How much did I enjoy Ashes to Ashes tonight? I know there was always going to be a lot to live up to with Life On Mars, but I've been taking it as something entirely independent - which just happens to have a lot of lovely Gene in it - and I'm more than warm to it. As for Alex, I'm thoroughly enjoying her take on Sam's universe.

She has a point of view which is informed in a way Sam never was - which means she's throwing herself into it. Little slaggy, but if you were free to do what you wanted with no reprecussions, you can't tell me you wouldn't be making just as thinly-veiled come-ons to Gene Hunt. I think she's bright, and funny, and dare I say a little bit sexy - it can't just have been me who couldn't take their eyes off those sodding jeans... I think the chemistry with Gene is there, and I'm willing to listen to arguments to the contrary, but I'm treating the fact that I could not take my eyes from my telly as a sign.

And Ray!? Hello... A bit of character development - brilliant. Always knew he was a big softie really. Don't get me wrong, he's no Gene, but no one ever told me that he had such a - is the word "cute"? - smile! No? Ok... *is a little bit wrong in the head.*

What about everyone else?

Oh - and here's an un-beta'd (sorry!) snippet: