Jerome Wetzel used to do TV Reviews all the time. Now, he posts short versions on the Facebook and Instagram account Jim's Daily by Jerome Wetzel, as well as serving as creator, producer, and head writer for It's All Been Done Radio Hour and iabdpresents.com
The CW’s newest action drama is KUNG FU. A remake of the 70s show of the same name (and 90s continuation), this series is set in the present day. A young woman bristles against the path her mother has set for her life, and instead spends three years in China learning Kung Fu. But you can’t run away from your family or your problems, so eventually the young woman goes home and finds even more trouble. Has fate set her up to save everyone? Or is she just in the right place at the right time with the right skills?
My first thought, even before I looked up the producers, which include Greg Berlanti, is that KUNG FU could easily be a spin-off of former CW series Arrow. Arrow had lots of Asian symbology to it, and of course so does KUNG FU. The formula is very similar, as well, with a hero estranged from her family for years, only to return and try to play savior in the place she grew up, as well as getting drawn into larger battles. The plot is divided between a superhero (which the protagonist definitely is) going through family and romance drama, and fights against those who would hurt people, often on a large scale.
This Arrow comparison isn’t a complaint; I liked that show quite a bit, and now that it has come to an end, there is definitely room for another show of its type on the network. KUNG FU also feels timely and important to have such an Asian-heavy cast and team in a show like this right now, especially given the racism and violence that has been exacerbated recently against Asian Americans. Familiarity breeds acceptance and diversity, so it’s vital to have representation. The fact that this is a good series relatable to anyone who grew up with or has a family may help it temper some resentments. But that aside, it’s just a good, entertaining series.
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If I could do anything I wanted to, I'd split my time between writing exciting novels and developing television programs, and reading great books and watching wonderful television shows.
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