*Spoilers for episode 23.*
Pretty good episode. We continue the intriguing story of Zhao Min, plus we see a few long-awaited story points come to fruition. There’s a lot going on here, and it sets up even more for the future.
In the last episode, Ming sect traveled to warn Wudang about the recent rash of attacks against other sects, but Zhao Min and her men beat them to it. She appears before True Master Zhang and poses as Zhang Wuji, not realizing that he’s already in the room (also pretending to be someone else.) As Wuji faces off against Miss Zhao for a second time, he looks for a means to help his gravely injured uncles.
It hasn’t yet been revealed what Zhao Min is up to or what she actually wants—aside from probably Zhang Wuji—but I continue to find her interesting. At the moment, Wuji might be the hottest name in the martial arts world, and it’s a bold move to pretend to be him within the sanctum of the family he’s long been separated from. When another character confronts her, telling her that her treachery isn’t the action of “a true man,” she simply snaps, “Of course I’m not a true man. Even if I’m insidious and sinister, what can you do to me?” She also calls Wuji a brat and generally throws her weight around.
At this point, not one but two of Zhang Wuji’s uncles have been severely disabled by a devastating move known as King Kong Finger (according to the subtitles—not sure if that’s its actual name, if it’s an intentional reference, or what.) In this episode, our heroes pursue the Jade Fracture Healing Ornament, the only medicine that could potentially heal these grievous injuries. I can’t remember if it’s ever been brought up before, but given Zhang Wuji’s past studies under Master Hu, it makes sense that he’s the one who would know of any possible cure that could help them.
Similar to his big stand against the other sects, Zhang Wuji is in an odd position here when it comes to his late father’s sect. He’s come to Wudang in disguise, but Zhao Min showing up throws his plans into disarray, and he’s forced to step in and help before he’s actually revealed his true identity. Wuji can pull off this kind of move very well, because he frequently focuses on whoever needs help the most—his own concerns come second. So he’ll gladly come forward to keep Miss Zhao’s attention on him instead True Master Zhang and his uncles, knowing the family reunion can wait a little longer. Tony Leung Chiu-wai does a nice job conveying the essential selflessness of these scenes.
These kinds of situations mean that, when the truth does come out, there’s so much going on that no one really knows how to react. I really like Zhang Wuji’s interactions here with the Wudang disciples, and especially with his great-grandteacher. True Master Zhang has heard a little of Wuji’s recent exploits, but even he is surprised to see his skills in action, which is fun.
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