Zen (TV series)

Zen is a British television crime drama series based on the Aurelio Zen novels by Michael Dibdin. The series stars Rufus Sewell as Aurelio Zen, an Italian detective working for the State Police in Rome.

The first series comprised three 90-minute episodes, which aired on BBC One in January 2011. These episodes were adapted from three of Dibdin's novels: Vendetta, Cabal, and Ratking. Each episode presents a complex and morally ambiguous mystery that Zen must solve, often navigating political intrigue and corruption within the Italian government and police force.

The series is noted for its atmospheric portrayal of Rome and its complex characters. Zen himself is depicted as an intelligent, introspective, and somewhat cynical detective struggling to maintain his integrity in a system rife with corruption. The series explores themes of justice, power, and the challenges of upholding moral principles in a flawed world.

Despite positive reviews for Sewell's performance and the overall quality of the production, the BBC opted not to commission a second series, citing budget constraints. This decision was met with disappointment by many viewers and critics who praised the show's intelligent storytelling and atmospheric setting.