"Ashes to Ashes" (2008) TV series 2008-????

User Rating:

8.1/10   

Creators:

Mathew Graham
Ashley Pharoah

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3

Genre:

Crime | Drama

Plot:

DCI Gene Hunt is back, but he's no longer the self-styled "Sheriff of Manchester." Flanked by his faithful sidekicks...

Plot Keywords:

New Romantic | 1980s | Urban Decay | British TV | East End

Awards:

3 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Philip Glenister	...	Gene Hunt (24 episodes, 2008-2010)
Keeley Hawes	...	Alex Drake (24 episodes, 2008-2010)
Dean Andrews	...	Ray Carling / ... (16 episodes, 2008-2009)
Marshall Lancaster	...	Chris Skelton (16 episodes, 2008-2009)
Montserrat Lombard	...	Shaz Granger (16 episodes, 2008-2009)
Joseph Long	...	Luigi (16 episodes, 2008-2009)
Geff Francis	...	Viv James (16 episodes, 2008-2009)
Grace Vance	...	Molly Drake (16 episodes, 2008-2009)

Runtime:

60 min (16 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Netherlands:12 | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company:

Kudos Film and Television

Trivia:

The series is full of David Bowie references:- "Ashes to Ashes" is one of his songs, and features a Pierrot clown in its video, and one episode also features a "Laughing Gnome" (which is the name of another Bowie song).

Goofs:

Anachronisms: The Audi Quattro used by Gene Hunt was not available for sale in the UK in 1981. He would have had to order it from continental Europe, thus it would be left-hand drive. This is acknowledged to in the extras.

Movie Connections:

Spin off from "Life on Mars" (2006)

A worthy successor to "Life on Mars," with a lighter touch...

"Ashes to Ashes" is great entertainment. A lighter, more colourful series than its predecessor, "Ashes" captures perfectly the essence of the early '80s.

The first episode begins on a sombre note but it's only a matter of time 'til the fun kicks in. Philip Glenister's Gene Hunt makes a very welcome return, this time with a bright red Audi Quattro. Car fans will be in seventh heaven watching this series! Keeley Hawes (known to many as the voice of Lara Croft) is perfect in the role of DI Alex Drake. Aware of Sam Tyler's experiences, Drake is a more knowing character and the script is lighter and full of more comic potential. Despite this, it still retains the power to hit hard messages home and there's gritty realism in some scenes.

9 out of 10. This is what you pay the licence fee for.