In Review: Kung Fu (S1 – EP13) Transformation

Synopsis: In ‘Transformation’ Nicky learns what is needed to open the forge. Meanwhile, an emergency at home threatens to derail Althea and Dennis’ tea ceremony.

The Story

Picking up from where last week left off. This season finale sees Nicky and Zhilan having to work together to open the Forge. Only a Guardian and a Warrior can cross. Of course, Zhilan uses threats to Nicky’s family as leverage in order to force Nicky’s hand, which only works for a brief time. As they get into the Forge they find that all the energy is gone and so is the sorcerer who draws it in. So, now Nicky and Zhilan must find the Sorceror. The one clue that they have in regards to her location is a mysterious plant.

Nicky and Zhilan are not the only people searching for the Sorceror. Russel Tan is also after the 8 weapons and the mysterious sorcerer who can power them up. Now Nicky and Zhilan find themselves racing to catch up to Russell Tan in order to get the weapons and find the Sorceror.

The Acting

Olivia Liang and Yvonne Chapman put in a brilliant performance as things come to a head between Nicky and Zhilan as their destinies collide. Both actors play brilliantly off of each other and we get a really good illustration of how different these characters truly are. One draws strength from her connections while the other fears them. I loved the scene in which Nicky asks Althea to find the Sorceror. But also manages to use her family connections as a means to outsmart Zhilan.

Kee Chan puts in a brief but strong performance as Russell Tan who will likely be the big villain in season 2.

Overall

‘Transformation’ does a solid job of bringing the story arc to a close. The conflict between Nicky and Zhilan is somewhat resolved as there is no longer a reason for Zhilan to fight. In fact she cuts a pretty tragic figure by the close of this episode and I kind of felt sorry for her. I loved the mythology element and the element that The Sorceror brought to the episode. The scene where Nicky and Zhilan get zapped by the Biange energy was nicely done. As was the fight between Nicky and Zhilan.

With the Biange running wild on the Earth. I have to wonder what Supernatural and mythical elements will show up next season. For me, one of the show’s strengths apart from the family drama element. Was the use of Chinese Mythology. Overall. ‘Transformation’ delivers.