Zen (2011, Crime Drama) – 8/10 TV review

Cast / crew Rufus Sewell: Aurelio Zen Caterina Murino: Tania Morelli Ben Miles: Amedeo Colonna Stanley Townsend: Moscali Catherine Spaak: Mamma Francesco Quinn: Gilberto Nieddu Peter Guinness: Tilo Spadola Valentina Cervi: Arianna Sarah-Jane Potts: Cinzia Miletti Writer (Original Mystery): Michael Dibdin Writer: Peter Berry Writer: Simon Burke Producer: Michael Casey Director: Jon Jones

Zen (2011) Aurelio Zen, an Italian police detective, has a reputation for integrity but that will be severely tested when he is assigned to politically sensitive cases. While you can’t please all the people all the time, Zen’s going to give it a good try. 8/10 The BBC get their mystery drama output off to a great start in 2011 with Zen starring the inconsistent Rufus Sewell. Fortunately, Sewell appears to be awake for this piece of work and impressively casually strolls around Rome balancing attempts to manipulate him while ensuring justice is executed in whatever case he is on. The addition of the political machinations to the murder mystery works really well and is instantly what makes this show stand out. The central crime plots have all been good and would have been fine in their own right, but justice always looks elusive until Zen brings it all together. Additionally, the tone is light and fun, the scenery is lovely and there is very little objectionable content. This could easily be repeated endlessly on Sunday afternoons. I don’t really like Caterina Murino’s character who is endlessly and remarkably selfish – qualities that turn even the most beautiful woman into something repugnant – but that’s the only real problem I have. Looking forward to a season two. This Zen episode contains mild swear words, adult dialogue and gory and unpleasant scenes, violence and sexuality. Classified 15 by BBFC. Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over.