The world is filled with tension these days. The possibility
of war between various countries looms if you believe everything you read in
the press. The fear of nuclear holocaust hasn’t been this pervasive since the
1960s. While the potential is and always has been there the reality is that the
odds of it happening are slim. And yet a fear remains in place.
Much of that fear stems from the actions that have involved
Muslim extremists. Now please note this is not ALL Muslims but extremists we
are talking about here. This would mean those that feel the need to wipe anyone
who disagrees off the face of the Earth. The problem is that far too many
associate ALL Muslims with this movement. Sadly those that have no connection
are paying for the actions of the few.
Few films or TV series have actually covered this topic in
depth. Some have touched on it but nothing major. With the exception of one.
EAST WEST 101, which aired on the SBS network in Australia in 2007 made this
the center piece of the series with all other actions revolving around it. Why
no one has taken the series to reset it in another country is beyond
imagination. It would work so well in creating a bridge between people.
The story focuses around police detective Zane Malik (Don
Hany), a Muslim on the elite Major Crime Squad in Sydney, who faces scrutiny
and distrust from his fellow officers due to his faith. His partner is Sonny
Koa (Aaron Fa’aoso), a Samoan-Australian who faces as much prejudice as Zane
due to his heritage. As part of the team they focus is on crimes taking place
in Sydney that range from gang violence to murder. Covering the area of Sydney
that houses a number of immigrants creates more tension than should exist.
One of the main officers on the team is Detective Ray
Crowley (William McInnes). Crowley is filled with plenty of prejudice against
nearly any and every one you can imagine. He focuses much of this against Zane
and the two face off more than once in the first season. The second episode
spends much of its time focusing on Crowley when his son is found dead of a
heroin overdose. Filled with guilt over the death and knowing that the man who
most likely sold him the drugs was foreign, the possibility of Crowley being
the killer of this drug dealer is introduced. That internal affairs is leading
an investigation into his conduct doesn’t help.
So what makes this series work? Why is it so interesting and
why would is it a show that other countries should emulate? The main focus of
the series is the answer. The combination of prejudice mixed with the fear the
world fears after numerous attacks and bombings is a balancing act that
deserves discussion. And the series never turns away from that discussion. It
embraces it and shows the differences in cultures not just from one side but
both.
The pervasive fears of non-Muslims in a world of terrorists
threats is normal but at the same time can become irrational when you begin
thinking that ALL Muslims are the enemy. And the distrust of those who are
Muslim in a country where they are treated poorly based on the actions of a
minority of their religion creates a resentment as well. The character of Zane
tries to balance both sides, remaining faithful to his religion and family
while working within the system to prove his worth their, that he can be
trusted like any other member of the force.
The acting on the show is wonderful with each actor playing
their part to perfection. Hany does a great job in the lead role, displaying an
intensity when called for and a softer side when needed. One hopes that he
moves on to bigger and better things. McInnes as Crowley is a character that
you will loathe early on and never remove that loathing for him even when he’s
faced with the death of his son. He is an unsympathetic character that you want
badly to feel something for but then he opens his mouth and all sympathy is
lost again. How you feel by the end of the series depends on your views.
Acorn Media is just now releasing the first season of the
series with the second soon to follow. It provides viewers around the world
with a chance to experience TV from another country and they’re bringing some
of the best there is to find. This is one of those good ones and while only 6
episodes long is a real treat. If you’re looking for a crime drama that offers
something a little different then I highly suggest this series. You won’t be
disappointed.
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