The WB’s New Show “Black Sash” Packs a Surprising Punch

By Anna Mai

Now there’s another reason to spend your Sunday nights lounging in front of the T.V. The WB’s latest addition to their family of shows is “Black Sash,” an hour-long drama that centers around five super-charged students at a martial arts school taught by Tom Chang (Russell Wong, “Romeo Must Die”).

The pilot premiered on March 30th, introducing the world to Tom, an ex-cop from Hong Kong who returns to San Francisco after being framed and spending five years in a Hong Kong prison for allegedly smuggling heroine. Losing his career, his wife, and the right to see his pre-teen daughter (guest star Valerie Tian), Tom struggles to rebuild his life.

Back in San Francisco, Tom is offered the position of running the martial arts school, or dojo, of his mentor, Master Li (Mako, “Pearl Harbor”). There he meets and becomes a mentor himself to a diverse group of teenagers who all come from dysfunctional backgrounds. Their one commonality—the solace they find in martial arts.

Missy Peregrym plays Tory Stratton, an angry and vengeful 17-year-old who turns to martial arts after the death of her policemen father, and must now learn to control her anger and master the Chinese martial art, Ba Gua. Trip Brady (Corey Sevier) is the victim of an abusive father and finds kindness in his new mentor and teacher, Tom. Ray J is a tough-talking, streetwise teen with a deep sense of loyalty and heart. The shy Allie Bennett (Sarah Carter) is a girl from the right side of the tracks and a wealthy family. Poorly raised by an oblivious mother, Allie has practically raised herself and searches for acceptance and friendship through martial arts. And recently added to the group in this past weekend’s episode, Drew Fuller plays Nick Reed, the rebellious bad boy who presents Tom with his biggest challenge yet.

“Black Sash” is produced by Tollin/Robbins Productions and Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Carlton Cuse (“Martial Law, “Nash Bridges”), Robert Kamen (“The Karate Kid”, “Kiss of the Dragon”), Dylan Sellers (“The Replacements”), Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins and Joe Davola (“Smallville”).
The WB ordered 6 more episodes of the show after the pilot aired and according to initial ratings by Nielson Media Research, the most recent episode has seen an increase in viewers. However, airing after compatible lead-in “Charmed,” “Black Sash” experienced a drop in viewers already tuned in to the network.

After viewing this past weekend’s episode, I found it to be surprisingly entertaining. More than just your typical new T.V. drama, “Black Sash” has an edge to it stems from more than just the martial arts fight scenes. With a multi-generational cast and a universal theme of hope and redemption at the core of the show’s story, it is easy to find yourself embedded in each episode simply because you can relate to the struggles of the characters.

The plot moves along quickly, and jumps between subplots with fast-paced camera work that keeps you on your toes and engaged in the action. The incorporation of martial arts into the show thus far is very unique and the story line is becoming more and more interesting as the season is progressing.

My only criticism is that the show can get a bit cheesy, but what do you expect from a show on The WB. Besides, the level of teenage angst coupled with martial arts on the show balances it all out.

Catch the next episode of “Black Sash” this Sunday at 9pm on The WB. This week, Tom finds himself jobless after Master Li’s son returns and reclaims his right to the dojo.