Early on in the latest installment of Ashes to Ashes, Alex Drake was warned by the evil clown Pierrot that someone was going to die. Not just anyone, but one of her fellow coppers. Up until this point, Alex has been fighting to seize control of her 1981 alter ego. Her theory has been if she can stop events from occurring, she can prevent her parents’ death. Her task on this night was to ensure none of her police colleagues met an untimely end.
Well, she succeeded. After Shaz was accidentally stabbed by OCD robber Gil Hollis, Alex brought her back from the dead. Then she screamed, “I’m in control!” Her resurrection abilities convinced her that the future is not yet written. In three days, on October 10, 1981, her parents will fall victim to a car bomb. So, if Alex could save Shaz, it makes sense she should be able to save her parents too. Of course, things have a way of falling to pieces in the Ashes to Ashes universe.
Before I get to my main observation, I’d like to briefly touch on the gaggle of modern day references that popped up throughout the episode. Alex’s diagnosis of OCD left the gang puzzled. Whenever she throws out a psychobabble term, Gene just rolls his eyes. Alex also dropped “hoodies” into the conversation. I think Gene thought she was talking about cars. Then there was the comical discussion involving “New Kids on the Block” and “Backstreet Boys.” Gene and the boys used the names to describe a duo of thieves, much to Alex’s enjoyment. Oh, if they only knew.
The color red — which has been featured prominently already — really took center stage. Here’s a list of all things crimson: Alex’s sheets and the brick wall in her apartment; the bloody question mark on her calendar; cherry martinis; a Swiss Army knife; the red balloon that Alex chases after right before her parents are killed by the car bomb. What does it all mean?
Red symbolizes many things. It could be the Devil, but that seems too obvious. Red is also a power color. Power, or control, is something Alex is seeking. However, in my humble opinion, it’s being used as a caution, like flashing lights or a stop sign. It’s warning Alex that danger lies ahead; if she continues her quest, she may regret it. When she ran after the balloon as a child, her parents died. If she follows red again, it may be her that ends up a casualty.
In the first episode, Alex awoke in 1981 wearing a red dress and heels. Ever since, the color keeps appearing on a regular basis. I’ve been told everything in the series means something, so I would assume red is no different. Next week will mark the season one finale of Ashes to Ashes. It’s been a wild ride thus far. I’m certain the curtain call chapter won’t be any different.
Clacked by Scott Tunstall 
on Apr 20, 2009 @ 10:00 EST5EDT
