Ashes To Ashes - 2008 - 7/10

Compelling sidespin to Life On Mars.
Oddly enough, modern day DI Alex Drake had been reading reports by Sam Tyler.
Then she was shot and found herself in 1981, and meeting DCI Gene Hunt and crew.
In S01, Drake is poorly written as a chronic whiner, with a mommy fixation, and dressing inappropriately,
By the second season, her character is harder and more professional.
Just as well, as episodes grow progressively darker each outing.

S03 was always planned as the conclusion.
A new character arrives, ostensibly from “Internal Affairs”, to unearth corruption.
At times, the narrative borders on metaphysical. The ghost of Sam Tyler revives as a major quest.
The ending? One of the best, and very thoughtful.
If you enjoyed Life On Mars, and can tolerate a somewhat campy S01, this show holds rewards.