Textual Analysis of Life on Mars
Life on Mars is an episodic TV police drama in which a
gritty, conventional policeman from modern day finds himself in a police unit
from the 70’s. Stuck in a strange, alternate reality, Sam Tyler confronts
common themes of the time head on such as racism, sexism, homophobia and police
brutality.
The TV show Life on Mars functions as an excellent
representation of Manchester in the 70’s. While drama is sensationalised for
the sake of television, based on the reviews of sites like IMDb and Metacric,
the show creates a somewhat accurate representation of the 70’s.
In the show, rarely does an episode go by in which there
isn’t a single cultural reference. The show cleverly targets itself at people
who lived through or appreciate 70’s culture. It often plays on nostalgic
feelings by referencing pop culture like David Bowie, of which the show gets
its title from – “Life on Mars”, a song written and released on an LP in 1971,
later to be released as a single in 1973, the same year as the TV show is set,
becoming an odd song that would become
iconic for Bowie.
Later a spin off series was created, which served as a
sequel to Life on Mars, set ten years later under the name Ashes to Ashes,
featuring a new main character with a similar cast. Ashes to Ashes (Bowie song)
was also released in 1980.
Often the show uses music as material to create nostalgia –
relying on bands that hit the height of their fame in the 70’s – Bowie, Blue
Oyster Cult, and The Who for example.
One way we can tell that nostalgia is important for the
series is in the success of its US spin off with the same name. The US edition
was set in New York, and while it was praised for its depiction of the 70’s, it
didn’t do well with critics and was not renewed for a second season. One reason
for this might be the values that the British people hold. Tradition generally
important to us, and because of this we value events of the past, which gives
us nostalgia, whereas in America, a country with a shorter history might not
value history so much.
Life on Mars is an interesting depiction of history because
it doesn’t lie to us. Another TV series might choose to avoid depictions of
racism, sexism, homophobia and other sensitive materials, but by choosing to
represent them in such a realistic way is a unique creative choice.
The show however still seems to attract left winged viewers
through its clever use of grounding. The main character Sam Tyler is often used
as a counterpoint to Gene Hunts various bigoted opinions and actions. For
example Sam might stop Gene from beating up a potentially innocent man. Often
this can be incorporated into the story. When crime gets personal, it’s clear
that Sam will let Gene off his metaphorical leash. Not only that, most of the
narratives cause conflict between Sam and Gene’s opposing strategies for good
policing.
The typical demographic for the show would be working class
people – maybe around 35-55. Not necessarily living in the 70’s but growing up,
these people will be encountering the aftermath of the 70’s and some of the
themes it brought with it, therefore 35 year olds may still experience some
nostalgia from the show, particularly music.
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