It's one of SBS' most-loved local dramas and it's back: All three seasons of the multi-award-winning East West 101 are now available to stream at SBS On Demand.
East West 101 stars Dany Hany and William McInnes, and was created by Knapman Wyld Television for SBS, with executive producer, the late, great Caterina DeNave. The drama won for its gripping realism. Across its three series, the show spanned themes important to all Australians, through its central story of detectives in the Major Crime Squad. It was adored by critics, for its uncompromising take on the complex realities of Australian life.
The core cast includes standout performances from Susie Porter, Aaron Fa’aoso, Renee Lim, Daniella Farinacci and Tasneem Roc. Across its seasons, the show expanded its stable of great Australian talent, to include Matt Nable and Aden Young, Aaron Jeffrey, Tammy MacIntosh, Richard Carter, Robert Mammone, Jacek Koman, Gosia Dobrowolska, Victoria Haralabidou and Rena Owen.
The 101 on the show
Zane Malik (Hany) is a young detective at the Major Crime Squad. He is also a Muslim. And as a Muslim detective in a post 9/11 world where just to be an Arab, is to arouse suspicion and fear, Malik feels under pressure to prove himself, over and over.
Snr Detective Crowley (McInnes) was a detective of the old school, where rules and regulations played a poor second to getting a result. Crowley is a man at odds with the times. Not just the times, Crowley’s at odds with everything and everyone, even himself. If he’s at war with anyone, it’s Zane Malik.
Malik battles with Crowley across six hours as, from Lakemba to Chinatown, they investigate the murders and crimes of a big city.
Malik is driven by a hunger for justice. He was twelve and at the till, when a masked gunman held up the family shop. Malik refused to hand over the money. His father was shot and brain injured. Since he joined the Force, Malik has been looking for the shadowy figure who pulled the trigger.
When he finally finds him, Malik’s belief in the justice system is challenged by a powerful desire for revenge. As he hunts down the truth it is revealed that Crowley had a part to play in the original investigation. But will Crowley help or hinder Malik in his quest? He is a man whose vision has been blighted by pain and prejudice.
Crowley’s son, Paul, was found dead of a drug overdose sold to him by a Lebanese dealer. When the drug dealer, who sold Paul the heroin, is found murdered, Internal Affairs come asking questions. Looking for answers. Not just from Crowley. Malik also. He was involved in the case.
Crowley is at the mercy of Malik. Will Malik end his career? What will Crowley do to stop him? There’s an edge of danger as these two men circle one another.
This might look like the battle between two strong men for dominance - but it is also a metaphor for the fear that exists between East and West - as two men search for love, approval and forgiveness.
Stream all three seasons of East West 101 at SBS On Demand.
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