Kung Fu

This contemporary, feminist adaptation of the original Kung Fu (1972) series tells the story from a distinctly matriarchal point of view. Nicky Shen (Olivia Liang), is an average twenty-something imperfect person, but is smart, strong, and lives for a purpose. While there are male characters who maintain a strong presence throughout the series, it is the women who present themselves as both the strongest leaders, and the most harmful enemies. Adding to this is the show's attempt to diffuse common stereotypes about Chinese culture by openly acknowledging them, and then demystifying them by putting them into a larger context that showcases the cultural norms and practices that many Chinese-American families choose to live by.

Granted, this reboot is stylized to match the dramatic formulas that are popular among younger viewers. Nicky is more of a crime fighting hero than she is a wise mentor, and despite references to ancient Chinese history and folklore about female warriors, the mysticism surrounding her role sometimes feels lost. Meanwhile, there are many young, attractive characters that will no doubt spark some interesting romantic interests. As a result, those who enjoyed the classic series may be surprised with what they find here. Nonetheless, if you're looking for an entertaining, female-driven crime-fighting series, Kung Fu is a fun pick.