Back to the future for Alex?

Sam Tyler may have shuffled off this mortal coil, but those figments of his imagination, Gene Hunt, Ray Carling and Chris Skelton, are still alive and well.

Now they're back in a second run of Life on Mars spin-off Ashes to Ashes, and once more, those politically incorrect coppers will be taking no prisoners.

Okay, maybe a few.

Keeley Hawes returns as DI Alex Drake, the present-day psychological profiler who's still in a coma after being shot in the head at the start of last series.

As with Life on Mars, the fish-out-of-water protagonist is determined to get back to her own time, and, in this case, be with her daughter, Molly.

The new series kicks off in 1982, the year of ET, leg warmers, fluorescent fashions and the Falklands War.

Alex finally understands how the world around her works, but when she starts hearing news from the future, she realises nothing is as it seems.

She discovers she may not be alone in her predicament. A stranger who also seems to be stuck in 1982 is making Alex doubt that her current world is merely a figment of her imagination.

And while Gene Hunt saved her younger self from the car bomb that killed her parents, can she ever trust him enough to share her extraordinary scenario? That remains to be seen, but while keeping some of the plot twists under wraps, fans should be thrilled to see a few familiar faces returning.

Marshall Lancaster is back as DC Chris Skelton and Montserrat Lombard is reprising her role as PC Shaz Granger.

Chris and Shaz couldn't be happier. He's still trying his best to be the perfect 'feminist' boyfriend and wants to take the relationship to the next level, but predictably Ray Carling (Dean Andrews) continues to tease him about his romantic gestures.

Ray is also struggling to contain his emotions about the Falklands War, blaming the "Argies" and throwing his weight behind Maggie Thatcher.

However, more testing times lie ahead for the trio..

So, aside from the year, how have things changed in season two? "The new series moves in a slightly different direction and we've really enjoyed developing the characters and Alex's journey further," explains producer Beth Willis. "Gene and Alex's relationship is so complex; it is very sparky and they obviously care for each other in a begrudging manner so it's interesting to see how this evolves." The arrival of Superintendent Mackintosh (Roger Allam) should also set the cat among the pigeons.

"Ray and Chris are still by Gene's side, but when force legend Detective Superintendent 'Supermac'

Mackintosh starts working with the team, it looks as if Gene's equilibrium could be broken," explains Beth.

Supermac's arrival initially seems like a blessing because he's been hailed as a star within the force, and someone not to be messed with. However, Gene's gut instinct tells him something isn't quite right.

Could this legendary law enforcer be up to no good? Well, we'll surely find out as the episodes tick by.

Ashes to Ashes (BBC1, 9pm)

CAPTION(S):

OUT OF TIME: Alex (Keeley Hawes) starts receiving flashes from the present.