The martial arts dramas star breaks down the tongs newest criminal endeavor and looks ahead at the new season.
Andrew Kojiknew there was more life inWarrior, even after Cinemax canceled the series.
Only two episodes into the new season, the problems are stacked up higher than ever.
Andrew Koji as Ah Sahm on ‘Warrior’ season 3.David Bloomer/Max
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What do you remember about learning that the show was returning and playing Ah Sahm again?
This is a show that means something and I have learned so much from it.
It was no question for me.
Andrew Koji as Ah Sahm and Jason Tobin as Yung Jun on ‘Warrior’ season 3.David Bloomer/Max
It’s been a couple of years so it felt surreal.
Ah Sahm is very uncomfortable with his new status as a hero of Chinatown.
Why do you think he is bumping up against it?
Since season 1 he’s been struggling.
He’s a great athlete and fighter, but not a true martial art warrior yet.
He feels unworthy of that acclaim, so it’s a multitude of different things put together.
Speaking of Yung Jun, he and Ah Sahm have been inching toward a clash for some time now.
What can you share about where their dynamic is heading this season?
It’s always a pleasure to work with Jason.
What’s fun is the nuance of it.
It’s been looking that way for a long time, but neither of them want it to happen.
This is a great season for Jason and Yung Jun.
He gets to do some pretty powerful stuff and he knocks it out of the park.
People on the show often accuse Ah Sahm of having larger aspirations.
From your perspective, what does he want at this point?
It changes over time and has changed each season.
This season he wants to do the right thing and he’s got a moral compass.
He’s one of the few characters that has a strong compass.
That doesn’t necessarily include the tong.
One of the most layered dynamics is Ah Sahm and Ah Toy (Olivia Cheng).
From your perspective, what are they to each other?
She’s seen right through him from the beginning.
They’re more like distant friends in a world where they both essentially don’t belong.
It’s a bit of a naughty move.
It’s a very Yung Jun kind of move.
It makes sense because they’re at such a disadvantage in so many ways.
This is a way to even the playing field, especially with their own internal politics.
The main conflict is that it brings attention from multiple different avenues.
What can you tease about what’s next for them?
He feels protective of an underdog and responsible for her.
He sees potential in her and that’s where a lot of the chemistry comes from.
Which would you consider the biggest threat?
The biggest threat is the consequences of the money printing because it draws attention in so many different ways.
The political situation has always been an issue, but this time they’re cracking down big time.
Warriorairs Thursdays on Max.
