Year in Review

Escaping 2020

Can we all agree to pretend that 2020 never happened? This year has been filled many untold tragedies for so many people. My family and I are one of the lucky ones who made it through relatively unscathed, and for that, I am thankful. We spent a lot of time indoors together and even found time to watch a few TVB dramas. 

TVB Series 

Okay, we found time to start a few TVB dramas, but I didn't actually finish most of them. 

• Forensic Heroes IV - Is it possible to create a more emotionless series? Discover crime scene, collect evidence, run a few tests, case solved. Rinse and repeat. 
• Brutally Young - The best drama in a long while. I can't remember the last drama that had me at the edge of my seat and eagerly awaiting the next episode. Five stars if it had ended at episode 16. 
• Airport Strikers - You would never know this was a police series because there was so little policing. 
• Death By Zero - Nice to see TVB trying something new, but it was not my cup of tea.
• Al Cappuccino - How this series got 22 award nominations is a mystery. It had too many annoying characters, which is too bad because I could not enjoy the few breakthrough performances. 
• The Witness - Him Law and Kelly Cheung make a cute couple in the few scenes that I saw. 
• Line Walker: Bull Fight - On my list to finish, but will probably move to the dropped list soon. 
• Legal Mavericks 2020 - See above. 

American TV

• Designated Survivor - The first two seasons were great. The last season can be skipped, unless you didn't get enough election talk this year. 
• Kim's Convenience - A hidden gem that is set in Canada!
• FBI - A routine procedural. 
• The Queen's Gambit - I caught the chess craze even though I am terrible at.
• Quiz - A 3 episode mini-series about a cheating scandal on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? I will gladly debate the verdict with anyone who has watched it. 

Movies

Remember when going to the movie theaters was a thing? At least I saw Tenet in theaters and didn't pay $30+ for Mulan. 

• Parasite
• 1917
• Birds of Prey
• Bad Boys for Life
• Onward
• Tenet 
• Mulan 
• I'm Livin' It
• P Storm
• Black and Blue
• Crazy Rich Asians
• El Camino
• My Spy
• Charlie's Angels
• Irresistible 

I skipped (forgot) my blog anniversary post this year, so to everyone still supporting my blog, thank you! May your 2021 be immensely better than 2020. 

TVB Anniversary Awards 2020 - Nomination List

The TVB Anniversary Awards 2020 will take place on January 10. Here's the nomination list:

Best Actor
Lau Dan - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold

Eddie Cheung - Of Greed and Ants

Edwin Siu - Of Greed and Ants

Ben Wong - Of Greed and Ants

Matthew Ho - The Dripping Sauce

Raymond Wong - Forensic Heroes IV

Matt Yeung - Airport Strikers

Joel Chan - Brutally Young

Shaun Tam - Brutally Young

Hubert Wu - The Exorcist's Meter 2.0

Mark Ma - Life After Death

Moses Chan - Death By Zero

Wayne Lai - Death By Zero

Owen Cheung - Al Cappuccino 

Sammy Leung - Ratman to the Rescue

Chris Lai - Go! Go! Go! Operation C9

Him Law - The Witness

Willie Wai - The Witness

Raymond Lam - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Kenneth Ma - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Michael Miu - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Benjamin Yuen - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Vincent Wong - Legal Mavericks 2020

Joey Law - Hong Kong Love Stories

Best Actress

Mandy Lam - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold

Koni Lui - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold

Joyce Tang - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold

Jeannie Chan - Of Greed and Ants

Elaine Yiu - Of Greed and Ants

Rebecca Zhu - The Dripping Sauce

Alice Chan - Forensic Heroes IV

Selena Li - Forensic Heroes IV

Roxanne Tong - Airport Strikers

Shiga Lin - Life After Death

Priscilla Wong - Life After Death

Katy Kung - Death By Zero

Ali Lee - Death By Zero

Crystal Fung - Al Cappuccino 

Samantha Ko - Al Cappuccino 

Kelly Cheung - The Witness

Mandy Wong - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Sisley Choi - Legal Mavericks 2020

Favourite Female Character

Joyce Tang - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold

Jeannie Chan - Of Greed and Ants

Elaine Yiu - Of Greed and Ants

Rebecca Zhu - The Dripping Sauce

Sharon Chan - Forensic Heroes IV

Alice Chan - Forensic Heroes IV

Selena Li - Forensic Heroes IV

Regina Ho - Airport Strikers

Gloria Tang - Airport Strikers

Vivien Yeo - Brutally Young

Zoie Tam - The Exorcist's Meter 2.0

Yoyo Chen - Life After Death

Shiga Lin - Life After Death

Priscilla Wong - Life After Death

Elena Kong - Death By Zero

Ali Lee - Death By Zero

Angel Chiang - Al Cappuccino

Crystal Fung - Al Cappuccino 

Samantha Ko - Al Cappuccino 

Winki Lai - Al Cappuccino 

Kelly Cheung - The Witness

Pinky Cheung - The Witness

Sisley Choi - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Mandy Wong - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Katy Kung - Hong Kong Love Stories

Venus Wong - Hong Kong Love Stories

Favourite Male Character

Eddie Cheung - Of Greed and Ants

Edwin Siu - Of Greed and Ants

Matthew Ho - The Dripping Sauce

James Ng - The Dripping Sauce

Raymond Wong - Forensic Heroes IV

Matt Yeung - Airport Strikers

Joel Chan - Brutally Young

Shaun Tam - Brutally Young

Hubert Wu - The Exorcist's Meter 2.0

Mark Ma - Life After Death

Moses Chan - Death By Zero

Wayne Lai - Death By Zero

Owen Cheung - Al Cappuccino 

Brian Chu - Al Cappuccino 

John Chiang - Al Cappuccino 

Vincent Wong - Al Cappuccino 

Chris Lai - Go! Go! Go! Operation C9

Him Law - The Witness

Willie Wai - The Witness

Raymond Lam - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Kenneth Ma - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Michael Miu - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Benjamin Yuen - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Paul Chun - Legal Mavericks 2020

Joey Law - Hong Kong Love Stories

Best Supporting Actor

Tony Hung - Of Greed and Ants

Hugo Ng - The Dripping Sauce

James Ng - The Dripping Sauce

Fred Cheng - Forensic Heroes IV

Jonathan Cheung - Forensic Heroes IV

Bob Cheung - Forensic Heroes IV

Carlo Ng - Airport Strikers

Hugo Wong - Airport Strikers

Ram Chiang - The Exorcist's Meter 2.0

Stephen Wong - Life After Death

Timothy Cheng - Death By Zero

Brian Tse - Death By Zero

Brian Chu - Al Cappuccino 

Jack Hui - Al Cappuccino 

John Chiang - Al Cappuccino 

Henry Lee - Al Cappuccino 

Tsui Wing - Al Cappuccino 

Kent Cheng - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Benz Hui - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Wu Fung - Legal Mavericks 2020

King Lam - Hong Kong Love Stories

Jason Pai - Hong Kong Love Stories

Best Supporting Actress

Andrea So - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold

Lenna Yeung - The Dripping Sauce

Sharon Chan - Forensic Heroes IV

Roxanne Tong - Forensic Heroes IV

Gloria Tang - Airport Strikers

Moon Lau - The Exorcist's Meter 2.0

Zoie Tam - The Exorcist's Meter 2.0

Yoyo Chen - Life After Death

Amy Fan - Death By Zero

Kamen Kong - Death By Zero

Elena Kong - Death By Zero

Helena Law - Death By Zero

Angel Chiang - Al Cappuccino

Kelly Fu - Al Cappuccino 

Winki Lai - Al Cappuccino 

Pinky Cheung - The Witness

Mayanne Mak - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Lesley Chiang - Legal Mavericks 2020

Suet Nay - Legal Mavericks 2020

Mimi Kung - Hong Kong Love Stories

Most Improved Actress

Hera Chan, Angel Chiang, Regina Ho, Kamen Kong, Iris Lam, Bella Lam, Moon Lau, Tiffany Lau, Andrea So, Gloria Tang, Joey Thye

Most Improved Actor

Brian Chu, Arnold Kwok, Patrick Lam, Joey Law, Mark Ma, Ricco Ng, James Ng, Karl Ting, Brian Tse, Telford Wong, Dickson Yu

Best TV Partnership

Kenneth Ma, Hubert Wu - The Exorcist's Meter 2.0

Priscilla Wong, Shiga Lin, Yoyo Chen - Life After Death

Moses Chan, Timothy Cheng - Death By Zero

Wayne Lai, Elena Kong - Death By Zero

Vincent Wong, Owen Cheung, Brian Chu - Al Cappuccino 

Owen Cheung, Sisley Choi - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Maria Cordero, Luk Ho Ming - Good Cheap Eats 9

Pakho Chau, Benjamin Yuen - The PakhoBen Outdoor Show

Dodo Cheng, Fama - Do Did Eat

Elena Kong, Siu Sau Heung - Lady Cook

Liza Wang, Sammy Leung, Dickson Yu - Liza's Online

Steve Lee, Helen Tam - The Ahistoric Grandpa Cooking Show

Chris Lai, Sharon Chan - Happy Dinner Together

Best Series

Come Home Love: Lo and Behold

Of Greed and Ants

The Dripping Sauce

Forensic Heroes IV

Airport Strikers

Brutally Young

The Exorcist's Meter 2.0

Life After Death

Death By Zero

On-Lie Game

Al Cappuccino 

Ratman to the Rescue

Go! Go! Go! Operation C9

The Witness

Line Walker: Bull Fight

Legal Mavericks 2020

Hong Kong Love Stories

Best Theme Song

Best Host

Luk Ho Ming, Crystal Fung, Bella Lam, Joey Thye, Maggie Wong, Leonard Cheng - Young and Restless

Mayanne Mak, Crystal Fung, Bowie Cheung, Tiffany Lau, Regina Ho, Judy Kwong, Eunice Chan, Honey Ho, Sonya Chan - Sidewalk Scientist 

Nancy Sit, Raymond Cho, Fred Cheng, Kayee Tam - Cantopop at 50

Bob Cheung, Sammi Cheung - Neighborhood Treasures (Sr. 8)

Maria Cordero, Luk Ho Ming - Good Cheap Eats 9

Pakho Chau, Benjamin Yuen - The PakhoBen Outdoor Show

Dodo Cheng, Fama - Do Did Eat

Jack Wu, Kirby Lam, Phoebe Pang - How to Buy a House

Elena Kong, Siu Sau Heung - Lady Cook

Liza Wang, Sammy Leung, Dickson Yu - Liza's Online

Tony Hung - Life on the COVID Map

Telford Wong, Danny Hung, Nicklas Lam, Enson Lau, Antonio Ng - Homegrown Flavours

Steve Lee, Helen Tam - The Ahistoric Grandpa Cooking Show

Chris Lai, Sharon Chan - Happy Dinner Together

Amigo Chiu, Sammi Cheung - Bong Bong, Amigo!

Best Non-Drama Programme

Big City Shop, All Things Girl, Kids, Think Big, Scoop, Own Sweet Home, Young and Restless, Cantopop at 50, JSG Awards Presentation 2019, 2020 Fortune Show, Arabian Days & Nights, Neighborhood Treasures, Sidewalk Scientist Coronavirus Special, Solo Road Trip, Inspiring Journeys, Hipster Tour Spain & Portugal, My Life of Living Dangerously, The PakhoBen Outdoor Show, Do Did Eat, Homemade Therapy, Breathe in the Forest, Savoury Taiwan, How to Buy a House, Lady Cook, Liza's Online, Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2020, Solo World, Life on the COVID Map, Homegrown Flavours, The Ahistoric Grandpa Cooking Show, Taiwan Fun 101, Happy Dinner Together, Bong Bong, Amigo!, Europe Drive-In, The Locked Down Chefs Go Partying, 5G Rewrites Our Stories, TVB 53rd Anniversary Gala, Big Big Shopping Nite, Triumph in the Skies Contest, The Voice 2020

My Favourite TVB Drama - Malaysia

Ratman to the Rescue

Maidens United

Of Greed and Ants

The Dripping Sauce

Forensic Heroes IV

Airport Strikers

Brutally Young

The Exorcist's Meter 2.0

Flying Tiger II

Life After Death

Death By Zero

On-Lie Game

Al Cappuccino

Go! Go! Go! Operation C9

Love of a Forgotten Century

The Witness

Line Walker; Bull Fight

Legal Mavericks 2020

Hong Kong Love Stories

Come Home Love: Lo and Behold

My Favourite TVB Actor - Malaysia

Sammy Leung - Ratman to the Rescue

Eddie Cheung - Of Greed and Ants

Edwin Siu - Of Greed and Ants

Ben Wong - Of Greed and Ants

Matthew Ho - The Dripping Sauce

Raymond Wong - Forensic Heroes IV

Matt Yeung - Airport Strikers

Shaun Tam - Brutally Young

Joel Chan - Brutally Young

Hubert Wu - The Exorcist's Meter 2.0

Bosco Wong - Flying Tiger II

Ron Ng - Flying Tiger II

Mark Ma - Life After Death

Wayne Lai - Death By Zero

Moses Chan - Death By Zero

Owen Cheung - Al Cappuccino 

Chris Lai - Go! Go! Go! Operation C9

Kevin Cheng - Love of a Forgotten Century

Him Law - The Witness

Willie Wai - The Witness

Raymond Lam - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Michael Miu - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Kenneth Ma - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Benjamin Yuen - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Vincent Wong - Legal Mavericks 2020

Joey Law - Hong Kong Love Stories

Lau Dan - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold

My Favourite TVB Actress - Malaysia

Elaine Yiu - Of Greed and Ants

Jeannie Chan - Of Greed and Ants

Rebecca Zhu - The Dripping Sauce

Selena Li - Forensic Heroes IV

Alice Chan - Forensic Heroes IV

Roxanne Tong - Airport Strikers

Priscilla Wong - Life After Death

Shiga Lin - Life After Death

Ali Lee - Death By Zero

Katy Kung - Death By Zero

Samantha Ko - Al Cappuccino 

Crystal Fung - Al Cappuccino 

Kelly Cheung - The Witness

Mandy Wong - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Sisley Choi - Legal Mavericks 2020

Koni Lui - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold

Joyce Tang - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold

Mandy Lam - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold

Overview - Legal Mavericks 2020

Nicknamed "Blind Hero", blind barrister Vincent Wong's four other senses are super strong. He teams up with paralegal Sisley Choi and private detective Owen Cheung to help vulnerable populations fight for justice, even if it means using borderline tactics. Barrister Kelly Cheung tries to get close to Vincent. The two end up facing each other in court. Kelly has the support of her mentor, Paul Chun. Paul had also been Vincent's mentor when he was a trainee, but their mentor-mentee relationship broke down because of a homicide case with a missing dead body. Vincent presents new evidence for the defendant's appeal and crosses swords with Paul again, igniting a series of battles! Kelly's appearance leads to subtle changes in the relationship between the "iron triangle" of Vincent, Sisley and Owen.

Historical Context: Mongol Empire

Genghis Khan family tree with characters from The Legend of Kublai Khan and Eternal Happiness

Genghis Khan (成吉思汗) established the Mongol Empire after uniting the tribes on the Mongol steepe. He was named the first Great Khan. He went on to conquer vast amounts of territory in Asia and Europe.

Genghis Khan had four sons with his wife, Börte (孛兒帖).

His eldest son was Jochi (朮赤). There were questions about Jochi’s true paternity because Börte had been held captive for eight months by a rival tribe sometime before his birth. Although Genghis Khan claimed Jochi as his son, he avoided naming him as his successor to avoid conflict with his other sons. When Jochi died, his son, Batu (拔都), inherited his territorial grants in the western part of the empire (modern-day southern Russia and Kazakhstan) and established the Golden Horde.

Genghis Khan’s second son was Chagatai (察合台). Chagatai was considered to be hot-tempered and vowed to oppose Jochi if Jochi was named as Genghis Khan’s successor. Chagatai ruled over the Chagatai Khanate, which covered territory in central Asia (modern-day Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan).

Genghis Khan named his third son, Ögedei (窩闊台), as his successor. Under Ögedei, the Mongol Empire continued to expand across Asia and into central Europe. Ögedei personally led the Mongol conquest of the Jin Dynasty (which had ousted the Song Dynasty in northern China). This set the stage for the Mongols’ eventual conquest of China and establishment of the Yuan Dynasty. Ögedei reigned for twelve years. He was succeeded by his son, Güyük (貴由), after a five-year interregnum in which Ögedei’s widow, Töregene (脫列哥那), yielded power as regent. Güyük lasted less than two years as Great Khan and died while marching to challenge his cousin, Batu.

Genghis Khan’s youngest son was Tolui (拖雷). As the youngest son, he inherited the Mongol homeland in accordance to the Mongol tradition. After Genghis Khan’s death, Tolui served as regent of the empire for two years until his brother, Ögedei, could be formally elected as Great Khan. He then joined Ögedei in the campaign against the Jin Dynasty.  He died after successfully defeating the Jin. Although Tolui never ascended to the position of Great Khan, his descendants (the Toluids) would become dominant figures in the empire.

After the death of Güyük, Tolui’s eldest son, Möngke (蒙哥) was elected as Great Khan with the support of Batu. He faced opposition from members of the Ögedei and Chagatai families, but he quickly defeated them. During Möngke’s eight-year reign, he focused on conquering territory in southern Asia and the Middle East. He assigned his younger brother, Hulagu (旭烈兀), the task of conquering the Middle East. Hulagu was proclaimed the ruler of the Ilkhanate (which covered modern-day Iran, Turkey and Afghanistan) after his successful campaigns. 

The death on Möngke sparked civil war among the Toluids and across the empire. His younger brothers, Kublai (忽必烈) and Ariq Böke (阿里不哥) convened competing councils to elect them as Great Khan. Kublai finally defeated Ariq Böke after a four-year civil war. Kublai would go on to conquer the Song Dynasty and establish the Yuan Dynasty in China. He ruled as Emperor of China for 34 years. His original heir, Zhenjin (真金) had died, so he was succeeded by his grandson, Temür (鐵穆耳).

TVB Sales Presentation 2021

Shadow of Justice 

 

Big White Duel II 

 

Children's Hospital 

Seven Princesses 

Life Exchange Truth

Superheroes

Plan B 

Barrack O'Karma 2

Legal Mavericks 2020 

AI Rhapsody 

 

Beauty and the Boss 

 

Hong Kong Love Stories

 

The Forgotten Day

Murder Diary

 

Armed Reaction 2021

Overview - The Witness

After a fatal shooting, plainclothes officer Him Law is assigned to protect the dull and thorny eyewitness Willie Wai. Initially they are resistant to each other, but the pair slowly learns to accept one another. Meanwhile, Willie's clothing company is discovered to be involved in illegal transactions. The company's senior executives, Lau Kong and his son Tsui Wing, are implicated in the scheme. Him joins forces with Willie and his lawyer sister (Kelly Cheung) to investigate. In the process, Him and Kelly develop a messy relationship, while Him's elder sister (Pinky Cheung) becomes foes with Willie. Fate pulls the four together, and a twenty-year old cold case is reopened...

Line Walker: Bull Fight Theme Song

The theme song for Line Walker: Bull Fightis "No One Asked Me" (無人問我) by Raymond Lam.  

The ending theme song is "Cannot Let Go" (不能放手), performed by Hana Kuk.

Overview - Line Walker: Bull Fight

Raymond Lam continues to carry out missions for the Central Intelligence Bureau (CIB) to combat different criminals. Meanwhile, Michael Miu has completed his three-year sentence for shooting criminal syndicate boss Chung King-fei. He opens a café and lives peacefully with his wife Elena Kong, but faces the danger of retaliation from the triads. Meanwhile, CIB Chief Inspector Mandy Wong and Michael's former undercover agent, Priscilla Wong, suspect that Michael has intentions of joining the triads. They secretly investigate Michael's relationship with triad members.

Raymond and Michael investigate a human trafficking case and solve the case with help from the Security Bureau's investigator Kenneth Ma. The Security Bureau invites Benjamin Yuen to join its new intelligence unit. Michael is drawn into the election of the new triad leader. A former partner runs in the election using a different identity. Michael re-encounters his old opponent Benz Hui, who had supposedly been shot by Raymond. He also discovers that Kenneth's real identity is the younger brother of his former enemy Moses Chan and that he is plotting revenge against everyone. Everyone joins together in the investigation and uncovers a massive dark organization. Suddenly, a storm approaches again...

Line Walker: Bull Fight is airing on myTV Gold, Tencent and Astro on October 12. It will air on Jade Channel on November 16. 

Overview - Go! Go! Go! Operation C9

Agent C9's (Samantha Ko) organization has been annihilated and the lonely Samantha meets vegetable vendor Kenneth Ma. After marriage, she takes care of his trouble-making family, including his father (Steve Lee), older sister (Kiwi Yuen), younger brother (Brian Chu), and step-son, becoming an out-and-out housewife within five years. Unexpectedly, her former partner, B3, who escaped from death, shows up and asks Samantha to work with him to find the culprit that destroyed the organization. Keeping it concealed from Kenneth, Samantha takes care of her family while working as an agent, and often cannot handle both at the same time. Her identity is exposed, attracting the terrorist organization Black Hole to attack her. To protect her family, Samantha bravely fights against Black Hole. In the process, a startling truth is revealed, forcing Samantha and Kenneth to join together in a do-or-die battle against the terrorists!

Overview - Al Cappuccino

A murder case has caused a storm to brew in the underworld. Chinese-American and theater fanatic Vincent Wong returns to Hong Kong in search of performance opportunities. By chance, he is given an important assignment by policewoman Crystal Fung, who asks him to pretend to be the orphaned child of a triad leader. With the help of veteran undercover cop Owen Cheung, Vincent becomes the new triad leader. Subsequently, Vincent lends a helping hand to gang leader Kathy Yuen and actress Samantha Ko. Vincent is also surrounded by night club boss Angel Chiang and three unrelated sisters. As Vincent takes his first steps into the underworld, he and Owen become an ideal pairing. Along with medal-winning fighter Brian Chu as a bodyguard, they resolve many crisis. But unbeknownst to them, there is a shocking scheme waiting for him...

On-Lie Game Theme Song

The theme song for On-Lie Game is "Who Are You" (你是誰) by Fred Cheng.

Overview - On-Lie Game

Technology Crime Division Senior Inspector Mat Yeung and Inspector Hera Chan are friends and have a mentor relationship at work. They solve various phone, Internet and technology fraud cases. While Mat is investigating an online dating case, he re-encounters his ex-girlfriend Samantha Ko, who coincidentally has broken up with her husband (Stefan Wong). Mat and Samantha's romance is rekindled... Hera is emotionally devastated when she mistakenly causes her family to be cheated of their money. Luckily, Mat is by her side to support her as she stands up again. At the same time, a London gold scam sweeps through town. Even Stefan and Samantha are caught up in it. Dangers lurk everywhere. The scam is actually controlled by a powerful organization whose mastermind is the one who cheated Hera's family... Mat and Hera work side by side and vow to bring the fraudsters to justice.

Overview - Death By Zero

An assassin story that happens in an unrealistic world: Wayne Lai, who has the former nickname "Yama", has been reduced to a low-level assassin after a mishap caused his family to be ruined. His downfall led to the rise of the legendary assassin "Zero" (Moses Chan). However, their destinies are rewritten due to a wealthy Taiwanese man (Lam Lei)... Luckily, Wayne has a good friend, Elena Kong, who is a prostitute and acts as a bridge between Wayne and his daughter Louisa Mak. But Wayne is endlessly pestered by the troublesome female assassin Katy Kung. Moses opens a coffee shop as his cover and hires the single mother Ali Lee. He has a crush on a temple keeper whose identity is ambiguous (Samantha Ko). The "Assassin Hunter" appears and forces Wayne and Moses into a life or death confrontation.

Overview - Life After Death

Seven years ago, a serious car accident destroyed two families and changed the lives of Frankie Lam and Priscilla Wong. Seven years later, due to a traffic accident, Frankie re-encounters Priscilla. Life is still filled with joys and sorrows. Priscilla and her sister Shiga Lin have become estranged as people around them ones pass away one by one. Surprisingly, an oddly behaved doctor (Mark Ma) is able to get to the root of the problem. Priscilla is busy taking care of her daughter and step-son (Zeno Koo), while Frankie struggles to understand the needs of his only daughter (Chloe So). Because of fate, Zeno and Chloe become close with each other. But their relationship creates a lot of problems for their mutual friend (Kyle Li), and the truth of the car accident also gradually surfaces. Everyone must face change again...

Legal Analysis of Sam's Crimes

This article is written for entertainment purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Spoilers for Brutally Young ahead.

In the finale for Brutally Young, Sam (Shaun Tam) confesses to his crimes and receives a lengthy prison sentence. His convictions included three counts for manslaughter for the deaths of Lai Kwok-Ming (Kevin Tong), Ah Yat (Joel Chan) and Mrs. Yuen (Elvina Kong). Here's my nerdy legal take on the three charges.

Death of Ah Yat

The difference between murder and manslaughter is the intent. In the case of murder, there is generally a requirement of premeditation, or prior planning, to kill someone. Manslaughter, on the other hand, does not require prior planning.

The concept of transferred intent applies when the defendant intends to kill a particular person, but accidentally kills someone else instead. The classic example is when the defendant fires a gun at person A, but misses and hits person B. The defendant's intent to kill person A is "transferred" to person B. So the defendant is deemed to have "intent" to kill person B, even though that was not what he had in his mind.

Sam's killing of Ah Yat should be classified as murder instead of manslaughter. There is clear evidence of Sam's premeditation. He deliberately brought the knife to the abandoned school. On his way there, he expressed "If I can't get [the tape] back, I will kill him." Before charging at Yuen Sir with the knife, he said "Tonight, I will end this." His intent to kill Yuen Sir was transferred when he plunged the knife into Ah Yat instead. Because of the premeditation, he should have been charged with murder instead of manslaughter.

Death of Lai Kwok-Ming

Sometimes, a defendant can provide a legal explanation for killing someone. Two commonly accepted explanations are self-defense and provocation.

Self-defense is when a defendant kills someone in order to protect himself from imminent attack. For example, if someone is about to kill the defendant, the defendant may kill the attacker first to protect himself. But the force used by the defendant has to be reasonable and not more than necessary to counter the attack. In other words, you can’t bring a gun to a fist fight. Self-defense will result in a complete acquittal.

Provocation is when the defendant kills someone in the heat of a moment, in reaction to something that would reasonably cause the defendant to lose control of his rationality. The classic example is when a husband kills someone in a fit of rage after discovering that his wife had been cheating on him. Provocation usually results in lesser punishment, but does not allow the defendant to be acquitted entirely.

Sam might claim that he killed Lai Kwok-Ming in self-defense. He had been kidnapped by Lai, who doused Sam in a flammable substance and threatened to light him on fire. Sam was reasonably in fear for his life and attacked Lai to save himself. The problem is that Sam kept hitting Lai with the wrench even after Lai had been knocked unconscious. Since the unconscious Lai did not pose an immediate danger to Sam, Sam cannot continue to use self-defense to justify his actions after that point.

Sam can argue that he had no intention of killing Lai. Sam said that he only wanted to subdue Lai and did not intend to kill him. Alternatively, Sam can argue that he had been provoked. Sam was outraged after discovering that Lai was the person who harmed his friends and his mother. They got into a fight and Sam killed Lai in the course of fighting. In either scenario, the manslaughter charge is appropriate here.

Death of Mrs. Yuen

When a defendant unintentionally kills someone while committing another crime, the defendant can be charged with either murder or manslaughter, depending on the type of crime he was committing at the time. If it is a low-level crime, the charge is manslaughter. A common example is a driver who accidentally kills someone while drunk driving. If the defendant was committing an “inherently dangerous” crime, like rape or arson, he can be charged with murder. This rule, known as the felony murder rule, has been abolished in many jurisdictions.

Even though Sam did not know that Mrs. Yuen was on the boat, he caused her death when he set the boat on fire. For burning the boat, Sam was charged with illegal disposal of a corpse. Since that is not an inherently dangerous crime, manslaughter is the appropriate charge. If Sam had been charged with arson instead, he would have qualified for felony murder.

Overview - Flying Tiger II

A mysterious organization is conducting criminal activity in Hong Kong, putting the city's safety at imminent risk. Under the orders of the Chief Executive, Special Duties Unit (SDU) leader Michael Miu forms a special task force with handpicked elite police officers. The members include operations leader Bosco Wong, investigation leader Ron Ng, intelligence officers Kenneth Ma and Jacky Cai, and Jennifer Yu from the Identification Bureau. After the establishment of the task force, they put all their efforts into eliminating criminal activity, while facing their own troubles with love and hate.

The Exorcist's 2nd Meter Theme Song

Hubert Wu sings the theme song "Crossroads" (十字路口) for The Exorcist's 2nd Meter.



The sub-theme song is also performed by Hubert, entitled "Mortals Don't Know Love" (凡人不懂愛).

Overview - The Exorcist's 2nd Meter

Taxi driver Kenneth Ma carries on the mission of the rock spirit Hubert Wu and embarks on a journey of conquering demons. He encounters the spirit of his childhood friend (Hubert Wu) and meets the demon-conquering siblings, Gloria Tang and Alex Mak. The demon's curse is a sore point for Kenneth's feelings towards doctor Mandy Wong. Later, Mandy meets a spirit (C Kwan), which finally awakens her memories from the ghost zone. After Moon Lau died for Kenneth, she became a guardian angel watching over him. She continues to yearn for earthly life and cannot depart. A child abuse case allows the demon to regain his powers. It turns out Hubert has been controlled by a secret demon force all along. When Kenneth learns the truth, he is forced to choose between friendship and conquering demons!

Brutally Young Theme Song

The theme song for Brutally Young is "Confession" (告白), by Fred Cheng.



The sub-theme song is a remix of "Need You Every Minute" (分分鐘需要你), originally by George Lam. Joey Thye performs two different versions.

Happy version:


Sad version:

Overview - Brutally Young

Eighteen years ago, seven youths, including Shaun Tam, Joel Chan, Anthony Ho, get into a fight with local gangster Oman Lam. Eventually, Oman laid dead on the ground... The seven become estranged and go their separate ways. Eighteen years later, the police discover Omen's skeletal remains while investigating a traffic accident. The seven can no longer avoid the huge mistake they made years ago! Amidst the conflict and struggle, Shaun and Mandy Wong, the CID Inspector in charge of the skeleton investigation, develop feelings for each other, causing him to become more perplexed. At the same time, Mandy's father (Dominic Lam) is also secretly investigating the incident and seemingly has a connection with the skeleton. As the truth gradually surfaces, the seven men feel endangered. Who is the real killer?

Overview - Airport Strikers

Young police officers Owen Cheung, Sisley Choi, Gloria Tang and Brian Chu apply to join the Airport Security Unit (ASU) for different reasons. Under the strict guidance of instructor Eddie Kwan, they meet the standards for graduation and join ASU. Owen frequently butt heads with ASU's Chief Inspector Hugo Wong. Sergeant Matt Yeung, knowing about their animosity, often acts as the mediator. Owen encounters air stewardess Roxanne Tong. The pair fall in love easily, but find it hard to get along. Meanwhile, Owen gradually develops feelings for his colleague Sisley. As they carry out their duties, they witness joy, sorrow, farewell and reunion. They linger on the edge of life and death, and begin to understand the sense of mission of the ASU! A great danger slowly approaches and throws the team into unprecedented difficulties...

Overview - Forensic Heroes IV

Senior chemist Raymond Wong of the Forensic Science Division, senior forensic pathologist Selena Li of the Forensic Pathology Division, and CID Senior Inspector Shaun Tam are a crime-fighting trio. They lead elite teams that use forensic science to reveal astonishing plots, pathology to crack the hidden code of the human body, and a rigorous spirit of upholding the law to reveal the shocking truth of crimes! Passionate reporter Roxanne Tong's childhood regrets is closely connected to Raymond. Forensic expert Alice Chan is betrayed by her beloved and becomes a murder suspect... Mysteries and strange cases intertwine, scenes of cold-blooded acts are frightening! The heavens are watching what people are doing. The crime-fighting trio steadfastly believe that "Evil cannot defeat good, hate cannot resist kindness." They vow to speak for the dead and clear the name of survivors!

Forensic Heroes IV Promo Clips

Promo #1


Promo #2


Promo #4

Joey Law Broke Up With Auston Lam's Sister-in-Law?

If anyone has been watching the YouTube channel 威武WHEREWOLF, they may have picked up on the fact that TVB actor Joey Law was dating the sister-in-law of Auston Lam. But it appears their romance was short-lived.

Wherewolf is a channel started by a group of TVB actors, including Auston, Joey, Tammy Ou-Yeung, Brian Chu and Kelvin Lee. They produced ten episodes where they played the game "Werewolf." They even recruited guest stars, like JW, to appear on the channel.

One of the players on the channel was Bu. She is Tammy's younger sister and Auston's sister-in-law. (Auston and Tammy married in 2018.) Bu is often teased on the show because she tends to make critical mistakes that leads to her team losing.

In episode six, the group organized a surprise for Joey's birthday. While Joey had his eyes closed for the game, the rest of the group quickly changed their clothes and put on make-up. When Joey opened his eyes, he was shocked to see everyone wearing T-shirts with handwritten messages for him. They went around the circle for everyone to show off their T-shirts and say their message. When it came to Bu's turn, Auston said "Don't interrupt Bu. Cue some romantic music and let's turn it over to Bu."

Bu blushed and said "Don't be like that." She looked down at her shirt and said "I wrote it already." Someone called out "Say it!" She shyly said "I love Joey." The group cheered as Joey looked on sweetly. 

When it came to Tammy's turn, she said "Mine is related to Bu's. It is 'I love Joey. Let go of Bu.'" She pleaded with Joey, "Please don't use your charm on Bu anymore."

There were other hints of a romance between Joey and Bu. Earlier in the episode, when Bu spoke after being voted off, she urged the witch in the game to poison Joey. Someone shouted "So that he can keep you company outside?" Two hearts popped up on the screen. 

In another episode, Bu was eliminated after incorrectly guessing that her sister was a wolf. Plato Lai (former TVB Entertainment News channel host) asked "Did you do that purposely so Joey can carry you away?" Other people joined in the teasing. Auston asked "Before, when Brian Chu was carried away by Joey Law, Bu, were you angry or upset?" Mark Ma (TVB actor) said "You just wanted take that spot," pointing to the spot next to Joey. Indeed, Bu was in the spot next to Joey and both smiled as they were teased.

Bu's Instagram page (@bubuubu) shows that she is a make-up artist who has worked with Auston, Tammy, Daniel Chau, Adrian Chau, Rainky Wai, and of course, Joey. 

Bu's Instagram has other pictures of her and Joey hanging out (click to see). 

After a special episode on Halloween, Wherewolf stopped posting videos. Around Christmas, a new channel called 陋室 New Set was created, featuring Auston, Tammy, Bu and a few other players from Wherewolf. Yesterday, Wherewolf posted a video announcing that they will be returning with a new team in February. Curiously, Joey had remained with Wherewolf while Bu stuck with Auston and Tammy. 

Even more interestingly, Bu deleted an Instagram post she had made on Joey's birthday. It was a group photo from Joey's birthday party. In the comments, someone had wrote in Chinese "Must be blissful!" She also deleted the post that promoted the Wherewolf episode for Joey's birthday. (I don't have screenshots, so you will just have to trust me.)

Coincidentally, in December, rumours started that Joey was dating TVB actress Joey Thye, after the pair were caught having dinner and walking on the beach together. The Joeys denied the rumours and said that they were just friends who play basketball together. 

Overview - The Dripping Sauce

Man Koon Yuen is a century-old soy sauce maker in Foshan. The patriarch (Hugo Ng) and his wife (Mimi Kung) abide by the rule "Pass to males, not females; pass to family, not outsiders." But an incident of contaminated soy sauce forces Hugo to allow two females, Rebecca Zhu and Katy Kung, to join his son (Matthew Ho) as trainees. The trio and young soy sauce master, James Ng, develop a complicated four-way relationship, while indirectly revealing many family secrets. When Matthew is suddenly kidnapped, everyone feels anxious. Within the business, Hugo's brothers - Timothy Cheng, Gary Chan, and Tsui Wing - are looking to divide the family fortune. From the outside, official Andew Yuen is also secretly plotting to steal the family's assets. The century-old business may be destroyed!

Predictions for TVB Anniversary Awards 2019

My predictions for the TVB Anniversary Awards. See nomination list here.

Best Actor: Kenneth Ma (Big White Duel)

TVB can't possible justify giving Kenneth a fourth Favourite Male Character award and promoting someone else over him. This year should finally be Kenneth's turn. Will he have a shocked face when his name is announced?


Best Actress: Kara Hui (The Defected)

Selena Li would have been the likely winner if not for her lack of a contract. Kara deserves the award in her right and would be a safe choice, since no one will dispute her acting abilities over Selena's.


Favourite Male Character: Joel Chan (Barrack O'Karma)

A consolation prize for losing out on Best Actor, which is not bad for Joel's first leading role.


Favourite Female Character: Rebecca Zhu (Wonder Women)

The conventional guess would be Selena as consolation for losing Best Actress, but TVB can be very petty about contracts. TVB has made Rebecca a blackhorse winner before, so they could make her the surprise winner of the night again.


Best Supporting Actress: Samantha Ko (Barrack O'Karma)

TVB has been steadily promoting Samantha and giving her more leading roles, so they could give her this award in a year where the competition is weak and she participated in a popular drama.


Best Supporting Actor: Matthew Ho (Big White Duel)

Matthew is a rising star and with no strong candidates in this category this year, he has a chance at grabbing this award.


Most Improved Actress: Kelly Cheung

Kelly received praise for her performance in Big White Duel and has already been promoted to lead actress in two upcoming dramas.


Most Improved Actor: Karl Ting

Karl is the latest "fresh meat" at TVB and has received a lot of exposure on variety shows.


Favourite TV Partnership: Joel Chan and Selena Li (Barrack O'Karma)

The pairing is undoubtedly very popular and they are set to film a sequel, so Selena won't go home completely empty-handed.


Best Series: Big White Duel

While Barrack O'Karma was an unexpected hit, Big White Duel still bested it in ratings and was the bigger production, which TVB tends to favor for Best Series.


Best Theme Song: Can You Hear (Kayee Tam)

This year's beneficiary of endless loop effect (also known as the "越難越愛" effect).

Overview - Of Greed and Ants

In the 1970s, Hong Kong's economy is booming and the stock market serves as a battleground for greed. Thai-Chinese Eddie Cheung's perspective on life changed completely because of his father's misfortunes. He escapes from Thailand to Hong Kong. Learning of the stock market's power, he is determined to be the one that controls it. The upright Edwin Siu, who comes from a grassroots background, and his friends Tony Hung and Anthony Ho are young people with dreams. Unfortunately, they get bruised and battered by the storm in the stock market... Edwin lives with a mother and two daughters. The sisters, Elaine Yiu and Jeannie Chan, have polar opposite personalities, and are waiting a chance to change their lives. Eddie connects with the wealthy Ben Wong and gradually achieves his life's goals. At the same time, Tony and his friends get pulled in and their fates are rewritten.