WARRIOR – Season 3, Episode 5 – The Way the World Works

Young Jun is transported to the deportation centre, there he learns that him and various other Chinese citizens are to be shipped back in two days. He also learns his status means nothing when a group led by Sicheng beat him up for all the Hop Wei has done to them and their families.

While recovering from his wounds, Young Jun is reunited with Father Jun. The two plan to escape the centre when they are to be moved.

Mai Ling is left in a cell, while Li Yong learns that the Long Zii council chooses not to release her, revealing they are aware of her dealings and using the Tong’s money. Li Yong takes matters into his own hands by blackmailing Buckley.

Buckley visits Mai Ling, informing her that she is no longer needed but she offers a new deal. Mai Ling is released, Li Yong reveals his trust is broken with her because of her dealings behind the Long Zii. Mai Ling plans to make it right by proposing to Li Yong.

Lee and Mosley investigate Yan Mi and her father’s shop, which Yan Mi tells Ah Sahm that she doesn’t feel protected. Ah Sahm and Hong devise a plan to get Young Jun out, even getting Chao to deal with Happy Jack.

Ah Sahm has no choice but to make a deal with Mai Ling to get Young Jun out, in return giving the Long Zii half of Hop Wei’s territory. While Chao’s deal with Happy Jack was to deal with Lee and Mosley.

More and more I bring this show to people’s attention, I discuss about the subplots and how the main story progresses.

I never really talked about the Political side of the story as much since it is not my expertise. The series though brings the Chinese Exclusion Act as a focal point in the background in seasons one and two.

After Blake’s death, Buckley took over as Mayor and his choices along with being under Mai Ling’s thumb, his campaign is failing as his opposition Thayer is taking the lead. Buckley brought in Atwood to further push his status but still doubts himself.

Buckley never really took centre stage in an episode until now as he opens up to Catherine Archer, revealing his insecurities but she shows him that is capable of succeeding.

This episode was a first in showing Buckley in action… not the way you think but giving him a chance to progress the political substory into the main story.

Another first is focusing on Young Jun alone. Definitely with a chip on his shoulder, and finally leading the Hop Wei, it hits him hard when Sicheng and others beat him down. This makes him questions has he been in the wrong the whole time while still being proud.

Father Jun returning, gives Young Jun a moment of clarity of what the Chinatown residents really go through. What Father Jun sacrificed to come to America for. Having both Father and Young Jun willing to die free than head back to what awaits them both.

Young Jun’s character was originally examined back in Season one. This episode gives him the reality of who he is to the other people in Chinatown, which Ah Sahm makes him realize after making a deal with Mai Ling.

Bill O’Hara finally leaving the police after Atwood’s actions. This came as a shock to me because his arc has been interesting especially his partnership with Lee. O’Hara leaving brought Lee and him back on equal footing, also with Lee proving he’s right.

And Lucy coming back, what awaits O’Hara next, we won’t know.

Ah Toy leaving Nellie is heartbreaking but it is the need to happen. Ah Toy has seen what it could be with peace but she knows she can’t do it alone. Having Nellie help creates a bigger problem so her and Lai will fight back their own way.

Having an ally does help but when the ally loses because of you, it doesn’t make things better. Especially when it is a culture clash.

An episode centred on Young Jun and the political side of the story, was an episode that brings everyone on their toes of no one knows what the next move is going to be.

Will Li Yong go through with the marriage with Mai Ling? Will Buckley and Mai Ling’s partnership prevail? Is Young Jun going to fail with the Hop Wei?

Halfway through the season…

Lead photo: David Bloomer