Season #: 3, 2, 1
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

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

Critic Reviews

  1. 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.
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. 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. 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 »