Life on Mars Remake

[chloris]

So, it looks like the American remake of Life on Mars is actually going to happen. No matter how bad it is, it's probably not going to be as bad as the remake of Blackpool, though I suppose it's good to have something to shoot for. ;) It's weird to have watched the original and then see this trailer looking so, well, so American. Also, David E.

Comments

[professorworm]

I don't feel good about this. I haven't even seen all of the Life on Mars eps, but I know we're going to screw it up. It can't be any good, John Simm won't be in it! LOL!

[chloris]

After the Blackpool remake, I don't have much hope. And the new Sam Tyler just looks so square-jawed and all-american, it seems odd. I haven't seen all the eps either. I have season 2 but I've been waiting to watch it after Who is done for the season.

[professorworm]

I don't understand why they try and remake something that was great just as it is. Why not show us the good one? Probably copyrights and stuff.

[chloris]

It's probably a bit of they want to own it and bit of giving it wider appeal (they hope). Even popular British tv is a niche market in the US. The average US viewer just isn't interested in shows with a British sensibility.

But it doesn't always work. Some shows *need* to be British to work at all. Or at least need British men. See icon. :)

[professorworm]

Personally I think all television shows should have British men on them.

*innocent smile*

[chloris]

Heh. I can't argue with that!

[peasant_]

It may also be the length. Life on Mars was 8 episodes, which is pretty long for a new series in the UK, but US stations want 20 or more episodes because that is how the schedules work over there. So the BBC cheerfully sells the rights to the idea and then still gets to show the original on BBC America, so they make money at both ends. Speaking as a Licence payer, that sounds good to me :oD

[chloris]

Trying to lengthen some shows can be a problem too even if the concept translates well. US tv tends to beat ideas into the ground. So long as there are viewers, they keep producing episodes.