Watch Ashes to Ashes

Ashes to Ashes is a British television show that was aired on BBC One from 2008 to 2010. The show is a sequel to the popular time-traveling cop show, Life on Mars, which aired from 2006 to 2007. The series was created by Matthew Graham and stars Philip Glenister, Keeley Hawes, Dean Andrews, Marshall Lancaster, Montserrat Lombard, and Daniel Mays.

Ashes to Ashes follows the story of DCI Gene Hunt (Glenister) who is investigating crimes in 1980s London. After being shot and left in a coma, DI Alex Drake (Hawes) wakes up in 1981 and becomes part of Hunt's team. She is determined to figure out how she ended up in 1981 and find a way back to the present day.

Throughout the series, Hunt and Drake work together to solve crimes while butting heads over their different ways of approaching investigations. Hunt is a harsh and often violent detective who believes in using strong-arm tactics to get results. Drake is a more by-the-book detective who uses forensics and psychology to solve cases.

The team also includes DC Chris Skelton (Lancaster) and DS Ray Carling (Andrews), who are both loyal to Hunt and willing to follow his lead. Shaz Granger (Lombard) is the team's WPC who is constantly trying to prove herself to the male-dominated team.

As the series progresses, it becomes clear that Drake's presence in the past is not just a coincidence. There are hints that she may be connected to Hunt and his team in ways that she cannot yet understand. The show also explores the social issues of the time, including racism, sexism, and homophobia.

The show's creators use the 1980s setting to great effect, and the show is full of references to the music and pop culture of the time. The show's soundtrack is made up of classic songs from artists such as David Bowie, Duran Duran, and The Human League.

As well as the crime-solving aspect, the show also explores the personal lives of the characters. There are romantic storylines between Drake and both Hunt and Skelton, and the show also deals with the aftermath of traumatic events in the characters' pasts.

The show has been praised for its strong performances, particularly from Glenister and Hawes. Glenister's performance as Hunt is often cited as one of the best in British television history. The combination of police procedural, time-travel, and character drama has also been praised by critics.

In conclusion, Ashes to Ashes is a gripping and entertaining police procedural with a unique twist. The time-travel element adds a new layer to the genre, and the show's strong performances and use of 1980s music and culture make it a must-watch for fans of crime drama.

Ashes to Ashes is a series that ran for 3 seasons (228 episodes) between February 7, 2008 and on BBC One