Tempest Fore

Tempest Fore is the sequel to Storm Front. It is set in the fictional location of Saran City. The series stars Dade Marcus, Corey Caines, Hidenori Takada, Charlie Ray, with Brad Sisto, and Mike Leo-Marcus.

History
Toward the end of 2009, the possibility of continuing Storm Front's universe was floated. The original series had long been limited to five seasons, but the world had taken on a life of its own and a sequel was all but inevitable. In order to keep the series from becoming stale, the decision was made to take a completely different approach, in a different location, with a predominantly new cast.

Plot
Set sometime after Storm Front, Tempest Fore follows Dade Marcus after he returns from an international sabbatical with his daughter. Upon returning to Saran City, Dade decides to set up a dojo in Saran City, utilising his skills as a martial artist and student in karate along with the philosophies he has learned on his travels overseas. He is joined by Hidenori Takada, the nephew of his former Sensei, to help set up his dojo. His primary decision to return to Saran City was to be close to his brother, Mike, who has become quiet and despondent after the death of his wife, Sarah. As with Storm Front, Tempest Fore is set to take place over five seasons. The first season focuses primarily on Dade's return to Saran City and his quest and trials in setting up his own dojo.

Grief
For Dade, Corey, and Mike, grief takes a starring turn in Tempest Fore. All dealing with grief in some form or another, the three characters find different ways to move on with their lives and show that there is never a clearcut or easy solution to dealing with grief.

Darkness
Tempest Fore has a much darker, brooding tone to it than Storm Front. It takes place in a larger setting and deals with a number of issues that are grittier and more numerous than Storm Front. The series explores the darker side of ourselves and how we cope, accept, or ultimately challenge that aspect.

Sacrifice
The sacrifice of one's ideals, integrity, and indeed, life, are paramount in Tempest Fore. This is shown in different ways throughout, with different characters expression this theme in different manners.

Redemption
Redemption is also key, showing how different characters redeem themselves in others and their own eyes. Mike's quest for redemption comes in his dedication to help others. Dade's redemption comes in his acceptance of his past failings, and using that new found peace to help others in similar situations.

Friendship
The bond between Mike and Brad has grown since their time as high school students in Merlow. Brad's sense of loyalty toward Sarah has driven him to staying close to Mike, doing his best to keep Mike from losing his way. He left Merlow and enlisted in the Saran City Police Department in order to stay close to Mike. Despite Mike's protests, he has come to respect and appreciate Brad's dedication and their friendship has grown since their time in Merlow.

Love
Love of family, love of self, and love for those who are no longer with us, are some of the ways in which the theme of love is explored in Tempest Fore. Dade's love for his daughter. Brad's new found respect and appreciation for himself. Mike's ongoing love for someone who has been dead for quite some time.

Connections
Despite being a sequel, Tempest Fore takes a vastly different tone to Storm Front. It's primary connections are that it takes place in the Stormverse. Saran City is the primary setting, taking a relatively underused setting in Storm Front and making it the setting as Merlow was in the last. Four of the main cast have had major or minor appearances in Storm Front. Dade Marcus, a major character in Storm Front, now takes the lead in Tempest Fore. Corey Caines had a large role in the end of Season 5 of Storm Front, setting up his starring turn in Tempest Fore. Brad Sisto was a regular character throughout all of Storm Front's run. Mike Leo-Marcus, a member of 'The Pack', takes on a major, and far darker role in Tempest Fore. Formerly the 'big brother' of Storm Front, he is now a brooding, darker character, while still somehow maintaining the qualities that made him loved by almost all in Merlow.

Differences
One of the major differences to Storm Front is the fact the star of Storm Front is not present here. Daniel 'Storm' Marcus is curiously absent from proceedings for reasons revealed in the opening episode of Tempest Fore. One of the other major differences is that the themes are different. The coming of age aspect of Storm Front is no longer present and as a result the tone is far more mature. The large lean on sexuality is also absent. The change in location from Merlow to Saran City. The darker, more action oriented tone is a removal from the more drama focused tone of Storm Front.

Similarities
Characters retain the same traits that were present in Storm Front. Character development retains a key role.