Title: Mars makers create history drama
prophecy girl - August 29, 2007 02:56 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE |
The creators of hit Life on Mars are to make an archaeological drama series for the BBC.
Bone Kickers, written by Ashley Pharoah and Matthew Graham, will be filmed in Bath later this year and is due to be screened on BBC One next spring.
The drama, which has yet to be cast, focuses on a team whose historical investigations unlock potential dangers and mysteries in the present.
Life on Mars, which finished earlier this year, is being remade for US TV.
In the UK, a sequel to the time-travelling police drama is being made with Spooks star Keeley Hawes.
Called Ashes to Ashes, it will see Philip Glenister reprise his role as politically incorrect DCI Gene Hunt.
'Exciting
Polly Hill, the BBC's commissioning editor for independent drama, said Bone Kickers would make history and archaeology "sexy, accessible and exciting".
Each episode will deal with a different historical period, including the excavation of murdered 18th century slaves and the discovery of the True Cross.
The drama's central character, Gillian, is pitted against her arch-rival, TV historian Daniel Mastif, in the hunt for an archaeological treasure.
Their race will form the backdrop of the first series' climax.
Story from BBC NEWS:
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axonite - December 20, 2007 01:50 AM (GMT)
[SIZE=7]Bone Kickers could be fun, but I'm not sure about Ashes to Ashes. The 80s isn't really a period for nostalgia - it was similar to today, but with slower computers and more mullets. Gene Hunt worked because he fitted into the 70s so well, and the clash between the modern policeman and the 70s copper was inspired.[SIZE=7]
Crichton Kicks - December 20, 2007 11:17 AM (GMT)
^^ I think it depends on the quality of the writing, and the cast. The writers are pretty much the same as those used for LoM AFAIK, and Philip Glenister will be back as Gene Hunt, which is a good start. The addition of Keeley Hawes pretty much sealed it for me. Ashes to Ashes should be fantastic. Fingers crossed.
It's certainly going to be an active year for British television. Ashes to Ashes, Bonekickers, Outsiders, the Survivors remake, there's supposedly a 'three musketeers' series on the way as well, and that's not to mention new Who and Torchwood. Compare and contrast this with the situation just a few short years ago where we produced practically nothing beyond period dramas, Cop/Hospital shows, Soaps and reality crap.
axonite - December 30, 2007 11:04 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Crichton Kicks @ Dec 20 2007, 11:17 AM) |
^^ I think it depends on the quality of the writing, and the cast. The writers are pretty much the same as those used for LoM AFAIK, and Philip Glenister will be back as Gene Hunt, which is a good start. The addition of Keeley Hawes pretty much sealed it for me. Ashes to Ashes should be fantastic. Fingers crossed.
...we produced practically nothing beyond period dramas, Cop/Hospital shows, Soaps and reality crap. |
Gene Hunt was a good character - but in the 80s he wouldn't be able to act as he did in the 70s. I hope it'll be good, but would have settled for a third series of 'Life on Mars' (although I respect writers who don't drag a series out to the nth dollar - or pound in this case).
I only get back to the UK once a year, and so notice the changes more - there certainly is a great deal of "Cop/Hospital shows, Soaps and reality crap" - and also gardening, DIY and cookery programmes. with the BBC's financial problems, such cheap TV will be on the increase. :-(
Crichton Kicks - December 30, 2007 11:08 AM (GMT)
Have to admit, I'd have opted for a third season of Life on Mars over practically anything else. I know there's a valid point in trying to not take a show too far, but for my money, there was still some mileage in LoM.
Ashes to Ashes will need to be different. The 70s was a unique period, with styles, attitudes etc all reflecting the time. The 80s will need to be different, and as such, the character of Hunt will need to change. Essentially he'll still be Gene Hunt, but, not exactly the same as he was on LoM.
If the quality's anything approaching that of LoM, I'll be delighted :thumbsup: