I've watched several episodes of Ashes, and still can't make up my mind. Life on Mars had a bittersweet tinge to it, this one seems to be trying too hard to make obvious references to the difference between sexes. The spanking scene, for instance, was a bit too contrived.
Keeley Hawes as Alex Drake doesn't make a good fit for me - I still think MI-5 whenever she's on screen.
It just doesn't have a real 80s feel to it.
It's still well-acted and unique enough to stand on its own. Philip Glenister as Gene Hunt is mesmerizing to watch (in both series).
