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Theta Sigma said:Source: Variety March 28, 2006
"David E. Kelley has landed format rights to buzzworthy BBC series Life on Mars and set it up at as a one-hour drama at ABC, reports Variety.
"Mars," from U.K.-based Kudos Film & Television, revolves around a modern-day police detective who finds himself transported back to 1973. Kelley will write and executive produce the pilot via his company's overall deal at 20th Century Fox TV.
Stephen Garrett and Jane Featherstone of Kudos will also serve as executive producers. ABC has ordered a pilot for fall 2007, with a significant penalty attached if the project doesn't move forward to series.
The project came together relatively quickly following the BBC premiere of "Mars" in January. The U.K. show generated big ratings -- more than 7 million viewers its first night -- and an order for a second season.
"Mars," which takes its title from the David Bowie track, focuses on Det. Sam Tyler, who gets into a near-fatal car wreck shortly after his girlfriend is kidnapped by a serial killer. He wakes up in 1973, still a cop but in a completely alien universe.
Further complicating matters: The first case he tackles in the 1970s seems to have links to the serial killer who nabbed his girlfriend. Viewers don't know whether Sam has gone crazy, traveled through time or is actually still in a coma and dreaming the whole thing. "
Interesting. Looks like some Mars movies are on their way back in.