I was really excited about the prospect of Life on Mars coming to ABC television. I speak in the past tense because everything that has happened since that initial announcement has me doubting that ABC's Americanized Life on Mars will ever make it out of the first season. It may not even air six episodes.

There have been production changes, the first pilot was trashed, they've inserted new characters, they've remade the mythology of the show (with the approval of the British creators), and now more news. The character of Annie Norris on Life on Mars will be played by Gretchen Mol. Yes, the beautiful, sexy and very blond Gretchen Mol. (Okay, she can dye her hair.)

I have the ultimate respect for Ms. Mol. She was excellent in 3:10 to Yuma (a really amazing Western that should have gotten some Oscar consideration). I just think she's the wrong choice for the role of Annie.

Maybe she'll prove me wrong, but she's just too glamorous. In the original series, Annie, as played by Liz White, was a down-to-earth, real woman. She reminded me of Mary Beth Lacey, remember -- Tyne Daly in Cagney and Lacey?

That's what the part called for, in my view, a Tyne Daly type. Especially since Annie faces sexual discrimination in a 1973 mostly-male workplace, a situation like the original Cagney and Lacey TV movie. Annie has to prove herself and be strong enough to put up with the crass attitude of all the male cops, except Sam Tyler who is from 2008 and knows better.

Hopefully, the producers are smarter than I am and Gretchen Mol will be so perfect in the role that I won't miss Liz White one bit. Hopefully...