Hiro will definitely be an interface between Jack and the rest of the
cast. That was his role in "Chasing the Wind," and he's well suited to
it. One of the things to remember about Hiro is that several cast
members do not know him, and vice versa. (Cologne, Shampoo, Mousse,
Happosai, plus the lesser members.) Bridget has suggested that the two
of them form a companionship similar to the two truck drivers "Goro" and
"Gun" in that most excellent Juzo Itami film on food and sex, "Tampopo."

Actually, "Tampopo" is about _everything_ and how it can all be related to food.

Anyway, interesting idea!  Remember the big fight scene between Goro and...
Shoot! My brain seized up and I can't remember... the business man.  Itami's
homage to "The Quiet Man" IMHO.  Anyway, there's the fight between Jack and
Ranma.

"I'd love to fight you, pretty boy," sneered Jack. "It's just that I never
had time to learn any of that there martial arts stuff.  Guess you've just
got too much of an unfair advantage, Bucko."

Ranma sputtered in incoherent rage. "What do you mean, 'unfair advantage'?"
As always his ego left his brain far behind in the dust. "I-i-i'll fight you
without using any martial arts! How about that, 'Bucko'?"

and so on. You get the picture, I'm sure.

Heh. and if you are thinking about slipping in something of Itami... how
about the main character from "A Taxing Woman" meets Nabiki?
 
Best,

Bob Barnes
rbarnes@moscow.com
Moscow, Idaho

When opportunity comes, the trick is to CATCH the red hat.