I enjoyed the only series made of Zen and was surprised that the BBC haven't made any more. Each episode is 90 minutes long and features Aurelio Zen, a detective in the Rome police force. Zen, played by Rufus Sewell has a reputation for doing things by the book, a trait that doesn't seem to be shared by all of his colleagues. This reputation means that he is asked to undertake specific "sensitive" investigations by representatives of the Italian government, who want them to be handled in a particular way. They also make it clear that if the results aren't to their satisfaction his career will be in jeopardy. The viewer wants to see how Zen can stay true to his morality without ruining his career. We also get to see his private life, which is also pretty complicated!The series was shot in Italy but with actors playing the Italian characters being nearly all native English speakers. This is fine but then along comes Italian actress Caterina Murino playing one of the characters with strong Italian accent. This piece of casting jarred for me a little but since Caterina is gorgeous I've learned to be okay with it.Rufus Sewell is excellent as the suave but vulnerable Zen, always trying to do the right thing, usually under difficult circumstances.

Welcome to the Italian Tourist Board production of some detective story or other. In the series you will see shimmering silhouettes of Rome, hear the chirp of cicadas in the midday sun and marvel at rolling scenes of pine forests and classical architecture - but as for everything else?I seem to be in a small minority (so far) of those who found this TV series profoundly disappointing. Perhaps it was because I read the books when they first came out and therefore have a clear picture in my mind of the Zen I was expecting. But no, clearly the original plots and characters were not good enough for the producers.Surely someone could have found either real Italians or at least people capable of putting on a good Italian accent? As it was, we needed to see the 'Questura di Roma' sign every 5 minutes just to remind viewers that we had not space-shifted into some English regional police station where people apparently have nothing useful to do.Zen - well he must be Italian, mustn't he, with his designer sunglasses and snazzy suits? And Tania, like all good Italian police workers, dressed to the nine in high heels. And everyone, but everyone, appears to live in some palatial dwelling. Where is the real Rome, the noisy, bustling, chaotic city which never sleeps, where crossing every road is to take your life in its hands? Italian arguments are wonderful and terrifying experiences (as well as being everyday) - here they turn into bizarre parodies which never quite get anyone's blood boiling. Shouting is not arguing!My main criticism, however, is connected with the characters and with their dialogue. There was not a single person in the series with whom one could identify or empathise. Characters and dialogues were all two-dimensional and flat. How could anyone possibly believe in the dynamics of the police station, of the relationship between Zen and his mother, between Zen and Fabbri, his bosses and even the bad guys? Everyone looked as though they were reading their lines for the first time off an autocue. Frankly, I could not get engrossed in a single episode, whereas the books were gripping.So in summary if you have not read any of the books and would like a two-dimensional and unconvincing romp through lovely Italian scenery, fine, but otherwise find something more gripping and convincing. Wallander it certainly isn't, in any of his incarnations.

I have to say, I have really been taken by surprise by this series. I really enjoyed the first episode but, it was the 2nd episode, Cabal, that really got me hooked. First and foremost I absolutely love the extended running time. 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. 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.Zen is really a throwback to old school TV. No funky cinematography, no shaky cameras, no funky camera angles, no high tech police gadgetry etc. In fact, I don't think I even remember seeing a single computer. Cell phones are about as high tech as this show has gotten thus far. The locations are simply stunning and that is no surprise given that it takes place in Rome. I openly admit that was initially one of the things that I was most excited about as I absolutely love Rome. Its hands down one of my favorite cities in the world and its a perfect setting for this series, especially with the approach that they have taken.Of course if your going to have a show in Rome then fashion simply must play a role and the show certainly doesn't disappoint in this regard. The wardrobe choices are impeccable especially in regards to Rufus Sewell's suits. He looks outstanding in practically every scene. Then you have Caterina Murino and she looks absolutely fabulous as well. Her outfits are classy and while there is definitely a very sexy edge to her look, its not overtly sexy. She just looks stunning and they look absolutely dynamite together.As for the stories, thus far its definitely been one of the weaker aspects of the show but they have still been entertaining and in regards to story, the 2nd episode was definitely an improvement over the first episode. I love the whole Cabal storyline and hopefully it will be a reoccurring theme with this show. It fits perfectly with the shows setting in Rome and while these types of detective shows always have different stories with each episode, there is usually a main storyline that takes place alongside the solving of individual cases. I think The Cabal would be a great choice in this regard.Overall I have really enjoyed the first 2 episodes and cant wait for more. This show is just such a breath of fresh air compared to the usual detective riff raff that is practically everywhere you look. Hopefully Zen can pull in enough viewers as it would be a real shame to see this show end prematurely.Definitely a solid 9 out of 10 thus far.

Wow, a treat for the eye and brain. Beautiful locations, la bella figura, good soundtrack, a 70-ish leader and colors that remind of The American (the one with Clooney's buttocks). Full of not obvious clichés as the mama and the 'damn-the-rules' driving.Rufus Sewell plays Aurelio Zen with an understated coolness that is nearly Bond-like. Although uncorrectable there is always a twist in the end. The suits are sharp, one hand never leaves his pocket and he strikes a pose when entering a room. Not when there are women in the room who he has to zip up, then he is the fumbling schoolboy. Caterina Murino as Tania Moretti, the office secretary all the men drool about, has a nearly chique appearance. But, the cleavages are to low, the skirts to tight and the top button with to much tension.The comparison between Kenneth Brannaugh's Wallander end Sewell's Zen is has to be made. Both play a foreign detective in the original setting. But in Wallander they cut back on the office lightning to create suspense and a gloomy, Swedish atmosphere. In Zen everything is vibrating with sunlight and warmth.Love it, we want more, we want more.