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Casting Couch: Two More Discover "Life on Mars"

David E. Kelley's US adaptation of hit BBC series (and Televisionary favorite) Life on Mars just got a little more crowded.

After locking in series leads Sam Tyler and Annie, to be played by Marlowe's Jason O'Mara and Veronica Mars' Rachelle Lefevre, Kelley has finally clinched the pivotal character of Detective Gene Hunt, the surly, violence-prone head of the homicide division. (The Gene Genie in the original Life on Mars was played with aplomb by the preternaturally talented Philip Glenister.)

Hunt will be played by veteran Irish actor Colm Meaney, familiar to many as Chief O'Brien on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: The Next Generation. He's appeared in dozens of films including Layer Cake, The Commitments, Claire Dolan, Con Air, The Snapper, and Mystery, Alaska, the latter of which was written by--you guessed it--David E. Kelley himself.

Also cast in the drama pilot: Rescue Me's Lenny Clark.

Life in Mars is still in contention for a midseason berth on ABC.

What's On Tonight

8 pm: Ghost Whisperer (CBS); 1 vs. 100 (NBC); WWE Friday Night SmackDown (CW; 8-10 pm); Set for Life (ABC)

9 pm: Jericho (CBS); Las Vegas (NBC); George Lopez/George Lopez (ABC)

10 pm: NUMB3RS (CBS); Law & Order: Criminal Intent (NBC); 20/20 (ABC)

What I'll Be Watching

8 pm: Doctor Who on Sci Fi.

On tonight's episode ("42"), the Doctor and Martha only have 42 minutes to prevent the spaceship they're on from crashing into the heart of the sun. Is it getting hot in here?
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Comments

The CineManiac said…
Colm is perfect for this role, I can't wait to see this version.
But maybe instead of putting "Veronica Mars'Rachelle Lefevre" you should have put What About Brians'
Rachelle Lefevre, since she was in like one episode of VM and at least 6 episodes of WAB.
8/17/2007
Jace Lacob said…
Yeah, but the less said about What About Brian the better. (I kid!)
8/17/2007
Dani In NC said…
I wasn't interested in the US version of Life On Mars because I enjoyed the British show so much. Seeing that Colm Meaney is involved makes me want to give it a shot. However, if they make him do an American accent, I am out!
8/17/2007
Danielle C.F. Maris said…
The character of Gene Hunt in the original show is one of the most well-written cop characters ever on TV. He's a total bastard but you can't help but like him as he is a product of his time. Watching him and Sam butt heads is what made the show interesting for me. I don't know if they'll be able to pull off the same energy in the American version but at least they're putting together a talented cast.
8/17/2007
Anonymous said…
Awww...come on. I really liked What About Brian! I thought it was good, Maybe because I loved most of the actors/actresses.
8/17/2007
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