One of 5 third season episodes set entirely in China, prior to Caine's flight to America.
The character Tamo is based on Cold Mountain (Hanshan), a legendary monk and poet from the Tang Dynasty who lived in a cave in the mountains.
Loosely based upon the legend of one of the Five Kung Fu Masters, Bak Mei, who, according to some accounts, betrayed the Shaolin order to the Qing (Manchu) imperial government. The episode includes elements from the historical account of Bak Mei, such as the Shaolin being betrayed by one of their own, as well as Shaolin monks surviving the first destruction of their temple by Qing Imperial forces and seeking shelter in another temple, which was attacked subsequently.
Philip Ahn is listed as a Guest Star in the opening credits. He is usually listed with other co-stars under the title; "Also Starring."