The Lost Empire

Season

2001

5.5

American journalist seeks lost Chinese manuscript, journeying with magical humanoid ape, pig-man, and ex-cannibal friend. Adventure based on renowned tale.

Episode List

S1 • E1

Episode #1.1

Sonar Entertainment's commitment to "making classics new again" is fulfilled in spectacular fashion with THE LOST EMPIRE, a two-night primetime big-event television presentation that blends a timeless adventure story, unforgettable characters, and an array of dazzling martial arts effects. THE LOST EMPIRE is based on the beloved 16th century classic of Chinese literature, ""Journey to the West,"" by Cheng-En Wu. It's been updated and modernized -- all the while preserving the original's scope, magic and uplifting message. Complete with a dashing hero, Nick Orton, THE LOST EMPIRE is a classic "quest" tale -- in this case Nick's quest to find and rescue a famous Chinese manuscript -- JOURNEY TO THE WEST -- from a group of demons who've kept it and Wu prisoner in a mythical underground world. Nick, 35, is a China-scholar-turned-business-consultant whose world-weary cynicism belies a true poet's heart inside. While on an archeological dig of secret Chinese tombs, Nick's epic adventure begins by a "chance" meeting with Kwan Ying, a beautiful goddess sent by the Terracotta Warriors (who recognize Nick as the "Scholar from Above") to recruit him for the heroic task of rescuing the manuscript within 3 days -- or face the world's end.

S1 • E2

Episode #1.2

The goddess Kwan Ying (Bai Ling, "The Crow") recruits former China-scholar Nick Orton (Thomas Gibson, "Criminal Minds") to help her take back a magical manuscript from evil demons. Based on the timeless 16th-century Chinese classic 'Journey to the West,' "The Lost Empire" is an epic Emmy®-nominated adventure with hints of "Indiana Jones," "Mission Impossible" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."