"Kung Fu: The Legend Continues" (1993) TV series 1993-1997

User Rating:

6.6/10   

Directors:

Jorge Montesi
Paul Shapiro

Writers:

Michael G. Chin (writer)
Gordon Farr (writer)

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Release Date:

27 January 1993 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Crime | Drama | Fantasy

Plot:

Kwai Chang Caine was a priest at a Shaolin temple, where his son Peter also lived and studied. The temple...

Plot Keywords:

Martial Arts | Shaolin Temple | Shaolin Monk | Police | Kung Fu

Cast

David Carradine	...	Kwai Chang Caine (84 episodes, 1993-1997)
Chris Potter	...	Peter Caine (83 episodes, 1993-1997)
Richard Anderson	...	Narrator / ... (82 episodes, 1993-1997)
Kim Chan	...	Lo Si / ... (51 episodes, 1993-1997)
William Dunlop	...	Chief of Detectives Frank Strenlich (48 episodes, 1993-1997)
Nathaniel Moreau	...	Young Peter Caine (45 episodes, 1993-1996)
Robert Nicholson	...	Det. Blake (44 episodes, 1993-1997)

Runtime:

USA:60 min (88 episodes) | Argentina:60 min

Country:

USA | Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Australia:PG | Argentina:13

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company:

Warner Bros. Television

Quotes:

[repeated line]
Peter Caine: [after watching Caine do something amazing] You have got to teach me how to do that.

Movie Connections:

Follows "Kung Fu" (1972)

Surprisingly Good

Despite a somewhat limited run in first-run syndication, Kung Fu seems to have found its niche as a TNT staple. It's basically the original series updated for the 90's - no surprise there. Still, I like any show that has a huge supporting cast that get their moments to shine & a strong sense of continuity, and KF has it in spades. There's enough fighting to satisfy the less intellectual, but some decent plotting and storylines for those looking for more. It also has a very clear beginning, middle, and end, making it more of a "saga" without a full-fledged Babylon 5-like "arc." And Scott Wentworth as Kermit is one of the coolest characters on TV - he should have gotten his own spin-off series.

The family theme was also interesting, particularly the interaction between the unsung Robert Lansing, Peter's adopted father, and David Carradine. Unfortunately, Lansing's death from cancer put an end to that, but his memory lived on.

Overall, a highly entertaining show. I'd recommend catching it if you can, but you really need to start from the beginning.