Zen

:

Season 1
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
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User Reviews

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  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. Would love to see them shoot some additional episodes.
  2. 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. Great performances, and beautifully shot too. I would recommend this, The Shadow Line and Sherlock as the benchmark for new Britishcrime drama.
  3. 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 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 continueJust 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
  4. jjolla88a
    Sep 27, 2011
    1
    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 think about everytime they opened their mouths. If that is not enough, the plots are weak and it isSurprisingly 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
  5. dylan111
    Aug 5, 2011
    9
    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't the only ones that don't give truly excellent programs a real chance to build an audience. WatchOnce 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
  6. JoeinMD
    Sep 4, 2011
    8
    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.

Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Best TV Season of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
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  2. 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.
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  3. 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.
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