Directed by Gavin Millar; Written by Rosemary Anne Sisson; Starring Corey Carrier, Lloyd Owen, Ruth de Sosa; Margaret Tyzack
Just before boarding the train to Peking (Beijing), the next stop of Professor Jones’ lecture tour, Anna falls ill and slowly recovers during the journey.
Dr. Jones is in Peking to meet with Fen Yu, who worked on translating the Arthurian legends. The group is introduced to Li Shung Sui, their guide and interpreter during their stay. While the professor meets with Fen Yu, Anna, Miss Seymour, Indy, and Mr. Li plan to see more of China.
During their journey, Miss Seymour lectures Indy on the dynasties and teaches him about the Great Wall prior to their visit to the historic structure. They also visit Buddhist temples, and Mr. Li helps Indy learn some Chinese. The ladies and Mr. Li also discuss the use of “pidgin,” which is used to help facilitate communication between Chinese and English speakers, and how visitors to a country should try to learn the language (as Indy often does).
The cart driver Ah Pin is nearly thwarted by a thief, but Indy stops the man from getting away with their luggage by disconnecting the cart. The man has been following them all along their journey, but Mr. Li advises Indy not to tell his mother and Miss Seymour about the incident, as it would make Ah Pin lose face and needlessly alarm the women.
Then Indy falls ill, and they lose their cart and luggage as they try to cross a river. A kind family welcomes them into their home and shares what little they have while Indy’s health worsens, and Anna’s desperation grows. The American doctor at the mission is still two days away, with Ah Pin and Miss Seymour having left to bring him back.
The family prays for Indy to have a safe journey, but Anna refuses to consider that he might die. She decides to ask Mr. Li to bring the Chinese doctor, Dr. Wen Ch-lu. With Mr. Li translating, the doctor explains he will use acupuncture to restore the balance between ying and yang. Indy becomes frightened at the needles and Anna is hysterical, and Mr. Li escorts her from the bedside and tries to calm her.
Her composure restored, she returns to the room and grants permission for the acupuncture. Tense hours pass, but Indy slowly improves. When the American doctor James Morton arrives, he tells Anna she is fortunate to have had the famous Dr. Wen treat Indy for what they learn was typhoid. At this point, there is little for Dr. Morton to do other than advise a light diet as Indy continues to recover.
Then the family who so generously provided shelter and food face eviction when a man arrives to collect a debt. Anna, with some of her luggage and money returned to her, rushes to provide help, but Mr. Li warns her not to interfere and bring dishonor to the family. She ignores his warning but explains that she owes the family a great debt, of many thousands of dollars, and she wants to repay what she can.
The payment is accepted, and, with Indy now recovered, everyone gathers around a feast that Indy compares to a Thankgsiving meal.
Thoughts
This episode explores adapting to the culture when visiting a different country, such as learning the language, recognizing that beliefs about honor and respect may differ, and medical treatments may not be familiar, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I’ve tried acupuncture several times, and though I can’t say it treated any specific ailment, it was relaxing, which alone can be a great benefit.
There’s some information on the Chinese dynasties and the Great Wall, as well as a discussion of Buddhism, but, in a departure from the other episodes, none of the characters appear to be real historical figures.
Related DVD Documentaries
- Medicine in the Middle Kingdom
- Eastern Spirituality – The Road to Enlightenment
History
Peking is an older English spelling of what is now commonly known as Beijing.
The Great Wall had sections built as early as the 7th century BC, but the best-known sections were constructed during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). It spans over 13,000 miles.
Fun Facts
Ping Wu (Li) has appeared in many television shows over the last few decades, including but not limited to Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, Scorpion, and Madam Secretary, as well as doing voice work.
Ray Charleson (Dr. Morton) had a small role in Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun as an American priosoner.