TV episode review
UK airdate 2 April 2010 (BBC One)

"My name is Alex Drake – and quite frankly your guess is as good as mine..."

The amended opening narration is totally apt for the first few minutes of this third, and final, season of Ashes to Ashes. The second year ended with Alex apparently back in 2008 but seeing Gene's face in the hospital monitors, and it'll come as no surprise to learn that, not too far into the episode, she's back in the 1980s.

But things have changed during the time she's lain in hospital after being shot by Gene Hunt. The guv'nor is on the run, which leaves Ray Carling is in charge of the unit. Shaz and Chris have reached a decision over their relationship. And there's a new face on the scene – DCI Jim Keats, who's got a lot of questions, and maybe some answers.

And answers is what the creators have promised, although from the look of this first episode, they're going to ask a lot more questions first. The death of Life on Mars' Sam Tyler in the past has been glossed over in previous episodes, but it seems as if it'll become central to the resolution of the various mysteries.

Couple all of this scene-setting with a missing girl, a glorious spoof DVD cover and some of the best of 1983's hits, and Ashes is off to a fine start. Paul Simpson

VERDICT: 7/10