Episode IX— Superhero Lessons In Analytics, Season 2
Inspiration from Kato — Courtesy of The Green Hornet
It has been a while since our last episode. Perhaps it was a bit early for a mid-season break. But things in the Superhero world have been more chaotic than usual. Netflix and Marvel can’t get along and DC’s TV show run is either coming to an end or re-booting. Perhaps it is a good time to look back a bit?
The Green Hornet was certainly not a raging box office success. Rotten Tomatoes scores it in that mediocre realm. Personally, I kind of liked it. But none of that is so important, analysts need to be able to find what really matters and prioritize it. Enter Kato.
It starts with a cup of coffee.
Well actually, a latte and a Rosetta — along with the misguided priorities of Britt Reid. In fact, Seth Rogen’s Green Hornet character will make a great foil for Kato. In analyst’s speak, the bumbling Britt is the perfect benchmark. Providing for Britt’s highest priority, is how Kato’s tale begins.
“Want to see something cool?”
But soon we learn Kato has a real knack for breaking down and prioritizing a situation. The visualization of this process is one of the more impressive parts of this movie. Kato’s ability to isolate the components of a combat that truly matter (weapons) and plan accordingly — make him a great role model.
You may be thinking — I saw this in Sherlock Holmes (or some other movie). But typically this technique is used to layout an iterative attack sequence. Also quite cool, but these sequences really emphasized the analysis more than the plan. From the perspective of this article — way more cool.
Of course Kato, is just getting started. The movie is a veritable montage of tech and gadgets that he creates. Yes, we have also seen that before — but this movie emphasizes the planning and thought Kato puts into these tools. Even here, he continues to analyze and prioritize. He needs to given just how many he creates!
Britt Reid : You know what you are. You’re a human Swiss army knife.
Kato : I don’t know what’s that mean?
Britt Reid : It’s a little things, and you keep pulling out things, and just when you think there couldn’t be any more cool things, a new cool thing comes out, and that’s you! You are even dressed like one. You should have a little plus on your chest.
Feedback and Credit
Kato offers us one final lesson, a theme throughout the movie. Despite Britt’s incessant need for attention, credit, and to be the idea guy — Kato calmly goes unnoticed and highly receptive. While the two men eventually have a huge fracture in their relationship, it is really over the girl — not the credit or the ideas.
Kato is happy to go unnamed — although he at least corrects the “chauffeur” references. And clearly listens to the ideas Britt has, incorporating and prioritizing many of them — from nun chucks to ejector seats. Most analysts can empathize with this “supporting role” model.
So, if you get a chance, watch Green Hornet again. And keep an eye on Kato, he has plenty of lessons to share. Thanks for reading!
