Ep 1. Out Here in the Fields

Life On Mars is a science fiction police procedural drama show that first aired in 2006 on BBC One. The show revolves around Sam Tyler, a detective in modern-day Manchester who, after a car accident, wakes up to find himself in the year 1973.

Season 1 episode 1, titled Out Here in the Fields, introduces us to Sam Tyler (played by John Simm), the lead character and a detective with the Manchester police department. The episode begins with Sam Tyler chasing a criminal in a car, but the chase soon ends in a huge crash. After that, we see him lying in a hospital bed with a head injury, and the people around him talking about his condition. We see him drifting in and out of consciousness, and he keeps seeing visions of a little girl.

Soon after, we see Sam Tyler waking up to find himself in a very different world – a world where everything is different from what he knows. He is no longer in the 21st century but in the year 1973, in the same city, but in a different time. Sam is completely disoriented and confused, and believes he is either in a coma or has gone insane. He even thinks that his delusion is the result of his serious car accident in the present day.

Sam quickly discovers that he is now a detective in the Manchester police force, but things are very different from how he is used to. There are no computers, mobile phones, or modern technology, and the police work in a very old-school way. He's also learn that he has a new boss, DCI Gene Hunt, a gruff, no-nonsense cop who doesn't take kindly to newcomers.

Sam tries to make sense of his situation and get his bearings, while at the same time getting to know his colleagues and trying to fit in. He's approached by a young policewoman named Annie Cartwright (Liz White) who offers to show him around the station and help him get up to speed. Sam realizes that Annie is the little girl he had seen in his visions earlier, but he tries to keep this to himself as he doesn't want to sound crazy.

As Sam settles into his new life, he is soon called to investigate a murder case – the brutal killing of an 11-year-old girl named Maria. Sam is appalled by the brutality of the crime and decides to throw himself into the investigation. He quickly discovers that the investigation is being hampered by corruption within the police force. In addition to that, he must deal with Gene Hunt, who is suspicious of his new colleague and doesn't think much of his unorthodox methods.

Sam starts to piece together the clues and begins to suspect that the murderer may be a member of the victim's family. He sets up a meeting with the father, who behaves suspiciously. As Sam tries to interrogate him, the father suddenly lunges forward and tries to strangle him. Sam manages to fight him off, and the father is taken into custody.

As the episode draws to a close, Sam reflects on his situation and wonders what has happened to him. He's found some comfort in the thought that he might be in a coma and that he might recover one day. But he's also starting to realize that he may never get back to his own time and may be stuck in the 1970s forever.

Out Here in the Fields is the perfect introduction to Life On Mars, as it sets up the main character's predicament and introduces us to the show's key themes. The episode does an excellent job of establishing the show’s premise and setting the tone for what's to come. With its engaging storyline, strong performances, and attention to detail, Life On Mars is a must-watch for fans of the genre.