Ep 2. The Real Adventures of the Unreal Sam Tyler

In season 1 episode 2 of the British science fiction drama television series Life on Mars titled The Real Adventures of the Unreal Sam Tyler, Sam is still struggling to come to terms with his new life in 1973. He is confused and disoriented, convinced that he must have been transported back in time as part of a scientific experiment or trapped in a coma dream.

Sam begins to experience vivid dreams and flashbacks of his life in the present, causing him to question whether he is truly living in the past or if he has somehow lost his grip on reality. Meanwhile, he is reluctantly partnered with DI Gene Hunt, a rough and tough detective who is completely out of touch with modern policing methods. Sam is appalled by Hunt's attitude towards suspects and witnesses, but Hunt is convinced that his old-school tactics will get results.

The case at the heart of this episode sees Sam and Hunt investigating the brutal murder of a young woman who was a fan of science fiction novels. The investigation takes them into the seedy world of "geekdom," where they encounter a host of strange and unusual characters who each seem to have their own motives for wanting the victim dead.

Throughout the episode, Sam struggles to fit in with his new colleagues and their outdated ways of working. He also finds himself drawn to the victim's sister, Annie, who works as a receptionist at the police station. Sam is struck by her beauty and intelligence, but he is hesitant to pursue a relationship with her, knowing that he may never be able to return to his old life.

As the investigation deepens, Sam begins to suspect that he may be running out of time to solve the case and prove his worth to his fellow officers. He becomes increasingly isolated and paranoid, convinced that the people around him are hiding something and that he is the only one who can uncover the truth.

Ultimately, the case is solved and the killer is brought to justice, but Sam is left with more questions than answers. He remains fixated on the idea that he is somehow trapped in a parallel universe, unable to return to his own time. As the episode draws to a close, he is left with a sense of unease and uncertainty about his future.