Kung Fu: The Legend Continues

You know what was great about the late 80's and early 90's? All of those old shows we love, like Knight Rider and Quantum Leap and the A-Team. Shows that while they contained over-the-top action and cheesy comedy, had endearing characters and interesting premises that weren't so tired as to be not worth watching. I think that Kung Fu, The Legend Continues fits neatly into that list of 'B' list TV favorites.

Following the further adventures of Kwai Chang Kaine as his wandering finally comes to an end and he settles down long enough to be with his son, a detective in the inner city, this is both a cop and Kung Fu show and a curious parody of how the perceptions of Asian mysticism have worked their way into modern culture. David Caradine's character's amusement at the modern world is quirky and anachronistic, and interesting characters like the Ancient keep you coming back. And of course, there's just something to be said about listening to David Caradine talk.

Another twist here was the sense of history that the connection to David Caradine's old Kung-Fu Western, the original Kung Fu gave the sequel series. The show hearkens back to it's roots by containing flashbacks, not of Kaine this time as in the original series, but of his son's history as he recalls the teachings of the Shoulin monks when faced with trouble.

Movies like Big Trouble in Little China, Kill Bill volumes 1 and 2, and even the Matrix trilogy would later rely on the groundwork laid by this and other shows and films to set the stage for wacky wire works combat and mystical fights where more than was normally possible was suddenly a part of the story. It's clear to most that the gravel-voiced Caradine was chosen for his role in Kill Bill for his contribution to the Kung-Fu Spagetti Western, a genre he and contemporary Bruce Lee helped create, and the very character he plays here.

Over all, take KF:LC for what it is; a fun action series with memorable characters. Enjoy.

David Carradine and cast present an interesting and captivating episode every time. This show rules! Great guest stars: Mickey Rooney, John Saxon, Pamela Susan Shoop, etc...they all make for great entertainment! There is a good chemistry between Caine and his son Peter. Flashbacks are always cool. As to why young Caine had to change actors, who knows? Maybe Nathaniel Moreau got too big. Great show, I've watched episodes over and over again.

This show was one of the 10 or so I made it a point to watch in the mid- to-late '90s. Not because it was well-written or because it was revolutionary in some way, but because it was just plain fun! The first season was pretty "bad" start to finish, but the show had little budget. However, as each season progressed, the writing got better, and the story's arc got stronger.

The main reason to watch this show is for the chemistry between David Carradine and Chris Potter. It is beautiful to behold and comes to a very touching conclusion in the season 4 finale (I'm still a little miffed they never had a final season).

As for the rest, you've got some good performances, some awful performances, some surprise guest appearances and fun cameos, and some pretty cheesy special effects (even for 20 years ago), but if you just take it as it is, it's a pleasant way to spend your evening.

One of the local channels just started airing this less than a month ago. They show it every workday night. I fully agree with the first comment here (by anonymous, 27 October 1998). At first, I thought it was lame, but after I had watched 1 or 2 episodes, I really began to like it and now I watch it every day if I have the chance. The most of all I like the character of Kwai Chang Caine. When fighting, he uses minimum violence to defeat his opponents, never kills them (at least I haven't seen it yet). He is kind and wise etc. I haven't seen the original series or the movies, but his character makes me want to see these too.

This IS one of the (very few) best series since "Magnum, P.I.", in my humble opinion. The similarity between Magnum and Kung Fu: TLC is that while both deal with action and fighting bad guys, their real focus is on human relations, friendship etc. And more - in Magnum, Tom Selleck fit the role so perfectly, that it was hard to believe this was acting. I think it is also true with David Carradine.

The show was great and with a great cast led by David Carradine and Chris Potter and a great supporting cast. The show wasn't about just martial arts and kicking the bad guys. But also on how you can handle situations without killing people and bringing them to justice. Peter who usually handles his situations with a gun learns the kung fu way throughout the show while Kwai Chang Caine tries to teach him those ways. After fifteen years apart, the father and son come together. As they must slowly but surely try to get along and work out their differences but other than that, they still show a love for one another. Great show and hope it comes back on. As I hope and pray that since TNT doesn't no longer have the show, hopefully it will come on like the Sci-Fi channel as it does employ some science fiction stuff.