Life.....

The character "Charlie Crews" from the television show "Life'" has a unique outlook on life because of his time spent in prison, his rebirth back into an unfamiliar society and his propensity for Eastern philosophy. Throughout the series, he demonstrates his unique and keen insight into human behaviour, his interest in Zen philosophy and his fondness for fresh fruit while working as a detective for the LAPD.

After being wrongfully imprisoned for 12 years for a crime he didn't commit, he comes out a significantly broken man, mentally and physically, yet he is able to reinvent himself by being thankful for the little things in life, embracing Zen ideas and trying to stay on the path of light rather than darkness. He is also given millions of dollars in settlement money, which helps, and he lives in a mansion with his friend and roommate Ted Earley, a white collar criminal whose life he saved in prison.

While finding things to spend his money on, his return to the force gives him purpose, as well as the ability to investigate his wrongful imprisonment, and a new partner, Dani Reese. Reese is a tough, no-nonsense cop with substance-related problems of her own and the complete opposite of Charlie Crews and his quirky, Zen-based outlook on life. They have a combative, uneasy relationship at first which slowly grows into mutual respect and an effective partnership.

Zen Elements of the Show

While living his new life, Charlie is guided by elements of Zen philosophy. In prison he reads a book entitled "The Path to Zen" (by fictional author W. Cecil Steward) and this undoubtedly helps him to get through his time. When out of prison, Charlie listens to "The Path to Zen" on tape (this time by fictional author S.P. Thomas) throughout the series to help him focus and seek the truth.

His new found philosophical outlook on life is reflected in the Zen wisdom that he shares in his everyday life (primarily with his partner), in how he uses the teachings of Zen to better himself as well as help him to solve cases, and in his attempts to prevent himself from being controlled by anger, resentment and a need for revenge. Charlie's zen-related musings revolve around issues such as finding serenity instead of anger, interconnections and being one with the universe and other people, sincerity and truthfulness, and being clear of mind, thought and action.

As he describes himself in the series, Charlie Crews is only Zen-ish. Firstly, it is very difficult for him to follow the non-violent aspects of Zen philosophy while staring down criminals and killers; and secondly, he is determined to do whatever it takes to find out why he went to prison and who was involved.

Using his philosophy, observational skills and prison experience, Charlie is able to have a unique understanding of normal people as well as criminals and deduce their motivations and connect with them. He is suprisingly adept at interacting with many different kinds of people and is often able to find non-violent solutions to situations in his policework. On his journey, he is a positive influence on the people he connects with, particularly Dani Reese who he helps to let go of her own anger, walk out of the darkness of her problems and join him in the light.

Life is a worthwhile show to watch because of its important themes and lessons about human behaviour, and about living and persisting when times are tough. The Zen elements of the show are a significant part of this. Dealing with and letting go of anger, resentment and regret, not giving in to a need for revenge, accepting the circumstances of life however unfavourable they may be, and fostering connections with the world of people around you, are just some of the issues that the series covers with the help of Zen.

The joys of the show lie in Charlie's interactions with his partner, Dani Reese (as well as with his roommate Ted Earley). These interactions bring about much of the Zen elements of the show which are not only profound but also provide some comic relief. Also, the compelling ways in which Charlie connects with people and solves crimes always provides unique character-development and drama, and finally, the ongoing mystery of why and how he was wrongfully imprisoned in the first place and his journey to seek the truth is another reason to watch. The acting is also first-rate among the supporting cast (including Sarah Shahi, Adam Arkin, Brent Sexton, Robin Weigert & Donal Logue) recurring cast (including Gabrielle Union, Mad Men's Christina Hendricks, and Deadwood's Garret Dillahunt), and one-episode characters (including Deadwood's William Sanderson, Mad Men's Jessica Pare and Breaking Bad's Jonathan Banks), and especially from Charlie Crews himself, the always compelling Damian Lewis.