Review: Kung Fu Series Premiere “Pilot.” – A Welcome Reimagining With Kick-Ass Female Leads

Kung Fu, Season 1, Episode 1 “Pilot”

Air Date: Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 8/7c on The CW

Reviewer Rating: 4 Stars ★★★★★

“You make the path that you live.” – Pei-Ling

Kung Fu, The CW’s reimagined version of the 1972 series of the same name stars Olivia Liang as Nicky Shen, a young Chinese woman who decides to stay in China for three years after a disagreement with her family back in San Francisco. During her time in China, Nicky stays and trains in a Shaolin Monastery under the tutelage of her “Shifu” Pei-Ling (Vanessa Kai). After a mysterious incident leads to a tragedy at the monastery, Nicky is forced to return to San Francisco to face not only her past, but her family, especially her mother, Mei-Li (Kheng Hua Tan). Side note, I loved Tan’s performance as Kevin’s mom on Supernatural.

Kung Fu comes in at a time in our current society where racism, pain and discord is heightened in the Asian American/AAPI community. While the AAPI community is no stranger to the bias, stereotypes, and prejudices against them, this series appeals to a broader audience, providing an image of strong Asian women for a new generation of young girls and women to look up to. Being Asian American myself, I am thrilled to see this cast, the strength the young women convey, and Kung Fu does an amazing job showcasing the mastery of the martial arts as an artform that takes dedication and earnest.

Kung Fu - Pilot - 007 - The CW — Kung Fu — “Pilot” — Pictured: Olivia Liang as Nicky Shen — Photo: Kailey Schwerman/The CW — © 2021 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Before Nicky left China, she met up with a rival female warrior named Zhilan (Yvonne Chapman) who left Nicky for dead after kicking her off a cliff. The mystery deepens with the addition of an ancient sword that Nicky swore she would get back. Now, back in San Francisco, her attention is divided between learning more about the sword’s history thanks to a new friend and history buff, Henry (Eddie Liu), and helping her family and other businesses being bullied by the Triads.

Kung Fu - Pilot - 003 - The CW — Kung Fu — “Pilot” — Pictured (L-R): Eddie Liu as Henry Yan and Olivia Liang as Nicky Shen — Photo: Bettina Strauss/The CW — © 2021 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Throughout the series premiere “Pilot,” Nicky is faced with many challenges and obstacles. She left behind a strained relationship with her parents, Mei-Li and Jin (Tzi Ma); a Caucasian ex-boyfriend and Assistant D.A., Evan (Gavin Stenhouse); and two siblings, computer whiz and tech-startup entrepreneur sister Althea (Shannon Dang), and pre-med brother Ryan (Jon Prasida). But there is trouble in the neighborhood with the local Triad gang that terrorizes businesses, including Jin’s restaurant, and threatens the safety of her family.

Kung Fu - Pilot - 006 - The CW — Kung Fu — “Pilot” — Pictured (L-R): Olivia Liang as Nicky Shen, Shannon Dang as Althea Shen, Jon Prasida as Ryan Shen and Kheng Hau Tan as Mei – Li Shen — Photo: The CW — © 2021 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The action sequences are choregraphed so well with great musical accompaniment. Despite their similarities, Nicky knows it’s not going to be easy to win the trust of the local business owners, but after kicking some serious ass in front of one storefront, people are starting to see hope in the form of a Kung Fu warrior named Nicky. The story arcs are involved, complex, and rich with cultural references steeped in tradition. It’s also a human story that’s universal – family and all the chaos of differing opinions. It’s not just about being Chinese American and going against your families wishes; it’s about being true to yourself in spite of everything.

Kung Fu - Pilot - 004 - The CW — Kung Fu — “Pilot” — Pictured (L-R): Tzi Ma as Jin Shen, Shannon Dang as Althea Shen and Kheng Hau Tan as Mei – Li — Photo: Kailey Schwerman/The CW — © 2021 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The mysterious sword and the events leading up to it being stolen by Zhilan make for such a great introduction for this new series. I’m impressed and looking forward to seeing more. I’m also pleased with the strong female leads in Liang, Dang, Kai, and Tan. The portrayals of the traditions clashing with growing up in America ring true.

Many young Asian-American women that grow up in the U.S. but live in traditional Asian households are held to some impossible standards. To honor your family but wanting to choose your own path in life is a contradiction at times. I appreciate the dichotomy being depicted with such prevalence. The storylines provide an enriching and authentic point of view that I think many will appreciate.

For more on Kung Fu, visit the official site

Tune in to Kung Fu, Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW

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Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.