Ashes to Ashes

[selenak]

The reason why I hesitated watching it in the first place where two or rather three fold. I had and still have issues with the Life on Mars finale; moreover, I thought the second season in general, while not being bad, was noticable weaker than the first one and showed the writing staff losing interest in their main character while falling in love

Comments

[rozk]

There was also UST between Alex and her mother, who clearly was very confused about what this young woman wanted of her - in the Gay Pride episode, this is explicit enough that Gene refers to it.

[selenak]

True, and I got the impression Gene thought that was going with between Alex and Caroline anyway; I mean, what other explanation would make sense if you don't buy into time travel?

[nomadicwriter]

heroic female characters don't have sex unless they're either seriously in love or evilly tricked? This show doesn't do that

I was so expecting that episode to have the 'evilly tricked' twist and I was thrilled and impressed when they didn't go there. ...Which is depressing, really.

[selenak]

Same here. It really shouldn't be surprising that the "evilly tricked" twist doesn't come, but it still is!

[londonkds]

To show how different reactions can be: a number of people on my flist reacted to the first two episodes by complaining about how sexist and demeaning the series was because Alex was being portrayed as drunk and promiscuous.

Gene's finale speech I still find yucky, you can say that in other episodes we see the downside of that attitude but certain right-wing political press TV reviewers and web blogs were going "PREACH IT, DUDE!" the following day.

And yes to the messed-up Electral stuff between Alex and Gene.

[selenak]

Honestly, I thought it was refreshing that while Sam's one night stand leaves him handcuffed to the bed (thus providing icon makers with material), Alex having sex only leaves her with a headache because she got drunk the same time and otherwise has no negative repercussions.

Reactions from right-wing political press TV reviewers: yuck indeed. I mean, the episode before we see the downside of Gene's attitude pretty graphically when he encourages Chris to beat Hollis (not sure about the name?) into a pulp, which the narrative definitely condemns, but within the finale, it's presented as unchallenged, complete with emotive music.

[greenpear]

Oh well... looks like I'm gonna have to watch this now. Originally I had decided to pass on it as I did like LOM (even with the wonky ending).

But as you say, people on my friend's list say good things. Means I've got to slot it in now...

[selenak]

It's definitely an enjoyable show, worth watching. IMO as always!

[wee_warrior]

I just saw one episode of Ashes - the fifth, as it had Russell Tovey - which I liked, but not enough to watch the rest. Somehow, I do prefer the 80s setting to the 70s, though, and I did like Alex. Ray's perm was also something to behold...

[selenak]

Early 80s hair can so stand toe to toe with early 70s hair for stunningness.*g* I think you'd enjoy Ashes to Ashes; and it's still hiatus time...

[wee_warrior]

*looks at unread/unwatched pile of books and shows* Hm, maybe next hiatus?