![]() ![]() In fact, I don't think I even remember seeing a single computer. No funky cinematography, no shaky cameras, no funky camera angles, no high tech police gadgetry etc. Zen is really a throwback to old school TV. I honestly don't think I have ever seen a series before that had this kind of running time and ultimately I think it speaks to the kind of show its trying to be. At 1:30 minutes, without commercials, its literally double the average running time for drama's and ultimately it gives the show the ability to be far more character driven. First and foremost I absolutely love the extended running time. I really enjoyed the first episode but, it was the 2nd episode, Cabal, that really got me hooked. I have to say, I have really been taken by surprise by this series. It's a shame we'll never find out who was at the other end of the phone but nonetheless, ZEN made for great viewing. Of the three episodes, the first, VENDETTA, is the strongest, featuring a murderous assassin the second, CABAL, gets tied up in government conspiracies and shady suited figures the third and weakest, RANSOM, features Zen thrown into the middle of a kidnapping where nothing is what it seems. Add in some classy music and beautiful locations and you have a winning series. Rufus Sewell is perfectly cast and plays Zen to the hilt, and he's supported by an excellent list of actors headed by the lovely Caterina Munro. Each episode contains danger, intrigue, political machinations, romance and humour. I found all three episodes to be smart, stylish and above average thrillers. The BBC took the decision to shoot in English and not bother with dodgy accents, which works well. ZEN was a three-part miniseries adaptation of of the literary detective Aurelio Zen. It is just a pity that the series was only three episodes long I hope it will be successful enough to warrant further series in the future.Īnd then they go and axe it. The decision not to have non-Italian cast members speaking in mock Italian accents was wise ever since 'Allo 'Allo false foreign accents have seemed humorous rather than clever. The series is filmed in a way that conveys the heat of the setting so that even though most of the actors speak with English accents nobody would think they were meant to be British. This series is very different to Wallander, he isn't full of angst or suffering family problems he just gets on with the job while enjoying life and being dressed in a very sharp suit Rufus Sewell is great in the role. The stories themselves are gripping and there are plenty of suspects for Zen and the viewer to wonder who did it. Zen isn't perfect though he is having an illicit affair with a woman he works with for starters. It quickly becomes apparent that he is one of the few honest cops but that doesn't stop politicians leaning on him to solve cases that serve them whether or not justice prevails. Set in Rome this series follows three cases for Detective Aurelio Zen. 10/10 Bethany CoxĪfter the success of the BBC version of the Swedish police drama 'Wallander' it appears that they decided to make another police show set on the continent, this time trading Scandinavia for the warmth of Italy. I don't know about anyone else but I also thought it was a very refreshing change of pace, however it is deserving of more episodes if and when it comes back, the three episodes while wholly satisfying still left me wanting more. Overall, Zen was brilliant, I had high hopes and got more than I expected and I mean that in a good way. The real revelation was the production values, as good as the photography, lighting and costumes are the scenery and colours are just breathtaking. Plus Caterina Murino is stunning beyond words. The acting is very good, Rufus Sewell is just perfect in the lead meeting his character traits with aplomb. The characters are also credible, I just love how charismatic, brooding and cool Aurelio Zen is. ![]() The writing is witty, fresh and thought-provoking, the soundtrack is good, the episodes are all well paced and I think the perfect length too, the stories were both perplexing and interesting- the first was the best in terms of plot construction- and the whole series is very well directed. ![]() Zen is just terrific, I loved the concept and I think the programme lived up to this concept. Not only did it achieve that, but I wasn't expecting something this good so early on in the year. When I first tuned into Zen I was expecting something interesting.
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