Gail Mabalane returns as Zenzi in the new season of Unseen

By Byron Lukas

Fans of the hit Netflix series Unseen have a lot to look forward to as South African actress Gail Mabalane is set to return as the fierce and resilient Zenzi Mwale in the upcoming second season, slated to debut on Friday, 2 May 2025.

This six-part series promises to deliver more nail-biting encounters and unexpected revelations as Zenzi navigates a perilous path filled with new challenges and characters. Get ready to ramp up the tension as season two introduces a formidable lineup of new faces that will complicate Zenzi’s already tumultuous existence.

“I think the struggles that she’s had in season one, and the fights she was having to fight for a family, to fight for a son, to fight for a husband, to fight for their lives now goes full circle, in a sense, because it’s like this is the extent I need to go to in order to, to protect, in order, I need to rise up not only for myself but for my late, family members, and maybe the nuance. have human rights,” Gail explained.

This season will follow Zenzi’s harrowing experience behind bars as she tries to survive within the brutal confines of the prison system. However, survival often requires collaboration, leading Zenzi to form a reluctant alliance with the cunning TK, played by Danica Jones (Hunting Jessica Brok, The Morning After).

“I never thought I’d have to go for a character and owning it. And, you know, just having Gail there with me for my first scenes, for everything, I think she is just a formidable leader,” Jones says. “I loved playing TK. She really gifted me that some cool things I can punch now.”

But in a world fraught with deception, Zenzi soon discovers a deadly target is hunting her, forcing her to grapple with trust and betrayal. As desperation mounts and time runs out, Zenzi embarks on a high-stakes breakout, forced to team up with Detective Lyners, portrayed by Ilse Klink, and Detective Morkel, played by Waldermar Schultz. You’ll have to tune in to find out more…

Among the notable new characters is S’bu, portrayed by the multi-award-winning talent, Siv Ngesi (Invictus, The Woman King, and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom), who brings an intensity to the narrative that is expected to heighten the stakes for Zenzi. Kevin Smith, widely recognised for his compelling performance in Isidingo, joins as Eric Davids, while Donkerbos actress Erica Wessels steps into the role of Detective Visser, adding layers of intrigue to the plot. Continuing to enrich the storyline, it also sees the introduction of Andrew Harting (played by The Bang Bang Club actor Frank Rautenbach), a character that the viewers are sure to find intriguing.

Audiences will also get to see the late, legendary Sello Motloung in one of his final roles as Zenzi and Naledi’s father, promising an emotional depth to the season. Additionally, top actor Zolisa Xaluva will portray John, Naledi’s husband, further intertwining the complex familial dynamics at play.

“I think you know, it was an interesting transition for me as well, because the first season, you meet a very neat and wild Zenzi who’s just trying to find her husband, and you see her really come into her own strength in season two,” Gail says.

The narrative also takes a thrilling turn as Zenzi also seeks the help of her estranged sister Naledi, played by Dineo Langa, culminating in a pulse-pounding journey that oscillates between the thirst for vengeance and the longing for liberation.

Langa told Inbound SA: “So in this season, you get to meet Naledi at core, you get to meet the things Naledi hasn’t dealt with. You get to meet the stage that Naledi is dealing with, or rather the stage that is dealing with.”

With an impressive blend of seasoned actors and fresh talent, the second season of Unseen is shaping up to be an electrifying continuation of an already gripping saga. The commitment to storytelling and character development promises to leave viewers on the edge of their seats, eager for more twists and turns as Zenzi battles her greatest enemies; both outside and within.