In Review: Kung Fu (S1 – Ep6) Rage

Synopsis: In ‘Rage’. When the retrieval of a weapon doesn’t go as planned, Nicky takes matters into her own hands. Jin takes Mei-Li on a Surprise date and Althea Finds herself faced with an ultimatum.

The Story

With one of the mystic weapons having been found in Bolivia in last week’s show. Henry makes contact with someone that can bring the Dagger into the US. But when the contact betrays them and puts the dagger onto the market. Nicky desperately tries to concoct a plan to steal the dagger from the museum where it will go on show for buyers. Fearing that Zhilan will get the dagger first. Nicky threatens to try and steal it on her own. Thankfully for her Henry has anticipated her threat and manages to talk Nicky’s brother and sister into helping with the heist. However, their perfect plan hits a snag when Nicky’s parents happen to have obtained tickets to the museum’s exhibition. What happens from there on in is a fun blend of comedy, drama, and action.

The Acting

Olivia Liang does a fantastic job of conveying both Nicky’s frustration and rage when her hopes of getting the dagger are dashed. The rage is more to do with Zhilan having murdered her Shifu and taken the sword and scabbard. We see a good scene where the spirit of Pei-Ling (Vanessa Kai) calls Nicky out about it. She warns that she will not be able to see other potential openings if she does not move past her anger.

The episode culminates in another confrontation between Nicky and Zhilan (Yvonne Chapman). Only this time Zhilan is not playing around and also warns Nicky. The verbal sparring between Nicky and Zhilan prior to the claws coming out was fantastic. It’s a real credit to both Liang and Chapman that they maintain such intensity. Only Nicky probably has much more to lose the Zhilan, which is something that gets pointed out to her.

Overall

A solid episode, which ups the ante while also managing a nice balance of drama, comedy, and action. The fight scene at the end is well worth the wait. But we’ll have to wait until next week to see the fall out from it. Which makes for a fun cliffhanger while Nicky lies on the cold concrete floor for a week. Oh sorry. I forgot It is only make-believe.