41 minSeason 2 • Episode 26
LatestTripitaka has an ominous dream that his mother is dying, and becomes very preoccupied the next day. Concerned about his master, Monkey cloud-flies back to China, and finds Tripitaka's mother, Wing-Chow, infected with a deadly plague. Just before dying, she tells Monkey that her son, original name Hsüan Tsang, must continue his journey to India. Monkey returns and impersonates Wing-Chow, to pretend she's alive, fearing that Tripitaka would stop his journey and return to China if he knew the truth.
Buddhist priest Tripitaka and his three disciples Monkey, Pigsy, and Sandy, travel from China to India to fetch the Buddhist scriptures. They have been sent by Buddha, and getting these scriptures will bring peace to the people of the world.
Production
Garish costumes that define psychedelic television
Practical Effects
Pre-CGI wirework and explosions everywhere
Acting
Masaaki Sakai's unhinged Monkey energy
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This Japanese adaptation of a Chinese classic became a cult hit in Australia and UK through bizarre English dubbing that rewrote dialogue as rapid-fire jokes.
Masako Natsume's death from leukemia at 27 made her Tripitaka performance tragically iconic; fans still pilgrimage to her memorial.
JP
