Vanishing Son
Encyclopedia
Vanishing Son is a short-lived syndicated
action
television series that was part of Universal Television
's Action Pack. Starting as a series of four made for television movies in 1994
, the series debuted on January 16, 1995. Vanishing Son I, Vanishing Son II, Vanishing Son III, and Vanishing Son IV, were aired on February 28, July 18, July 25, and October 10, 1994, respectively. The series was ground-breaking for the casting of an Asian
male in an attractive leading-man role.
starred as Jian-Wa Chang, a musician who escaped from the People's Republic of China
after being involved in a student demonstration against the government. He and his brother Wago escaped to the USA; he pursued his music while Wago became drawn to a life of organized crime.
Wago and two US Federal Agents are killed; Jian-Wa is held responsible, but a Vietnamese mafioso known as "The General" (Haing S. Ngor
) is behind the murders. Jian-Wa becomes a fugitive, using his wisdom, music, and martial arts skills to solve problems along the way, on his quest to bring "The General" to justice. As he helps others while traveling, he is aided by the spirit of his murdered brother Wago.
In the series, Jian-Wa is constantly on the run from ruthless Federal Agent Dan Sandler (Jason Adams
), the direct superior to the agents killed in the two-hour films. Agent Judith Phillips (Stephanie Niznik
) was a member of Sandler's team who was convinced that Jian-Wa was innocent and she gradually became his ally. This put her at great odds with Sandler.
The series was canceled after the first thirteen episodes aired.
Television syndication
In broadcasting, syndication is the sale of the right to broadcast radio shows and television shows by multiple radio stations and television stations, without going through a broadcast network, though the process of syndication may conjure up structures like those of a network itself, by its very...
action
Action genre
The word action has more than one meaning in fiction. Action is one of the fiction-writing modes authors use to present fiction. The term is also used to describe an exiting event or circumstance.-Action as a fiction-writing mode:...
television series that was part of Universal Television
Universal Television
Universal Television is the television production arm of the NBCUniversal Television Group, and by extension, the NBC television network...
's Action Pack. Starting as a series of four made for television movies in 1994
1994 in television
The year 1994 in television involved some significant events.Below is a list of television-related events in 1994.For the American TV schedule, see: 1994-95 United States network television schedule.-Events:-Debuts:-Miniseries:...
, the series debuted on January 16, 1995. Vanishing Son I, Vanishing Son II, Vanishing Son III, and Vanishing Son IV, were aired on February 28, July 18, July 25, and October 10, 1994, respectively. The series was ground-breaking for the casting of an Asian
Asian people
Asian people or Asiatic people is a term with multiple meanings that refers to people who descend from a portion of Asia's population.- Central Asia :...
male in an attractive leading-man role.
Synopsis
Russell WongRussell Wong
Russell Girard Wong is an American actor and photographer, as well as the brother of actor/model Michael Wong.-Biography:...
starred as Jian-Wa Chang, a musician who escaped from the People's Republic of China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
after being involved in a student demonstration against the government. He and his brother Wago escaped to the USA; he pursued his music while Wago became drawn to a life of organized crime.
Wago and two US Federal Agents are killed; Jian-Wa is held responsible, but a Vietnamese mafioso known as "The General" (Haing S. Ngor
Haing S. Ngor
Dr. Haing Somnang Ngor was a Cambodian American physician, actor and author who is best known for winning the 1985 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his debut performance in the movie The Killing Fields, in which he portrayed Cambodian journalist and refugee Dith Pran. His mother was...
) is behind the murders. Jian-Wa becomes a fugitive, using his wisdom, music, and martial arts skills to solve problems along the way, on his quest to bring "The General" to justice. As he helps others while traveling, he is aided by the spirit of his murdered brother Wago.
In the series, Jian-Wa is constantly on the run from ruthless Federal Agent Dan Sandler (Jason Adams
Ash Adams
Ash Adams , also known professionally by his given name of Jason Adams, is an award-winning American independent filmmaker, producer, writer, and well-known TV and movie actor.- Early life :...
), the direct superior to the agents killed in the two-hour films. Agent Judith Phillips (Stephanie Niznik
Stephanie Niznik
Stephanie Lynne Niznik is an American film, television, and theatre actress most famous for her role as Nina Feeney on Everwood.Besides Everwood, Niznik's television roles include guest roles on Dr...
) was a member of Sandler's team who was convinced that Jian-Wa was innocent and she gradually became his ally. This put her at great odds with Sandler.
The series was canceled after the first thirteen episodes aired.
Episode titles
| episode# | Title | Air Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Dance of the Dust" | January 16, 1995 |
| 2 | "Holy Ghosts" | January 23, 1995 |
| 3 | "Birds of Paradise" | January 30, 1995 |
| 4 | "Single Flame" | February 6, 1995 |
| 5 | "Sweet Sixteen" | February 13, 1995 |
| 6 | "Miracle Under 34th Street" | February 20, 1995 |
| 7 | "Runaway Hearts" | February 27, 1995 |
| 8 | "Lock and Load, Babe" | March 6, 1995 |
| 9 | "Two Guys with Guns" | March 13, 1995 |
| 10 | "Win, Place or Dead" | March 20, 1995 |
| 11 | "Jersey Girl" | April 24, 1995 |
| 12 | "Long Ago and Far Away" | May 1, 1995 |
| 13 | "Land of the Free" | May 8, 1995 |