EAST WEST 101, Series 1

Tackling thorny themes in today’s complex world, the gritty crime series EAST WEST 101, Series 1 arrives on DVD on January 30, 2018 from Acorn TV, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand. Set around the Major Crime Squad in metropolitan Sydney, Australia, this thrilling series is based upon the experiences of actual detectives in a crime unit in Sydney’s western suburbs and deals with the clashes of culture, socio-economic statuses, and religious tension in Australia. The DVD 2-Disc Set features 6 episodes, plus bonus behind-the-scenes featurettes ($39.99, Amazon.com). East West 101, is also available to stream on Acorn TV. Called a “glorious streaming service… an essential must-have” (The Hollywood Reporter), Acorn TV is North America’s most popular and largest streaming service focused on British and international television.

As a devout Muslim in a post-9/11 world, detective Zane Malik (Don Hany, Serangoon Road, Janet King, Series 3: Playing Advantage) feels constant pressure to prove himself to overcome society’s fear and suspicion. Smart and ambitious, Malik works for metropolitan Sydney’s Major Crime Squad, where he frequently clashes with his old-school superior, Senior Detective Raw Crowley (William McInnes, Deep Water). The two rarely see eye to eye, but when personal traumas impact their professional lives, they come to realize that they need each other’s help to find justice.

This critically acclaimed, award-winning drama has been hailed as a “highly ingenious version of the traditional detective story” (The Australian). Hany and McInnes deliver riveting performances in a sophisticated crime series.

Street Date: January 30, 2018                         SRP: $39.99

DVD 2-Disc Set: 6 episodes – Approx. 324 min., plus bonus – SDH Subtitles – UPC 054961261994

Contains coarse language, violence, and sexual situations.

My Thoughts

Zane Malik is a Muslim detective struggling to gain acceptance in a judgmental world. He has a hard time getting along with the senior detective, but the two soon find themselves growing closer as they fight for the same causes. This first season includes six episodes.

The Enemy Within- Malik gets his Arab community to help him find a cop killer.

Death at the Station - An Aboriginal activist is killed after protesting drug dealers.

Islander Sacrifice - The team investigates the death of two Lebanese kids, and a drive-by shooting of a  young girl.

Hunt for the Killer - The murder of a Vietnamese couple could be tied to anther death that rook place years earlier. 

Haunted by the Past - Malik searches for the killer of a Siberian Car Dealer

The Hand of Friendship - Malik gets accused on murder. An investigation reveals a bomb in his home that makes it took like he's a terrorist.

I really enjoyed this series. It was great seeing a Muslim detective as a main character.  We live in a diverse world, and should see more diversity in our entertainment to reflect that. Zane is a great character. He's strong, determined, and spiritual. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the next season. You can grab a copy of this great new series on DVD or Blu-ray from Acorn Media or online at Amazon.