Zen

:

Season 1
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Buy on
Stream On

Critic Reviews

  1. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: David Wiegand
    Jul 18, 2011
    100
    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.
  2. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Linda Stasi
    Jul 15, 2011
    100
    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.
  3. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Jul 15, 2011
    80
    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.
  5. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Nancy DeWolf Smith
    Jul 14, 2011
    80
    The series is set in modern-day Rome, where the women wear tight skirts, the men are in sharp suits, and even the corruption is exquisite in its labyrinthine complexity.
  6. Philadelphia Daily News
    Reviewed by: Ellen Gray
    Jul 14, 2011
    80
    I'll just say that the three-episode run of Zen, based on a series of mysteries by Michael Dibdin about a Venice-born, Rome-based cop named Aurelio Zen--you thought maybe he was a Buddhist?--was absorbing enough that I'm planning to check out the books next.
  7. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Ginia Bellafante
    Jul 14, 2011
    80
    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.
  8. PopMatters
    Reviewed by: Lesley Smith
    Jul 18, 2011
    70
    Despite the pleasures of these performances, the series drags. Inside each of Zen's 90-minute episodes lies, one suspects, a crisp hour.
  9. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Robert Lloyd
    Jul 15, 2011
    70
    Both as twisty mystery and armchair vacation, it's a good way to pass a summer night.
  10. The Huffington Post
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    Jul 15, 2011
    70
    Sewell looks good in the Italian suits and shades, the supporting cast is generally good and the atmosphere is effective even when the pacing has problems.
  11. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Jul 15, 2011
    70
    Zen works, to the extent it does, thanks to Sewell's shell-shocked gaze as he navigates the shark-infested bureaucracy, the way-cool Adrian Johnston score and Rome's intoxicating beauty, with Murino (a Bond girl in "Casino Royale") among the more arresting of Italy's natural assets.
  12. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: David Zurawik
    Jul 18, 2011
    50
    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.

Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Best TV Season of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17
  1. MarcDoyle
    Aug 24, 2011
    9
    Terrific, elegant show. Both Rufus Sewell and his lead actress are eminently watchable, and the stories are compelling. This one's a keeper.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.… Full Review »
  2. bargainsushi
    Jul 31, 2011
    10
    Just got done watching the 3rd and (final?) episode of BBC's Zen. FANTASTIC! The writing, production quality, the acting, all beyond what isJust 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… Full Review »
  3. Neil-Forrest
    Jul 18, 2011
    9
    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. GreatWe 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.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »