I've watched every episode. Don't know why - it's absolute rubbish, I haven't got a clue what's going on, and I don't have any sympathy for any of the characters.
Why is it called Ashes to Ashes? Would I understand it any better if I'd seen Life on Mars?
I've watched the first 3 episodes of Luther. Don't know why - it's absolute rubbish, I haven't got a clue what's going on, and I don't have any sympathy for any of the characters.

why do you bother paying your licence fee??? why dont you just throw the telly out the window??? might be more interesting 
You are all missing the point I was trying to make. I watch a lot of television, and some of it is absolutely brilliant:
The Sopranos, The Wire, Breaking Bad, Deadwood, True Blood, Dexter - all American, but absolutely outstanding.
Then there's all the stuff that's not quite so brilliant, but is good enough to be absolutely gripping:
- Heroes (been going downhill since Season 1),
- The Vampire Diaries (improves as it goes along),
- Being Human (series 1 - brilliant, series 2 - OK),
- Doctor Who (David Tennant brilliant, Matt Smith - jury's still out),
- Outnumbered (current series dreadful),
- Poirot (mostly brilliant),
- Ashes to Ashes (see above),
- FlashForward (as for Ashes to Ashes),
- Luther (preposterous, but impressive acting)
Rubbish can be addictive - look how popular the soaps are. Just because I'm addicted to
Ashes to Ashes doesn't mean I have to turn off my critical faculties!
