Pop Vultures

No Sign of Intelligent Life on Mars

Usually, I feel it’s not really fair to judge an entire series on its pilot episode. Premiere or pilot episodes are often a bit clunky; the actors haven’t settled into their roles yet, the sets have a tendency to look cheap and unfinished (because they often are), and the entire thing is really just a [...]

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First Sighting of Life on Mars (US)

We’ve finally got the first trailer for the US version of Life on Mars, and I think I can say, with an open mind and absolutely no bias, that it is going to suck mightily. Without even getting into the fact that one of the strengths of the original was its limited run of sixteen [...]

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Ashes to Ashes, Funk to Funky

Life on Mars was arguably the best British drama of the decade. It was thoughtful and thought-provoking, engaging and entertaining, and was capped off with a near flawless finale. Everything seemed to be wrapped up as neatly as possible when dealing with the story of a time-traveling cop who may or may not be in [...]

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Tidbits for January 29, 2008

The writers for two shows I don’t watch are getting back to work! Lionsgate has reached an interim agreement with the WGA, meaning that writers for Mad Men and Weeds can get back to producing stellar copy while smoking fat joints. (Both are on the list of shows to catch up on, I swear.) [TV [...]

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5 Best TV Characters with the Worst Habits

It’s that time of year again. We’re making resolutions with the best of intentions. We’re going to eat more healthily (as soon as we finish that last piece of Christmas candy), exercise more (as soon as it gets a bit warmer out. I mean, no one wants frostbite on their nose), maybe even drink a [...]

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‘Lost’ In The Plot: Why TV Blockbusters Can’t Help But Disappoint You.

The body of a local beauty queen washes up on the beach…a group of airline crash survivors find themselves on a remote island inhabited by invisible monsters…a policeman finds himself transported thirty years into the past. These are great openings, and great openings demand a strong finish. How did he get back to 1973? How [...]

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Intelligent Life On Mars

Right now, I’m a wee bit jealous of those living in America. Starting tonight, they get to experience the second series of Life On Mars for the very first time. It’s rare that I can look at a series of television and marvel at its perfection. U.S. shows, in particular, with their 22-episode seasons, usually have [...]

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Tidbits for November 15

While things Stateside continue to be doom and gloom, there is a tiny bright spark headed that way, courtesy of the BBC. Season 2 of the immeasurably brilliant Life On Mars will be shown on BBC America starting December 11. Were you foolish enough to miss the first season? Never fear. Pop Vultures will be [...]

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