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Johannesburg - If you expect a skop, skiet en donder story line from the get-go, you will be disappointed that e.tv’s new crime drama, Z’bondiwe, takes its time to build in intensity, with a well-plotted story that cleverly develops its tension through a back-and-forth narrative.
It may be only after the first two episodes (shown to media at the launch) that viewers will finally get to see the high drama, shoot-outs and spilt blood promised by the producers.
But the narrative development, though a bit slow for my liking, was intense enough to convince me to stay tuned.
Bad-assery does not get better than henchman Jakes Masilo (Israel Makoe) – who likes to play with a yo-yo – and his obsessive Vutha Boys gang boss, Killer Nxasana (Mbulelo Grootboom). They thoroughly test the commitment of young couple Roxanne (Zola Nombona) and Ntando (Anga Makubalo).
At the centre of this crime drama is a love story. Ntando must take action when the Vutha Boys kidnap his fiancée and put paid to his dreams of becoming a lawyer.
Z’bondiwe, set in Orlando, Soweto, is perhaps a way of reconciling with the gangsterism that pervades our streets. In a country with such a high crime rate, it’s surprising we don’t have more such crime dramas on TV.
We know damage begets damage and, as we wait to see if the show is only pure entertainment or helps us understand the origins and effects of crime, the Vutha Boys and the Mambas will have to slug it out in the name of love and honour.
With a mix of old and new blood in the cast, and convincing good and bad guys, Z’bondiwe looks set to resonate with viewers. Now, if only the action would come thicker and faster.
Meet the cast here:
Catch the show on Tuesdays at 21:00 on e.tv.
