EAST WEST 101, Series 3

Tackling thorny themes in today’s complex world, Acorn TV features the DVD debut of the final episodes of the gritty and cinematic crime series EAST WEST 101, Series 3 on September 25, 2018. 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. Winner of an Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA), Logie Award, and two Australian Film Institute awards for ‘Best Television Drama Series’; a Silver Logie award for Best Actor for Don Hany, among several others, East West 101 portrays the complex dynamics of a multicultural society in a realistic and riveting way. The DVD 2-Disc Set features 7 episodes, plus bonus behind-the-scenes featurette ($39.99, Amazon.com). East West 101, Series 3 is also available on Acorn TV. Called a“glorious streaming service… an essential must-have” (The Hollywood Reporter), Acorn TV is North America’s most popular streaming service focused on British and international television from RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE).

In the explosive final series, this award-winning Australian drama sees Detective Zane Malik (Don Hany, Underbelly, Serangoon Road) handing in his resignation, determined to start a new, danger-free life with his family. But when his wife and son are involved in a hit-and-run accident, Malik becomes obsessed with finding the culprit. He connects the crash to the sophisticated robbery of an armored vehicle that left four dead. As the police, led by Superintendent Patricia Wright (Susie Porter,Janet King), investigate the robbery, Malik clashes with former army officer Neil Travis (Matt Nable, Arrow). Travis is quick to blame the attack on Muslim extremists, but Malik suspects there is more to the case.

Guest stars in this “excellent, compelling series” (The Sydney Morning Herald, Australia) include Danielle Cormack (Rake, Wentworth), Aaron Jeffery (X-Men Origins: Wolverine), Richard Carter (Mad Max: Fury Road), and Tammy MacIntosh (Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries).

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 third and final season includes seven episodes.

The Hero's Standard - An armored car is robbed and four people die. Malik is after the people who hurt his family. 

Heart of Darkness - A teen boy is beaten to death and it may be a race crime.

Jerusalem - A Jewish couple is murdered and Malik can't get along with Travis.

The Transit of Venus - The superintendent gets involved with a rape case. A cab driver previously accused of a similar crime is under suspicion. 

The Price of Salvation - Mere Hahunga asks for help with her son Sam. Malik goes after the armed van robbers.

Behold a Pale Horse - A drug ring leads to violence in the city and many death in Afghanistan. Malik works with the Afghani police. 

Revelation - Two Bosnians are killed and authorities suspect they witnessed a crime and were killed to silence them. 

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 sad to see the series end so soon. You can grab a copy of this great new series on DVD or Blu-ray from Acorn Media or online at Amazon.