Ah Sahm discovers that his sister, now known as Mai Ling , is not only alive but has risen to power as the wife of the Long Zii leader. When they finally meet, she makes it clear she does not want to be "saved" and warns him to leave the city.
Ah Sahm is introduced to Young Jun , the impulsive heir to the Hop Wei Tong. He quickly realizes that Chinatown is a powder keg of rivalries, primarily between the Hop Wei and the Long Zii .
is the series premiere of the action-drama Warrior , which originally aired on Cinemax and is now available on platforms like Netflix and Max. Based on the writings of Bruce Lee, the episode sets the stage for a brutal power struggle in 1870s San Francisco. Plot Overview
The story follows , a martial arts prodigy who travels from China to San Francisco in search of his missing sister. Upon arrival, his fighting skills are immediately tested when he defends himself against corrupt customs officers. This display of prowess catches the eye of Chao , a black-market fixer, who sells Ah Sahm’s "debt" to the Hop Wei , one of Chinatown's most powerful Tongs (organized crime syndicates). Key Developments
Shannon Lee (daughter of Bruce Lee) and Justin Lin Director: Assaf Bernstein Warrior S1 - Now TV Website
The title "The Itchy Onion" refers to a derogatory term used by the white characters, but the episode serves to subvert that image by showcasing the strength and agency of the Chinese characters. Production Credits Creator: Jonathan Tropper
The episode highlights the intense racial tension in San Francisco. The local police department forms a "Chinatown Squad," led by Bill O'Hara , to manage the growing violence while white laborers, led by Dylan Leary , feel threatened by the influx of Chinese workers. Thematic Elements
Ah Sahm is an outsider in both worlds—too "Western" for some Chinese and a "coolie" to the white population.