Sopranos' Imperioli Gives Life on Mars a Try

Casting/recasting news is beginning to trickle in as ABC tweaks its rumored-to-be-in-trouble just fine adaptation of the British series Life on Mars.Jason O'Mara is still the lead — and dagnabit, he better remain the lead! — but now Michael Imperioli has joined the cast.The Sopranos' former Christofuh! will fill the role of Det. Ray Carling, a colleague of Sam's who is mysteriously transplanted from the present into 1972.Imperioli's lawman is described as a rule-bending tough guy who, when the chips are down, is handy to have in your corner. He was played by Dean Andrews in the BBC edition. — Matt MitovichRelated:• ABC Entertainment Boss: Life on Mars Is "Fine"• Mega Buzz: "Is ABC's Life on Mars in trouble already?"• Fall TV: Mars Lands on ABC's Official Schedule

TV GuideNews July 2, 2008, 5:23 p.m. PT