Kung Fu – “Chains”

by Ted Davis

Original Air Date: March 29, 1973

Directed by: Robert Butler

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains spoilers for this episode!

Synopsis: To learn the whereabouts of his brother, mild-mannered wanderer Kwai Chang Caine (David Carradine), who also happens to be a Shaolin monk on the run from a trumped up murder charge, uses his totally awesome martial arts skills to break himself and hulking mountain man Huntoon (Michael Greene) out of the army stockade. During the course of their journey, the violent and rabid Huntoon discovers the value of friendship and trust, and how to lead a more peaceful existence.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): During one of the standard flashback sequences, the younger Caine (Keith Carradine) receives moral instruction as guided by the wise and venerable Master Po (Keye Luke), who delivers his message in the form of a parable about the Cat and the Rat with the useful assistance of a fluffy white cat, which is first seen in closeup and which Po pets throughout the show-and-tell lesson.

Kung Fu - Chains - close up of longhair white cat
Kung Fu - Chains - Master Po Keye Luke holding longhair white cat with young Caine Keith Carradine
Kung Fu - Chains - Master Po Keye Luke holding longhair white cat with young Caine Keith Carradine
Kung Fu - Chains - Master Po Keye Luke holding longhair white cat with young Caine Keith Carradine animated gif

Final Mewsings: Thankfully, the all-knowing Master Po used a cat to illustrate his parable, rather than a rat.

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