TV Review

Absorbing, confronting political intrigue can’t make up for the fact that there’s almost no way of making this film exciting – we know the eventual outcome – and yet there’s definitely a sense of urgency about proceedings. Roach handles the ensemble cast well, Julianne Moore morphs convincingly into Alaskan Governor Palin, and Harris delivers a walloping portrayal of former US Captain in the Navy McCain; Game Change might be intelligently filmed, but what is most frightening is just how much of this might be, or might not be, entirely true.

Brilliantly conceived crime/time travel drama, with John Simm in fine form, and a staggeringly good turn from Phil Glenister as his boss, the garrulous, racist, sexist, violent, alcoholic, DCI Gene Hunt, who uses old-fashioned tactics to achieve results. Series 1 is a direct hit to the entertainment center of your brain. Intelligent, humorous, mysterious, and thrilling, Life On Mars is a winner in every sense.