Kung Fu: A Lenda Continua

I never thought I would like Kung Fu: The Legend Continues. Before I watched the series, my impression of the show was of a father and son fighting team that found new people to beat up every week. I admit, to my chagrin, that was my picture of 'martial arts' shows.

Then, by accident, I caught part of an episode where the father and son were hugging each other and the son was teary-eyed. Apparently, the son's mother died many years ago. I was drawn into the program, surprised to see this candid, emotional moment on screen. This was not what I expected.

After viewing a few more episodes, I became a true admirerer of Kung Fu: The Legend Continues. The father, Caine and his son, Peter, had been separated for 15 years thinking each other dead. The large story arc traces their road to reconciliation. While the two must struggle to understand each other and make amends for past grievances, there are external obstacles mirroring their inner obstacles. Through this turmoil, the show balances fast-paced action with heart, humanity, healing and a helping of humor.

I also admire the way the show deals with violence. In the earlier episodes, Peter commonly used a gun in a dangerous situation while his father, Caine, tried to disarm hostiles without killing them. As the show progresses, Peter learns there is "another way" to deal with a dangerous situation than to go for a gun.

Kung Fu: The Legend Continues is a magical show with a positive, yet not syrupy, message of hope in the face of adversity. Here's hoping that the legacy of 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.

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.

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.

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.