alexsarll: (seal)
Alex ([personal profile] alexsarll) wrote2008-03-27 10:13 pm

In twenty years' time, when the streets are awash with filth...

Earlier today, 600 police were deployed in a crime blitz on Blackstock Road. When I went to the library this evening, there were still a handful about, flyering ineffectually. The street was a bit quieter than usual, but there were still loiterers - presumably the ones who didn't have anything dodgy on them at the time. So yes, I'd be glad of the Gene Genie today. After all, he did say "I'm everywhere, Bolly. I was needed, so I was there." She's twigged that it's not all in her head. He's let on that he's something more. And the standard of unflinching bleakness Life on Mars' conclusion trained us to expect was maintained. Hell, even if the godfather hadn't been a red herring it would have been good, as Alex realises she's left her daughter in the care of a psychopath, but this was even better. Now let's just hope the second series doesn't drop the ball like most of Life on Mars' did.

[identity profile] kenix.livejournal.com 2008-03-27 10:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Looks like your "Policeman's Valhalla" theory wasn't that far off!

[identity profile] barrysarll.livejournal.com 2008-03-27 11:18 pm (UTC)(link)
There's no need to sound so surprised about my being right!
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[identity profile] barrysarll.livejournal.com 2008-03-27 11:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Nah, that'll be after the sea level overwhelms the Thames barrier, so give it another 20 from now. If we're lucky.

I was meant to be reviewing the new PATD, but they never sent it, so sod 'em. I've seen the tracklisting, and the titles aren't nearly so good this time. I imagine I will listen to it at some point nonetheless, but all these mentions of a Beatles influence do not bode well.
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[identity profile] barrysarll.livejournal.com 2008-03-27 11:41 pm (UTC)(link)
But I preferred their little faces attached to little romos, not...whatever it is they're dressed as now.

I find a little Beach Boys goes a long way, but it's unquestionably a better sound than the Beatles. I mean, yes, obviously *anything* is a better sound than the Beatles, but Beach Boys influences can work.
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[identity profile] barrysarll.livejournal.com 2008-03-27 11:56 pm (UTC)(link)
I think Ryan, though I suspect he's one of those photogenic people I'd find less attractive in real life.
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[identity profile] barrysarll.livejournal.com 2008-03-28 08:08 pm (UTC)(link)
And there we enter a whole world of No Comment.

[identity profile] juggzy.livejournal.com 2008-03-27 11:36 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'm everywhere, Bolly. I was needed, so I was there."

I melted at this point. The series needs to go no further in the exploration of the attraction between atavistic men and bolshy women.

[identity profile] barrysarll.livejournal.com 2008-03-27 11:43 pm (UTC)(link)
And this is why I worry a little - that sense of 'where else is there to go?' But it was a mistaken worry ahead of this series, so I'm hoping it will remain misplaced for the next.

[identity profile] puzzled-anwen.livejournal.com 2008-03-28 07:54 am (UTC)(link)
Man, it was SO GOOD! Mmm... Gene Hunt...

[identity profile] barrysarll.livejournal.com 2008-03-28 08:07 pm (UTC)(link)
Straight.

[identity profile] darkmarcpi.livejournal.com 2008-03-29 12:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Would you like it if I dressed up like Gene Hunt? (Oh, hang on, I do anyway....)

[identity profile] publicansdecoy.livejournal.com 2008-03-28 02:21 pm (UTC)(link)
What was wrong with LoM 2?

-x-

[identity profile] barrysarll.livejournal.com 2008-03-28 08:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Last episode aside, it felt like a retread, like they'd settled into the mode of old-school US TV where the status quo is always maintained. Throughout the first series Sam and Gene gradually developed a grudging respect for each others strengths and methods, arriving at an uneasy mode of co-operation. The second series seemed to reset that, so we could have the same arguments again every sodding week. There were still some good lines, sure, but no substance anymore.
They saved the day with a stunning finale, for sure, but not in a way which redeemed what had come before.