Vanishing Son

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  • 1994
  • 2 Seasons
  • 8.0  (237)

Vanishing Son is an action-adventure drama series that originally aired on syndication in 1995. It stars Russell Wong as Jian-Wa, a Chinese student who escapes to America following the Tiananmen Square protests. He is forced to leave his brother Wago (Chi Muoi Lo) behind in China.

The show follows Jian-Wa as he tries to assimilate into American culture while also avoiding capture by the Chinese government, who are pursuing him for his involvement in the protests. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, some of whom help him and others who hinder him.

The series is comprised of a total of 13 episodes, each running for approximately 44 minutes. The first episode, titled "The Vanishing Son," sets the stage for the story as we see Jian-Wa fleeing China and arriving in America.

Throughout the series, Jian-Wa is shown as an intelligent and resourceful man, able to think on his feet and improvise when necessary. His experiences in China have left him with a deep sense of guilt and a desire to make up for the mistakes he feels he made in the past. This often puts him at odds with the people he encounters, who are more concerned with their own needs and desires.

One of the main themes of the show is the struggle to find one's place in the world. Jian-Wa feels caught between two cultures, neither of which fully accept him. He is Chinese, but his experiences in America have given him a new perspective that he can never fully shake. This struggle is exemplified in his relationship with Casey (Megan Gallagher), a small-town sheriff who befriends him and tries to help him along the way.

Another major theme is the struggle for freedom. Jian-Wa is pursued relentlessly by the Chinese government, who see him as a dangerous symbol of the protests. He is constantly on the run, never able to fully relax or settle down. This is contrasted with the freedom enjoyed by the people around him, who take their liberty for granted and don't understand the sacrifices Jian-Wa has had to make.

The show is notable for its fast-paced action sequences and Wong's skillful martial arts abilities. However, the action is always in service of the story and never feels gratuitous. The fight scenes are well-choreographed and exciting, but the characters are always at the forefront.

Overall, Vanishing Son is a compelling and emotionally resonant series that explores themes of identity, freedom, and redemption. Wong's performance as Jian-Wa is nuanced and powerful, and the supporting cast is excellent as well. While it may not have enjoyed the same level of success as other action-adventure shows of its time, such as Walker, Texas Ranger or Xena: Warrior Princess, it stands out as a unique and worthwhile addition to the genre.

Vanishing Son
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Seasons
Land of the Free
13. Land of the Free
May 8, 1995
When Jian-Wa infiltrates a Chinese gang to try to get to the General, he uncovers an illegal immigrant smuggling ring.
Long Ago and Far Away
12. Long Ago and Far Away
May 1, 1995
When Jian-Wa takes a job as a maître d' in a Portland bistro, he befriends the owner, who is being pressured to sell her business.
Jersey Girl
11. Jersey Girl
April 24, 1995
Jian-Wa challenges the mob to preserve a beautiful singer's career.
Win, Place or Dead
10. Win, Place or Dead
March 20, 1995
Jian-Wa risks capture to enlist the help of Agent Phillips in exposing an unscrupulous horse trainer, who is killing thoroughbreds to claim the insurance.
Two Guys with Guns
9. Two Guys with Guns
March 13, 1995
Jian-Wa is kidnapped by two renegade brothers on a cross-country crime spree.
Lock and Load, Babe
8. Lock and Load, Babe
March 6, 1995
Jian-Wa saves a couple from a violent carjacking, only to learn they are bizarre thrill-seekers who have chosen him as their next victim.
Runaway Hearts
7. Runaway Hearts
February 27, 1995
Jian-Wa's involvement with beautiful art collector Dinah Lai subjects him to dangerous smuggling activities pertaining to rare Chinese antiquities -- and nearly leads to his capture by federal agents.
Miracle Under 34th Street
6. Miracle Under 34th Street
February 20, 1995
Jian-Wa is shot while eluding federal agents and is rescued by Isaac, an eccentric artist living in an abandoned subway tunnel beneath St. Louis.
Sweet Sixteen
5. Sweet Sixteen
February 13, 1995
After Jian-Wa stops a robbery-kidnapping atttempt at the wedding reception of wealthy Charlie Garbett, he is hired to protect Charlie's estranged teenage daughter, Jenna, whose biker boyfriend is nothing but trouble.
Single Flame
4. Single Flame
February 6, 1995
When Jian-Wa arrives in California to visit his Vietnamese friends Lan Chi and her brother Hung, he is drawn into a deadly gang rivalry caused by Lan's romance with a handsome young Caucasian.
Birds of Paradise
3. Birds of Paradise
January 30, 1995
While working as a hired hand on a Texas ostrich ranch, Jian-Wa helps the battered wife of the ranch's owner prove her innocence when she is accused of killing her husband.
Holy Ghosts
2. Holy Ghosts
January 23, 1995
Summary is not available.
Dance of the Dust
1. Dance of the Dust
January 16, 1995
Jian-Wa takes a job in an urban garment factory, where he meets a courageous young immigrant named Viveca and joins in her battle to unionize the workers.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    February 28, 1994
  • IMDB Rating
    8.0  (237)
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