In Review: Kung Fu (S2 – EP12) Alliance

Synopsis: In Alliance, Nicky enlists all the help she can get in order to stop Russell Tan. But when an unexpected discovery threatens to derail their efforts, the team will be forced to prepare for what may be a losing battle.

The Story

Having captured Mia in the last episode and killed his daughter Juliette. Russell Tan now looks to his son Kerwin to work with him on his plan, but unbeknown to Kerwin. His father’s plan only includes the use of his body as Russel is looking to transfer his soul into Kerwin’s body via a transmutation spell, which he needs Mia’s blood for.

Meanwhile, Nicky is scrambling for help from all corners and is forced to reconsider her feelings toward Zhilan if she stands a chance of getting Mia back. 

The Acting

Kee Chan channels his inner villain as we see Russell Tan at his most manipulative yet. The scene where he pretty much reveals his plans to Kerwin after having slashed Mia’s wrist was well and truly earned. The actor manages to convey a real hunger with his facial expressions.

Added to that. I also enjoyed the dynamic between Nicky and Zhilan as they entered Tan’s building. Both Olivia Liang and Yvonne Chapman work well off of each other in their respective roles and it’s more fun seeing them work together than it is when they fight each other. We also get some nice father to son moments between Danny (Terry Chen) and Henry (Eddie Liu) as they follow through on their part of the plan.

Overall

Alliance brings together all the best elements of the series and sets up when is sure going to be a thrilling season finale. The fact that Russell Tan has been able to move his plans so far forward to the point where he has triggered the San Francisco Earthquake has all sorts of implications. However, the last time we saw her. Mia was still alive and breathing, which may well mean that Russell Tan’s transmutation spell may well depend on whether Mia lives or dies.