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Synopsis: As an undercover narcotics cop, Tom Chang paid a high price for staying true to his values. Framed and wrongly incarcerated in Hong Kong for allegedly smuggling heroin, he loses his career, his wife and the right to see his daughter. All he has left are the blazing skills of a master martial arts combatant. Now, after five years in a Hong Kong prison, Tom has come home to San Francisco, intent on restoring his life.

Once back in San Francisco, Tom’s mentor, Master Li, gives Tom is martial arts school to run and a place to live in his building on the wharf. Tom finds a new family in the young men and women he trains in Chinese martial arts. His dedicated students include Tory Stratton, a fiercely beautiful 17-year-old who has turned to martial arts as a way of dealing with the rage she feels over the death of her policeman father. A newcomer to the group, Trip Brady is the victim of a violent father. For Trip, Tom’s knowledge and kindness open the door to a new life. Bryan Lanier is a tough-talking, streetwise teenager with a quick wit and a deep loyalty to his fellow students and to Tom. Another newcomer is the shy and warm-hearted Allie Bennett, who is searching for acceptance, friendship and for some of the skill and bravery she admires in Tory.

Tom relies on the spiritual guidance of Master Li to help him deal with issues that arise in his life and the lives of his students. He also begins the long journey of trying to win back the right to see his daughter and the acceptance of his ex-wife, Beth. Tom spends his days teaching a new generation the skills and enlightenment he learned from Master Li. His message is timeless: patience and flexibility are the keys to overcoming any obstacle.

The Cast
Russell Wong … Tom Chang
Sarah Carter … Allie Bennett
Missy Peregrym … Tory Stratton
Corey Sevier … Trip Brady
Ona Grauer … Beth Rodgers
Valerie Tian … Claire Rodgers
Mako … Master Li
Drew Fuller … Nick Reed

Did You Know?
1. During his first week of working, Drew accidently decked a guy and split his temple right open.
2. Drew wound up in the emergency room after attempting to do a spinning jump kick on the dojo [where they shoot] with wet shoes on.

Drew’s Episode Guide

“Prime Suspect” [Episode 1x5]
Original Air Date: 05/25/03
After Allie’s ex-boyfriend is killed, police accuse Nick of the murder so the gang sets out to prove his innocence, with the exception of Trip who isn’t so sure Nick’s bad-boy ways are completely behind him. Meanwhile, Claire is caught shoplifting and calls Tom instead of her mother. Jeff Woolnough directed the episode written by Carlton Cuse & Jed Seidel.

“Prodigal Son” [Episode 1x4]
Original Air Date: 04/20/03
Tom is left with nowhere to live after Master Li’s errant son Jing comes home to make amends and takes over the dojo and Tom’s classes. Allie and Nick discover Jing has a hidden agenda forcing Tom to decide whether to tell Master Li the truth or honor the tradition and remain silent. Meanwhile, Trip asks Tory for a date. Greg Yaitanes directed the episode written by Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz.

“Date Night” [Episode 1x3]
Original Air Date: 04/13/03
Tom faces his biggest challenge after new student Nick sweeps into town and immediately drags Bryan into a “fight club” scheme that lands them both in more trouble than they can handle. As if that wasn’t enough, while Tom is out shopping for a birthday present for his daughter he meets an interesting new woman who has a startling connection to one of his students. Stuart Gillard directed the episode with story by Robert Mark Kamen & James Seale and teleplay by Jed Seidel & Janet Tamaro.