Ashes to Ashes

:

Season 1
Season #: 3, 2, 1
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9

Critic Reviews

  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Jessica Shaw
    91
    The sequel ditches the '70s for the '80s--but the original's hard-boiled plots, retro-pop score, and scene-stealing politically incorrect Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister) remain.
  2. Philadelphia Daily News
    Reviewed by: Ellen Gray
    80
    Alex's gender guarantees that her dynamic with the boss will be a bit different, and it's Glenister, whose Hunt continues to leave Harvey Keitel's in the dust, who's still the best reason to climb into this particular time machine.
  3. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    80
    If the early Ashes episodes are representative of the series, this show will indeed be good fun.
  5. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Ginia Bellafante
    80
    Britain in the 1980s is arguably a lot more interesting than Britain in the ’70s, and Ashes to Ashes sharply engages the factionalism of the day: the mounting antipathies of the working class, the growth of privatization and development, the fury over nuclear armament.
  6. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    75
    Glenister is still riveting, naturally, and Hawes is a real gift. Maybe that's enough to offset the smaller issues, like the cartoonish hero worship of Hunt (three quarters of the way through the pilot, there's a moment where you half expect a laugh track to kick in).
  7. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    70
    Ashes to Ashes has a cheekier energy that the original "Life on Mars," one that carries the show even when the police procedural stories are relatively bland.
  8. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Robert Lloyd
    70
    It's in that "perhaps" and "possibly" that Ashes to Ashes finds a way forward, and although it's not as good as the original, it pushes many of the same buttons and sews on a few new ones. It's quite enjoyable.
  9. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    50
    Alex's gender does open the door to further explore the era's sexual politics, but much of that was still addressed in the first show, and Hawes' dry performance doesn't seriously alter the dynamics.
  10. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    37
    Though many small things are executed well, some big parts of this show just don’t work, at least in the first couple of episodes.

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Best TV Season of 2009
74
#74 Most Shared TV Season of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. PolisKanin
    Feb 8, 2014
    9
    Unfortunately, John Simm is gone in this series, however, Gene Hunt is still as funny and "charming" as ever. 80's is a better time periodUnfortunately, John Simm is gone in this series, however, Gene Hunt is still as funny and "charming" as ever. 80's is a better time period than 70's in my opinion.… Full Review »
  2. drlowdon
    Feb 13, 2021
    8
    When DI Alex Drake (Hawes) is called in to deal with an armed man, she is shot and left for dead. The next thing she knows she finds herselfWhen DI Alex Drake (Hawes) is called in to deal with an armed man, she is shot and left for dead. The next thing she knows she finds herself in 1981, working alongside Gene Hunt and his team.

    Audiences were quite rightly sceptical about this follow up to the excellent Life on Mars, especially as Keeley Hawes would be replacing John Simm in the lead role. The show soon finds it’s rhythm however with Keeley Hawes new character bringing a different, but no less interesting dynamic to the group, making this first season almost as good as it’s predecessor.    … Full Review »
  3. KevinR
    Mar 10, 2009
    8
    Keely Hawes doesn't have quite the same charm as John Simm but it's still a very solid series with amazing characters, great drama, Keely Hawes doesn't have quite the same charm as John Simm but it's still a very solid series with amazing characters, great drama, and fantastic humor.… Full Review »
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