Season 1
East West 101 is an Australian crime drama television series produced and created by Steven Knapman and Kris Wyld and set around the Major Crime Squad in metropolitan Sydney, which is based upon the experiences of actual detectives in a crime unit in Sydney's western suburbs.
The series aired in Australia on SBS from 6 December, 2007 to 1 June, 2011. There are 20 hour-long episodes in three seasons.
East West 101 premiered in South Africa on DStv's Sony Entertainment Television (SONY) channel on Monday 6 June 2011, at 20h30. See "Seasons" below for seasonal broadcast dates and times.
Season 1
Zane Malik 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 was a detective of the old school, where rules and regulations layed 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.
East West 101 is the story of two men whose destiny is irrevocably intertwined. 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 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.
Seasons
Series exclusive to SONY
Season 1 (6 episodes)
Premiere: 6 June 2011 | Finale: 11 July 2011 | Mondays, 20h30
Season 2 (7 episodes)
Premiere: 25 August 2011 | Finale: 6 October 2011 | Thursdays, 21h25
Season 3 (7 episodes)
Premiere: 13 October 2011 | Finale: 24 November 2011 | Thursdays, 21h20