The Master

The Master is an American action-adventure television series that aired on NBC in 1984. Created by Michael Sloan, the show combines martial arts, action, and drama, set against the backdrop of the early 80s fascination with ninja culture. The series follows John Peter McAllister, a seasoned martial artist and the first Western ninja, as he searches for his long-lost daughter while helping those in need along the way. Lee Van Cleef stars as McAllister, with Timothy Van Patten co-starring as Max Keller, a young man who becomes McAllister’s apprentice.

Although The Master ran for only 13 episodes, it developed a cult following due to its combination of martial arts action, Van Cleef’s unique take on a Western ninja, and the classic 80s blend of crime-fighting and adventure. The show capitalized on the growing popularity of martial arts in American pop culture, blending traditional Eastern philosophies with the episodic action formula typical of television during that era.

The Premise of The Master

The plot of The Master centers on John Peter McAllister, an aging and experienced martial artist who had once trained as a ninja in Japan. McAllister returns to America after learning that he has a daughter he never knew existed. Determined to find her, McAllister embarks on a journey across the country, helping people along the way and using his ninja skills to fight injustice.

Throughout his travels, McAllister encounters Max Keller, a free-spirited young drifter who becomes his student. Max, eager to learn the ways of the ninja, joins McAllister on his quest, and the two form a close bond as they move from town to town. McAllister trains Max in martial arts and the discipline of the ninja, while Max provides the youthful energy and enthusiasm that often helps them in their adventures.

Their journey is not without its challenges, however. McAllister’s former student, Okasa (played by Sho Kosugi), becomes his nemesis and relentlessly pursues him. Okasa sees McAllister as a traitor to the ninja code and seeks to defeat him in order to restore honor. This rivalry becomes a central conflict throughout the series, with Okasa appearing in several episodes to confront McAllister.

Each episode typically follows McAllister and Max as they arrive in a new town or encounter someone in need of help. Using McAllister’s ninja abilities and Max’s growing skills, they confront local criminals, corrupt officials, and various other antagonists. The show’s episodic format allows for a range of different storylines, from small-town crime to larger, more personal battles between McAllister and Okasa.

Main Characters

The characters in The Master bring depth and diversity to the show, with each one contributing to the overall narrative and development of the series. At the core of the story is the relationship between McAllister, the wise and seasoned ninja, and Max, the eager but inexperienced apprentice.

• John Peter McAllister (Lee Van Cleef): McAllister is the central figure of the series, a highly skilled ninja and former soldier who trained in Japan. He is the first Western man to become a ninja master, and his years of training have made him an expert in martial arts, stealth, and combat. Despite his tough exterior, McAllister is driven by a deep sense of honor and compassion, particularly in his quest to find his daughter. Lee Van Cleef’s portrayal of McAllister gave the character a world-weary yet determined presence, making him both a formidable warrior and a sympathetic figure.
• Max Keller (Timothy Van Patten): Max is a young drifter who meets McAllister early in the series and becomes his apprentice. Max is enthusiastic and eager to learn the ways of the ninja, though he often lacks the discipline and experience that McAllister possesses. Over the course of the series, Max grows as both a fighter and a person, learning valuable lessons from McAllister about martial arts and life. Timothy Van Patten’s portrayal of Max provided a youthful energy that balanced McAllister’s stoic demeanor, and their mentor-student relationship became a key element of the show.
• Okasa (Sho Kosugi): Okasa is McAllister’s former student turned nemesis. A highly skilled ninja in his own right, Okasa believes that McAllister has betrayed the ninja code by leaving Japan and using his skills in the West. Throughout the series, Okasa pursues McAllister, seeking to defeat him and reclaim his honor. Sho Kosugi’s portrayal of Okasa brought a sense of intensity and danger to the show, and his confrontations with McAllister added a layer of tension to the storyline.

Martial Arts and Action Sequences

One of the defining features of The Master is its focus on martial arts action. Each episode features a variety of fight scenes that showcase McAllister’s ninja skills, from hand-to-hand combat to stealthy infiltrations and weapon-based fights. Lee Van Cleef’s portrayal of McAllister as a skilled yet aging ninja added a unique element to the action scenes, with the character relying more on experience and strategy than brute force.

Sho Kosugi, a well-known martial artist and actor, was responsible for many of the fight sequences and choreography in the series. His character, Okasa, provided a worthy adversary for McAllister, and their showdowns were often the highlight of the episodes. Kosugi’s involvement brought authenticity to the martial arts scenes, making The Master stand out among other action shows of the time.

While the series did not shy away from traditional martial arts, it also embraced the exaggerated ninja tropes that were popular in the 1980s. McAllister frequently used ninja weapons such as shuriken (throwing stars), nunchaku, and katanas, and the show often featured dramatic fight sequences that blended realism with the mystique of the ninja.

Themes of Mentorship and Honor

At its core, The Master explores themes of mentorship, honor, and redemption. McAllister’s relationship with Max is a central aspect of the show, with McAllister imparting wisdom and teaching Max not only how to fight but also how to live with discipline and purpose. Their bond grows stronger throughout the series, with Max evolving from a reckless young man into a capable fighter and student.

The concept of honor is also central to the conflict between McAllister and Okasa. Okasa’s pursuit of McAllister is driven by his belief that his former master has betrayed the ninja code. This theme of honor versus personal freedom is explored throughout the series, as McAllister must reconcile his past as a ninja with his desire to find his daughter and help others.

McAllister’s journey to find his daughter adds an emotional layer to the series, showing that even a highly skilled ninja master has personal vulnerabilities. His determination to reunite with her drives many of his decisions and adds a sense of purpose to his travels.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The Master capitalized on the 1980s fascination with ninja culture, which was reflected in films, television, and even toys of the time. Although the show lasted only one season, its blend of martial arts action, mentorship, and adventure resonated with a niche audience, leading to its status as a cult classic.

The series also helped popularize the concept of the Western ninja, a trope that would continue to appear in films and shows throughout the decade. Lee Van Cleef’s portrayal of McAllister offered a unique take on the ninja archetype, blending Western sensibilities with Eastern martial arts traditions.

Despite its short run, The Master remains a memorable part of 1980s television history, known for its action-packed sequences, memorable characters, and the mentor-student dynamic between McAllister and Max. The show’s cult status has only grown over the years, as martial arts enthusiasts and fans of 80s television continue to rediscover and appreciate its unique contribution to the action genre.