Ashes to Ashes - BBC Series 2 (New Packaging) [DVD]

I've been a LOM and A2A fan right from the word go, and this series, for me, is probably the best yet.

It's got the darkness and grit of Life On Mars, but still manages to keep the crazy 80s vibe which I loved in the first series of Ashes To Ashes. But the thing I love about it the most is the development of the characters, especially Chris and Ray (giving Marshall and Dean a chance to flaunt their skills), Alex's increasing dependency on Gene, and the issues this leads to, and of course Alex's continued battle to get home.

Philip Glenister and Keeley Hawes really do shine together, and the more grounded, level headed Alex we see in series 2 is even more likeable than her series 1 persona, and the emotional development in Gene really does show what a truly complex and above all, human character, he is.

Normally you don't write reviews before the DVD release date but this time i have to. I was a big fan of LOM and after the first episode of A2A i was not sure if this show could keep what LOM already delivered. But after seeing episode after episode i got thrilled by this show just as i was with LOM. I preordered the DVD set of series 1 and enjoyed it very much. When series 2 was ready to preorder i ordered it without having seen even one episode of the series. Now after the completion of series 2 on BBC i am very glad that i preordered the set because it only gets better and better. Gene Hunt, Alex Drake, Ray Carling, Chris Skelton, Shaz (does she have a surname?), Luigi all so loveable characters. Those added with twists and turns, 80s feel and music, great one liners and some big question marks leaving you begging for more! I just love the show and i can recommend it to everyone who likes well written scripts, great characters and thrilling quality TV. They have done it again: i'm totally hooked. So, fire up the Quattro an let it be the realease date of season 2 so i can watch it again and again :)

I was a fan of the original LOM and Series 1 of A2A had its moments. I liked that Alex was the complete opposite of Sam. She was sure of herself, didn't care what anyone thought and was pro-active. Some thought her smug, I thought her wonderful. I didn't care for Gene Hunt in LOM, he bent the law, drank too much, and beat people up thinking he'd get confessions.He thought he was above the law. Yes, he was decidedly un-P.C. but I didn't care for him...I was in the minority as some found him heroic.

In A2A, Gene evolved. He wasn't policing in the 1970's anymore and Alex helped him use more modern techniques. A grudging respect blossomed.
In Series-2, the respect and working relationship has bloomed. Alex has settled in nicely with the team. The banter is wonderful as ever but the over-arching mysteries of this series are deeper, darker and more sinister.
A growing police corruption scandal is present throughout as is Alex's completely upended vision of where exactly she is and how to get out. The rules of this world aren't what she thought. The ground is constantly moving under her feet but she has found a bit of traction with the team and particularly Gene Hunt. Ray, Chris, and Shaz are there for support and a spot of learning but something is amiss.

I won't spoil it but this does crescendo beautifully to a final two-part conclusion which had our family simultaneously holding our breath and screaming. Pins and needles this one.

The writing is far more assured in Series-2 and so is the direction. Hawes and Glenister shine and they do have chemistry to burn: it's deeper than sexual chemistry and neither will admit it. They are both supremely gifted at speaking volumes with their eyes. The supporting cast each get their moment in the sun and they shine. I particularly loved the Alex-Ray relationship and how it developed through the season. Marvelously played with a deft touch by both.

If you like to get lost in mysteries and love to theorize, this is your show. You do have to watch and re-watch. I miss half the clues on first watch. The producers are careful to plant clues from the first seconds of episode one that reverberate all the way through the finale.

Well done!