Season 1: Velvet Discipline

Where we explored The Dojo of Silk and Shadow and it has come to its season finale episode: ''The Feast at Nana Plaza! A recap of the series summarising previous chaotic adventures in Thailand before detailing a new escapade. It meticulously recounts the journey of a group of men from Pattaya to Nana Plaza in Bangkok, described as "the world's largest adult playground," highlighting their raucous transport and arrival. The narrative then focuses on a bizarre "feast" that culminates in the unexpected appearance of two new characters, Porky and Spindle, and Porky's subsequent absurdist, non-sexual encounter with a "tranny queen" in a toilet, depicted as a "culinary ballet." The piece concludes with a reflection on their shared experiences and an ominous promise of further debauchery in Season 2.

This episode introduces the chaotic character Blunden, a small but fearsome figure with a violent history, who was secretly present during the container ship break-in in Episode 7. After escaping his captivity aboard the ship by literally chewing through steel bars, Blunden teams up with Whipper and joins the rest of the unpredictable Dojo crew for a wild and debaucherous race down Soi 6. The night escalates into an orgy of madness and chaos, culminating in Blunden being declared the "Midget Prince of Chaos" as the bar erupts in a final, untamed frenzy, leaving the audience with the sense that this is just the beginning of more pandemonium.

Season 1 - Velvet Discipline

Episode 9

This episode introduces a character known as Wolf, who is portrayed as charismatic and wild, joining a group of friends including Cheese, Raf, Jason, Bacon, Mark, Andreas, and Whipper in Thailand. The story highlights Wolf's long-standing friendship with Cheese, tracing back to their youth, before detailing his arrival and immediate immersion into the infamous Walking Street scene, where he unleashes his chaotic persona. While most of the friends celebrate Wolf's wild antics, Whipper views his behaviour as problematic, setting up a potential conflict for future episodes.

This episode introduces "Cheese," a rising apprentice at "The Dojo" known for his mechanical skill and unique perspective. It highlights the strong brotherhood between Cheese, his mentor Jason, and his cousin Raf, who is also his creative partner. The narrative weaves in stories of shared experiences, like a chaotic night in Bangkok, and emphasises their sacred gathering place, the Sportsmen’s Corner, a pool room symbolising survival and dignity. The passage concludes by teasing the arrival of a new character, "Wolf," setting the stage for the next episode.

This Episode introduces Whipper, a central figure at "The Dojo," known by the significant phrase "Whip. Whipperloy. Magic Boy." He is depicted as a calm, shrewd operator who handles the ("grown-up man stuff") alongside Bacon's complex logistics. Speak the words and do not fear as he shall be summoned, contrasting with the more outwardly boisterous members of the group. A key anecdote, the "Double Deal," highlights his risk-taking nature and surprising ability to salvage something from even disastrous situations. Ultimately, the episode portrays Whipper as a vital, almost legendary, behind-the-scenes force who makes things happen seamlessly at The Dojo.

This episode is introducing a key figure named Bacon, renowned for his exceptional logistics skills. Starting in the challenging environment of the London Underground, Bacon developed an innate ability to navigate complex networks and move people and supplies efficiently. These skills are now applied to managing operations and ensuring the flow of drinks and entertainment for parties in Thailand, where he is known as both the "logistics king" and the "belly of the party beast," even maintaining a tradition of collecting contributions called a "wheep." The excerpt concludes by hinting at the introduction of another figure, Whipper, who operates behind the scenes to keep things stocked.

This episode introduces Raf, a charismatic Brazilian man who embodies both the vibrant energy of his homeland and the wild, unpredictable nature of Pattaya, Thailand. Described as a "tropical chaos" and "Pattaya's Golden Boy", Raf runs a nightlife spot called the Lounge at the Dojo where he curates intense "Jungle Rituals" – transformative sensory experiences with strict rules and sensual themes. Beyond his role as a host, the narrative highlights Raf's duality: a charming daytime persona contrasting with a dangerous and unrestrained side that emerges after midnight, exemplified by a humorous anecdote about his unexpected encounter at a massage parlour, showcasing his unconventional approach to life and his ability to find humour in unexpected situations.

This Episode paints a vibrant picture of Jason, a man known for being the life of the party, almost like a "confetti cannon" who makes everyone feel welcome. Despite his reputation for wild antics, including a memorable incident of public nudity, Jason possesses a deeper side, hinted at by his quiet reflection and a profound connection he experiences with a woman who simply "listened" to him, suggesting his boisterous exterior masks a man who has endured hardship and seeks moments of genuine connection amidst the chaos he creates.