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Post by philbert on Apr 1, 2009 22:52:32 GMT -5
Did anyone else watch this ABC show on Wednesday nights at 10:00 PM. It just ended tonight in one of the really strange endings of all time. Turns out that it was a sci-fi show all along, although I guess we had some hints througout the season on how it was going to end. This was orginally a BBC series that was lifted for American Television and was planned to run just one season (I am assuming).
Does anyone have any thoughts about how this show ended?
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Post by CRAMBAM on Apr 2, 2009 6:38:05 GMT -5
I will say this--it was COMPLETELY different than the UK version. In some ways it was better, but hard to explain in case people didn't see the UK version.
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Post by philbert on Apr 2, 2009 10:06:46 GMT -5
I will say this--it was COMPLETELY different than the UK version. In some ways it was better, but hard to explain in case people didn't see the UK version. I have to agree here. Usually, the original British version of a tv show is far superior to the watered down American remake but no this time. I think that the USA version of LOM was considerably superior, in no small measure due to the great Harvey Keitel. The ending really blew me away. It was just so...out there. |
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Post by Gary Seven on Apr 2, 2009 12:08:31 GMT -5
Loved it --and didn't see it coming either, which surprised the heck out of me. However, I was thrown off by something specific referring to Tyler's fate in "Ashes to Ashes," the British spin-off series to the original British version of the show. For some reason, the main character on that show, Alex, had records for Tyler that fell on her car seat that listed him as a Suicide.
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Post by Mel on Apr 2, 2009 12:51:03 GMT -5
I was thrown off by something specific referring to Tyler's fate in "Ashes to Ashes," the British spin-off series to the original British version of the show. For some reason, the main character on that show, Alex, had records for Tyler that fell on her car seat that listed him as a Suicide. I'm trying quote for the first time. Well, Alex was in her "real" world, where she had apparently examined him, and in that world, to get back to his other world, he jumped off the roof. It looked like a suicide to them. In his other world, he lived on. I watched all three LIM - BBC, LIM - USA, with the wonderful Jason O'Mara, and Ashes to Ashes. I haven't yet seen the final episode with LIM-USA (too exhausted!). I look forward to the mind-blowing ending you've all spoken of. I'm enjoying ATA. I didn't think I would. I thought it would be a cheap knockoff, but the premise works, and she's better with Gene Hunt than Sam Tyler. I like their chemistry. I'm troubled though that she left a daughter behind. That means she has to get back, and stay back, unlike Sam. But I'm intrigued that she's trying to save her parents. I've tried to find out about the ratings on LIM-USA, to see if it that's why it was wrapped up. We aren't known for planning one-season shows. I'll watch anything with Jason O'Mara in it. I loved him as the firebug on The Closer. |
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Post by CRAMBAM on Apr 2, 2009 15:24:38 GMT -5
I liked the US version better as well, and I agree that usually it's hard to top an original. I didn't like the UK ending. I think it's a love it/hate it kind of ending--no in between.
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Post by Mel on Apr 2, 2009 17:40:06 GMT -5
OMG. I just watched the ending of LIM-USA! Since people aren't being specific, I won't either, but it was fantastic! The writers were amazing, pulling all those threads together, and twisting them even more. The music, always enjoyable, was, in retrospect, perfect. An amazing effort, with one topper after another; I particularly liked the bit about President Obama.  This is one DVD set I'm buying! According to wikipedia, the ratings declined to the point that the show would not be renewed. The producers were notified early enough that the writers had time to conclude the brief series. When brainstorming the show, the writers received permission from the the original series to have a more definitive ending. I think it's likely that we would have seen this same ending had the show run for several years. On wikipedia, about LIM-UK, it noted the writer clarified his intention. After Sam's leap, Sam was in an afterlife (as in dead). That's why the file folder in ATA noted that he had suicide. The actor who played Sam prefers to think that Sam never actually returned to the present, so he didn't die. |
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Post by Gary Seven on Apr 2, 2009 18:18:22 GMT -5
>>I'm trying quote for the first time. Well, Alex was in her "real" world, where she had apparently examined him, and in that world, to get back to his other world, he jumped off the roof. It looked like a suicide to them. In his other world, he lived on.<< -Mel
Right --and that's precisely why I was thrown with the American version of the show and how it ended, because that's what I figured had happened in th original, especially after last week's episode where Sam is being enticed to jump off the roof. In fact, I speculated about that to a co-worker at the beginning of the week, which is why I didn't see this ending coming. I never saw the British version and am only in the process of watching "Ashes to Ashes" for the first time right now as it airs on BBCAmerica for the first time.
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Post by Gary Seven on Apr 2, 2009 18:24:43 GMT -5
>>OMG. I just watched the ending of LIM-USA! Since people aren't being specific, I won't either, but it was fantastic! The writers were amazing, pulling all those threads together, and twisting them even more. The music, always enjoyable, was, in retrospect, perfect. An amazing effort, with one topper after another; I particularly liked the bit about President Obama. This is one DVD set I'm buying!<<
Uh, I almost hate to say it, but the Obama mention was, for me, if anything, an enticement not to buy the show when it gets released on DVD. I probably won't buy it anyway given that I've already seen it, and it's not the kind of show that you get any benefit from seeing those past episodes again in my opinion. I realized they were just trying to be positive with the mention, but I found it to be a real turn-off, because this guy just doesn't stand for American values and what I believe --and the idea of another wife (I don't think the mention was alluding to either of his children) of a president I don't care for rising to the office of the presidency simply because she's married to the guy also turned me off.
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Post by philbert on Apr 2, 2009 21:08:16 GMT -5
[/quote]and the idea of another wife (I don't think the mention was alluding to either of his children) of a president I don't care for rising to the office of the presidency simply because she's married to the guy also turned me off. [/quote]
Err, in point of fact, it's clearly stated that the new President Obama is one of Barak's daughters...although it didn't specify which one but since it is 2035 and you have to be 35 to run for the office, it has to be either of the two children he currently has.
as for whose values he represents...his popularity is currently between 65% and 70%(yes I voted for him) so a large chunk of the population is at least willing to see what he will do in four years. If he sucks then fine...he sucks. But he's not going to do any worse than the last putz and his collection of governmental mafioso...that's a given.
:will stop the conversation about politics here because it's not the appropriate venue:
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Post by Gary Seven on Apr 2, 2009 22:36:27 GMT -5
>>Err, in point of fact, it's clearly stated that the new President Obama is one of Barak's daughters...although it didn't specify which one<<
Wait a second --where did it clearly state that? I'm just curious, since I might have missed it.
>> but since it is 2035 and you have to be 35 to run for the office, it has to be either of the two children he currently has.<<
Yeah, I thought of the daughters initially, said it to someone while watching it in fact, but then thought, nah, it's probably his wife. I think the girls would still be too young in 2035 to rise to the office of the presidency, unless the values of the people who populate the country are actually willing to elect someone that young.
>>as for whose values he represents...his popularity is currently between 65% and 70%(yes I voted for him) so a large chunk of the population is at least willing to see what he will do in four years. If he sucks then fine...he sucks. But he's not going to do any worse than the last putz and his collection of governmental mafioso...that's a given.<<
Oh, really? "Governmental mafioso," ...You want to talk about a "putz"" ...well, guess what --you're a goddamn putz obviously, that's what I think. I am just so goddamn F-ing sick of you people that I simply will not just stand by and let you just get away with this crap anymore. For eight years you engaged in a non-stop, unyielding campaign of character assassination to destroy the previous president, and why? Because he wasn't a goddamn liberal, that's why--because he was :::gasps!::: a Republican. And not even a true conservative Republican at that, but there's no such thing as a moderate to you guys when it comes to the Republican ticket, is there? We all saw what you did to John McCain --a liberal Republican just because he was a Republican.
As for Obama's current poll numbers, I am happy to point out that GWB's were just as high this early in his presidency. In fact, I believe they were even a bit higher, and what did you just get through saying about his presidency?
You talk about "government mafiosa," which is an absolute freakin' laugh, and what do you have in there now? Rahm "Dead Fish" Emanuel ...Gee, no "government mafiosa" there...what a Joke.
I didn't agree with everything Bush did, especially there toward the end, but he was better than having the Marxist Statist that's currently sitting in the Oval Office, with all his past despicable associations and ties, none of which bother you evidently, oh, but that Cheney --now there was the Devil, right? Give me a friggin' break.
I watch this guy's ego growing bigger with each passing day, and it's just sickening to look at. Bush never had that degree of hubris and arrogance --not even close.
>>will stop the conversation about politics here because it's not the appropriate venue<<
Perhaps, but we were talking about the show, which made it an issue.
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Jor-El
Junior Member
Posts: 97
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Post by Jor-El on Apr 3, 2009 1:04:46 GMT -5
I know i'm just gonna get insulted--again--for no reason by the guy I'm agreeing with, but so be it I guess. I'm kinda tired myself of hearing George Bush get ridiculed over and over by a public he kept safe for nearly eight years. If you like what obama's doing, then fine, promote your guy to your heart's content. But to rip up a guy who protected you from earth's most vile killers just becuase you disagree with his politics is just dumb. Life On Mars? Never heard of it. --Gary 7-- |
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Post by Mel on Apr 3, 2009 2:24:32 GMT -5
>>Err, in point of fact, it's clearly stated that the new President Obama is one of Barak's daughters, although it didn't specify which one, but since it is 2035 and you have to be 35 to run for the office, it has to be either of the two children he currently has.<< Wait a second --where did it clearly state that? I'm just curious, since I might have missed it.The guy from mission ground control said, "Btw, Colonel, President Obama wanted to be in the control room when you landed, but her father is seriously ill, so she and her sister went to Chicago to be by his side." Clearly, that's a reference to Barak Obama and his daughters.
I thought it was clever. That's all, clever. I didn't have a political agenda in mind when I mentioned it. Had I know known it would cause political debate, I wouldn't have mentioned it.
Mission Ground Control was in the background when Major Tom wakes up. That's was great too, because David Bowie's song, "Ground Control to Major Tom," had played often. And this guy that we knew as Gene Hunt was really Major Tom! Again, clever!
And the mission was hilarious. |
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Post by CRAMBAM on Apr 3, 2009 6:03:38 GMT -5
It would have been nice if the actor's vision of the finale was true--it was a mind game, and he wasn't in the present after all. But clearly the writer's intent trumps that. I guess it's safe to say we've all seen it, it's aired, and we've all had time to watch it, so there are no more spoilers.
I feel that the UK ending was terrible because it was a miserable way to go out. The main character just commits suicide and for a split second, gets back to his dream.
I'm SOOOOO sick of Hollywood promoting the democrat party and its candidates. The bias is just disgusting. So I agree that the Obama mention was inappropriate to use a kind word. That attitude really is why I fast forwarded certain scenes in Boston Legal (like most Alan Shore closings). Enough. I did think they were talking about Obama's daughter, but I didn't care.
Of course, before they mentioned the female Obama, I actually wondered if they were engaging in Hollywood wishful thinking where the same guy was still president/king.
But yeah, I guess the Obama stuff should go to the political section, which is why I'll hold back.
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Post by Wahrheit on Apr 3, 2009 7:45:57 GMT -5
I 'm SOOOOO sick of Hollywood promoting the democrat party and its candidates. The bias is just disgusting. So I agree that the Obama mention was inappropriate to use a kind word. That attitude really is why I fast forwarded certain scenes in Boston Legal (like most Alan Shore closings). Enough. I did think they were talking about Obama's daughter, but I didn't care. Of course, before they mentioned the female Obama, I actually wondered if they were engaging in Hollywood wishful thinking where the same guy was still president/king. But yeah, I guess the Obama stuff should go to the political section, which is why I'll hold back. **above bold type emphasis added by me** I've never seen the show myself , but all I can say is Amen! to Cram's remarks. |
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Post by Gary Seven on Apr 3, 2009 8:03:35 GMT -5
>>The guy from mission ground control said, "Btw, Colonel, President Obama wanted to be in the control room when you landed, but her father is seriously ill, so she and her sister went to Chicago to be by his side." Clearly, that's a reference to Barak Obama and his daughters.<<
Thanks, Mel --I started complaining right away to the person I watched the last half hour with, so I missed that part of the dialogue as a result.
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Post by Gary Seven on Apr 3, 2009 8:09:09 GMT -5
>>It would have been nice if the actor's vision of the finale was true--it was a mind game, and he wasn't in the present after all.<<
That was the impression that final shot gave, and that did kind of turn me off and rub me the wrong way, but I think it can be overlooked and disregarded as a final stamp on the project perhaps, not necessarily conclusive about him still being caught back in 1973 supposedly, because the footstep was still happening on Mars nonetheless, despite there being no space suit. Too much of what happened in that final scene fit and made sense in conjunction with pretty much everything that had happened up to that point in the series.
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Post by Wahrheit on Apr 3, 2009 8:15:52 GMT -5
I know i'm just gonna get insulted--again--for no reason by the guy I'm agreeing with, but so be it I guess. I wouldn't let it worry you. Mr. "007" disagrees with everyone at some point or another.... |
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Post by CRAMBAM on Apr 3, 2009 10:04:20 GMT -5
Regarding the American version, I liked the ending a little better, even if it was from out in leftfield. It certainly explained the robots though. It was a more satisfying and happier conclusion.
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Post by Mel on Apr 3, 2009 10:10:40 GMT -5
The guy you quoted was talking about the UK version. The writer said that Sam jumped off the building, and in his mind, he was instantly back in 1973. Then his body hit the ground, and he was in an afterlife, possibly also like 1973. That Sam *wanted* to be in 1973.
The actor in that series who played Sam disagrees with the writer, and prefers to think Sam never left 1973, thus Sam didn't die.
The footprint on Mars is the USA version. Absolutely outstanding. I'd love to see what these writers come up with next!
Okay, I'm going to try another probably useless effort to turn this text green!
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Post by Mel on Apr 3, 2009 10:16:14 GMT -5
Cram, that second picture on top rings a very distant bell. What series is it from? Thanks.
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Post by CRAMBAM on Apr 3, 2009 11:30:02 GMT -5
Land of the Lost--one of my all time favorite shows.
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Jor-El
Junior Member
Posts: 97
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Post by Jor-El on Apr 3, 2009 16:59:05 GMT -5
But yeah, I guess the Obama stuff should go to the political section, which is why I'll hold back. I look and look, but cannot find the political section....... --Gary 7-- |
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Post by CRAMBAM on Apr 8, 2009 6:58:24 GMT -5
I think this thread is clear now.
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Post by Wahrheit on Apr 8, 2009 8:33:50 GMT -5
I think this thread is clear now. Again, thanks Cram. Man, now I'm going to have to make an effort to actually see Life On Mars! |
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Post by Mel on Apr 8, 2009 9:38:55 GMT -5
Thanks, Cram. Wahrheit, all three versions are worth seeing. |
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Post by gavin1701 on Feb 28, 2012 8:24:42 GMT -5
I have a completely different take on the US vs UK show.
I think the US remake was very good until the finale. Gene Hunt wasn't as believable. Keitel was perhaps a bit too old and I believe Phillip Glennister was better suited to the role and had a drier wit. Sam however was well cast and just as good as John Simm. I believe the actor is from Ireland.
To me the finale of the US version invalidated any character development the show had. The previous episode about resolving the father issues became irrelevant. That wasn't his father and that wasn't real. It was just like Sam went to the holodeck for a recreational visit. Everything you were invested in emotionally suddenly became an illusion. Sam wasn't even real he was just a made up character. Which I thought was a shame because they were doing a good job.
The UK version ended perfectly. It ended with the protagonist getting the life he wanted. He didn't just disappear after a few seconds, he was there several years and made peace. Not many series end with the main character getting what they want. What the audience wants for the main character is a different kettle of fish. He did go back to where he felt he belonged and he got the girl!
If you followed the spin-off series Ashes to Ashes you also find out Gene Hunt was a real person and everyone in the 70's (80's in the spinoff) were real people and they were in a police officers purgatory. Their actions there determined whether they were going to ascend spiritually or condemned. Much better than a holodeck fantasy where nobody is real and you're playing a character, but granted you did have to watch the spin-off for the ultimate payoff.
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Post by Mel on Feb 28, 2012 15:46:06 GMT -5
I watched ATA. I don't recall the purgatory aspect. (I did look it up at imdb.com, and apparently, it's there.) It's likely I understood that as I watched it. But I sure don't remember it. 
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Post by Mel on Feb 28, 2012 15:51:29 GMT -5
Cram, I don't recognize those two pictures at top, the red head (who doesn't ring a bell) and the guy in the suit (who looks familiar). Some help please. Thanks.
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Post by TrekBeatTK on Feb 28, 2012 16:32:37 GMT -5
The guy in the suit is Lance Reddick. He plays agent Broyles on Fringe (which is the picture). He also played Matthew Abaddon on Lost.
The redhead is Amy Pond from Doctor Who, as played by the lovely Karen Gillan.
-TK
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This is one DVD set I'm buying!
