Zen: Season 1

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 11 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 17 Ratings

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7.6

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7.6	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 17 Ratings

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Zen

Now Playing: Zen

Season Details & Credits

BBC-1 | PBS | BBC | BBC One | Season Premiere Date: January 2, 2011

Starring: Rufus Sewell, Caterina Murino

Summary: Michael Dibdin's Italian detective Aurelio Zen (Rufus Sewell) comes to the small screen in this adaptation of the first three novels for Masterpiece Mystery.

Genre(s): Drama

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Season 1 Episodes

tbd
S1:E3. Ratking
Air Date: January 16, 2011
tbd
S1:E2. Cabal
Air Date: January 9, 2011
tbd
S1:E1. Vendetta
Air Date: January 2, 2011

See all Seasons and Episodes

Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Linda Stasi

Jul 15, 2011

It's all as addictive as an uber-fresh, ice-cold slice of watermelon on one of the hills of Rome in the scorching heat. Read full review

100

David Wiegand

Jul 18, 2011

The performances are superb, especially that of Sewell in the title role. He underplays the part to sublime perfection, making Aurelio Zen one of the most attractive and fascinating TV cops in years. Read full review

Ginia Bellafante

Jul 14, 2011

There is little resistance to cliche in all this, but the cliche is so visually appealing that you'll feel like a spoiled child if you complain. And you're given such a treat that you'll also feel like one, begging for more. Read full review

Matt Roush

Jul 15, 2011

In this clever series of politically and sexually charged Masterpiece Mystery! movies based on books by Michael Dibdin, and beautifully filmed on location, lone wolf Zen finds his reputation for integrity challenged on all sides. Read full review

Robert Lloyd

Jul 15, 2011

Both as twisty mystery and armchair vacation, it's a good way to pass a summer night. Read full review

Lesley Smith

Jul 18, 2011

Despite the pleasures of these performances, the series drags. Inside each of Zen's 90-minute episodes lies, one suspects, a crisp hour. Read full review

David Zurawik

Jul 18, 2011

There are just too many problems with the lead character and writing for this to ever become a PBS staple like "Inspector Morse" or "Miss Marple" had been. Read full review

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7.6

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User Reviews

bargainsushi

Jul 31, 2011

Just got done watching the 3rd and (final?) episode of BBC's Zen. FANTASTIC! The writing, production quality, the acting, all beyond what is offered on any other station. The cinematography blows away most theatrical movies. I just read BBC axed pursuing a series of this? And there is evenJust got done watching the 3rd and (final?) episode of BBC's Zen. FANTASTIC! The writing, production quality, the acting, all beyond what is offered on any other station. The cinematography blows away most theatrical movies. I just read BBC axed pursuing a series of this? And there is even more Zen stories already written and ready for the taking? You guys gotta get with it and continue this as a series. There's plenty of loose threads in sub-plots to continue further. You have a goldmine. The question over the past 3 Sundays in our house has been: Do you want to go to the movies? No, we want to stay in and watch Zen! Sonoma, CA… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

dylan111

Aug 5, 2011

Once I got over the fact that all the Italian characters were speaking English, I fell in love with this show. Zen, his new girl friend, his mother, his co-workers, even his enemies were really great. What a shame if it is true that the BBC canceled it. I guess American networks aren'tOnce I got over the fact that all the Italian characters were speaking English, I fell in love with this show. Zen, his new girl friend, his mother, his co-workers, even his enemies were really great. What a shame if it is true that the BBC canceled it. I guess American networks aren't the only ones that don't give truly excellent programs a real chance to build an audience. Watch it online at PBS.com while you have the chance!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Neil-Forrest

Jul 18, 2011

We were given an advanced showing in the UK, as it is a BBC production, and I loved it. Antonioni cool for the 21st Century. Great performances, and beautifully shot too. I would recommend this, The Shadow Line and Sherlock as the benchmark for new Britishcrime drama.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

MarcDoyle

Aug 24, 2011

Terrific, elegant show. Both Rufus Sewell and his lead actress are eminently watchable, and the stories are compelling. This one's a keeper. Would love to see them shoot some additional episodes.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

JoeinMD

Sep 4, 2011

Characters and stories are excellent. I just wish the characters felt Italian. With hardly an accent from any of the characters, it is just a bit difficult to get deeply involved.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

jjolla88a

Sep 27, 2011

Surprisingly bad. The show starts with what is a brilliant idea: it is set in beautiful Rome! And the characters are sexy Italians! Then they take this great premise and trash it completely ... with British actors speaking in British accents. It's totally out of place. it's all I could thinkSurprisingly bad. The show starts with what is a brilliant idea: it is set in beautiful Rome! And the characters are sexy Italians! Then they take this great premise and trash it completely ... with British actors speaking in British accents. It's totally out of place. it's all I could think about everytime they opened their mouths. If that is not enough, the plots are weak and it is difficult for the audience to get involved. If the accents were not so grating, I would find myself bored senseless.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

Seasons & Episodes

77

Series Overview
Season 1

77
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: January 2, 2011
- tbd
  S1:E3. Ratking
  Air Date: January 16, 2011
- tbd
  S1:E2. Cabal
  Air Date: January 9, 2011
- tbd
  S1:E1. Vendetta
  Air Date: January 2, 2011