China Doll (1.3)

[J.J. Walters]

[Carol the Dabbler]

[Carol the Dabbler]

[lutherhgillis]

I find it remarkable that MPI kept the level of continuity at its highest. Except for a few things, it remained true to its previous years. This is a testimony to the quality of the show's actors, writers, and producers...

Back then I'm sure they had no idea we would be watching every episode with such scrutiny

[IslandHopper]

I think one of the reasons why there were so many continuity errors is that the show had many different writers over the course of eight years. I guess the show had someone dedicated to continuity to consult with the various writers, but there were a ton of these type of errors.

_________________
The answer is obvious, old man. Logic is irrelevant. It's simply Tropical Madness. (J.Q. Higgins)

[ConchRepublican]

I'm a big fan of this episode. I think this is when you really get the feel of the series. The 2-part pilot was a bit more serious in tone overall. Here I think Thomas' easy going ways come through a little better.

"Hi, Ho", for example. I love that!!!!!!

Of course, he doesn't stray far from the Bad-A$$ shown in the pilot when he takes on the Tong. It shows he is a soldier, well trained, and will kill if necessary. No agonizing over it, he knows when the choice needs to be made and does what needs to be done. A throwback to the 30's and 40's noir I think TM looked up to (how many people now refer to Hammett and Chandler?) growing up.

This episode I feel also cements the relationship between the three. When things go sideways and they have to get dirty, these battle hardened vets come up with a plan and put it into action. They know what needs to be done and go do it. Sure, Rick, as usual draws the short straw and has to ferry the Tong around, and gets clocked for it, but, well, everyone has a role. I like to think his training saved his life.

All in all, a little corny (well, that is Magnum) but a favorite of mine.

_________________
Time has little to do with Infinity . . . and jelly donuts.

My little slice of paradise:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Flemingo-Key/140998085974647?ref=hl

[Agatha]

I liked this episode A LOT. There's the Chinese culture...generations of a family willing to give their lives to keep the ashes of the Emperor safe...Tongs, which I knew existed but learned more about. There's more about the main characters...Higgins knows that the vase is a reproduction (not a fake!) and we learn that he worked at a museum for a time so he knows how to re-assemble the pieces of the vase. I agree with ConchRepublican that it shows us how Thomas, Rick and TC are able to use their war experience when necessary to solve a current problem. And we see, again, how committed Thomas is to what's "right". Even though he "went a little crazy" over Mi Ling, he holds her accountable when she lies to Higgins about the seal and when TC is attacked by the Tong. It's like his time in Viet Nam has given him an "edge" when it comes to knowing what has to be done...and the wherewithall to do it! This is true of all of them, really...Thomas, Rick, TC and Higgins. Very resourceful.

Additional bits of "insider information"...Thomas correcting Mi Ling when she calls him a Private Eye...he prefers Investigator. And Higgins being frustrated because Thomas always seem to know the combination to the safe.

[Frodoleader]

Watched this yesterday and found it to be one of the better MPI episodes. It has the right mix of seriousness and levity we all enjoy in MPI.

_________________
"You are three months at Dak Wei and still you crack jokes?" - Ivan

[J.J. Walters]

Conch, Agatha, Frodo - great points! I couldn't agree more. This has become one of my favorite "early" episodes.

_________________
Higgins: It's not a scratch! It's a bloody gouge!

[Agatha]

I'm chopping up turkey necks for the dogs today and am rewarding my self...and getting to sit down periodically...by working on my Season 1 thoughts. I voted for all of them last night and am going to "think" about them today.

I see that I've already commented on China Doll. My additional thoughts are that the conversation between Mi Ling, Higgins and Thomas at the estate is wonderful...conversations, really, since there are two of them going on at once...seamlessly, flawlessly and apparently effortlessly. I think it's easy to get caught up in how bright and fun and action-packed this series is and forget about how really GOOD it is because it's so subtle. A "given"...that we just take for granted, I think.

I love "Hi, Ho!"

I'm also fascinated by the supporting cast. Yankee Chang (Uncle Han) is in several episodes. George Kee Cheung (Choi) is also Victor in Holmes Is Where The Heart Is. and Lee DeBroux (Salty) is Gallagher in The Arrow That Is Not Aimed.

_________________
Isn't the ocean beautiful at sunset? So soft....so peaceful...so romantic!