Potential 80’s Spin – Off For ‘Life On Mars’ In Development

Potential 80’s Spin – Off For ‘Life On Mars’ In Development
Source SciFi Pulse
27 November 2006

Earlier this year proved to be a prosperous time for fans of Sci Fi Television especially British fans because they not on were still celebrating the triumphant return of Doctor Who, but they were also enjoy ‘Life On Mars’ which is a fish out of water story about a 21st century police officer who winds up trapped in the 1970’s and has to learn the old school ways of police procedure before the days of political correctness.

‘Life On Mars’ which was a hit for BBC –1 stars John Simm as Police Detective Sam Tyler. The series title is taken from a popular David Bowie song from the Album Ziggy Stardust. The series returned for its second and final season early next year and will draw to a natural conclusion. However this isn’t necessarily going to be the end for some of the series characters.

According to an exclusive source to Dreamwatch Magazine the BBC are presently in negotiations with Kudos Entertainment about doing a follow up series, which will be set some time in the 1980’s and is being pitched as ‘Ashes To Ashes’, which is also a David Bowie song title. The new show should it go ahead will likely feature several of ‘Life On Mars’ more established characters only further on in their careers. As to which characters will return for this spin – off remains shrouded in secrecy.

The BBC is very excited about the possibilities. BBC controller Peter Finchham says, “We’re thrilled to have this spin – off in development. It will be more Miami Vice than Sweeny.” Which means that Sam’s fate is likely to be resolved by the end of ‘Life On Mars’ which leaves the future history of the shows supporting characters open to interpretation for the new proposed spin off.

The destiny of Phillip Glenister’s no nonsense DCI Hunt however is as yet undecided. In fact multiple endings for the finale of ‘Life On Mars’ have been prepared in order to throw viewers of the scent and keep speculation about the spin off alive and fresh in the mind of those who have taken the ‘Life On Mars’ journey.

However there is no doubt that certain characters will return for ‘Ashes To Ashes’ it is just a matter of which characters, “It will be interesting to see how their lives have changed in that time.” Teases Finchham about the proposed spin off. “No doubt they’ll have swapped their flares for shoulder pads.”

As to any other clues about ‘Ashes To Ashes’ that will likely be a winter warmer for the BBC’s 9pm Slot in 2008, Finchham remains characteristically tight lipped.

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