Restless Preview

Thanks to Kaye for giving me a heads up about the upcoming Sundance Channel miniseries Restless, starring Lady Mary...I mean Michelle Dockery. :) Here's a short preview (if it doesn't load, click through to the Sundance website -- I found the embedded viewing option a little glitchy):



Hayley Atwell is perfect in 1940s-era period pieces (remember Captain America?), but oh. my. WORD. Rufus Sewell! RUFUS SEWELL!!! In a friggin' amazing suit!! I die. :P

Restless premieres on December 7th.

Zen encores!

Remember how much I loved the three-part Zen series on Masterpiece Mystery last year? No (WHERE WERE YOU)? Well, you're in luck because PBS will be encoring the all-too-short-lived show starting June 10th (check local listings, PBS will most likely stream the episodes online, and the DVDs are available -- LOTS OF OPTIONS!). :)

What does an honest cop do when his bosses are on the side of the lawbreakers? Outwitting prosecutors, politicians, mobsters and run-of-the-mill kidnappers and killers, Detective Aurelio Zen brings justice to modern-day Italy, whether the authorities want it or not, on Zen, a trio of spellbinding cases based on the bestselling novels of by British crime writer Michael Dibdin, airing on Masterpiece July 17-31, 2011.

Rufus Sewell (Middlemarch) stars as Zen, a Roman police detective hailing from Venice, where "Zen" is a local shortening of the name Zeno. Separated from his wife and living with his mother, he is too frazzled by his job to think about romance. That is, until he meets Tania Moretti (Caterina Murino), his chief's new secretary.

Three encore episodes airing in 2012, Vendetta (June 10), Cabal (June 17) and Ratking (June 24), showcase an international cast including Ed Stoppard (Upstairs Downstairs), Ben Miles (The Forsyte Saga), Stanley Townsend (Sherlock) and Greg Wise (Return to Cranford).

I still find it incredibly depressing that the BBC canceled this series after only three episodes. But if you're in need of a Rufus Sewell fix this is about the best thing going. *wink* Here are the links to my episode reviews:

• Vendetta
• Cabal
• Ratking

I also put together a massive series review for Femnista's Nov/Dec 2011 "Favorite Sleuths" issue -- you can read that issue here -- my article is on pages 18-19.

Zen: Ratking

Zen (sadly, tragically!) concluded its wildly entertaining three-week run on Masterpiece Mystery with perhaps the most interesting mystery yet. And while the end of the episode left me longing for more, if the show had to get canceled (silly BBC!) it ended on perhaps the best possible note - it left me wanting more, and left my new favorite smoldering sleuth in a very good place. Be warned, this post is apt to be long and rambling and ALL over the place. :) Here's the episode summary of Ratking from the PBS website:

There's a new boss on the murder squad, Ernesto Hueber, and to his position he's brought an ironclad Code of Conduct, an antagonistic relationship with the powers that be and a bitter contempt for Zen. No "fraternizing" with coworkers and no freedom to define and skirt his own boundaries means certain noncompliance for Zen. Between his growing relationship with Tania and a new morally ambiguous case handed to him by the Ministry, Zen now must navigate the potential minefields of the girlfriend, the boss and the law.

To pay a kidnapping ransom is illegal in Italy. But that is exactly what Zen is tasked with by the Ministry when the head of the powerful Miletti family is kidnapped and his lawyer is murdered during the ransom drop. With his rival Fabri on the case and a mysterious stranger on his tail, Zen is poised to take a fall. Will the feisty Venetian find a slippery solution to his high-stakes dilemma, or is he finally out of luck?

Based on Michael Dibdin's bestselling Aurelio Zen novel, Ratking stars Rufus Sewell (Middlemarch), Caterina Murino (Casino Royale), and Ed Stoppard (Upstairs Downstairs).

Ratking opens with the murder of a middle-aged lawyer, Francesco Pirotta (Franco Maria Salamon), shot to death after delivering a briefcase full of ransom money - an activity that, no matter how well-intentioned, is illegal in Italy. Pirotta was the lawyer of the powerful and influential Miletti family (living proof that the extremely rich really ARE different from the rest of us), whose patriarch Ruggerio had been kidnapped several days before. The family was attempting to deal with the kidnappers on their own and without involving the police, since to do so would see their monetary assets frozen by the government to prevent things like disastrous ransom drops.

Thanks to the Ministry's interest in his career, it's a foregone conclusion that Zen (Rufus Sewell) is assigned this nightmare-in-the-making of a case. The "patronage" of Minister Geurchini (Anthony Higgins) and his aide Amedeo Colonna (Ben Miles) only make Zen's standing at work increasingly untenable. Since his biggest advocate and boss, Moscati (Stanley Townsend) has been sidelined thanks to a heart attack, the department has a new and extremely strict superior - Ernesto Heuber (Michael McElhatton). Heuber institutes a "no inter-office affairs" policy and takes an immediate dislike to what he views as Zen's publicity-seeking ways thanks to the coverage of his recent case successes.

This episode is packed with the sly humor that is just one of the many (many, MANY) factors that make Zen such a compelling character. Time after time a government official, coworker, or member of the Miletti family question Zen's judgment or make disparaging remarks about his capabilities, and he doesn't say a word and just walks off. He doesn't have to do anything else - that's the beauty of Sewell's portrayal. All it takes is a look, an expression, the quirk of an eyebrow, and Sewell conveys a wealth of information without uttering a syllable. GENIUS. SOMEBODY HAND THE MAN AN EMMY.

I'm perhaps biased by some warped personal preference, but if a mystery story centers on a highly dysfunctional family like the Milettis, I am predisposed to love it. When Zen goes to interview the Miletti family, he first meets the arrogant second-in-command Carlo Fagioli (Callum Blue), who married the boss's ice queen daughter Cinzia (Sarah-Jane Potts). I loved Blue in the made-for-TV World War II-era film In Love and War. He was a big part of the reason I saw Princess Diaries 2 in theaters (yes, really), and most recently he played a critical role in the three-part "Kali" storyline on my beloved sci-fi show Sanctuary. Blue seems to relish playing a selfish, obnoxious character like Carlo, and frankly it's fun to watch him in this setting (the sharp suit he sports is just an added bonus). The essence of his character is perhaps best-highlighted in his RUDE dismissal of a nun (Katie Murphy) seeking charity assistance for her order's orphanage ministry. Potts, meanwhile, is notable mainly for her extraordinary and disturbing ability to convey her fixation with her on-screen brother, Silvio, and her art-deco style haircut.

Silvio is played by Sebastien Armesto, who should be a familiar face to Masterpiece fans. Armesto played Edmund Sparkler in Little Dorrit (and was hilarious!), Mr. Haslam in Bright Star, and King Ferdinand VI in the latest Pirates film. Silvio is your stereotypical debauched aristocrat with major daddy issues, a disappointment to a powerful father and, quite frankly, a disaster waiting to happen. You know things are going to go badly, very badly for his character when he shows up wearing a lavender shirt and a pink coat and pouts. *wink*

Ed Stoppard finally justifies his presence in this series as Zen's personal and professional rival, Vincenzo Fabri. When Zen specifically requests Giorgio de Angelis (Vincent Riotta) as back-up, Heuber takes the opportunity to exercise his authority by sending in Fabri instead, who does such a pathetically obvious job of sucking up to Zen that its laughable. Much to Zen's chagrin, Fabri is good friends with the Miletti family, complicating case. There is this hilarious exchange when Fabri suggests quite seriously that they bungle the case in order to disgrace Heuber - Zen's look of speechless incredulity was so pitch-perfect it just cracked me up. Sewell has a real gift for understatement. :)

Matters are further complicated when the lawyer's widow, Donatella (Zoe Tapper) goes public with the case, claiming to want justice for her husband. Tapper has appeared in a variety of Masterpiece programs, including Foyle's War, Jericho, and Miss Marple, as well as playing the role of Mina Harker in the short-lived series Demons. Donatella suggests that the Milettis orchestrated her husband's murder because he knew their secrets. Her outrage is so seethingly palpable and fake that it really made me appreciate the twist the storyline takes when Zen discovers the truth about Donatella's relationship with a Miletti family scion. This story is jam-packed with twists and turns and double-crosses that make watching the relationships unravel on-screen absolutely fascinating viewing.

One of the biggest draws of this series for me has been the complex portrayal of Zen's personal relationships, namely with his girlfriend Tania (Caterina Murino) and his Mamma (Catherine Spaak). While I hate the fact that Zen & Tania's relationship kicks into high gear while they're both still technically married, I'm not gonna lie on a purely fangirl level I adore Sewell and Murino on-screen. Their chemistry is electric and the pair truly excel at playing messed-up individuals striving to desperately grasp some happiness in their personal lives. When the Miletti case reaches a dangerous crossroads, and Zen might actually lose his life, their "I love you" exchange just melted me. First Tania says it, and then Zen CALLS HER BACK, whispers "I love you" and HANGS UP?! That moment pretty much epitomizes everything I love about Rufus in ten seconds - so much restrained passion, emotion, and kindness is in that scene it overwhelms, it really does. There is also a similar exchange with his mother, when he basically thanks her for everything she's ever done for him, then kisses his hands and gestures towards her in salute and WALKS OFF!! He just WALKS OFF and leaves his mother shattered in the kitchen!! Oh my word that was brilliantly played. If you don't understand why I love Rufus Sewell so much, just watch those scenes - they pretty much say it all.

Ben Miles as Colonna has been a constant presence in this series, but his role is significantly expanded in this episode and full of unexpectedly humorous exchanges with his reluctant protege. The professional double-standards the "unfortunately" honest Zen are forced to operate within are, quite frankly, mind blowing. The government wants Miletti recovered safely with a minimum of publicity, since he bankrolls the party in power. The nonchalance with which Colonna hands over a suitcase FULL of laundered money for a second ransom payment is hilarious, because only Zen recognizes the absurdity of the moment. If the money drop fails it's only Zen's career on the line, so one of the best parts of this episode is the revelation of how Zen has learned to work the system in his favor, much to Colonna's chagrin. *wink*

The pacing and atmosphere of this episode was superbly handled. I especially loved Zen's first failed ransom drop attempt - the setting, the crowd, and Adrian Johnston's score all worked together in perfect harmony to build suspense. This made the payoff incredibly satisfying, when thanks to cooperation from his private eye friend Gilberto (Francesco Quinn), Zen is able to conceal his and the government's complicity in the illegal ransom plot (embarassing Heuber is just a bonus). I loved the fact that we got to see more of Gilberto in this episode. He and Zen have a stormy friendship, but their regard for each other is so well played I wish Gilberto's role had been greatly expanded in the series (for narrative purposes AND the fact that Francesco is DROP. DEAD. GORGEOUS.).

It's interesting, because over the course of this series I've come to appreciate that Zen would be the last person in the world to say that anything comes easily for him. But Ratking gives him that illusion, even for just a brief moment - he's got the girl, the plan to rescue Miletti appears successful - and in a flash it all disappears, leaving him on the brink of personal and professional ruin. You know you probably need to re-evaluate your life when your girlfriend's soon-to-be ex-husband tries to kill himself in front of you (and fails - seriously, this should be read as a cautionary antecdote against affairs), and then your kidnapping investigation blows up in your face in a spectacular fashion, leaving the man you're trying to rescue dead.

But the thing that I like so much about Zen is that he refuses to concede defeat. With nothing left to lose and everything to gain, he persists in his investigation and uncovers the truth, nearly dying in the process. Surviving Ratking was a hard-won victory, and Rufus Sewell proves he was the perfect actor to portray the highs and lows, the depth and nuance in this "everyman" character. And the payoff is oh-so-sweet - strong-arming Colonna into giving him the temporary job of chief, and using his newfound clout to pursue correct (if unpopular) lines of enquiry? PRICELESS, people, freaking PRICELESS.

Zen is a shining standout in Rufus Sewell's filmography. He's such a wonderfully layered, nuanced character - on the one hand, seemingly unflappable and self-assured, on the other hand capable of incredible kindness (oh I LOVED the fact that he donated the government's ill-gotten ransome money to a NUN!) and heart-stopping vulnerability, all while being drop dead gorgeous and adorable. Just when I thought my Rufus Sewell obsession had perhaps reached its height, the man gives me this series - all I can say to that is, more please.

• Read my review of Zen: Cabal
• Read my review of Zen: Vendetta
• Order Zen on DVD
• Watch Ratking online through 8/30/11

Zen concludes tomorrow

Zen concludes tomorrow on Masterpiece Mystery, and I have to admit I'm already anticipating the sure-to-be acute withdrawal symptoms (hence the picture). *wink* Here's a bit about tomorrow's episode:

Don't miss the finale of Zen starring Rufus Sewell, this Sunday, July 31, 2011 at 9pm (check local listings) on MASTERPIECE MYSTERY! In Ratking, a wealthy industrialist is kidnapped, and Zen must get him back alive at any cost. Back at the office, Zen has a new boss who is a stickler for the rules — including the one prohibiting office romance.

Check out my reviews of episodes one and two if you need a refresher:

• Zen: Cabal
• Zen: Vendetta

Zen: Cabal

Masterpiece Mystery continued its love-fest with Rufus Sewell...I mean its three-part run of Zen mysteries this weekend with an episoded entitled Cabal. This episode further involves Zen in the increasingly dangerous world of political intrigue and cover-ups, where a slip-up might not just cost him his career, but his life. Here's the episode summary from the PBS website:

The dashing Roman detective Aurelio Zen is stuck in the hot seat when an important aristocratic family's disreputable son falls to his death from a bridge over the Tiber River. The powerful Ministry, to insulate itself against scandal, puts Zen on the case and demands his swift dismissal of the death as suicide. But the beautiful prosecutor Pirlo, exuding power and no shortage of allure, presses for a probing investigation...and a little something with Zen on the side.

With these cross-purposed powers breathing down his neck, Zen then learns of the Cabal, a shadowy criminal organization at the highest levels of Italian society. But Zen isn't buying conspiracy theories. He's simply trying to survive his dilemma as a pawn in a potentially sinister political game.

It's a case that demands a calm and delicate touch, and the stress is showing for Zen, even at home, where the stylish reputed maverick lives...with his mother. But he's relieving some tension in the arms of the murder squad's gorgeous secretary Tania Moretti. That is, until smug colleague Vincenzo Fabri moves in, leaving Zen in the hands of the overeager Pirlo, and a case that threatens to alienate Zen from everything — and everyone — he finds important.

Based on Michael Dibdin's Aurelio Zen novel, Cabal stars Rufus Sewell (Middlemarch), Caterina Murino (Casino Royale), and Stanley Townsend (Sherlock).

The episode opens with a shocking death. Umberto Ruspanti, the troubled scion of an aristocratic and well-connected family, falls from a bridge near the Tiber River to his death. Zen (Rufus Sewell) is called out to investigate in the wee hours of the morning. Poor Ruspanti's untimely demise allowed for some major Zen/Mamma (Catherine Spaak) as he gets ready to leave his apartment and discovers that his mother has made him an espresso. BESIDES the obvious fact that no man should look that good in a suit (really, where are the guys who wear suits like that?) that early in the morning, how cute was Rufus being all concerned about waking his mother up? ADORABLE. *sigh* :)

Unfortunately for Zen, Colonna (Ben Miles), the aide to Minister Guerchini (Anthony Higgins), requested Zen's presence on the case. The government wants Ruspanti's death quickly ruled a suicide and quietly hushed up, since there is fear that any investigation would raise unnecessary questions about the current government. Where there's smoke there's usually fire, no? Seriously, this whole "there's not a problem, but just in case we need THIS outcome" directive thing is a bit humorous. OF COURSE in Zen's life no investigation can be straightforward. Despite the discovery of an apparent suicide note at Ruspanti's apartment, there's the fact that the apartment was ransacked, and marks on the deceased's face indicate a struggle immediately prior to his death. Zen also discovers that Colonna's desire for a swift suicide ruling is at odds with gorgeous prosecutor Nadia Pirlo's (Cosima Shaw) desire to see Ruspanti's death further investigated. She wants Zen personally and professionally, if you catch my drift, and keeping both her and the government at bay just so he can attempt to do his job becomes a tricky balancing act.

I really love Zen's self-depracting nature and his near complete lack of self-assurance, the latter especially when it comes to his personal life. On one hand I have trouble buying the idea that a man who looks like Rufus does, who carries himself like Rufus does, who can friggin' wear a suit as well as Rufus does would have ANY insecurity issues. But the fact that Zen does have these struggles in his personal life is really part of his charm, no? :) He has this lost little boy quality, and his insecurity that someone like Tania (Caterina Murino) could be well and truly interested in him (their mutal infidelity issues aside) is just ADORABLE. And on yet another completely superficial, massive Rufus Sewell fangirl note, does he not seem like one of the best kissers ever captured on film? EVER? Because the coffee shop kiss at the beginning of the episode floored me. Floored me, I tell you.

Personally and professionally it seems like Zen is viewed as a bit of an underdog - and really wouldn't you say that's due to his rather quiet nature (which is so precious it KILLS me...I am SO easily distracted...)? The moments when someone is under-estimating Zen are some of the funniest in the film. This script has a real dry, sarcastic wit - mostly coming from Zen's character - which I just adore (since I have joked on occasion that sarcasm is my love language). *wink* Power players like Colonna and Pirlo seem to always under-estimate his intelligence and grasp of a situation - they may think they're playing him, but really they are the ones being played.

The web of intrigue surrounding Ruspanti's death gets more tangled when the man's lawyer, Gattuso (Allan Corduner) comes forward, claiming that Ruspanti was murdered because he was trying to sell the secrets of a group of powerful men. This concept is reinforced when Zen is kidnapped at gunpoint by Gianni (Hilton McRae) who claims that the Cabal, a highly secretive and powerful organization, killed Ruspanti for attempting to defect. Gianni has been living in hiding for years, and wants to help Zen expose the Cabal's secrets. Zen, however, is a little to practical for the conspiracy theories. I thought Corduner looked extraordinarily familiar - turns out he's appeared in Foyle's War, Daniel Deronda, De-Lovely, and Defiance, to name a few of his credits. And McRae might look familiar to fans of the 1999 version of Mansfield Park, as he played Mr. Price.

This issue of the Cabal - who they are, what they do, the very question of their existence - introduces an over-arching theme to the Zen series with pretty much limitless possibilities for danger and intrigue. When watching last night's episode I couldn't help but bemoan my foreknowledge of Zen's cancellation - after watching only two episodes I have to rate that a terribly short-sighted move on the BBC's part. But, looking on the bright side of things, if Zen was destined to be a one-season wonder, at least I am getting the chance to revel in what has so far been consistently high-class television. :)

In his quest to uncover the true nature of Ruspanti's death, Zen falls in with Arianna (Valentina Cervi), a high-priced call girl (or courtesan, as she prefers), who was Ruspanti's friend and sometime lover, and who has very highly-placed clients (namely Guerchini). While I think her multiple clothes-changing scene could've been shortened significantly, I will own that Zen's awkwardness at her lack of inhibitions was hilariously cute. I really liked Arianna's character - she was nice and street-smart and savvy, and I loved the fact that she and Zen seemed to fall into an easy friendship (nothing more, really!) over the course of the investigation.

This episode introduces Mara (Julie Cox), Zen's estranged wife who wants to finalize their divorce. She and Zen were so genteel when trading barbs, weren't they? Cox is a familiar face I haven't seen on-screen in ages - she appeared in an episode of The Scarlet Pimpernel film series, as well as Marple and Poirot. Since Zen and Tania's "affair" is progressing, I'm a bit relieved that they're both taking steps to finalize their splits, since that is the route they've oh-so-clearly settled on. It was interesting to see the impact of the divorce talk on Zen's psyche - he has no desire whatsoever to remain wed to Mara, but the idea of putting a "period" to that epoch in his life - a failure at that - is extremely troubling. He's a character who feels deeply, and that "unfortunate reputation for integrity" creates some moments of painful introspection.

In addition to the introduction of the shadowy Cabal, my favorite aspect of this episode was Zen's longing for Tania. Rufus Sewell just does this adorable lost puppy-dog expression thing so friggin' WELL. Vincenzo Fabri (Ed Stoppard) is still determined to bed Tania - so its rather sweetly satisfying when it's revealed that Zen's jealousy is for nothing, because Tania was playing him. And the way Zen acquires a "free" apartment for Tania in the heart of Rome is just genius. I love the way he holds that chip in reserve, so to speak. The "reveal" to Tania is just priceless. What I really loved was watching Zen watch her - Sewell's face just seems to light up from deep within, his chemistry with Murino is so on fire. And the kiss? Holy cow, two kisses like that in one episode. I die of joy, I really do. *swoon*

While this episode didn't have action sequences quite on the level of Vendetta, I loved the introduction of the Cabal - especially when it's revealed at the end of the episode that Colonna is a member and Gianni's BROTHER. Loving the drama. *wink* People, Ben Miles SHED A TEAR!

With nice little touches - like Zen conspiring with his co-worker, de Angelis (Vincent Riotta), to extend their investigation, or when he beats up a co-worker for placing crass bets after their boss, Moscati (Stanley Townsend), ends up in the hospital from a heart attack - this episode further established Zen's world and his glorious, wonderful, messed-up character. Oh, before I forget - regarding Zen's coworkers - I really want Gilberto (Francesco Quinn) to get more screentime. I'm already sorry there's only one episode left next week - this is a world I've really enjoyed spending time in. Okay fine, I admit it - this show is basically my Rufus Sewell dream-come-true. :P Full of gorgeous Italian scenery and fascinating characters, Zen has been a welcome change-of-pace for Masterpiece, and personally I've been loving it. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

• Read my review of Zen: Vendetta
• Watch Zen: Cabal online through 8/31/11

Zen continues tomorrow

It's no secret I loved the debut episode of Zen on Masterpiece Mystery last Sunday - you can check out my thoughts on the first episode, Vendetta, here. I loved it so much I even hunted up a new Rufus picture just for the reminder post...you can thank me in the comments. *wink* Here's a bit about the new episode:

Rufus Sewell stars as the sometimes bumbling but always stylish Aurelio Zen in Zen: Cabal, airing Sunday, July 24, 2011 at 9pm (check local listings) on MASTERPIECE MYSTERY! When a disgraced aristocrat falls to his death, Zen must determine suicide or murder even as his smug rival moves in on Tania. Caterina Murino (Casino Royale) and Ed Stoppard (Upstairs Downstairs) also star in this adaptation of Michael Dibdin's novel.

Oh I can't wait. Can. Not. WAIT. :)

Zen: Vendetta

How much fun was this, people? :)

Zen began its three-week run on Masterpiece Mystery last night with its first episode entitled Vendetta. Seeing as I am a rabid Rufus Sewell fangirl, I was predisposed to like this series - it also had in its favor that it shares much of the same production team that brought six superb episodes of the Kenneth Branagh vehicle Wallander to Masterpiece Mystery in previous seasons. Happily Vendetta delivered on all fronts, providing me with a heckuvalot of fodder for my Rufus Sewell obsession as well as a fast-paced, entertaining storyline and gorgeous, absolutely beautiful Italian scenery. Here's the episode summary from the PBS website:

Meet Zen. He has an unusual (Venetian) name and, in the shark tank of Roman politics, has an even more unusual reputation — as an honest detective. Aurelio Zen, the sometimes cool, sometimes bumbling, but always impeccably stylish murder squad detective is saddled with an "unfortunate" reputation for integrity, and it hasn't exactly helped his career. Nor is his personal life thriving. In spite of advances from female suspects as and colleagues alike, he is pushing 40 and living with his doting mother after a failed marriage.

But Zen is handed a chance to play politics and salvage his career when a debauched billionaire construction magnate is murdered in his heavily fortified mountain retreat. Zen is driven to find something it seems only he wants — the truth. Well, the truth and the murder squad's new secretary, Tania Moretti.
Meanwhile, a vengeful killer is making his way to Rome, brutally executing those who sent him away to prison for murder. The final target of his vendetta: Aurelio Zen.

Adapted from Michael Dibdin's acclaimed crime novel Vendetta and from the producers of Wallander, Zen stars Rufus Sewell (Middlemarch), Caterina Murino (Casino Royale), and Ed Stoppard (Upstairs Downstairs).

First things first: Rufus Sewell was MADE to play a role like Aurelio Zen. Smart, stylish, charismatic, yet at the same time adorably, boyishly unsure of himself, he owns the screen every time his character appears (which, thankfully for me, is in nearly every frame of film). :) Similarly to Wallander, Zen is a character burdened by a drive to get the job right - only in Aurelio's case he handles the setbacks his predisposition for honesty and absolute forthrightness have handed him both personally a professionally (seemingly, anyway) better than his Swedish counterpart.

Vendetta opens with the first of two cases that will intersect in unexpected ways as Zen's investigations progress. A high-court judge is ambushed in the Italian countryside by a now-terminally ill ex-con (on compassionate release), Tito Spadola (Peter Guinness) and his son Pepe (Gregg Chillin), who are determined to hunt down and kill the men responsible for sending Tito to prison for a murder he didn't commit years earlier - including one unsuspecting Aurelio Zen. (Never mind that Tito isn't exactly as pure as the driven snow to begin with, or that he really doesn't have a good grasp on the concept that two wrongs don't make a right - it's all about nuance, people, nuance.) Guinness played a small role as the Coroner in Bleak House, while interestingly enough Chillin apparently plays the role of Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter videogames. Guinness, especially, does a superb job playing the unhinged, driven ex-convict determined to exact vengeance against those who wronged him - he's suitably cold-blooded and intense, a great villain for this type of story.

Meanwhile, Zen arrives at police headquarters in Rome, and with just a look as only Rufus Sewell can give we see just how smitten he is with his boss's new secretary, the gorgeous Tania Moretti (Caterina Murino). Murino should be familiar to fans of James Bond films, as she played the ill-fated Solange opposite Daniel Craig in Casino Royale. Zen might not quite have down how to talk to Tania, but thank goodness he's classy enough not to participate in the office pool betting on who will sleep with her first (*sigh*). Moscati (Stanley Townsend), Zen's superior, informs him that they've been called to the Ministry for a pre-trial review of the evidence in the case of a murdered influential billionaire Oscar Faso (Alessandro Cica) and his call-girl "house guests." Minister Geurchini (Anthony Higgins) and his aide, Colonna (Ben Miles), want the case against the prime suspect (and Faso's business partner) Favelloni (Greg Wise) locked up tight, despite the lack of hard evidence and a sloppy investigation by the local police. Ed Stoppard is also introduced as Zen's workplace thorn, the oily, self-assured Vincenzo Fabri. Stoppard was seen earlier this year as Sir Hallam in the Masterpiece re-boot of Upstairs Downstairs.

The introduction of Zen's workplace introduces a slew of familiar faces. Stanley Townsend does an excellent job portraying Zen's gregarious, stressed-out supervisor, and if he looks familiar you might be a fan of Sherlock or Foyle's War. Anthony Higgins made a fairly recent appearance on the blog when I reviewed the Marple episode The Secret of Chimneys (my review). I vastly prefer Higgins's portrayal of a sauve Italian diplomat than a faux Herzoslovakian count. *wink* Ben Miles as his aide, Colonna, should be quite a familiar face to fans of period drama - he's appeared in the Marple episode A Pocket Full of Rye (my review), Lark Rise to Candleford, and Under the Greenwood Tree. As Colonna, Miles just exudes danger, a politician who'll do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, and I look forward to seeing how Colonna's somewhat strained interactions with Zen develop over the course of this series. And finally, I was thrilled to see Greg Wise as prime suspect #1 Favelloni, who "finds God" in prison and recants his "forced" confession, to the government's everlasting chagrin. Wise has been a favorite of mine ever since his unforgettable turn as Willoughby in the 1995 Sense and Sensibility. More recently he appeared in Cranford. I never would've imagined Wise playing an Italian, but with his lean good looks and sauve manners he acquits himself with aplomb in this episode.

In a nutshell, Moscati wants Zen to ensure Favelloni's conviction, Colonna wants Zen to prove Favelloni's innocence, otherwise the businessman might reveal unsavory secrets about his dealings with the current government, and he has to avoid getting killed by Tito & company. For help in unraveling the tangled mess of his professional life, Zen turns to a former associate now working in the private sector, Gilberto Nieddu (Francesco Quinn). If Quinn looked familiar, it turns out he's the son of legendary actor Anthony Quinn, who also did a stint on 24 (back in 2003 when I still watched that show).

At this point I feel the need to just break off and discuss various points of Rufus Sewell-related awesomeness in this episode. So if you'll indulge me... :)

• Zen gets offended when the Minister & his aide comment on his reputation for scrupulous honesty. Disturbing questions aside that this moment raises about the Italian justice system, isn't Rufus's faux outrage adorable?
• Zen wears Armani suits and lives with his Mamma (Catherine Spaak). Only someone who looks like Rufus Sewell and is all attentive and solicitous as only he can be is capable of making this work, nevermind APPEALING. *wink*
• When Tania asks for Zen's help in fabricating an excuse to leave her (presumably) overbearing husband for the evening, he gets so worried when she doesn't answer the phone that he drives to her apartment building (so sweet!). Then, when he drops her off at a bar and sees her leave shortly thereafter with a guy (who turns out to be a gay best friend), HE BANGS HIS HEAD AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL. I don't think I can begin to fully articulate how perfect that moment was. *swoon*
• Zen can wake up in a cold sweat from a bad dream, retch in the bathroom sink, and then don a sharp suit and slurp down espresso, all while allaying his mother's concerns. Rufus Sewell should look into patenting this highly effective retch-to-heartwarming pivot thing. He has it down.
• After Zen and Tania have after-hours drinks and share a sort of His Girl Friday moment, he kisses her goodbye on the cheek. Check that, BOTH cheeks. Excuse me while I swoon, again.

More on Rufus later...this is an ongoing theme, obviously.

Filmed on location in Italy, besides Rufus Sewell's presence the film's gorgeous scenery and architecture are some of its biggest strengths. The film is saturated with warmth and color and history that adds a wonderfully exotic, intoxicating atmosphere to the storyline. Perhaps one of this episode's biggest draws is that it just feels so different from the normal mystery program Masterpiece airs (never underestimate the power of something new, hmm?). One of my favorite scenes is the episode's most harrowing - when Zen follows the itinerant girl Lucia into the network of caves that lead into Faso's mansion and is carried deep underground, lost in the watery maze. I don't know that I'm outright clausterphobic, but tight spaces aren't my favorite thing in the world, and that scene was tense, suspensful, and well-constructed. (And only Rufus could come out of that scenario battered and bloodied and still looking remarkably well put-together.)

I will confess that until reading the episode summary I had a little trouble keeping all of the characters' names straight and following some of the finer plot points as they unfolded. I attribute some of that to the mix of British and Italian actors, the latter with heavier accents, and PBS trimming potential five-plus minutes of the episode runtime for commercials (as is their norm for Masterpiece broadcasts, unfortunately). It probably goes without saying, but I'm looking forward to reviewing this episode on DVD.

It's probably hard to believe that I could find more to gush about, but really this episode does deliver the proverbial icing on the cake in spades. SPADES, I tell you! This episode ends with Zen and Tania passionately kissing in the elevator, and in case you're new to this blog I'm a big fan of Rufus Sewell in elevators (for prior evidence see the ShakespeaRe-Told adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew - my review). People, Rufus Sewell in an elevator makes my heart sing. MY HEART SINGS, I TELL YOU! (Yes, I can be that shallow. Indulge me and let me revel in it for a bit, please? *wink*).

Sewell and Murino have off-the-charts chemistry, and while I'd certainly prefer that  Zen was officially divorced, and not pursuing a relationship with a married woman, I can only say that when watching this show I was just seeing  Rufus being amazing, and wishing I was Tania. SHALLOW WISH FULFILLMENT, yes people, you read that right. :P

Zen proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable film, an intriguing blend of mystery, political drama, and humor, with a dash of old-school sensibility that recalls the Sean Connery-era James Bond films or the Roger Moore-helmed adventure show The Saint. (Adrian Johnston's quirky, sunny score really reinforces the "throwback" feel of the episode.) And with Rufus Sewell being freaking fantastic, it's a guaranteed bet I'll be tuning in next week. If you watched Zen's debut, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Exit Question: Can a post contain "too many" Rufus Sewell-as-Zen photos? (Think carefully before you reply in the negative...) *wink*

• Watch Vendetta online through 8/31/11
• Preorder Zen on DVD from Amazon

Zen begins this weekend!

I feel as though I've been waiting for the new Rufus Sewell mystery series, Zen, to begin for AGES. My wish will at last come true this weekend, when Zen debuts on Masterpiece Mystery with its first episode entitled Vendetta. Here's a bit about the episode:

Rufus Sewell stars as MASTERPIECE MYSTERY's newest sleuth Aurelio Zen in Zen, premiering Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 9pm (check local listings). In Vendetta, Zen navigates the perils of corrupt Roman politicians and his first crush since the demise of his marriage. Caterina Murino (Casino Royale), and Ed Stoppard (Upstairs Downstairs) also star in this adaptation of British crime writer Michael Dibdin's acclaimed book.

Personally, I have to think this series is a guaranteed win. Even if I end up not liking the story, I still get to see Rufus in a sharp suit. I can't lose, right? *wink*

Masterpiece Mystery 2011 Schedule

Masterpiece Mystery has finally announced its summer schedule! Here's a look at what's in store for us in the coming weeks:

AGATHA CHRISTIE MYSTERIES

Agatha Christie’s beloved characters return to this season’s MASTERPIECE MYSTERY! lineup, featuring the suave Belgian detective Hercule Poirot (David Suchet) and the charming spinster sleuth Miss Marple (Julia McKenzie). (All episodes 90 minutes unless otherwise noted. National broadcast dates in bold; online viewing dates in parentheses.)

• May 22 (May 23 – Jun 5) Poirot: “Murder on the Orient Express” (Encore)*
• (May 23 – Jun 21) “David Suchet on the Orient Express: A Masterpiece Special” 60 min. (Encore)*
• May 29 (May 30 – Jun 12) Marple: “The Secret of Chimneys” (Encore)*
• Jun 5 (Jun 6 – Jun 19) Poirot: “Appointment with Death” (Encore)*
• Jun 12 (Jun 13 – Jun 26) Poirot: “The Third Girl” (Encore)*
• Jun 19 (Jun 20 – Jul 19) Poirot: “Three Act Tragedy”
• Jun 26 (Jun 27 – Jul 26) Poirot: “The Clocks”
• Jul 3 (Jul 4 – Aug 2) Poirot: “The Hallowe’en Party”
• Jul 10 (Jul 11 – Aug 9) Marple: “The Pale Horse”

ZEN

What does an honest cop do when his bosses are on the side of the lawbreakers? Detective Aurelio Zen brings justice to modern-day Italy—whether the authorities want it or not. This trio of spellbinding cases, based on the bestselling novels by Michael Dibdin, stars Rufus Sewell (Middlemarch). (All episodes 90 minutes. National broadcast dates in bold; online viewing dates in parentheses.)

• Jul 17 (Jul 18 – Aug 30) “Vendetta”
• Jul 24 (Jul 25 – Aug 30) “Cabal”
• Jul 31 (Aug 1 – Aug 30) “Ratking” 

*Limited local airings; please check local listings.

All episodes can be viewed online for a limited time at pbs.org/masterpiece

More titles to be announced.

***
I am not thrilled about four Christie encores, and only one new Marple episode, but I'll take it. And I am SUPER excited about the Zen mysteries with my darling Rufus Sewell!

You can download a printable copy of the Mystery schedule here.

Zen Preview

RUFUS SEWELL IN A SUIT!! (Sorry, I just had to get that out of my system...)

At some point last year I can remember being intrigued by the announcement of a new mystery series starring Rufus Sewell (and it is NO SECRET I love me some Rufus Sewell!). Zen is based on a series of mystery novels by author Michael Dibdin - Rufus as an Italian? *swoon* I am so there.

According to BBC America's "DVDs in the works" blog, Zen is set to premiere on Masterpiece Mystery July 17th (speaking of schedules, PBS you seriously need to go ahead and announce the full Mystery line-up, like yesterday - just sayin'). Anyways - here's a preview:

Watch the full episode. See more Masterpiece.

I can not WAIT for this to start - it looks like fun! I love the fact that BBC America likens the vibe of the show to The Saint, starring Roger Moore as Simon Templar. If you've never seen that show - well it's a trip! *wink*

The series features Caterina Murino as Tania, Zen's love interest (Murino was the ill-fated Bond girl Solange in Casino Royale), Ben Miles as Zen's "unofficial taskmaster" (Miles has appeared in Lark Rise to Candleford and Under the Greenwood Tree), and Ed Stoppard as Vincenzo (most recently seen in Upstairs Downstairs).

With such a fabulous cast and a dreamy Italian setting, I hold high hopes for this series - it has a lot of promise. Thoughts? :)

Shakespeare Retold: The Taming of the Shrew

Last week in a discussion on Facebook I was trying to convince Liz to watch the Shakespeare Retold version of The Taming of the Shrew, since Rufus Sewell is TO DIE FOR in it. And I realized, to my everlasting horror, that I hadn't watched this movie in years (an absolute TRAVESTY!). Since then, I'm on my second viewing in a week, and all is once more right in the Rufus Sewell-loving portion of my world.

Shakespeare Retold was a series of four made-for-television films that the BBC aired in 2005 (I can't BELIEVE it's been that long!). The series was made up of brilliantly realized modern takes on Shakespeare's plays (Shrew, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Much Ado About Nothing). Shrew and Much Ado are my favorites, in most part thanks to the aforementioned Sewell in the former and Damian Lewis in the latter (but that, my friends, is another blog post).

Shirley Henderson plays Kate Minola, a hilariously psychotic MP who's the bane of her harrassed secretary's existence and an exasperating curiosity to her fashion-obsessed mother and sister. Her career is her life, and she's trying to organize a leadership campagin in her party with an eye to eventually becoming Prime Minister. She's advised that she has a better chance of winning her leadership campaign if she gets married - the question is, who'd possibly marry her? 

Henderson, perhaps best known as Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter films, is pitch perfect as a modern incarnation of Shakespeare's shrew of a heroine. She may only be a tick over 5'0", but she is an absolute terror and I LOVE it. NO ONE does wonderfully pyschotic and intense like Henderson. She's first introduced while some Jaws-like theme music plays as she stomps through the halls of Parliament...and everyone she passes positively cowers in the face of her fury. In contrast, her sister Bianca (Jaime Murray, recently seen as H.G. Wells in the latest season of Warehouse 13), a model, is universally liked and receives multiple proposals a week. I've just got to say, I think Kate handles the having a stuck-on-herself model for a sister and Twiggy for a mother much better than I ever could. *wink*

Bianca's manager - instead of a tutor - Harry (Stephen Tompkinson), is in love with Bianca and toys with the idea of fixing up Kate with someone, anyone, so Bianca will be more marraige-minded. He introduces Kate to Petruchio (Rufus Sewell), an eccentric aristocrat looking for a rich wife to bail him out of his financial woes. They meet in an elevator -and, well...I can't really say anything to do justice to the brilliance of the moment except that the elevator scenes are hysterically funny. And freaking hot. I am convinced that Rufus Sewell has never been more swoon-worthy than as the appealing bad boy in the elevator. It's an absolutely classic moment as Kate and Petruchio exchange lightening fast zingers. The entire script, in fact, is full of fabulous, quotable moments (the insults are particularly noteworthy, LOL).

Everything comes together brilliantly in this adaptation, which remains remarkably - and surprisingly, perhaps - true to the source material, right down to Petruchio showing up to his wedding dressed in women's clothes (instead of an outlandish clown costume), and the ways in which he subsequently seeks to "tame" his furious bride, to the sun-is-the-moon discussion. It's interesting to compare this incarnation of the story to the other famous film version of the play - the 1967 Franco Zeffirelli film starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in the title roles. In particular, I think Sewell's Petruchio owes a great deal to Burton's gregarious, over-the top turn in the role. It's brilliant, Rufus is brilliant, and I just love, love, LOVE seeing him play a "good guy" like this.

Henderson and Sewell have unbelievably amazing on-screen chemistry. Whether they're fighting or making nice the sparks positively explode off the screen. The barbs and zingers fly fast and furious and non-stop in all of their scenes, but underneath the sparring they both manage to convey their respective character's insecurities and fears, really humanizing Kate and Petruchio, letting you see the motivations, pain, and fear behind their gloriously, wonderful, hilariously over-the-top personalities. I think Henderson does a fantastic job transforming Kate and making her emotionally vulnerable. She's a woman who has spent so long presenting a tough shell to the world, constructing impenetrable walls around her heart that have made her a raging and feared political success, that opening her heart to another requires more bravery than she's ever had to muster before.

Sewell's Petruchio is wonderful. WONDERFUL. I love how when we're introduced to him he's at such loose ends, not sure what to do with his life, only that he really needs to come into some money to get the tax man off his back. When he first meets Kate, you can see this instant transformation on his countenance - rather than being put off by her abominable rudeness, he's intrigued. This woman's something different, a glorious challenge, someone who isn't afraid to give as good or better than she takes. As Harry describes him to Kate during the critical, do-or-die moment, Petruchio is really just an "unstable, unbalanced exhibitionist who needs someone to think the world of him." Say it with me: awwww. :) I just adore Kate and Petruchio in this film, and the "wives obey your husbands" scene at the end is SO well played. I think the scriptwriter did a really great job translating Shakespeare's play to the present day.

Ratings-wise, this is probably a PG-13. There's some language and innuendo, bawdier than most regular Masterpiece fare, but so was Shakespeare when it comes down to it. :) Bawdy and hilarious in the best Shakespearean tradition, and  pro-marriage? Love it.

Rufus, m'dear, I promise I won't ever again let us spend so much time apart.

The Tourist

Ya'll know me, I simply cannot resist a good spy/caper flick. And 2010 has certainly delivered more than the normal share of caper-themed films (Knight and Day and Red were winners, while Killers fell far short of the mark). Happily, The Tourist falls into the winner category. I came *thisclose* to passing on seeing this one in theaters, but I just couldn't resist 1) Johnny Depp and 2) the gorgeous European settings, which reminded me of Charade and To Catch a Thief. In fact, The Tourist feels like it is very deliberately constructed with a "throwback" feel to it, reminding me of the days in classic Hollywood when gorgeous guys like Cary Grant would cross paths with femme fatales like Eva Marie Saint on cross-country trips (The Tourist will really make you want to rewatch North by Northwest, if you're at all wired like me *wink*). Seriously, is there anything more romantic than trains in movies?!

Anyways, if you've seen the film's trailer you have a pretty good idea of the storyline. Angelina Jolie plays Elise, the former lover of a mysterious man named Alexander who is wanted by just about every law enforcement agency you can imagine for some major tax evasion charges. Alexander sends Elise a message with very specific instructions - to board a train and choose a random man who resembles him in height, build, and coloring, and make the men who are following her belive they've reunited. Because you see, no one knows what Alexander looks like - since absconding with billions of dollars from a mobster that used him as a private banker, Alexander used some of that money to acquire a completely new face. Jolie's target of choice is mild-mannered Frank Tupelo, a math teacher from Wisconsin played by Depp. Things get unexpectedly dangerous for Frank when the mobsters on Alexander's trail take up the chase, determined to get their money back.

I love and adore Johnny Depp, but seriously, even the role of a math teacher from middle America seems to require more than the usual suspension of disbelief. *wink* Depp is NO "everyman" if you get my drift. But if you don't mind a minor SPOILER - all is not as it seems with the mild-mannered Frank. As far as Jolie goes, I have seen very few of her films - nothing against her, really, it's just that she doesn't typically make the type of movie I'm interested in in seeing, I guess. Here she's definitely channeling Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn. In every scene she's all elegance, classier than I think I've ever seen her on-screen. This is my favorite of her costumes, worn to a ball - I just adore this dress!

Now, I'm really torn as to how much detail to to go into about Frank and Elise's relationship. I don't know if the movie's really obvious and I was just going into the theater playing really dumb or what (*wink*), but there are two major twists that occur towards the end of The Tourist that I quite frankly didn't see coming AT ALL. And while some would argue that they're too contrived, honestly it all worked for me. The whole feel of The Tourist is pure escapism from beginning to end, coated with a glamour that evokes Old Hollywood - and people I just love that.

On to some of the other cast members - Paul Bettany plays Inspector John Acheson, a man who is completely obsessed with Elise's connection to Alexander, and driven to bring the fugitive to justice at all costs. Bettany adds class to any film he appears in, and I really enjoyed watching his obsessive inspector become increasingly more driven and borderline unhinged as the chase reaches its climax. Acheson's boss was played by Timothy Dalton of all people - loved seeing him on-screen, especially after his memorable guest spots on Chuck this past fall. But the best surprise of all was the moment Rufus Sewell appeared on the screen as "The Englishman." People, I just adore that man, and he needs to be in more movies or TV shows asap. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the Zen mystery series he's been filming appears on the 2011 Masterpiece Mystery schedule.

The settings throughout the film are absolutely breath-taking. Filmed in Paris and Venice, the filmmakers take full advantage of the atmosphere and architecture to completely sweep one into the story. If you're like me you'll forgive any plot contrivances for another view of the gorgeous Venice cityscape. And because I'm such a film score junkie, I have to give a nod to James Newton Howard's lovely score. It was always the perfect complement to the scene or action, and with the occasional "caper theme" flourish that reminded me just a bit of old school James Bond, it was a lot of fun to listen to.

Okay, I can't resist discussing the twists I referred to earlier, so from this point on...

BEWARE OF SPOILERS :)

So, Elise turns out to be an undercover agent who "went dark" when she was sent to Russia to infiltrate Alexander's life. The problem? She fell in love with him. When she marks Frank and starts to get to know him, she decides that it's time to turn Alexander in - she still loves him, but she's started falling for Frank and doesn't want to see the hapless math teacher get hurt. Well, it turns out that instead of conning the police, Elise was the one getting played, because Frank was Alexander all along (still following me? *g*).

I found myself unexpectedly fascinated by the way the movie played with the idea of love - would it be possible for a woman to be so in love with, so tied to a man that she could fall in love with him twice and not realize it? Am I making sense here - are we supposed to believe, I guess, that Elise is drawn to Frank because subconsciously she "knows" him even though he has a new face? One can debate whether or not Jolie and Depp have sufficient on-screen chemistry - it's rather a slow burn between the two characters, and in the context of this story it worked for me. I guess it's the hopeless romantic in me that really appreciated how the final twist played out. Elise's delight at realizing she'd fallen for the same man twice, Frank/Alexander facing down the mobster, and the fact that Bettany's Inspector was right all along, and knew his quarry better than anyone ever gave him credit for - but he still couldn't capture the elusive Alexander in the act.

Escapism at its best, I found The Tourist to be a highly entertaining two hour diversion. The story's twists and turns and its gorgeous settings will be a world I'll enjoy revisiting in the future. And it's really quite a clean film, some action violence but other than that a welcome modern-day throwback to the great escapist "caper" films of the 1950s and 1960s. Here's hoping The Tourist inspires some people to check out the great films that so clearly inspired it. Click to read my review of North by Northwest, if you're interested. :)