tension. There were moments when I felt it was just filler until the finale - they shouldn't have killed Mac off so soon, there was definitely more fun to be had with him.
I loved the ending. I'm convinced it's misleading - she hasn't woken in 2008, it's a coma-within-a coma. Logically (if there is any logic!) if Gene shooting Summers ends with him dead, then why would shooting Alex cause her to wake up? Can't wait for series 3. They def need to work on 'crime of teh week' element, it was sadly the element that let series 2 down which was a shame when they had massively improved the tone and tension. There were moments when I felt it was just filler until the finale - they shouldn't have killed Mac off so soon, there was definitely more fun to be had with him.
s.r.price tonbridge .kent, on June 10th, 2009
ashes to ashes is just not as good as life on mars. but the second series is even poorer than the first. wheres the creepy bits gone. why have all the personalitys gone bland. why is the script so poor now. why are the characters so inconsistant,in one episode we are supposed to beleive that alex would cover up a murder and chris would turn bad guy. both joined the police for the right reasons and both were utterly moral creatures that suddenly and for no reason at all were bereft of all there scruples. when we watched the rubbish show 'demons' we wondered how the same team could have made life on mars. now we know,look what theyve done to it. i know they have a story they want to get finished - life on mars was supposed to run 5 seasons but john sim bailed. leaving them high and dry. but now theyve jumped the shark. they should have left it at the end of mars.
ashes to ashes is just not as good as life on mars. but the second series is even poorer than the first. wheres the creepy bits gone. why have all the personalitys gone bland. why is the script so poor now. why are the characters so inconsistant,in one episode we are supposed to beleive that alex would cover up a murder and chris would turn bad guy. both joined the police for the right reasons and both were utterly moral creatures that suddenly and for no reason at all were bereft of all there scruples. when we watched the rubbish show 'demons' we wondered how the same team could have made life on mars. now we know,look what theyve done to it. i know they have a story they want to get finished - life on mars was supposed to run 5 seasons but john sim bailed. leaving them high and dry. but now theyve jumped the shark. they should have left it at the end of mars.
Rich, Reading, on June 10th, 2009
Great episode for 55 minutes - first class!!!! Really disappointed with the last 5 minutes though - it was dreadful... I feel ive been cheated... It could have been so much more... They could have brought Gene Hunt and his squad to her bedside with her daughter, they could have done this but have the daughter with her in the 80s, the list is endless... I cant believe it ended like that!!! Shocking
Great episode for 55 minutes - first class!!!! Really disappointed with the last 5 minutes though - it was dreadful... I feel ive been cheated... It could have been so much more... They could have brought Gene Hunt and his squad to her bedside with her daughter, they could have done this but have the daughter with her in the 80s, the list is endless... I cant believe it ended like that!!! Shocking
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I thought it was a naff cop-out that just did not tie up all the oddness from past episodes. It felt desperate and was an ultimately disappointing end to a great show