Some two decades after the original Kung Fu had imploded -- mainly because of Carradine's own antics -- the actor grew weary of playing bad guys in B-movies and showed up in Canada looking to put together a production that would modernize the concept. Canada in the 90s was still struggling with the basics (like, oh, direction, cinematography, sound) but the tax incentives were in place and as long as you followed the First Commandment of Canadian film making -- START WITH A KNOWN US STAR -- you could pretty much find funding for a show on rewiring your garage. The plot twists to bring Caine together with his "son" were heroic, but once the series started, it did indeed find an audience. And, no, it was not better than the original, but it tried really hard and that counted. The fight scenes were wretched. The signature "slo mo" of the 70s series was used again, like a retread tire, but by the 90s, fight choreography had advanced and the fights, plentiful as they were, were the weakest part of the show. In fact, an argument could be made that it was the fans of the original, so happy to have Carradine back in the saddle (metaphorically) that gave this series some longevity. Seriously, if you looking for a DVD purchase, I cannot imagine anyone seriously preferring this to the 70s version.
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A_Different_Drummer17 November 2013
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drloomis66627 October 2013If your looking for a show with serious drama,social commentary or Emmy worthy dialogue then i suggest you go watch something like Law and order,CSI or Blue bloods.Kung fu the legend continues is the kind of show where you go get a snack,relax on the couch,shut your mind off and just enjoy what your watching.It's pure fluff and escapism.Mindless fun at it's best.It's full of Chinese mysticism,kung fu fighting and campy villains.
Even though Carradine was showing his age and his fight scenes were not particularly believable it was still a lot of fun watching him in his most famous role.And Chris Potter was an extremely likable and charming lead as his son.If your looking for something fun to watch then i would recommend this. -
ghostofthefuture10 August 2016This 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. -
Gislef17 March 1999Despite 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. -
ShelbyTMItchell17 January 2007The 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.
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kenjackson-340-19803823 March 2019I absolutely loved the original series, and this sequel series had a lot of potential. David Carradine is starting to show his age and although he has slowed down, acts his part well (although, he is supposed to be the original Kwai-Chang's grandson, lived in USA all his life, but basically acts like the original, speaking hesitant broken English, barely understanding common words & phases, etc) , and apart from a few occasional class appearances from "Special Guest Stars", the rest of the cast are just dire.. Think of a corny cross between "Barney Miller" and "The A-Team". All very 1980's fashion (shoulder pads, big hair, collars turned up, jacket sleeves rolled up). The worst part of this show is Chris Potter (who plays Kwai Chang's grown son) whose wooden over-acting ability is straight from a 3rd-rate cheap daytime soap opera, and portrays the most annoyingly cliched "brash cocky arrogant cop with chip on his shoulder who never listens to anyone else" character.
In season 2, all the supernatural mysticism, magic, time travel, etc tend to 'jump the shark' and spoil it a bit. -
engage218 October 2006This has to be one of the best shoes of its time. Kwai Chang Cain along with Raven and other martial arts weekly specials revolutionized television in the 90s. But this one in particular has more to it than fighting. Even today it has the same morals and lessons that you can use years later. Kung Fu the legend continues portrays the most touching themes between father and son, while adding some of the purest music of any show I've ever seen. The spirit of eastern philosophy is wrought throughout this series, despite what new challenges the duo face. For those of us who are not horror or violence enthusiasts, this show contains those elements in some of the occasional challenges the protagonists face, and it can end with a message or reflection on them. One such was the episode "The Possessed", where at the end Peter recalls to his father that he's never went up against anything like that, and the experience of going up against "real evil" to which he asks, "how'd we do?" to which Cain responds with a shrug of humility, "this time... we won." For those of you who also appreciate the art of reflection, there is a main reminiscence of the past in each episode that aids in the preparation or comprehension of some present event. The Shaolin Temple is shown to be the sanctuary from which the Cains developed their abilities and understanding of much more than can be found in society. Their memories of this are irreplaceable in the consistent survival of father and son, especially in the risky field of policing. It is mainly through his son's work that Kwai Chang Cain is able to track information on criminal activity and more. Sometimes, but less often, trouble finds its way to him.
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kenny7825 August 2008Love the comments and I agree this was a great show.
The way they endedseason 4 it had another season in it I think.
Or at least a spin off TV movie or two... sucks :( Too bad it was never released on DVD.
I'm not selling anything but for anyone with withdrawal like me :) I found a site that has the whole thing on DVD's.
It's recorded from TV of course but good quality and they edited out the commercials.
I love being able to come home some nights and throw on a few episodes.
It's in the action section on www.tvaddicts.TV -
Mbanshee5 April 1999I stumbled across KF:TLC quite accidently and was pleasantly surprised at what I originally thought would be your usual shoot 'em up type show. Instead what I found was a show that explored a father/son relationship in ways I hadn't seen done. Chris Potter is excellent as Peter Caine...I found myself instantly drawn to the character and able to relate to his conflicting emotions about the return of his father. Peter Caine is the character that kept me watching the show week after week and the show was blessed with a good supporting cast as well.
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SuperNatural0198326 January 2007I remember watching this show with my Mom whenever it came on to TNT. I was disappointed when it was canceled and I'm hoping sooner or later it'll come out onto DVD. Of course I don't remember everything about the show, however if it ever comes out onto DVD I will buy it.
I still like to watch David Carradine and Chris Potter on other movies and television series. My other favorite with Potter was Silk Stalkings, I was also disappointed when that was canceled as well. If anyone has any info regarding the Kung Fu: The Legend Continues ever coming to DVD please contact me at my email address.
Overall the show was excellent. I would give it a A++++ -
OllieSuave-00713 June 2017I haven't watched a whole lot of episodes of this TV show, but from the few I've seen, it turns out to be a fairly good show. David Carradine plays Kwai Chang Caine, a role he started back in the 1970s. This time, he joins his grown son Peter to battle evil using wisdom, martial arts and Peter's cop skills.
There's quite a bit of martial arts action to entertain adventurers and solid drama between the father-son relationship to touch viewers' hearts. There's also mystique elements, making an action show quite unique. Again, overall, a fairly entertaining show.
Grade B -
fctyger225 January 2014When I was a kid, I was fat and slow minded. It was monumentally easy for people to pick on me, as if I was Charlie Brown. I grew up admiring Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Noriyuki "Pat" Morita, and many other martial artists. When I got a break from house work chores, I was a regular couch potato. And now, when most of what I see on the air is a reflection of my own life, I take comfort in the online uploads of this series. David Carradine brings the kind of wisdom we are seriously lacking in this day and age. I honestly can't see why this series hasn't been professionally released to DVD yet. I would recommend this series along with "Beauty and The Beast" starring Linda Hamilton and Ron Perlman. Both DVD's are bound to open up your heart and broaden your mind.
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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. -
smmcroberts18 February 2011This is not as consistently excellent as the original series Kung Fu. About 2/3 of the episodes in TLC are roll-your-eyes and groan awful. This is particularly true when supernatural nonsense and the utterly absurd are made intricate parts of the plot. However, the remaining third are remarkably good, and make it worthwhile to endure the rest.
I had trouble with Carradine's acting. He played Kwai Chang pretty much as the original character who had emigrated from China. But Kwai Chang II supposedly lived in the U.S. for at least 40 years, had been a professional gambler, bus boy, assistant paralegal, etc. Yet he acted as if he didn't understand common phrases and colloquialisms, and would stumble and hesitate over simple English sentences. It's as if he just fell back into the role from the first series and was too lazy to update it for the new circumstances. He also appeared a little too out of shape to so easily defeat all assailants. The moments of wisdom are few and far between: it is more of an action cop show (and stands up well in that genre).
Chris Potter and the supporting cast went a long way towards injecting some reality and saving the series. -
Now, I'm sick with complaints of people who obviously don't know much about TV. TV series present FICTION, folks; even if they show you the Statue of Liberty and say the place is Gotham city or Metropolis, so it will be. Geez.
The main actors are not martial artists and so much the better. The previous attempt, which featured Brandon Lee, was not even sold, so live with it. If you want martial artists, go and see 'The Crow', or other stuff. There's hundreds of them. KFTLC is about acting and acting makes it the cult classic it is.
I don' deny the series obvious flows. Some episodes are badly done, like 'The Return of the Shadow Assassin' (s. 2), for instance; or plain pointless (like 'Kundela' or 'Dragon's Daughter'). Also the show had very really low budget and even provided that it did well. Imagine what it could have done with few millions more. And remember, KFTLC was shot in the mid-90s, it can never have the visual quality of present day television, for crying out loud!!
A serious negative side is the fantasy element. Time travel is fine but Warner did really bad by cutting the way of the 1st season took. They thought it was too much violence when the 1st season's stories tackled some very real and serious issues like drug addiction and human trafficking.
As for the actors, some of the guest actors are really bad. BUT they matter not! The main support actors, Scott Wentworth, Kate Trotter and Kim Chan are exquisite in their performances. Actually it was a great move to include them and add to the story of Caine & Peter with more regulars. When it comes to the leads, KFTLC is all about the relationship between father and son. When an episode fails elsewhere, they are there to the rescue; flawless! They act naturally and so well that one wonders whether they're not related in real life. It is them, the lead actors, the made the show. When I give 10 stars to the show, I give them to David and Chris. David Carradine & Chris Potter are without doubt one of the greatest tandems that have ever graced the TV screen. Not many have come close to them since then... -
Huge nostalgia! A great character study... I loved this show like anything when I used to watch it at night in my teens when it first aired. I didn't understand much of the Shaolin wisdom at that time but I truly watched it for the great cast and their relationship and value system that they portrayed. Not gonna lie when I say that I had a huge crush on Peter Caine. But its his bond with his biological father and his foster father & his family that kept me glued to the series in all its entirety. Paul Blaisdell was my favorite character on the show besides Peter and Kwai Chang Caine. His effortless charm, his devotion to his blind wife, his love for his children including Peter and the way he ran 101 precinct as the Police Chief were something to learn from. He was one person who commanded respect and love because he was like a father figure not only to Peter but to the entire police squad of his. Peter despite his reputation of being a hot shot who acted more on impulse than on thought never questioned any order of Blaisdell and that speaks volumes for the man he called 'father' in the absence of Kwai Chang Caine. I somehow loved the entire Blaisdell family which to me was instrumental in having a very positive effect on Peter when he grew up with all that anger and feelings of abandonment. My other favorite character on this show was obviously Peter himself for being a fabulously flawed young man that he was, because somehow every action of his reflected the big heart that he had. He was rash, impulsive, reckless, brave but underneath it all he had this huge heart and a need to help all those who were weak. To me he was the perfect police officer strong enough to take on anyone, a perfect son to both his biological & foster fathers, a kind brother to Blaisdell sisters as was shown on multiple occasions in different episodes, a doting son to his blind mother (Blaisdell's wife) and a perfect lover (though I never liked any of his love interests haha except perhaps the girl who sang at the bar in the very first episode of this series. Wish they had continued with her as his love interest throughout. Kwai Chang Caine was awesome in his wisdom and its only now when I watch the re-runs that I understand much of what he stood for and the wisdom that he imparted... a treat to watch and listen to. Besides these leading men, I also liked Lo Si, Strenlich, Annie & Caroline Blaisdell & Detectives Skalany & Jodie. All in all a beautiful show which focused on human relationships, the values in the police system especially because it was administered by men of conscience and a lot of spiritual wisdom. I honestly didn't care for the martial arts stunts as I was all for the characters and the stories and to me this show was a solid 10 on 10. Still is. Miss it...
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brightwyrm12 January 2005You 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. -
shelbythuylinh13 November 2021The late David Carradine stars as once again Kwai Chang Caine who thought he young son Peter was dead and in fact vice versa. Back in the Shaolin temple
Caine while wondering and playing his flute goes to an unknown city either NY, Chicago. But set in the filming in Toronto where most of the actors if not all are from.
As Peter and Caine find each other as Peter is now a big city detective with his foster father the late Robert Lansing.
Both men spend time with each other as Peter would slowly yet surely remember his kung fu skills and let the season 1 of using the gun to help thwart criminals decrease there.
Caine at first did not like but later accepted Peter as a cop. As great supporting cast as well. -
VallyNicky22 March 2014While I don't hold to Eastern Mysticism, I liked this show very much. The characters were engaging and had you coming back week after week. I'd even go so far as to say I'd buy the entire series if the Carradine family ever released it on DVD. The last I heard, David had purchased all the rights to this franchise and his family had no interest in releasing them as of yet. I tried watching the original series when it was on as repeats, but I couldn't get into it. I saw enough to recognize scene's they'd borrowed as flashbacks for KF:TLC. At first I wasn't happy with the season three changes, but I really came to love Kermit Griffith. He was by far my favorite character, aside from Peter Caine, of course. I wish the show had run longer than 4 seasons. Thank goodness, fan fiction keeps canceled shows alive, even for the not so die-hard fan like me.
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Kung Fu: The Legendary show continued.
Like I said reboots, remake and resurrections are often bad but after 20 years KF proved to be worthy to entertain me.
I loved and enjoyed the fighting they wtge best part of this series.
Hopefully Kung Fu doesn't resurrect for a third time because we all know how bad modern day reboots and remakes are.
Kung Fu is a great series please watch it. -
Flamio18 August 1999David 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.
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robbieg-4178818 March 2022I only watched this show in the 90's so I liked it. Now as an adult I want to watch it again. Problem is that I can't find it anywhere. Ebay, amazon only have season 1 and 2. Where is 3 and 4?
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gazebo18 April 2004"Kung Fu: The Legend Continues" will never be as good as the original "Kung Fu" TV show. The original "Kung Fu" was a remarkable show that can never be duplicated in this time and age.
"Kung Fu: The Legend Continues" is stricly lightweight fantasy. Kwai Chang Caine's descendants are still around and doing heroic work. Caine and his son, Peter (played by the handsome Chris Potter) were separated when their temple was attacked and destroyed. Peter is now a policeman. Caine and Peter meet again and reconnect. This show isn't just about police cases that Peter and Caine become involved in, it is also about a father and son's relationship. They learn to become family again and learn from each other.
I liked the relationship between Caine and Peter. The actors, David Carradine and Chris Potter have a nice chemistry together. I like the respect the father and son had for each other.
The other characters on the show actually become more interesting as the series progress. The show became more of an ensemble show as it progressed, but everything always comes back to Caine.
The show is fun, kinda hokey, makes Asian people look powerful, both in a good way and in a negative way. Asian people were never portrayed as powerful or exciting in TV or cinema during that time, and this was the only show that showed Asians that are not meek, or stupid.
This is a fun action show. I remembered it was a perfect way to spend an hour of TV watching on a Saturday afternoon.
I give this show a C++! -
Erkki_aka_Mjollnir18 October 2000One 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.