Fans of the BBC hit television series Life on Mars are gearing up for the US version of the show, which is going to be presented to us by none other than ABC.  In fact, the show, which will debut on television screens across America on October 9 at 10pm, has already begun filming the episodes, with Jason O’Mara playing the central character in the series.  The show will be led in by Grey’s Anatomy, which will air at 9pm.

Life on Mars follows NYPD detective Sam Tyler (Jason O’Mara) as he discovers that he has mysteriously time-traveled back to the year 1973 in New York City, where issues such as the Vietnam war, Watergate, women’s liberation and the gay and civil rights movements are underway.  The last thing he remembers is that he was in a car accident while trying to pursue a criminal, in 2008.

Like a lost sheep, he tries to find his way through the mess and figure out how to go back to 2008.  What makes things more complicated is the state of the society and technology—Sam is then forced to live his life without the advanced crime-fighting tools he uses everyday! Add to that a difficult boss, Lieutenant Gene Hunt (Harvey Keitel), who prefers using his physical strength rather than his mental skills to fight crime.

Add some more characters to the mix and you’re done.  We have Detective Ray Carling (Michael Imperioli), the typical tough guy who’s coincidentally sexist, and Annie Norris (Gretchen Mol), a strong, independent woman who dreams of becoming a real cop.  A real friend, Annie may pose as a love interest for Sam.  There’s also Detective Chris Skelton (Jonathan Murphy), who always gets intimidated by Gene and Ray.

Complicated is just the tip of the iceberg as back in 2008, Sam had been harboring feelings for Maya Daniels (Lisa Bonet), who eventually earned herself the title of police officer.  The odd but interesting love triangle forms when Sam delves deeper into his friendship with Annie while longing for the familiarity of Maya’s presence.

Catch Life on Mars as it begins airing on Thursday, October 9 at 9pm.

-Valerie Anne del Castillo, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: ABC
(Photo courtesy of ABC)

Valerie Del Castillo

Staff Columnist, BuddyTV