The BBC's sequel to Life On Mars starts this Thursday in the UK. Called Ashes To Ashes, the action has moved away from Manchester 1973 and on to the early 1980's, and John Simm has been replaced with Keeley Hawes. I really like her - she always brings a degree of depth and sensitivity to any role she inhabits.  Spooks really went downhill following her departure. I never really appreciated what she bought to that show till she was gone (like Kate in NCIS).  The incomparable Phlip Glenister is back as DCI Gene Hunt.
I am optimistic about it although the soundings are that it isn't going to be as good as Life On Mars. It will be interesting to see how it will play now that the audience are 'in the know' about what is going on with the timeslips, as shown at the end of Life On Mars.