THE Seventies returned to BBC1 last night in a blaze of beige and Crimplene.

If anyone had any doubts that Life on Mars could not sustain the standards set in series one, they would have been wiped away within the first five minutes.

Nelson's own John Simm as DI Sam Tyler, the time-travelling cop forced into a world of flares and Ford Cortinas, and the wonderful Philip Glenister as his neanderthal boss Gene Hunt, proved once again that they are one of the great TV double acts of modern times.

Realistically, Life on Mars shouldn't work - the idea is just too contrived.

But thanks to the great period detail and a wonderfully funny script, it's pure TV gold.

In years to come it should be made part of the National Curriculum for history students as the era is recreated so authentically.

Owing an obvious debt to original Seventies shows such as The Sweeney, Life on Mars proves what can be done when quality is applied to the TV making process.

The new twist in the script which sees Tyler trying to lock up a man in 1973 so that he cannot become a murderer over 30 years later is brilliantly thought out.

But it is the way the whole thing pulls together that is the main reason for its success.

All the characters are well observed and the soundtrack which accompanies the show is a triumph.

It's enough to have you reaching for your tank top!