'Life On Mars' Ends Wednesday, But DVD Details Released
Sat, March 28, 2009 On Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET, the ABC crime show "Life on Mars" will finish its first, and only, season.
The show, a remake of a British show of the same name, will end at 17 episodes. The good news is that the show's creators knew of the impending cancellation in advance, so the show is scheduled to wrap up its storylines.
As "Life on Mars" is one of the few hour-long dramas on TV right now that I truly enjoy, I'm not happy about the cancellation. However, I am grateful that the show will finish what it started.
For those who don't watch the show -- and apparently that's a lot of you -- "Life on Mars" centers around detective Sam Tyler, who is transported from 2008 to 1973 via a mysterious car accident. Along the way, Tyler (played excellently by Jason O'Mara) receives clues as to why this has happened. The top-notch cast also includes Michael Imperioli, Gretchen Mol, Jonathan Murphy and Harvey Keitel.
Now, as much as I am disappointed by the fact that the show will not return for another season, I will admit that wrapping the show up after a single season could be a blessing in disguise. The plot of Det. Tyler being from 2008 and mysteriously ending up in 1973 could have become tedious and frustrating if stretched for too many seasons.
Conversely, though, "Life on Mars" is one of those shows that begins with a gimmick, but becomes so good on its own merits that the gimmick ultimately becomes a handicap. (See also: "How I Met Your Mother.") The cast and stories of "Life on Mars" would be just as compelling if the show was a crime drama set in 1973.
For those who missed the show this season, I have some good news. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment will release the complete series on DVD Sept. 29.
The four-disc set will include all 17 episodes and four featurettes:
- A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Life on Mars Concept
- Learn About the Design and Styles of the 1970s Wardrobe
- The 1970 Perspective: Police Procedure and Precincts
- Behind-the-Scenes with a Special Guest
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