The Water Margin
Overview
The Water Margin, a Japanese TV adaptation of the classic Chinese novel, brings to life the adventures of 108 outlaws during the turbulent Song Dynasty. Central to the narrative is Lin Chung, who finds himself in fierce opposition against the corrupt local official, Kao Chiu. Rich in themes of loyalty and rebellion, this series captures the essence of the original tale through its dynamic characters and intense conflicts. It’s also known for its thought-provoking philosophical musings, like the intriguing quote, "Do not despise the snake for having no horns, for who is to say it will not become a dragon?"
Episodes
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1
Nine Dozen Heroes and One Wicked Man
The Emperor sends his treacherous favorite, Kao Chiu, to the sacred mountain to rid China of the malevolent force causing a devastating plague. While ...
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2
None Ever Escape Alive
Title: None Ever Escape Alive Plot: Lin Chung resigns himself to his fate as he travels toward Tsang Chou prison. Along the way, he encounters a grou...
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3
Both at Last Will Reach the Sea
Yang Chih, often referred to as 'Blue Face', stands out as one of the rare honorable figures within the government. In a bid to eliminate him, Kao Chi...
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4
Ever Busy are the Gods of Love
Lin Chung has arrived at Liang Shan Po, marking the start of the alliance among the rebel knights. Upon learning this, Wu Sung, known as the 'Tiger Hu...
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5
A Treasure of Gold and Jade
Title: The Quest for Gold and Jade Plot: Ambitious Kao Chiu, dissatisfied with merely holding the title of Viceroy and commanding the army, conspires...
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6
Bandits Who Steal Are Executed
Kao Chiu, determined to reclaim the stolen treasure, sends his men throughout the empire in search of leads. He learns that Lin Chung has allied himse...
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7
How Easy to Die, How Hard to Live
Kao Chiu receives the severed head of Wang Lun and, enraged and wary of the honorable judge Sung Chiang, assigns him the task of investigating Yen Po-...
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8
A Man's Only Happiness
Sung Chiang feels unprepared to align himself with the Liang Shan Po bandits, so he turns to his friend Hua Yung, the prefect of Ching Feng, for advic...
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9
A Dutiful Son and the Love of a Brother
Title: A Devoted Son and a Brother's Bond Plot: Kao Chiu seethes with frustration, feeling powerless against his adversary, Lin Chung. Yet, Kao Chiu'...
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10
Escape Is Not Freedom
Title: Freedom Comes at a Cost Plot: Enduring brutal torture, Sung Chiang awaits his grim fate at the hands of the malevolent Huang Wen-Ping. Meanwhi...
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11
The Girl Who Loved the Flower Priest
Kao Chiu's malevolent influence has extended its reach, prompting even more depravity among the heartless. Chin Mao Hu embodies this darkness, leading...
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12
Kao Chiu Loses His Heart
Kao Chiu's fixation on eliminating Lin Chung and the Liang Shan Po outlaws intensifies. As he probes into the rebels’ backers, he uncovers Hua Yung ...
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13
When Liang Shan Po Robbed the Poor
Driven by his insatiable greed, Kao Chiu devises a scheme to topple Prime Minister Chi Ching. He claims the Prime Minister is negligent in tax collect...
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1
A Death for Love, More Deaths from Greed
Title: A Death for Love, More Deaths from Greed Plot: Kao Chiu’s intricate schemes have ensnared Tai Sung, who now finds himself at the mercy of th...
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2
The Bravest Tiger Is First Killed
Title: The Bravest Tiger Is First Killed Plot: The Liang Shan Po rebels make off with a year’s tax revenue from Kuang Chow province. In response, K...
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3
Heaven Aims the Master's Arrow
Title: Heaven Aims the Master's Arrow Plot: Squire Kuang and his malevolent brother suspect that Lin Chung and Hua Yung will seek out Hua Yung's form...
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4
The Traps of Love and Hate
Evil Kao Chiu realizes that Lin Chung has ventured out of the safety of Liang Shan Po and learns that Duke Chai Huang Chen has been appointed as the c...
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5
A Foolish Sage Who Got Involved
Lin Chung journeys north with Li Hua, returning to Kao-Tang Chow, a treasure-laden region that remains largely free from Kao Chiu's tyranny. In respon...
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6
Mourn the Slaughter of So Many
China faces a dire crisis as General Huang Lung is defeated and his army obliterated by the invading Mongol forces. In a bid to placate the Emperor, K...
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7
The War to End All Wars
Kao Chiu has summoned a gunpowder expert to the capital, believing that knowledge of explosives and cannons will provide him with a significant advant...
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8
Death of a Great Man
The Tseng army has marched from Mongolia into China, led by Tseng Lung and his five ruthless sons. They reach Chao Kai's village of Tung-Chi, where th...
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9
Lin Chung Is Beaten
With Lin Chung captured by the Tseng family and the rebels grieving the loss of one of their leaders, Kao Chiu heads to Tung-Chi to revel in his trium...
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10
A Concubine's Dowry
Title: A Concubine's Dowry Plot: Kao Chiu relentlessly manipulates the young Emperor, surrounding him with sycophants and indulgent companions. Yet, ...
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11
Liang Shan Po and the Millionaire
Kao Chiu's brother-in-law, Liang Chung Shu, serves as the governor of Peking, where the affluent Lu Chin-I and his daughter Feng Hsien reside. Unbekno...
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12
Knight of the Long Sword
Title: Knight of the Long Sword Plot: A wave of insurrection sweeps across China as the Mongol threat looms at the borders. Without the Emperor's aut...
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13
The Dynasty of Kao
The prophecy has come to fruition as the ninety-six heroes of Liang Shan Po converge ominously south of the capital. Kao Chiu, resembling a trapped be...
