TV
'Ashes To Ashes' Season One Review
Published Sunday, Apr 6 2008, 08:00 BST | By Ben Rawson-Jones | 30 comments
Following the sublime Life On Mars was always going to be pretty darn tricky, but Ashes To Ashes made a bold attempt to live up to its hallowed heritage. Here are some highlights from the hit and miss first season, taking in the thrills, the laughter, the '80s music and one very special item of food.
The series was packed full of memorable moments of comedy. Who can forget homophobic Ray Carling's undercover mission as a predatory gay or Chris Skelton's mascara-laden turn as a New Romantic clubber to woo Shaz? As for their joint attempts to master the art of covert surveillance - sheer class. Plenty of sight gags were neatly deployed too, epitomised by the fancy dress party that saw Gene as Clint Eastwood, Chris as Superman and Ray portraying a tache-ridden James Bond. A notable mention deserves to go out to Gene's steak and chip pizza - a delightful concoction from Luigi! The first bite is with the eye, as they say.
Along with firing up his Quattro and drawing naughty nudie piccies of him and Alex, Gene came out with plenty of his trademark one-liners. Thank God he did too, for it often helped to lighten the mood after one of Alex's unbearably conceited, all-knowing outbursts that did little to win the audience over. The most memorable Gene quip surely came in the second episode, when his attempts to secure peace during the wedding of Prince Charles to Diana led him to announce: "There will be no hiccups between now and the twanging of the royal hymen." Hunt, thanks to a superb performance from Philip Glenister, also showcased his brash resilience in his dazzling 'unbreakable' speech of solidarity to Lord Scarman during his visit.
Several funny things came out of Chris's mouth too - although Shaz's tongue sadly wasn't one of them. Along with his funny impressions of Rigsby from Rising Damp and a Taxi Driver era Robert De Niro, he asked Shaz out on a date to see Friday 13th Part Two - as the fact that it is set by a lake must mean it's romantic! The way things are going, he's probably planning their honeymoon to Chernobyl right now.
Fun aside, all eyes were inevitably on Alex Drake - and not just because of her dodgy barnet. Effectively replacing John Simm's masterful Sam Tyler as the cop from the present trapped in the past meant that Keeley Hawes's performance would be scrutinised a great deal - and she emerged with credit. Her haunting and jubilant childhood memories evoked a myriad of reactions and emotions on her face, while her encounters with her mother Caroline - particularly their final farewell - were often moving.
However, Hawes can only say and do what is in the script - and the characterisation of Alex Drake frequently left a lot to be desired. At times she became so unappealing that it was hard to muster any feelings towards her plight to save her parents and return to her daughter, which was the essential dramatic crux at the core of the show. This was epitomised by the scene in which she lied to Gene about being a former prostitute and subsequently punched him hard in the face when he took a dim view of her behaviour. This violent outburst left one wondering how Alex - someone who claims to believe in sexual equality - would have reacted if the roles were reversed and Gene gave her the fist.
Moving swiftly on (before a Suffragette hurls herself in front of the Quattro), there were several nostlgia-laden cameo appearances to drool over. For sheer impact value, the appearance of Zippy and George from Rainbow in the opening episode was an ingenious blend of fun and fear. It was also a pleasure to see both Shaw Taylor and Visage frontman Steve Strange portray themselves during the series, without the aid of any Botox whatsoever to reduce the aging process. It's important to remember that everything is happening in Alex's head, so maybe her visual processes are slightly askew in certain areas.
Early 80s music was regularly used to great effect to heighten the dramatic impact during key scenes. The expected staples of Ultravox's 'Vienna' and Visage's 'Fade To Grey' were skilfully deployed, but the real pleasure came in discovering long-forgotten gems from that era. The season premiere contained two such moments, with Gene Hunt's arrival being heralded by the criminally underrated 1981 Duran Duran single 'Careless Memories', and Roxy Music's beautifully pensive 'Same Old Scene' mirroring Drake's internal thoughts as it took us into the end credits.
Finally, the series wouldn't have amounted to much without some good old-fashioned drama. The unexpected sting in the tail for Alex, when she discovered her father was both a nutcase bomber and David Bowie impersonator, provided a suitably jaw-dropping finale to the season and improved upon the previous episode's token slaying of Shaz for shock effect. Let's hope for similar treats in the second season - and a bit more hymen twanging from Gene too!
> What are your thoughts on the season? Share your views
Along with firing up his Quattro and drawing naughty nudie piccies of him and Alex, Gene came out with plenty of his trademark one-liners. Thank God he did too, for it often helped to lighten the mood after one of Alex's unbearably conceited, all-knowing outbursts that did little to win the audience over. The most memorable Gene quip surely came in the second episode, when his attempts to secure peace during the wedding of Prince Charles to Diana led him to announce: "There will be no hiccups between now and the twanging of the royal hymen." Hunt, thanks to a superb performance from Philip Glenister, also showcased his brash resilience in his dazzling 'unbreakable' speech of solidarity to Lord Scarman during his visit.
Fun aside, all eyes were inevitably on Alex Drake - and not just because of her dodgy barnet. Effectively replacing John Simm's masterful Sam Tyler as the cop from the present trapped in the past meant that Keeley Hawes's performance would be scrutinised a great deal - and she emerged with credit. Her haunting and jubilant childhood memories evoked a myriad of reactions and emotions on her face, while her encounters with her mother Caroline - particularly their final farewell - were often moving.
Moving swiftly on (before a Suffragette hurls herself in front of the Quattro), there were several nostlgia-laden cameo appearances to drool over. For sheer impact value, the appearance of Zippy and George from Rainbow in the opening episode was an ingenious blend of fun and fear. It was also a pleasure to see both Shaw Taylor and Visage frontman Steve Strange portray themselves during the series, without the aid of any Botox whatsoever to reduce the aging process. It's important to remember that everything is happening in Alex's head, so maybe her visual processes are slightly askew in certain areas.
Finally, the series wouldn't have amounted to much without some good old-fashioned drama. The unexpected sting in the tail for Alex, when she discovered her father was both a nutcase bomber and David Bowie impersonator, provided a suitably jaw-dropping finale to the season and improved upon the previous episode's token slaying of Shaz for shock effect. Let's hope for similar treats in the second season - and a bit more hymen twanging from Gene too!
> What are your thoughts on the season? Share your views
Your Views
30 Comments
Your Responses
Ida Stockholm, on October 30th, 2008
I love ashes to ashes, it's brilliant. I'm longing for season 2!
I love ashes to ashes, it's brilliant. I'm longing for season 2!
jh london, on April 18th, 2008
More pastiche than before and Di Drake was a bit too sexy if that is possible but good watch.
More pastiche than before and Di Drake was a bit too sexy if that is possible but good watch.
P Wardle, Reading, on April 17th, 2008
ashes to ashes was excellent, but i cant help feeling that a void has been left where Sam Tyler (jon simm) once stood and wheres annie gone?. A skillfully delivered cameo from mr Simm in the opening episode would have cemented a smoother exit for sam. After lapping up life on mars series 1 and 2 it was great to see sam and annie finally unite, only for annie to dissapear in ashes to ashes with out a trace and sam to tragically die. When you die in 73 wht happens ?, gene would miss sam also i reckon and refer to him more. P.s Bring annie to london and back to the team to help alex as she helped sam. Ace card!!
ashes to ashes was excellent, but i cant help feeling that a void has been left where Sam Tyler (jon simm) once stood and wheres annie gone?. A skillfully delivered cameo from mr Simm in the opening episode would have cemented a smoother exit for sam. After lapping up life on mars series 1 and 2 it was great to see sam and annie finally unite, only for annie to dissapear in ashes to ashes with out a trace and sam to tragically die. When you die in 73 wht happens ?, gene would miss sam also i reckon and refer to him more. P.s Bring annie to london and back to the team to help alex as she helped sam. Ace card!!
Annis, UK, on April 14th, 2008
I really don't like Alex, though it was lovely to revisit the 80s, when I was at my New ROmantic then Early Goth best! Still, Gene and the lads more than made up for her inadequacies. Looking forward to them firing up the Quattro again!
I really don't like Alex, though it was lovely to revisit the 80s, when I was at my New ROmantic then Early Goth best! Still, Gene and the lads more than made up for her inadequacies. Looking forward to them firing up the Quattro again!
Alexandra Slater, Chesterfield, on April 14th, 2008
This series had me from 'Well, Bollinger Knickers, are you gonna kiss me or punch me?' Fast-paced, sexy, touching, groan-out-loud frustrating (but in a good way), emotional, tension-filled, colourful, original, unpredictable, edge-of-your-seat thrilling... and that was just the relationship between Gene and Alex! The actors were all bloomin' marvellous, the music was inspired, the twists were breathtaking, the clown was terrifying - and the wait for Series 2 is already proving agonising! To the cast and crew of A2A, I say THANK YOU!! (And, on behalf of the Hunt's Housewives, please find some way of getting Gene and Alex together permanently - you've got a lot of hopeful romantics depending on you!)
This series had me from 'Well, Bollinger Knickers, are you gonna kiss me or punch me?' Fast-paced, sexy, touching, groan-out-loud frustrating (but in a good way), emotional, tension-filled, colourful, original, unpredictable, edge-of-your-seat thrilling... and that was just the relationship between Gene and Alex! The actors were all bloomin' marvellous, the music was inspired, the twists were breathtaking, the clown was terrifying - and the wait for Series 2 is already proving agonising! To the cast and crew of A2A, I say THANK YOU!! (And, on behalf of the Hunt's Housewives, please find some way of getting Gene and Alex together permanently - you've got a lot of hopeful romantics depending on you!)
Malkyj, Afghanistan, on April 13th, 2008
I think the last two episodes, which were fantastic, saved this series. Until then I had only kept watching out of a sense of loyalty to Life on Mars. The series really shone when it focussed on Gene Hunt but Keeley Hawes seemed overstretched and lightweight compared to the rest of the cast. I was unable to care one iota for her character. Hopefully the rest of the series will see better writing along the lines of Charity Begins At Home which really made me think and question matters of morality and attitudes just like Life on Mars used to do. By the way, the new character of Shaz was great.
I think the last two episodes, which were fantastic, saved this series. Until then I had only kept watching out of a sense of loyalty to Life on Mars. The series really shone when it focussed on Gene Hunt but Keeley Hawes seemed overstretched and lightweight compared to the rest of the cast. I was unable to care one iota for her character. Hopefully the rest of the series will see better writing along the lines of Charity Begins At Home which really made me think and question matters of morality and attitudes just like Life on Mars used to do. By the way, the new character of Shaz was great.
Ali Kent, on April 12th, 2008
Amazing series - fantastic - loved it!
Amazing series - fantastic - loved it!
Carmella Ireland, on April 11th, 2008
Loved this series Keeley did an excellent job much better than life on mars! Just would have liked to see Alex's fashion a bit more realistic wearing more of those outrageous 80's clothes that we all loved for the next series!
Loved this series Keeley did an excellent job much better than life on mars! Just would have liked to see Alex's fashion a bit more realistic wearing more of those outrageous 80's clothes that we all loved for the next series!
Elizabeth, Blackpool, on April 9th, 2008
I never watched Life On Mars, but I really enjoyed Ashes to Ashes - it seemed to get better and better as the series progressed. I honestly didn't find Alex annoying at all and I thought Keeley's acting was brilliant. I've now become obsessed with the Gene Genie and am eagerly awaiting Series 2!
I never watched Life On Mars, but I really enjoyed Ashes to Ashes - it seemed to get better and better as the series progressed. I honestly didn't find Alex annoying at all and I thought Keeley's acting was brilliant. I've now become obsessed with the Gene Genie and am eagerly awaiting Series 2!
sarah, north east, on April 9th, 2008
absolutely loved ashes to ashes. it annoys me when everyone compares it to life on mars and john simms because ashes to ashes stands alone. i loved the chemistry between alex and gene, and the whole "will they wont they" which is why i prefer it to LOM. keeleys character is brilliant and hope to see more of her life, like mollys father, there are too many unanswered questions. roll on series two.
absolutely loved ashes to ashes. it annoys me when everyone compares it to life on mars and john simms because ashes to ashes stands alone. i loved the chemistry between alex and gene, and the whole "will they wont they" which is why i prefer it to LOM. keeleys character is brilliant and hope to see more of her life, like mollys father, there are too many unanswered questions. roll on series two.
Lesley, London UK, on April 8th, 2008
All in all the series was very good and I esp like Gene's sense of humour. Don't like Alex and her outfits were getting on my nerves towards the end - I don't remember the 1980's blouses ALL HANGING OFF SHOULDERS! I think Alex only had about 3 outfits and how the hell she walked in those boots all the time.....I thought the ballerina shoes were big time back then.....but she didn't seem to own any. Disppointed that Alex and Gene didn't get it together...roll on series 2.
All in all the series was very good and I esp like Gene's sense of humour. Don't like Alex and her outfits were getting on my nerves towards the end - I don't remember the 1980's blouses ALL HANGING OFF SHOULDERS! I think Alex only had about 3 outfits and how the hell she walked in those boots all the time.....I thought the ballerina shoes were big time back then.....but she didn't seem to own any. Disppointed that Alex and Gene didn't get it together...roll on series 2.
Mandy, Ramsgate, on April 8th, 2008
My favourite scene was the boy band one, I laughed until I cried!!!!!
My favourite scene was the boy band one, I laughed until I cried!!!!!
Dave, Aberdeen, on April 7th, 2008
After a shakey couple of opening episodes, Ashes To Ashes became gripping viewing, in fact the last episode was one of THE best hours of telly ever! The use of the music was brilliant and the seminal moment of this was when "Vienna" was playing as Gene walked in through the smashed plate glass window in slow motion...its gems like this that make Ashes To Ashes compulsive viewing. I do think that in the beginning it suffered greatly by being compared to Life On Mars and Keeley was compared to John Simm which isnt fair as it is (and should be) judged as a series on its own merits. Gene and the team provided some brilliant comedy moments (especially in the last episode) which made the series less dark than Life on Mars. Roll on series two..........and the DVD release in May!!
After a shakey couple of opening episodes, Ashes To Ashes became gripping viewing, in fact the last episode was one of THE best hours of telly ever! The use of the music was brilliant and the seminal moment of this was when "Vienna" was playing as Gene walked in through the smashed plate glass window in slow motion...its gems like this that make Ashes To Ashes compulsive viewing. I do think that in the beginning it suffered greatly by being compared to Life On Mars and Keeley was compared to John Simm which isnt fair as it is (and should be) judged as a series on its own merits. Gene and the team provided some brilliant comedy moments (especially in the last episode) which made the series less dark than Life on Mars. Roll on series two..........and the DVD release in May!!
80's Gal, Fife, on April 7th, 2008
I really enjoyed Ashes to Ashes and think that it got better each week. Can't understand the flack that Keeley Hawes got because I thought she played the part very well, the comparisons between her and the wonderful John Simm were always going to be there but I think she was unfairly treated by the critics. The chemistry between Gene and Alex was brilliant and I hope this is explored further in Series 2 - it had better be!! Ray & Chris - what a double act! My only complaint would be that I wish they had extended Alex's wardrobe a bit more. My Thursday evenings are now empty without Mr Hunt gracing my screen, roll on 2009.
I really enjoyed Ashes to Ashes and think that it got better each week. Can't understand the flack that Keeley Hawes got because I thought she played the part very well, the comparisons between her and the wonderful John Simm were always going to be there but I think she was unfairly treated by the critics. The chemistry between Gene and Alex was brilliant and I hope this is explored further in Series 2 - it had better be!! Ray & Chris - what a double act! My only complaint would be that I wish they had extended Alex's wardrobe a bit more. My Thursday evenings are now empty without Mr Hunt gracing my screen, roll on 2009.
Slappy Mcguire, Durham, on April 6th, 2008
It's a little like comparing Dr Who to Torchwood, comparing A2A with LOM, as while the show shared some familiar faces, this was a new scenario, and a degree of feet finding is inevitable. Alex was simple less likeable than Sam, which didn't help - but that said, a couple of the series' 'set pieces', such as the 'Vienna bullet-time', and the superb climax to the series possibly excelled beyond Life on Mars.
It's a little like comparing Dr Who to Torchwood, comparing A2A with LOM, as while the show shared some familiar faces, this was a new scenario, and a degree of feet finding is inevitable. Alex was simple less likeable than Sam, which didn't help - but that said, a couple of the series' 'set pieces', such as the 'Vienna bullet-time', and the superb climax to the series possibly excelled beyond Life on Mars.
Julian Oxborough, Bournemouth, on April 6th, 2008
I was one massive fan of the new ashes to ashes series.I was a little uncertain how this would continue without the excellent character of Sam Taylor played by John Simm.But watching the full series i was not disappointed.The production that went into the making of ashes to ashes was superb with all cast members having performed like real professionals.The series kept you on your seat with so many twists and turns.Alex nightmare of the clown put shivers down my spine but bought out the question so many times,what was the connection & apperance of the clown all about and the other question was why did Shaz see the clown? I was pleased to see so many special guests as well and this made it well worth watching along with the brilliant music and of the locations.
I was one massive fan of the new ashes to ashes series.I was a little uncertain how this would continue without the excellent character of Sam Taylor played by John Simm.But watching the full series i was not disappointed.The production that went into the making of ashes to ashes was superb with all cast members having performed like real professionals.The series kept you on your seat with so many twists and turns.Alex nightmare of the clown put shivers down my spine but bought out the question so many times,what was the connection & apperance of the clown all about and the other question was why did Shaz see the clown? I was pleased to see so many special guests as well and this made it well worth watching along with the brilliant music and of the locations.
An ashes fan, The North, on April 6th, 2008
REALLY REALLY REALLY loved this series it has had me hooked right from the start. The plot has been really good so far and i just hope series2 can keep that up. Also that would be nothing without the excellent acting from all the cast. I think Ashes to Ashes is slightly better than Life On Mars because of its humour and it is slightly more upbeat. Can't wait another year for next series!
REALLY REALLY REALLY loved this series it has had me hooked right from the start. The plot has been really good so far and i just hope series2 can keep that up. Also that would be nothing without the excellent acting from all the cast. I think Ashes to Ashes is slightly better than Life On Mars because of its humour and it is slightly more upbeat. Can't wait another year for next series!
Kristine, Los Angeles, on April 6th, 2008
I absolutely adored this show and found it much more entertaining than LOM. The first and second show suffered a bit from "tone" issues and to much Gene myth-making but once they settled in it was a roller coaster of a fun ride. My family rarely watches BBC shows but they gathered round to watch this one and debate Alex's dilemma. Glenister was great and Keeley Hawes was absolutely terrific in this: funny and completely pro-active, all id and action while delivering the emotional goods in the quiet scenes. I do think the writers and the director of the first 2 dropped the ball by trying to be way over the top in an attempt to distinguish this from LOM. Can't wait for Series-II.
I absolutely adored this show and found it much more entertaining than LOM. The first and second show suffered a bit from "tone" issues and to much Gene myth-making but once they settled in it was a roller coaster of a fun ride. My family rarely watches BBC shows but they gathered round to watch this one and debate Alex's dilemma. Glenister was great and Keeley Hawes was absolutely terrific in this: funny and completely pro-active, all id and action while delivering the emotional goods in the quiet scenes. I do think the writers and the director of the first 2 dropped the ball by trying to be way over the top in an attempt to distinguish this from LOM. Can't wait for Series-II.
Handymelon, East Yorkshire, on April 6th, 2008
I felt that A2A was, right from the start, making it clear that it was not, and was not going to try to be, Life on Mars 2. Although it shared some characters and the "back in time" idea the location was different and the change in the central character signposted a change in the whole mood of the show. Where LOM was a "buddy cop" seies, A2A is tightly focussed on the "will-they-won't-they" relationship between Hunt and Drake. They lost some loyal male fans in the process, but have gained fervent crew of salivating females to replace them! It was a bold move to make Drake so unsympathetic in the first few episodes, but it was sensible to have her reaction to her experiences so radically different from Sam's. And as the series progressed and her relationship with Gene developed she grew, if not more likeable, then at least more sympathetic. The godlike Gene bestrode the entire thing like a Colossus, ably supported by Chris and Ray and the two likeable new characters of Viv and Shaz. Like so many breathless ladies this series, I'm forced to admit that, despite not being entirely sure why, I certainly would.... By the fourth episode I was utterly gripped, and I have great faith that the writing team will not let us down in Series 2.
I felt that A2A was, right from the start, making it clear that it was not, and was not going to try to be, Life on Mars 2. Although it shared some characters and the "back in time" idea the location was different and the change in the central character signposted a change in the whole mood of the show. Where LOM was a "buddy cop" seies, A2A is tightly focussed on the "will-they-won't-they" relationship between Hunt and Drake. They lost some loyal male fans in the process, but have gained fervent crew of salivating females to replace them! It was a bold move to make Drake so unsympathetic in the first few episodes, but it was sensible to have her reaction to her experiences so radically different from Sam's. And as the series progressed and her relationship with Gene developed she grew, if not more likeable, then at least more sympathetic. The godlike Gene bestrode the entire thing like a Colossus, ably supported by Chris and Ray and the two likeable new characters of Viv and Shaz. Like so many breathless ladies this series, I'm forced to admit that, despite not being entirely sure why, I certainly would.... By the fourth episode I was utterly gripped, and I have great faith that the writing team will not let us down in Series 2.
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I thought ashes to ashes was amazing i do think it was better than life on mars. and for people saying that keeley hawes is a rubbish actress i think they are very wrong i thought she was very good , with the chemistry between her and gene hunt . i do love the show, i really can't wait untill series 2 comes on tv screens !!!