Hattori Hanzô: Kage no Gundan

One of the best TV series ever! Sort of a blend of Shogun's Samuari - The Yagyu Clan Conspiracy (also starring Sony Chiba) and the Lone Wolf and Cub series. Then throw in some Mission Impossible, Robin Hood, and The "A" Team! Reminds me of the Hanzo the Razor trilogy as well, with a surprising amount of violence and nudity for a TV show. The lead character in this show is Hanzo (??!!) Hattori (Sony Chiba) who is boss of an underground ninja clan. The exploits are inventive and interesting with many based on political intrigue, though there is a pervasive 80's soap opera (i.e. dramatic) element. The ensemble characters are all excellent, and the bath house setting provides relief from the heavy drama and adventure. I do have one complaint which keeps it from a perfect score - the music is okay, but the same themes / songs are repeated in virtually every episode and can wear out their welcome. One theme sounds like "Saint James Infirmary Blues", and another like Karen Carpenter singing "The Two Of Us" in a Japanese lounge. There are traditional styled Japanese melodies along with blaxploitation fuzz/funk influences. Don't worry about missing one as you'll hear most of them every episode. Just pace yourself and resist the temptation to watch them all at once. Highly recommended!