Watch East West 101
- TV-14
- 2007
- 3 Seasons
-
7.0 (663)
East West 101 is a gripping police procedural drama series from Australia that explores the complex relationship between the Western and Muslim worlds. The show depicts the challenges encountered by a Sydney detective, Zane Malik, played by Don Hany, as he navigates the complexities of the crime world, racism, and his own identity as a Muslim. With themes of cultural clashes and blurred ideological lines as recurring factors, East West 101 delves into the political, social, and personal issues that divide and unite both sides of the debate about the place of Muslims in Australian society.
Zane Malik is a devout Muslim, and his deep cultural roots often come into conflict with his job as a detective in the New South Wales Police Force. He must learn to balance his beliefs against his profession while also dealing with the long-standing prejudice that exists against him and his community. His colleagues are seasoned police officers who must come to terms with their own preconceptions and biases as they work alongside a Muslim detective. Despite the initial difficulties, Malik earns the respect of his colleagues and sets out to reshape the police force's perception of his community.
The show's intricately woven storylines are thought-provoking and often revelatory. The characters are well-rounded, and the portrayal of social and cultural norms is realistic and vivid. East West 101 is a show that raises many pertinent and topical questions, including what it means to be Australian, cultural taboos, and the complexities of maintaining an individual identity while adhering to religious, social, and familial obligations.
The show's cast is exceptional, with Don Hany's portrayal of Zane Malik anchoring the series. His acting is intense and convincing, making it clear that he deeply understands the character he embodies. His performance is matched by that of William McInnes, who plays the role of Senior Detective Ray Crowley. McInnes' character embodies the stereotype of the grizzled, old-school police officer and provides a perfect counterbalance to Malik's new perspectives. Susie Porter, Daniela Farinacci, and Aaron Fa'aoso provide excellent support with their respective roles as Detective Jill Pierce, Detective Sonny Koa, and Malik's lawyer, Diane Lewis.
East West 101 is exceptional in how it explores different ideologies, cultures, and belief systems. Throughout the series, the creators have shown a willingness to address controversial and taboo issues. East West 101 is not merely a crime show. Instead, it is a show that explores the nuances of cultural identity and the impact of cultural perceptions on modern-day society. It provides a nuanced look into Australia with a wide range of characters and themes that explore the country's political, social, and cultural landscape.
In conclusion, East West 101 is an exceptional TV series from Australia that delves into the complexities of cultural differences, prejudices, and societal structures. It delivers on its premise of exploring the relationship between the Western and Muslim worlds, and it does so with frankness and sensitivity. The writing is outstanding, and the acting is outstanding, earning it critical acclaim and multiple awards. For anyone looking to watch a thought-provoking crime drama with a twist, East West 101 is a must-watch.
East West 101 is a series that ran for 3 seasons (20 episodes) between December 6, 2007 and on SBS ONE