Over the past few decades, we have seen a handful of brilliant martial arts-focused TV series that have begun to gain massive popularity. The likes of Into the Badlands, Daredevil, Cobra Kai and Banshee are without a doubt the best. But perhaps the most incredibly underrated martial arts series remains Warrior.
What originally drew most to Warrior was that the show was based upon the writing and concept of martial arts legend, Bruce Lee. But what kept audiences through its previous two seasons was the stellar action, compelling characters, brilliant cast, and engaging narrative, which all in all feels like Peaky Blinders meets martial arts. One of the greatest ever compliments.
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4 The Delayed Return of Warrior
Sadly, in late 2020, after Warrior’s second season, the show was canceled due to Cinemax halting all production on their original shows, and Warrior was the last of their original series to air. Thankfully however, it wasn’t long before a third season was ordered from HBO to stream on their newly titled streaming service, Max, formerly HBO Max.
Fans will be happy to hear that season three delivers another spectacular iteration of the martial arts epic. The action is once again top-notch, even surpassing the many memorable fight scenes from the previous two seasons. The characters are more compelling than ever, with most receiving satisfying arcs and growth, and the new cast of characters makes for a great addition to the show.
Narratively, the show continues to impress. Expanding on the already riveting overarching story, season three continues to deal with the show’s gang and race wars, with a few twists and character turns added in for good measures.
Related: Best Bruce Lee Movies, Ranked
Following on from the race riots at the end of season two, season three sees Mai Leng (Dianne Doan) use her government connections in an attempt to consolidate power over San Francisco. While struggling under the pressure of an increased police force, Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji) and the Hop Wei, search for a new way to survive. The gang war battles on, and with the increased power of the police force, the gang’s must either work together against the “bulls” or throw each other under the bus, in order to survive.
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What’s not to love about Warrior’s mesmerizing action? The entire show has been a jaw-dropping display of impressive martial arts thus far, and season three is no different. Each fight scene has been expertly shot and stitched together giving the fight scenes far more fluidity, something many Hollywood action movies lack. The music only enhances the action, as does the spectacular physicality from the actors.
Season three wastes no time in hurling audiences right into the action. Besides, it’s mostly what many of us come back to the show for. Within the first five minutes Ah Sahm gets into a brutal brawl, with the rest of the Hop Wei stepping in to lend a hand in the fight’s final minutes, all before the police come to shut the fight down, demonstrating their increased power. From there the fights never ease up, constantly leaving audiences with their jaws to the floor, with their blood and heart’s pumping.
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Warrior’s cast has always delivered engaging performances, however in season three the cast is better than ever. Sure, some line delivery from a few cast members was a little uneven and shaky, but that’s mostly due to moments of questionable dialogue. Not entirely the cast’s fault.
Yet, where the show’s cast really stands out is with their deeply impressive physicality through the action scenes. Andrew Koji once again kicks ass with his martial arts style, which is very reminiscent of Bruce Lee, a loving and brilliant homage to the martial arts legend. Joe Taslim is, as always, fantastic. Taslim is one of the most underrated martial artists in history, and Warrior gives Taslim every opportunity to prove why he is one of the best. His acting chops are brilliant and his brutal and incredibly rapid martial arts style is mesmerizing.
Making his debut appearance in the latest season of the show, is the brilliant Mark Dacascos. Many may recognize Mark Dacascos from John Wick: Chapter 3: Parabellum,Only the Strong and of course Iron Chef: America. Dacascos is a sensational martial artist who has been showing off his skills for decades, and season three, although it takes a little while to get there, delivers a showcase of Mark Dacascos’ spectacular martial arts skills.
Jason Tobin from Tokyo Drift and Better Luck Tomorrow is at his best in season three, training extra hard for his role as Young Jin, and delivering great physicality that almost compares to that of Joe Taslin and Andrew Koji who both have deep histories with martial arts. Dianne Doan once again delivers a complex, powerful and confident performance trying to overcome her challenges faced by the increased police presence as the leader of the Long Zii crime organization.
Related: Warrior Star Andrew Koji Joins Dystopian Action Film Boy Kills World
1 The Race War Continues
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Each season of the show has tackled racism, discrimination, and police brutality. But with the increase of police power in season three, this third season really doubles down on the racist themes and horrendous discrimination that the Chinese went through in San Francisco in the late 1800s.
The even more powerful, deadly and corrupt police force continue in attempting to drive the Chinese out of San Francisco, with the government unlawfully arresting many from the Chinese community and deporting them back to China. Although portraying police brutality in movies isn’t anything new, Warrior manages to still make the delicate topic feel fresh and as poignant as ever.
By no means is the show purposely sending messaging regarding modern day police brutality, instead the series delves into the tragic theme’s history surrounding police brutality on the Chinese during the late 1800s, to profound effects. Many of these scenes are quite tough to watch, as police raid houses and begin beating and forcefully pushing Chinese men, women, and children for absolutely no reason other than to demonstrate power.
Season three of Warriors premieres on Max June 29, 2023.
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