The Karate Kid trilogy. I know, I know, all of you twenty something's reading this message are saying under your breath: "There were more than three so it isn't really a trilogy" You may think I am sexist, but in my opinion the Hillary Swank sequels don't really count. Ralph Machio will always be the one and only karate kid to me. So, given that, I am limiting my commentary to parts I through III. Now here's my gripe. In the first movie we went through the struggles of young Daniel trying to fit in at his new school and pursue his first true love portrayed by Elizabeth Shue. We are there with him through the ups and downs, we feel the preliminary heartache and subsequent victory when he gets the girl, wins the tournament, and all is right with the world. Then part two picks up the next day. Where is Elizabeth Shue? They just broke up. Well isn't that convenient. You mean after all that we went through with this kid to win the girl of his dreams, they break prior to the first scene of second movie. I for one felt a little cheated. He is quickly whisked away to Osaka where he falls instantly in love with Kumiko, a beautiful young Japanese girl. After a going through hell and high-water with the Yakuza he wins her honor and all is right with the world. Enter part three. Where is the fair young Kumiko? Don't tell me I listened to that damn Brian Adams song for nothing. And who is this "girl next door" that Daniel instantly falls in love with while opening a bonsai tree shop? Another girl for Daniel to win over, while at the same time battling the evils of our cruel world. Let me tell you folks, I loved these movies honestly. But, come on, every girl he meets he falls head over heals in love with. Then as soon as he overcomes all of the worlds adversity and is coupled with her, they break up. I tend to believe there was an underlying reason we don't know about for all these break-ups. Will there one day be a Karate Kid Part XI where we will see Daniel reunited with all three of his former love interests, who will all ask him to take paternity tests and then sue him for back child support? That storyline could hardly be considered more ridiculous than the first three. Andy Rooney CBS Broadcasting [This message has been edited by andy_rooney (edited 09-21-2000).]