An image from the new TV series “Zorro”
MHz Choice
At first glance, rebooting an old television such as Zorro sounds like a strange idea. It feel dated and it’s hard to imagine how anyone can make it relevant for modern audiences.
And yet, this French-produced take on the classic Zorro tale adapts the idea of a masked vigilante in a way that feels fresh and inventive. Even in the times when the reframing doesn’t quite work.
The series begins in 1821, when Don Diego de la Vega (Jean Dujardin) has essentially given up the Zorro game. He hasn’t worn the mask in nearly 20 years and the fifty-something businessman is focused on building a pipeline to bring water to his beloved Los Angeles. But all that changes when he unexpectedly finds himself as mayor and quickly learns the city owes a massive debt to Don Emmanuel (Éric Elmosnino), a corrupt casino owner who uses his power and influence to cheat his workers and make life worse for everyone in the city.
Enter the return of Zorro, although given his age, it’s not an easy road back to being a hero. Jumping on a horse to escape is a lot easier when you don’t have to contend with achy joints.
This task on the story leans heavy on mistaken identity jokes and some of them land better than others. And while the fact that De La Vega’s wife Gabriella (Audrey Dana) finds herself attracted to Zorro and he ends up in a three-way romance with himself, that part of the story goes on a bit too long.
Still, Zorro is a blast to watch and it’s another reminder that if you are a fan of international television, you should be subscribed to MHz Choice.