Variety reports that ABC has picked up David E. Kelley’s American version of the hit BBC series LIFE ON MARS…only without David E. Kelley.
As for "Life on Mars," late Sunday a deal for the show hadn’t yet
been confirmed — but now that "Boston Legal" has been given a
primetime reprieve, it’s believed a "Mars" pickup is close behind. That’s
because "Legal" creator David E. Kelley also owned the rights to the
U.S. adaptation of "Mars." Kelley was looking to depart the project,
while ABC was looking to continue it sans Kelley.Hence, a
weekend-long dance that finally appeared resolved by Sunday. "Legal"
was back for a fifth season, while "Mars" is expected to continue as a
20th Century Fox TV/ABC Studios co-production. "October Road" exec
producers Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec and Scott Rosenberg are in line
to take over as showrunners.
Nikki Finke pretty much says the same thing on her blog, adding that BOSTON LEGAL is probably going to recast its supporting players yet again. Meanwhile, she reports that the CW has picked up the BEVERLY HILLS 90210 revival…and that Tori Spelling may be joining the cast.
As a great fan of the British series, I am greatly relieved to have Kelley out of it. It’s not meant to be quirky, IMHO. It’s tragic, subtle and violent, things he doesn’t do well.