I HAVE given it until four episodes in to get into it, but I don't think I'll be watching again.

See the situation is it's virtually impossible to catch lightning in a bottle twice, and sadly, this is one of the major issues I have with Ashes.

Basically I loved Life On Mars and got genuinely excited every week.

I had high hopes for this spin-off show. Sadly, I am left a little disappointed at the return of Gene Hunt and co. I tried to view Ashes on its own merits, but I just couldn't help to use Mars as the measuring stick, and that's a little unfortunate.

For those who are familiar with the Mars universe, it was no-doubt nice to re-visit but it just made me miss Sam Tyler more.

And Ashes to Ashes lacks the intimacy that made Life On Mars so compelling.

There is no magical sense of wonder and intrigue that was the very essence of Sam's journey.

And I don't like the new main character, Alex Drake she's a sort of know-it-all female Doctor.

The upshot is John Simm is an outstanding actor, and made us all feel instantly connected with Sam.

Unfortunately, actress Keeley Hawes who plays Drake just doesn't quiet have the same connection with the audience.

At least, she didn't with me.