(S01E09) 'Human Target' jumped back to case-of-the-week mode after last week's back story-heavy hour, but I'm not complaining. Like 'Fringe,' this is one of those shows that constantly delivers solid stand-alone episodes.

This week, Chance entered an underground martial arts tournament to get a fighter off the hook with a dangerous gangster. I was hoping this ep would exploit the 'Enter the Dragon' fighting competition gimmick a little more. I was expecting brutal hand-to-hand combat scenes, tense build-ups to each fight, and opponents that got bigger and scarier as the episode went along.

Instead, the fights kinda seemed to happen in the background. Chance fought a few guys who pretty much looked the same and seemed to go down a little too easily. The real intrigue sprang from all the high-stakes gambling and backdoor deals surrounding the fights.

"Corner Man" was a fun episode that offered the usual 'Human Target' twist and turns and some fine performances from its guest cast. Dash Mihok was particularly fun to watch as dense fighter Eddie Dunn. He seemed to be channeling Michael Rapaport's similar character from 'Mighty Aphrodite.' His scenes with Guerrero were hilarious (still, I kept wondering how this idiot managed to locate and hire Chance to help him solve his problem).

Veteran genre actor Kenneth Welsh was a great choice to play big bad financier Tony Belvilacqua. I hope we get to see him again. I'd say the chances of him returning are pretty good since he still holds that grudge against Chance.

It was nice to see 'Battlestar Galactica' alum Grace Park return to the tube. She played the latest smart and sexy lady to form a mutually beneficial relationship with Chance, a trend I have absolutely no problem with. No problem at all.

For a stand-alone ep, "Corner Man" did a great job of reminding us about the overarching backstory that was brought to the forefront in 'Baptiste.' It seems that Chance is really sweating the thought of "The Old Man" resurfacing to take aim at his friends, namely Winston. But Winston reminded Chance that he could take care of himself.

I hope that final chat between Chance and Winston was a teaser for an upcoming Winston-centric ep. I'd love to see Chi McBride take center stage and pull off some of Chance's super slick moves on a case. That would be a fun change of pace.

I'd also love to see 'Human Target' stick around for another few years. It's quickly become one of the best and strongest new shows of the season. It's a confident, entertaining, and refreshing series that doesn't take itself too seriously. Fox needs to hold on to this one.

Anyone else with me?