Kung Fu - the TV Show

A LITTLE ABOUT THE SHOW

Kung Fu was set in the U.S. West in the late 1800's. The hero of the series, Kwai Chang Caine, was half American and half Chinese. He had a mysterious past. The TV show was about his adventures as he trekked through the U.S. A believer in peace, Caine was raised to be a Shaolin priest. He encounters mysteries, prejudice, and hatred in his wanderings, and teaches the ways of peace and nonviolence, while searching for his half-brother. At the same time, he is a wanted man, due to a crime committed in China that I seem to remember was murder in self-defense.

THE FLASHBACKS

Episodes of Kung Fu feature flashbacks to Caine's youth, where he hears valuable life lessons and practical advice from his teachers, Master Po and Master Kan. These, to me, were the best parts of the show.

THE ORIGINAL SERIES VS. THE LATER ONES

Kung Fu lasted for three seasons. Later, two remakes would come out. I only saw one of them (so far) but to me it never quite matched the quality of the original series.

THE EPISODES

Each episode was different. There were a lot of things that would always surprise me, too. Caine was never in the same place twice, so it cut way down on the boring factor. Caine always showed everyone up, because the difference between his beliefs and the stupendously stupid non-beliefs of others shone out glaringly. I found myself rooting for Caine every episode. Even when he made a mistake, he admitted it with grace.

ABOUT DAVID CARRADINE AND THE CAINE MYSTIQUE

The star of the series, David Carradine, won a Golden Globe award for his acting in this TV show. I really believe he was the main reason that the show was so great. David Carradine had charisma. I simply was drawn into watching him and listening carefully to everything he said. The show had a mystique and an other-worldly fascination to me. I also was fascinated by the lessons the show taught me about true honor and decency.

The show's mystique lingers on - as shown by many takeoffs of the show, plus a current TV ad featuring Caine and Yellow Book USA. David Carradine, went on to star in many films and TV shows, the most famous being "Kill Bill."

DAVID CARRADINE WAS VERY BELIEVABLE

It was easy for me to believe that David Carradine was Kwai Chang Caine when I watched Kung Fu. He just looked the part, talked the part, and acted the part so well that I was completely swept up in the story. I think the fact that Carradine is part Native American helped, because he has definitely has the right look for a Shaolin priest. Caine (as played by David Carradine) was noble, handsome, and honorable. I was in major crush.

So.... for all these reasons, I recommend watching this show. If you never have experienced it, you should watch it, because DEFINITELY, KUNG FU WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST TV SHOWS EVER MADE!