Zen [DVD]

This is a high-quality drama series produced for TV based around the detective books by Michael Dibdin about a detective called Zen who works in modern day Rome. Each 90 minute episode is a cut above the usual fare for TV detectives; these are effectively full length feature films which happen to be made for television.

Each episode is a stand-alone story based on Dibdin's early Zen books, and they benefit from Dibdin's careful character development and intriguing plots. The stories have been sympathetically adapted for the screen, keeping much of Zen's idiosyncratic behaviour and his delightfully dry wit. Although the crimes are often grim and the danger to Zen and his comrades is very real, these films incorporate a light, almost playful touch (especially as his office romance develops) which makes this series far less gruelling to watch than the recent Wallender adaptation.
Filmed in Rome, the camera work is very stylish, although not stylised. It makes the most of Rufus Sewell's good looks and his ability to wear a very sharp suit, and he perfectly portrays Zen's air of puzzlement when he has to deal with corrupt authority, the bureaucracy of the Italian police, the heavy hand of the Vatican, his wife who wants a divorce, office politics, gangsters with sawn-off shotguns, living with his mother, and seducing a beautiful secretary who has taken something of a shine to him. The first story, Vendetta, is not the strongest of the trio; Zen's artful talents come to the fore in Cabal, and Ratking is by far the best episode.
My only problem with these films is the somewhat weird attitude to local accents. The scripting is all English, and Zen speaks with a neutral accent. His girlfriend and mother speak with a pronounced Italian accent, and bystanders and background chatter is in Italian. That all seems reasonably consistent, and then other supporting actors suddenly start speaking in a broad Geordie, Mancunian, West Country or other British regional accent. It's extremely Odd. An explosive rant from Zen's boss, which would've worked fine with some Latin flourish, really didn't work in a `it's grim oop north' accent.

Strange accents aside, the Roman background couldn't be more evocative or deftly portrayed. Zen's Alfa Romeo roars along cobbled roads; he parks at a skew next to stupendous marble churches; a suicide leaps from a bridge into the Tiber. Visually, this series is very rewarding and, likewise, it is intellectually satisfying. I hope they make another three episodes for next year.
8/10

This brief series was for me absolutely fantastic. Brilliant writing, intelligent and intriguing plots, great acting from the leads and significant guests, Rufus Sewell in particular, in some stunning and captivating locations. In fact, this has to be one of my favourite drama series of the last few years. I have watched the three episodes several times now. Everyone involved in making Zen should be very proud, it is a work of art.

I can't believe the BBC are not continuing with this series - a huge mistake I feel and one that they should rethink pronto. What are we paying the licence fee for? This isn't just another male detective series; it will be remembered long after the likes of George Gently have faded into obscurity. It's not as if it didn't have viewers, it averaged over 5 million and everyone I know who saw it thought it was very good.

Come on, BBC, please rethink your decision and commission a second series! Support Zen by buying the DVD!

I agree with another reviewer - a cut above the norm. Not a scruffy anorak in sight, no seedy housing estates, not a hint of the 'f' word, just elegant surroundings (yes I have been to Rome and I do know there is another seamier side) elegantly dressed people, even just passers by in the street. So refreshing. Great throw away lines, subtle humour, clever plots and Rufus et al casting brilliant. Hope there are many more in the BBC pipeline - get rid of all those dreadful reality shows and dismal soaps.