I've noticed several news stories lately with a similar theme… as a Highlander fan of long standing, these kinds of things always catch my eye. Once upon a time, we fans used to groan and say "Oh, no, not again, brace yourselves for the backlash," but the media never made the connection we did between "samurai sword wielding man wreaks mayhem" and an obscure cult action movie/syndicated TV series. Featuring a samurai sword man wreaking mayhem, but for good, not evil.

Charges expected in samurai sword slaying

Man arrested after Highway 4 car chase 

Police shootings usually ruled OK
In other words, "OK to shoot the guy reaching for a sword strapped to his back."

New York man convicted in bar siege 

Sword-wielding neighbor mistakes porn for rape
Ooops! From "hero" to "not Zorro" in one swell foop!

Suspect behavior
(this one features a "katana vs. meat cleaver" match-up!)

Police hunting mystery swordsman
(my current favorite – man wielding sword aids police, then disappears. Who was that masked ninja man?)

[tags]Samurai Sword, Katana, Highlander[/tags]