Vanishing Son
A fugitive musician uses martial arts and wisdom to clear his name.
Vanishing Son is an American action television series that began as a series of four television films in 1994, followed by a 13-episode syndicated series in 1995. It is regarded as one of the first American dramatic TV series to feature an Asian lead. The series was part of Universal Television's Action Pack.
Quick Facts
- Runtime
- 45 minutes
- Director
- John Nicolella (TV movies)
- Creator
- Rob Cohen
- Starring
- Russell Wong
- Chi Muoi Lo
- Rebecca Gayheart
- Haing S. Ngor
- Dustin Nguyen
- Composer
- Jan Hammer
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Network
- Syndicated
Facts from the source article.
Overview
Russell Wong portrayed Jian-Wa Chang, a musician who fled the People's Republic of China after participating in a protest resembling the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. He and his brother Wago Chang (Chi Muoi Lo) escaped to the United States. The story follows Jian-Wa pursuing music and the American Dream, while Wago becomes involved in organized crime.
TV movies
Vanishing Son I depicts Jian-Wa and Wago's life in China, where Jian-Wa studies violin under Teacher Beaton (Rob Cohen) and both brothers train in martial arts with Sifu Yamou (John Cheung). They join political demonstrations with their friend Lili (Vivian Wu). After a confrontation with military guards, their father Louyung Chang (Kay Tong Lim) urges them to flee. Estabrook finds their photos in Time magazine and releases them under asylum laws. In Los Angeles, Jian-Wa becomes a musician and falls in love with cellist Clair Rutledge (Rebecca Gayheart). Wago joins a gang led by Fu Qua Johnson (Marcus Chong), whom they met in jail. The gang is ultimately controlled by a Vietnamese mobster called The General (Haing S. Ngor). Jian-Wa rushes to protect Wago during a shootout at a Vietnamese tavern, but Wago refuses to flee. Jian-Wa leaves Clair a letter professing his love and departs, wanted for questioning.
TV series
The 13-episode series takes place after Vanishing Son IV. Jian-Wa is a fugitive, blamed for the deaths of two US Federal Agents, though The General orchestrated the murders. Jian-Wa travels across America, using his wisdom, music, and martial arts to solve problems while seeking justice against The General. The series has a lighter tone than the telefilms, with each episode presenting a new adventure. Jan Hammer composed the music and opening theme. Jian-Wa is aided by the spirit of his deceased brother Wago. He is pursued by Federal Agent Dan Sandler (Jason Adams), while Agent Judith Phillips (Stephanie Niznik) believes in his innocence and becomes his ally. The series was not renewed after its initial 13 episodes.
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