Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Overview - Infernal Affairs



Him Law is a Probationary Inspector in the Hong Kong Police and aspires to be the fastest promoted Inspector in history. During a drug raid, he encounters a suspect, Edmond Leung. Seeking to avenge a personal matter, he allows Edmond to overdose on drugs. Later, Him finds out that Edmond died and feels extremely guilty. He is only able to slowly recover with the help of psychologist Jolie Zhu.

Mainland cop Wayne Yang, nicknamed "Bullet", comes to visit his friend Edmond, only to discover that he had fallen to his death after overdosing on drugs. Bullet is greatly surprised by this and believes that it is impossible. He resolves to find the truth to prove his friend's innocence. Soon after, Bullet discovers that Edmond's death is related to a drug network operated by the Hong Kong triads. The drug network is colluding with foreign drug cartels to open up the vast Mainland market! Bullet immediately notifies the Hong Kong Police. The Mainland and Hong Kong police join forces to destroy the cross-border drug network.

Infernal Affairs will be airing on iQiyi and myTV Super beginning December 21. The series has three seasons, consisting of 12 episodes each. 


Monday, December 19, 2016

Overview - No Reserve



Guerrilla leader Wayne Lai meets Myolie Wu during the war. Faced with the Japanese invasion, they both become spies and sneak into Guangzhou. Myolie assumes the identity of a famous Chinese opera singer to gather intelligence and discovers that spies for another organization, as well as exiled remnants of the Qing Dynasty, are hiding in Guangzhou. She also re-encounters her ex-lover, Edwin Siu. Edwin, who is a spy for another organization, hates love rival and rival spy Wayne to the bone. But confronted with a national calamity, they leave their personal grudge behind and work together against the common enemy. People from different backgrounds and standpoints gather in Guangzhou. They are all targeting a Japanese businessman who holds the secret to gold treasure from the Qing Dynasty. When Wayne tries to kidnap the Japanese businessman, he discovers that they look exactly the same...


Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Predictions for TVB Anniversary Awards 2016

Every year, it gets harder and harder to make picks for TVB Anniversary Awards because I watch so few TVB dramas now. This year, I can count on one hand the number of dramas I've watched. But it won't stop me from adding my predictions to the blogosphere.

Full nomination list here.

Best Actor


I think this will finally be Ruco Chan's year. His performance in A Fist Within Four Walls was widely praised. Roger Kwok has also entered the conversation with an award-worthy performance in Dead Wrong.

Winner: Ruco Chan

Best Actress


Looks like Nancy Wu is poised to be the second ever actress to win back-to-back Best Actress Awards (Sheren Tang did it in 2009 and 2010). Not to detract from Nancy's strong performance, but she basically wins by default this year.

Winner: Nancy Wu

Favourite Male Character


Vincent Wong
's character from Over Run Over was very well-liked and it seems like TVB is willing to promote him. The other possibility is that Ruco Chan gets this as a consolation prize if he loses out on Best Actor.

Winner: Benjamin Yuen

Favourite Female Character


Again, there's not much choice in the female category, so Nancy Wu will likely pick up this award as well.

Winner: Grace Wong

Best Supporting Actress


Maybe Joyce Tang will finally get recognition for her acting? Katy Kung (Two Steps From Heaven) and Grace Wong (A Fist Within Four Walls) are somehow considered contenders, but I don't think either of them are ready to make the leap to Best Supporting yet.

Winner: Katy Kung

Best Supporting Actor


Raymond Cho's feminine character in Short End of the Stick was well-received and it's about time for him to get this award. Fellow eunuch Power Chan is the next best contender, but he has a tenuous relationship with TVB.

Winner: Raymond Cho

Most Improved Actress


TVB has been pushing Ali Lee really hard, giving her opportunities alongside veterans like Liu Kai-chi and Alex Fong in Law dis-Order and Gallen Lo in Provocateur. This award could go to Tracy Chu or Katy Kung as well.

Winner: Ali Lee

Most Improved Actor


Seems like Jonathan Cheung is the most deserving in the group of otherwise lacklustre nominees. I like Matthew Ho too, but he's still young.

Winner: Jonathan Cheung

Best Series


Of the series I watched, I would support Law dis-Order or Dead Wrong for Best Series, but A Fist Within Four Walls will likely be the biggest winner of the night. Producer Jazz Boon has had great success with his dramas. This would be his second Best Series in three years.

Winner: A Fist Within Four Walls

Favourite Series Partnership


Not sure how TVB came up with this list. Vincent Wong and Tracy Chu from Over Run Over were a popular pairing. Their most serious challenge will be the eunuchs from Short End of the Stick if TVB decides that Wayne Lai cannot walk away empty-handed.

Winner: Vincent Wong and Tracy Chu

Favourite Theme Song


This is the "Jinny Ng Award" but given that she's pregnant and going to be on break, TVB might decide to give it to someone deserving for once. My personal favourite is Ruco Chan's "Who Can Change" (誰可改變) for Brother's Keeper II, but I think Ruco and Nancy Wu's duet "Never Knew You Were the Best" (從未知道你最好), the sub-theme song for A Fist Within Four Walls, will take home the prize.

Winner: "Never Knew You Were the Best" by Ruco Chan and Nancy Wu

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Overview - Rogue Emperor



Living on the streets of Hong Kong, Kenneth Ma claims that he is the Last Emperor of China. As social worker Tracy Chu follows his case, she gradually reveals his adventurous, absurd, legendary life devoted to pursing his love Niki Chow. In the early 1930s, when he was still a youngster, Kenneth, along with his brother Benjamin Yuen and friends Koo Ming Wah and Brian Tse, compete in a firecracker scramble to earn money for him to marry Niki. Because of an accident, they not only miss out on the prize money, they also encounter strange people and events one after another, including bandit Harriet Yeung, revolutionary Luk Wing Kuen and warlord Pal Sinn. Koo Ming Wah's sister Mandy Wong is also implicated and becomes a social flower. Kenneth and his pals fail in the military and instead, become prisoners. They later end up in Shanghai. With the help of triad leader Joe Tay, Kenneth transforms into a powerful Shanghai tycoon. Although his heart still thinks about Niki, a missed opportunity causes the two of them to be separated again for forty years.


Rogue Emperor Theme Song

The theme song for Rogue Emperor is sung by Hoffman Cheng, entitled "Four Sides" (四方).



The ending theme song is "Heart Warm" (心暖), by Kenneth Ma and Niki Chow.



The sub-theme song is "Cheers" (乾杯), by Hoffman, Ronald Law and Yao Bin.




Saturday, December 10, 2016

TVB Sales Presentation 2017 Clips

Read the synopsis here!

Heart of Greed 3


Deep in the Realm of Conscience


Line Walker: The Prelude


Destination Nowhere


Burning Hands


The Unholy Alliance


Oh My Grad


The Unlawful Justice Squad


My Unfair Lady


Descending Demons Taxi


Time Travelling Male Official



Friday, December 02, 2016

TVB Anniversary Awards 2016 Nomination List

Best Actress
Maggie Siu - The Executioner
Kitty Yuen - Love As A Predatory Affair
Samantha Ko - Love As A Predatory Affair
Natalie Tong - Speed of Life
Sisley Choi - Speed of Life
Linda Chung - K9 Cop
Tracy Chu - Over Run Over
Tavia Yeung - The Last Healer in Forbidden City
Teresa Mo - Come Home Love: Dinner at 8
Grace Chan - Blue Veins
Eliza Sam - My Dangerous Mafia Retirement Plan
Alice Chan - My Dangerous Mafia Retirement Plan
Selena Li - Presumed Accidents
Sharon Chan - Come With Me
Nancy Wu - A Fist Within Four Walls
Kristal Tin - Brother's Keeper II
Ali Lee - Law dis-Order
Mandy Wong - Law dis-Order
Priscilla Wong - Two Steps From Heaven
Joey Meng - Dead Wrong

Best Actor
Kenny Wong - The Executioner
Raymond Wong - K9 Cop
Wayne Lai - Short End of the Stick
Moses Chan - Fashion War
Vincent Wong - Over Run Over
Kevin Cheng - Blue Veins
Kent Cheng - My Dangerous Mafia Retirement Plan
Lawrence Ng - Presumed Accidents
Bobby Au-Yeung - House of Spirits
Ben Wong - Between Love and Desire
Johnson Lee - Daddy Dearest
Benjamin Yuen - A Fist Within Four Walls
Ruco Chan - A Fist Within Four Walls
Edwin Siu - Brother's Keeper II
Kenneth Ma - Detective Gourmet
Alex Fong - Law dis-Order
Liu Kai-chi - Law dis-Order
Louis Cheung - Two Steps From Heaven
Bosco Wong - Two Steps From Heaven
Roger Kwok - Dead Wrong

Favourite Female Character
Akina Hong - The Executioner
Natalie Tong - Speed of Life
Linda Chung - K9 Cop
Rosina Lam - Short End of the Stick
Tracy Chu - Over Run Over
Angela Tong - Come Home Love: Dinner at 8
Kay Tse - Blue Veins
Eliza Sam - My Dangerous Mafia Retirement Plan
Alice Chan - My Dangerous Mafia Retirement Plan
Koni Lui - House of Spirits
Joyce Tang - House of Spirits
Grace Wong - A Fist Within Four Walls
Yuen Qiu - A Fist Within Four Walls
Nancy Wu - A Fist Within Four Walls
Kristal Tin - Brother's Keeper II
Jacqueline Wong - Inspector Gourmet
Ali Lee - Law dis-Order
Mandy Wong - Law dis-Order
Priscilla Wong - Two Steps From Heaven
Joey Meng - Dead Wrong

Favourite Male Character
Tony Hung - Angel In-the-Making
Jason Chan - Love As A Predatory Affair
Raymond Cho - Short End of the Stick
Wayne Lai - Short End of the Stick
Him Law - Fashion War
Vincent Wong - Over Run Over
Tommy Wong - My Dangerous Mafia Retirement Plan
Matt Yeung - My Dangerous Mafia Retirement Plan
Eddie Cheung - Come With Me
Wu Fung - House of Spirits
Bobby Au-Yeung - House of Spirits
Benjamin Yuen - A Fist Within Four Walls
Ruco Chan - A Fist Within Four Walls
Hugo Ng - Brother's Keeper II
Louis Yuen - Brother's Keeper II
Alex Fong - Law dis-Order
Eddie Kwan - My Lover From the Planet Meow
Louis Cheung - Two Steps From Heaven
Bosco Wong - Two Steps From Heaven
Roger Kwok - Dead Wrong

Best Supporting Actress
Elaine Yiu - The Executioner
Akina Hong - The Executioner
Rachel Kan - Speed of Life
Rosina Lam - Short End of the Stick
Yoyo Chen - Short End of the Stick
Zoie Tam - Over Run Over
Jeannie Chan - Blue Veins
Elena Kong - ICAC Investigators 2016
Kingdom Yuen - My Dangerous Mafia Retirement Plan
Koni Lui - House of Spirits
Joyce Tang - House of Spirits
Helena Law - House of Spirits
Roxanne Tong - Between Love & Desire
Grace Wong - A Fist Within Four Walls
Jade Leung - Brother's Keeper II
Florence Kwok - Law dis-Order
Vivien Yeo - My Lover From the Planet Meow
Moon Lau - Two Steps From Heaven
Katy Kung - Two Steps From Heaven
Rebecca Chu - Dead Wrong

Best Supporting Actor
Law Lok Lam - The Executioner
Oscar Leung - K9 Cop
John Chiang - Short End of the Stick
Willie Wai - Short End of the Stick
Raymond Cho - Short End of the Stick
Power Chan - Short End of the Stick
Pal Sinn - Over Run Over
Joel Chan - Blue Veins
Jonathan Cheung - House of Spirits
Philip Ng - A Fist Within Four Walls
Carlos Ng - A Fist Within Four Walls
Oscar Li - A Fist Within Four Walls
Hugo Ng - Brother's Keeper II
Matthew Ho - Law dis-Order
Ram Chiang - Law dis-Order
Luk Wing Kuen - Two Steps From Heaven
Koo Ming Wah - Dead Wrong

Most Improved Actress
Tracy Chu, Stephanie Ho, Ali Lee, Mayanne Mak, Moon Lau, Katy Kung

Most Improved Actor
James Ng, Matthew Ho, Hubert Wu, Mark Ma, Bob Cheung, Jonathan Cheung

Best Series
All TVB series aired since the last Anniversary Awards, starting with Angel-In-The-Making to Dead Wrong, including Come Home Love: Dinner at 8, ICAC Investigators, Come With Me and No Reserve, but excluding Wu Xin The Monster Killer and Nirvana in Fire. 

Favourite Series Partnership
Wayne Lai, Edwin Siu, Raymond Cho, Power Chan - Short End of the Stick
Vincent Wong, Tracy Chu - Over Run Over
Jimmy Au, Kim Li - Come Home Love: Dinner at 8
Wu Fung, Helena Law - House of Spirits
Joyce Tang, Koni Lui - House of Spirits
Ruco Chan, Benjamin Yuen - A Fist Within Four Walls
Caret Cheung, Apple Chan, Chloe Nguyen, Doris Chow - A Fist Within Four Walls
Alex Fong, Florence Kwok - Law dis-Order
Eddie Kwan, Vivien Yeo - My Lover From the Planet Meow
Bosco Wong, Edwin Siu, Louis Cheung - Two Steps From Heaven

Favourite Theme Song
Angel In-The-Making - We Are All Injured (Jinny Ng), Real Me (Aaryn Cheung)
The Executioner - Believe in Tomorrow (Hubert Wu)
Wu Xin The Monster Killer - Remember to Forget Me (Alfred Hui)
Love as a Predatory Affair - Love Food Chain (Stephanie Ho)
Speed of Life - Same Step (Justin Lo)
K9 Cop - You Understand Me (Linda Chung), Listen to the Sea (Vivian Koo)
Short End of the Stick - Blue Skies, White Cloud (Sammy Sum)
Over Run Over - Most Sincere Pair (Stephanie Ho)
The Last Healer in Forbidden City - The Soul's Pain (Hubert Wu)
Come Home Love: Dinner at 8 - Perfect Life (Jinny Ng)
Blue Veins - All Gods Confusion (Kay Tse), Unallowable by Heaven and Earth (Hubert Wu), The Only One (Stephanie Ho)
My Dangerous Mafia Retirement Plan - Under the Line of Fire (Fred Cheng)
Nirvana in Fire - Ask Heaven (Alfred Hui)
Presumed Accidents - Accidental Fate (Hubert Wu)
Come With Me - Speak (Sharon Chan, Louis Yuen, Grace Wong, Hoffman Cheng, Ronald Law, Stephanie Ho)
House of Spirits - Warmth of Love (Edwin Siu)
Between Love & Desire - The Last Break-up (Jinny Ng)
Daddy Dearest - Daddy (Hubert Wu)
A Fist Within Four Walls - Siege (Ruco Chan), Never Knew You Were the Best (Ruco Chan, Nancy Wu)
Brother's Keeper II - Who Can Change (Ruco Chan)
Inspector Gourmet - Tempted Heart Person (Jinny Ng), I Cannot Remember (Linda Chung)
Law dis-Order - Choice of Justice (Hubert Wu), Can You See (Kayee Tam)
The Imperial Doctress - Flower in Dream (Stephanie Ho)
My Lover From the Planet Meow - Meow Meow (Alvin Ng, Auston Lam, Penny Chan ft. C Kwan, Moses Chan), Favoured (Nancy Wu, Kristal Tin)
Two Steps From Heaven - King Maker (Hubert Wu)
Dead Wrong - Cannot Divulge (Vincent Wong), Love Requires Courage (Stephanie Ho)

Best Host
Sunday Stage Fight - Sammy Sum, Sharon Chan
Eat La Men - Benz Hui, Oscar Leung, King Kong
Do Did Eat - Carol Cheng, Fama
Not Far But Away 2 - Tony Hung
Good Cheap Eats 5 - Maria Cordero, Luk Ho Ming
I Heart HK - Eric Tsang, Various Artists
Bazaar Carnivals - Evergreen Mak, Elena Kong, Joyce Tang
Sermon By Sir Ben - Benjamin Au-Yeung
Wai Gor's Wok - Alice Chan,  Michael Wai, Steven Cheung, Tyson Chak
Neighbourhood Gourmet 4 - King Kong, Kitty Yuen
Kansai Raider 2 - Helen To

Best Variety Show
Sunday Stage Fight, Eat La Men, Do Did Eat, A Starry Homecoming, Taipei High Hi, All Work No Pay Holidays: India, All Work No Pay Holidays: Northern Europe, The Magicians' Game of Thrones, I Heart HK, Spirits on Vacation, Neighbourhood Gourmet 4

Best Informative Programme
Sidewalk Scientist, Not Far But Away 2, Touring the Hood, My Handy Man, The Treadmill Runner, Good Cheap Eats 5, Bazaar Carnivals, Sermon By Sir Ben, 5 Kids and a Bloke, Wai Gor's Wok, Kansai Raider 2

Best Special Programme
My Love myTV Super, Community Chest Charity Show, Hong Kong Heroes, Mr Hong Kong 2016, Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2016, Gala Spectacular 2016, A Time of Love II, TVB Anniversary Gala, Tung Wah Charity Gala 2016, Peak to Pit

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

TVB Sales Presentation 2017

The Unholy Alliance



Nina Paw is in charge of a large, powerful corporation. In coordination with other powerful figures, she controls the entire society from behind the scenes. Having done evil things, she is afraid that it will bring harm to her family. She is willing to sacrifice and gives up her biological son, Ruco Chan. She later adopts an orphan, Joel Chan, as a spiritual substitute. The two mother-son relationships become entangled into a story of blood and tears...

With family members fighting against each other, Samuel Kwok is unwilling to be just a vassal. He conspires with outsiders to turn against them. His daughter, Elaine Yiu, bearing the burden of the original sin, has a thorny romantic life...

Nina tries to change her ways and find justice and stability for her descendants. Her female bodyguard, Nancy Wu, tries to help her detach from the chaotic, interest-oriented world, but Nina discovers that she does not control everything and that there is someone else behind the scenes...

Besides the pleasant Taiwan scenery, there are gun battles, diving and speeding cars that are a feast for the eyes, as well as displaying martial arts techniques such as Krav Maga from Israel and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The series aims to be refreshing for the audience and to make them feel passionate!

Interest level: 3.5/5. Sounds like the Overachievers-type drama that usually disappoint. 


The Unlawful Justice Squad



Lady Justice wears a blindfold, signifying equality, righteousness and non-discrimination as the spirit of the law.

Blind lawyer Vincent Wong has an extraordinary sense of touch that exceeds what one can see with their eyes. Owen Cheung is a private investigator that uses grey-area tactics to obtain evidence. The two are roommates and partners in investigation, and have a bromance. Not even Sisley Choi, a paralegal with a triad background, can squeeze in between their friendship. Ali Lee, a liberal judge who goes against the legal industry's conservative culture, has an ambiguous love relationship with the two men.

Interest level: 3/5. Can't wait to see how TVB screws up the law yet again. 


Oh My Grad



The school founded by Wu Fung and Helena Law, veterans in the education industry, is facing closure. Their eldest son, Roger Kwok, is passionate about education, while younger son, Bob Lam, is a popular tutor. The two of them are tasked with turning the school around. Public relations queen Ada Choi's method of handling matters is diametrically opposite from Roger's style, which leads to conflict, but they still mutually admire each other.

The students and teachers at the school each have different stories... the father-daughter teaching duo of Ram Chiang and Mag Lam, the Thai-Chinese transfer student Eliza Sam, the brash and unkempt Joyce Cheng, and the mysterious Wong Cho Lam who appears and disappears randomly... knitting together a heart-warming yet weird experience.

Continuing the Inbound franchise's concern for social issues, with higher education as the stage, the series uses a light-hearted approach to talk about the education system that changed overnight, the absurd behaviour of monster parents and the miserable life of Hong Kong children, and reflects on the joys and pains of teachers. Each character is by our side, giving the audience a sense of familiarity and resonance.

The story involves the equal rights under the law of special groups. These "special groups" are commonly encountered, including the elderly, women and children, the disabled, those with mental disorders and transgender people. In order to defend justice, the four main characters use borderline tactics and different perspectives to trigger the audience's thoughts on ethics.

Interest level: 0/5. This series should be named "Oh My Gawd Why Is This Being Made?". 


Descending Demons Taxi



Taxi driver Kenneth Ma has narrowly escaped death many times. He accidentally awakens Hubert
Wu, a spirit who has been asleep for a hundred years. Ever since, Kenneth acquires a vision that allows him to see "things" that ordinary people cannot see.

Temperamental doctor Mandy Wong is mysteriously hit by a truck and has an out-of-body experience. In order to save his crush, Kenneth bravely forges into "supernatural space" with the help of supernatural show host, Moon Lau.

A serial murder case has occurred in the city. The perpetrator is surprisingly police officer Hugo Wong... Are people hard to predict or was he influenced by demons?

Those who have the luck to ride in this "descending demons taxi", fasten your seat belts as it takes you to explore different urban legends and supernatural spaces. It is exciting yet heart-warming to follow this odd pair, Kenneth and Mandy, as they fight demons.

Interest level: 0/5. Was Blue Veins not horrible enough?


Destination Nowhere



CID officer Kevin Cheng is a little man who achieved meritorious deeds by fluke and is promoted to inspector. Opportunistic reporter Kristal Tin appears to be a blissful wife, but she is actually troubled by finances and is stuck between her daughter and second husband. The honest, dumb thief King Kong works hard to be a good person, but is forced to do desperate acts for a living. He and his partners Louis Yuen and Tyson Chak carry out a kidnapping, but abduct the wrong person. The "victim" Rachel Kan hijacks their kidnapping attempt and teaches them to kidnap her mother.

A plan that seems perfect, but along the way, there are mistakes... mistakes... mistakes...

Trying to cover up the mistakes, but instead creating even more mistakes; a supposedly loving and caring relationship, yet there is mutual suspicion. It sounds absurd, but real life is sometimes even more absurd than dramas! Using black humour to bring out a suspenseful plot and eccentric life, so surprising that you cannot stop watching.

Interest level: 3.5/5. Sounds intriguing!


Burning Hands



Life is like gambling. Win and it's money, lose and it's your life. All perspectives of life and mutual deception can be seen on the gambling table. Trust is the gambling chip, whoever is sincere is fated to be the loser!

In order to avenge his mentor, Ruco Chan, together with his sworn buddies Joel Chan and Rosina Lam, and fellow students of his mentor, each with a different specialty, challenge Gambling King Pal Sinn. But they fall into a scheme and are instead used to identify the mole in the casino.

The deeper into the story, the more intriguing it gets with schemes within schemes. The people that are closest are the people that cannot be close! It is difficult to distinguish between good and evil, a riddle that is never solved.

With filming in Macau, gambling, boxing matches, magic, speeding cars, gun battles... a teeming world that is a feast for the eyes.

Interest level: 4/5. This is the most interesting series that I look forward to!


Time Travelling Male Official



Three Ming Dynasty figures with unique talents – Edwin Siu who is highly skilled in martial arts, Raymond Cho who is intelligent and resourceful, and eunuch Matthew Ho who has exquisite culinary skills – search for the missing crown princess Grace Wong, who is being chased by an eunuch group. They accidentally travel through time and arrive in Hong Kong four centuries later! The three male officials use their ancient wisdom to help restaurant manager Kristal Tin advance in a large food corporation.

Everything seems to be settled, until they encounter a once-in-a-century fog. It is the last chance for them to return to the Ming Dynasty. Should they stay and become a modern person or return to the past and continue with the sorrowful fate that history has set for them?

Interest level: 2.5/5. There is now a mandatory time-travelling series every year. A poor man's The King of Yesterday and Tomorrow?


Revive Wulin



The Eastern Depot of the Ming Dynasty has decided to purge the wulin figures who portray themselves as chivalrous. All wulin sects are absorbed into the imperial court, heroes have vanished and eunuchs have taken over as leader of the sects.

The evil forces continue to expand, filling all of wulin with white horror. Everyone is afraid to speak out and hopes that a hero will appear to bring justice.

Edwin Siu, a storyteller who does not know martial arts, and Grace Chan, a former Eastern Depot official who had a change of heart and is skilled in martial arts, cannot stand to see this "plastic" version of wulin. They unite to lead a group of heroes who are past their prime to stand up again and save wulin together!

With a non-traditional wuxia world as the background, a series that is appropriate for ancient and modern times, it is humorous and will make people think back and smile.

Interest level: 1/5. TVB's wuxia series are a joke nowadays. 


My Ages Apart



The times change, but familial relations do not. When a middle-aged man goes back to being young, can everything really be unchanged?

The hottest investment banker Bobby Au-Yeung vows to defeat rival Moses Chan and dominate the investment industry. Because of a strange encounter, he transforms into a post-90s youth (James Ng)! Bobby poses as the illegitimate son of banking mogul Benz Hui to make his way into the bank and works his way up from the bottom, intending to become the successor. But his messy relationships with ex-wife Kristal Tin and confidant Maggie Siu, and Louis Cheung, whose identity is mysterious, are Bobby's biggest obstacles for advancement. Meanwhile, Moses, seeking to advance, marries Benz's daughter Ali Lee. The couple appears to be loving, but actually have their own ulterior motives.

A fantastical comedy for Hong Kong's 50 years, showing the conflicts between the old and new era. Only by changing our perspective can we see a different world.

Interest level: 3.5/5. May give it a try for the cast.


Thursday, November 24, 2016

TVB Calendar 2017

Cover


January


February - Provocateur


March - Destination Nowhere


April - The Unholy Alliance


May - The Unlawful Justice Squad


June


July - Line Walker: The Prelude


August - Oh My Grad


September - Heart and Greed


October - Deep in the Realm of Conscience


November - My Ages Apart


December


Back Cover



Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Rogue Emperor Promo Clips

Promo #1


Promo #2


Promo #3


Promo #4


Promo #5


Promo #6


Promo #7


Promo #8


Promo #9


Promo #10


Extended Trailer



Sunday, November 20, 2016

Dead Wrong Theme Song

The theme song for Dead Wrong is "Cannot Divulge" (不可告人), by Vincent Wong



The sub-theme song is "Love Requires Courage" (愛需要勇氣), by Stephanie Ho.




Saturday, November 19, 2016

Overview - Dead Wrong



Senior business consultant Roger Kwok cannot let go of the fact that he disappeared for ten years. He decides to go to Vietnam to investigate. He is accompanied by his wife Joey Meng and good friend Kenny Wong, but the local police thwart their investigation. They go through a series of dangerous situations before they can safely return home. Roger discovers that during his absence, Joey married Kenny and he is now the third party in their relationship. He has no choice but to leave his family and focuses on work to numb his pain. Fortunately, he receives support from his former apprentice, Vincent Wong, and makes a comeback in the consulting world. He develops an ambiguous relationship with his boss, Rebecca Zhu. But Roger is still bothered by his disappearance which left him stranded on an island. He decides to re-open his investigation and finally discovers some unexpected clues, leading him down a path for revenge with no turning back...


Monday, November 07, 2016

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Two Steps From Heaven Theme Song

The theme song for Two Steps From Heaven is "King Maker" (造王), by Hubert Wu.




Overview - Two Steps From Heaven


Image result

Bosco Wong, Edwin Siu and Louis Cheung are the "Iron Triangle" in the public relations world. Every day, they shuttle between the bright, dazzling, heaven-like upper class society. By chance, Edwin re-encounters his ex-lover Priscilla Wong and her brother Luk Wing Kuen. They are the children of real estate tycoon Pat Poon. Under the management of Proscilla's half-sister Alice Chan, the corporation has impressive performance and enormous influence in the city. Priscilla acts as a go-between to help the three guys open the door to weath. They take advantage of every opportunity and ascend step-by-step towards heaven. But the higher they climb, the more they lose. They sacrifice family, lovers, friends, and even their dignity...


Sunday, October 16, 2016

My Lover From the Planet Meow Theme Song

The theme song for My Lover From the Planet Meow is "Meow Meow" (喵喵), by Alvin Ng, Auston Lam and Penny Chan, featuring C Kwan and Moses Chan.



The ending theme song is "Favoured" (得寵), by Nancy Wu and Kristal Tin.




Friday, October 14, 2016

Overview - My Lover from the Planet Meow



Originally living on Planet Meow, Kristal Tin applies to return to Earth in human form, hoping to help physicist Moses Chan and Nancy Wu resolve their growing problems before it affects her young master Celine Yeung. Ten years ago, Kristal had been the family's pet cat and had established a deep relationship with them. Now she is looking for any way to remain on Earth and get close to them. Luckily, she meets Chinese chiropractor Mimi Chu, who takes her in. By chance, she joins Moses' scientific research company. With her knowledge of advanced technology from her home planet, Kristal immediately becomes a popular figure. Her cat-like instincts enable her to have supersonic hearing and be super agile. She discovers that senior executives Eddie Kwan and Vivien Yeo are plotting against Moses. She is eager to protect her master but unknowingly falls in love with him. It triggers the nerves that only women have in Nancy. At this time, her fellow inhabitants from Planet Meow suddenly appear and Kristal's secret is about to be exposed...


Saturday, October 01, 2016

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Overview - The Hiddens




In a certain major city in Asia, the mastermind of a crime organization has escaped from a high-security prison. Former intelligence director Lawrence Ng, who was imprisoned for murder, is taken as hostage in this incident and forced to escape prison with the mastermind.

Jessica Hsuan, who is responsible for apprehending the mastermind, has ordered her officers to shoot and kill all the prisoners who participated in the escape. Lawrence is alarmed to see that everyone has been killed. He is also shot at...

When Lawrence awakens, he finds himself at the security bureau's secret base. He had not been killed. Jessica's real goal was to arrange for Lawrence's disappearance from the world. Several countries in the region are faced with difficult and urgent problems. For reasons that cannot be disclosed, they have decided to establish an organization called "The Hiddens", led by Jessica, to carry out a series of missions.

Lawrence is a shrewd, intelligent, courageous team leader who is good at controlling his subordinates. Before he went to prison, he led special intelligence agents to complete many nearly impossible missions. After accepting the appointment from Jessica, Lawrence's first mission is to recruit six key members for the organization. The six people appear to have different occupations to hide their identity. In reality, they each have their own specialty.

The Hiddens will air on myTV Super starting September 22. 











Monday, September 19, 2016

Law dis-Order Theme Song

The theme song for Law dis-Order is "Choice of Justice" (公義的抉擇), by Hubert Wu.



The sub-theme song is "Can You See" by Kayee Tam.



Overview - Law dis-Order

律政強人2016.jpg

As the founder of the leading Chinese-backed law firm in Hong Kong, Lau Dan has served as the committee chair for many terms. Although he has promised managing partner Liu Kai-chi that he will step down, he invited the profit-oriented Alex Fong to join the firm to counterbalance the power-hungry Liu Kai-chi. Liu Kai-chi has cemented his power at the firm throughout the years. He expects his top associates, Raymond Cho and Mandy Wong, to easily handle Florence Kwok and Matthew Ho from Alex's camp, until a car accident throws off his calculations. Meanwhile, Alex takes advantage and receives a lucrative deal from Lau Dan, officially being promoted to senior partner. Alex re-encounters Ali Lee, who is also a lawyer. Ali has a special status within the firm. From her initial disdain towards Alex to admiration of him, the two of them establish a mentor and friend relationship. This forces Liu Kai-chi, a ticking time bomb, to show his hand to Lau Dan. As each camp struggles for power, a toothless tiger who has been hibernating for many years prepares to get revenge...


Sunday, August 28, 2016

Overview - Inspector Gourmet



Internet celebrity chef Kenneth Ma is fired after accidentally exposing his boss in a scandal. He turns to his step-sister Alvina Kong to work as a private investigator. But Alvina has a condition - Kenneth must first persuade "Golden Tongue" Louis Yuen to join the private investigation firm. Kenneth is forced to continuously cook tasty foods for this mysteriously person. Later, he finds out that Louis was actually known as "Inspector Gourmet" back in the day. After several challenges, Louis finally agrees to join the firm. In the process, they meet a reporter who once had amnesia (Eliza Sam) and a car racer (Priscilla Wong). Both have different strengths and join the firm as well. The four of them form an odd detective team, yet they solve many cases. Kenneth sees Eliza as his goddess. To cater to her tastes, he frequently visits her favourite dessert store, where he meets pastry chef Jacqueline Wong and her cowardly boyfriend Oscar Leung and opens up a series of unusual cases...


Overview - Brother's Keeper II



After many hardships, Edwin Siu and Kristal Tin successfully establish the "Lo Shun Kei" brand in Hong Kong and Macau. However, this draws dissatisfaction from junket turned real estate developer Hugo Ng, who uses underhand tactics to suppress them. Edwin is betrayed by his trusted aide (Matt Yeung). Feeling that the world is too chaotic, Edwin travels to Japan to find a peaceful space. There, he falls in love with a mysterious girl (Grace Chan) and gets embroiled in a twenty-year old murder case! Meanwhile, Kristal's husband, Louis Yuen, suffers a brain injury from a plane accident and sees her as a stranger... In addition, Ruco Chan has returned to look for his old love, Linda Chung. Faced with these sudden attacks to their family, love life and business, how will Edwin and Kristal handle it?


Inspector Gourmet Theme Song

The theme song for Inspector Gourmet is sung by Jinny Ng, entitled "Tempted Heart Person" (誘心人).



The sub-theme song is "I Cannot Remember" (我記不起) by Linda Chung.




Monday, August 22, 2016

Saturday, August 06, 2016

Upcoming Movie: Line Walker



Release Date: August 11, 2016
Cast: Charmaine Sheh, Francis Ng, Nick Cheung, Louis Koo, Benz Hui

Undercover agent Charmaine Sheh receives a coded message from someone named "Blackjack" who claims he is an undercover agent that has lost contact with the police. Charmaine reports this to her superior Francis Ng and a search mission promptly begins. In the process, Charmaine is lured to a casino and discovers that Benz Hui, who had supposedly been killed, has "resurrected". Meanwhile, Francis finds out that a certain corporation is involved in a Brazilian drug deal. Blackjack's location is narrowed and the people involved in the deal include: the president of the corporation, strategic adviser Nick Cheung, Nick's top assistant Louis Koo and Benz, who is looking to make a comeback. Soon, everyone becomes aware that there is an undercover agent, making them all suspicious and threatened.







Theme Song - "Walker" (行者) by Grasshoppers



Sunday, July 31, 2016

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Overview - Daddy Dearest



The profit-oriented Johnson Lee brings his son home because his ex-wife is remarrying. Johnson lacks experience in raising a child, but wants to set a good example for his son. He inevitably feels at a loss. Fortunately, he meets Mandy Wong, who runs an education centre. With the help of Mandy, Johnson slowly learns how to be a responsible father. At the same time, he is in danger of becoming unemployed...

On the other hand, successful architect Jason Chan is dedicated to his job, leaving family matters to his father (Pat Poon) and wife (Candice Chiu). But when his daughter loses in a music competition and his son prepares to enter primary school, it sets off a battle between the in-laws. Jason intervenes and decides to switch places with Candice. He learns how to be a stay-at-home father and understand the needs of his children...

Coincidentally, the unemployed Johnson takes over Mandy's education centre, hoping to find success in the education industry. He meets the new stay-at-home father Jason. The two of them support each other as they hit bumps on the road to learning how to be a father, interwoven with tears and joy...


Overview - A Fist Within Four Walls



Bearing the pain of having lost his family, Ruco Chan returns to the Walled City in hopes of finding his long-lost sister. The neighbourhood that he grew up in has become an unruly place dominated by evil forces. Ruco conceals his background as a disciple of "Eight Extremities Fist". Using a new identity, he meets feisty hair salon owner Nancy Wu, dentist Benjamin Yuen and labourer Jazz Lam. He also gains recognition from martial arts master Yuen Qiu.

In order to re-establish order in the Walled City, Ruco forms an association to stand up against the evil forces. This puts him in conflict with Yuen Qiu's son, Philip Ng, a champion black market fighter. Just as things appear to get on track, a key member of the triad is mysteriously killed with Eight Extremities Fist. Ruco and Nancy team up to investigate and discovers a connection to Grace Wong, who leads a striptease troupe. Subsequently, the truth about the death of Ruco's father is revealed. But what Ruco cannot get over is that someone close to him is part of an extremely cruel assassin organization. At the same time, he is forced into a preordained battle with his buddy that is 15 years late...


Sunday, July 17, 2016

A Fist Within Four Walls Theme Song

The theme song for A Fist Within Four Walls is sung by Ruco Chan, entitled "Siege" (圍城).



Theme Song MV:


The sub-theme song is "Never Knew You Were the Best" (從未知道你最好), by Ruco and Nancy Wu.


Find out who has sung the most TVB theme songs in recent years!


No Reserve Promo Clips

Promos for myTV Super Broadcast

Trailer @ myTV Super All Star Summer


Promo #1


Promo #2


Promo #3



Promos for TV Broadcast

Promo #1


Promo #2


Promo #3


Promo #4


Promo #5


Promo #6


Extended Trailer



Friday, July 08, 2016

4th Anniversary

Happy 4th Birthday to Casual TVB! 



This past year, I have not been very active, but I am still glad that I have been able to keep this blog running. Casual TVB had exactly 100 posts this year. Most of them were routine posts for series, like overviews and promo clips, but there were still a few fun ones that I enjoyed.

My favourite posts from this year:
1. Where in the World is Tony Hung?
2. Theme Songs Analysis
3. Every Man's Heart Has a Priscilla Wong
4. Dr. Marcus Kwok

Thank you again for continuing to support Casual TVB!


Wednesday, July 06, 2016

Theme Songs Analysis

Been wondering just how many TVB theme songs Jinny Ng has sung? 


  • Between January 2014 to July 2016, there have been 92 official theme and sub-theme songs performed for TVB series. 
  • The Voice Entertainment's "Big Four" (Alfred Hui, Fred Cheng, Hubert Wu, Jinny Ng) accounted for 33 of those songs, over a third. 
  • Jinny Ng has sung 9 theme and subtheme songs, the most of any artist. 
  • Alfred Hui and Fred Cheng are tied at second with 8.5 songs each. Hubert Wu comes in third with 7 songs. 
  • Fred Cheng has sung the most theme songs of any artist, with 6.5 songs. Alfred Hui and Hubert Wu both have 5.5 theme songs. 
  • Auston Lam's 6 subtheme songs are all from Come Home Love. Jinny Ng has the second most subtheme songs, with four. 
  • Artists who participated in at least two songs are shown in the graph. These 18 artists accounted for 73.5 songs, or 80%. 
  • Approximately 25 other artists account for the remaining 18.5 songs. ("Approximately" because some songs featured an ensemble of artists.)

The analysis includes the official theme and sub-theme songs from series that aired from January 2014 to July 2016. It includes Come Home Love, Return of the Silver Tongue and Coffee Cat Mama, up to Between Love & Desire. Only artists who have participated in at least two songs are shown in the graph.


Sunday, July 03, 2016

Between Love & Desire Theme Song

The theme song for Between Love & Desire is "The Last Break-up" (最後一次分手) by Jinny Ng.




Overview - Between Love & Desire



The unbeatable lawyer Moses Chan believes that mastery in the legal arena is equivalent to mastery of life and that he can build a perfect life with his wife Maggie Siu. Unfortunately, when their pace and goals fall out of sync, betrayal happens and the perfect world crumbles down!

Now a law firm partner, Moses and his younger brother Brian Chu hit an impasse in life when they were younger. As a result, Moses vowed to climb to the pinnacle of power. To achieve his goal, Moses, who is good at controlling situations, handles matters without consideration of other people's feelings. Observing Moses' change in character, Maggie, who has always silently supported him, and Brian, who overcame hardship with him, gradually feel estranged.

Later, Maggie's mother passes away. Ben Wong, a long-time admirer of Maggie, breaks into her inner world. Ben, who is also a lawyer, cannot compare with Moses in terms of status and reputation, but he is able to provide for Maggie's emotional needs. Since then, Moses' family has been filled with suspicion and lies. Maggie decides to leave and is mysteriously attacked. She suspects the mastermind is the person that has been sleeping beside her - Moses! A series of events pushes Moses towards despair...

In the end, to save his relationship and search for his true life, Moses decides to start the journey from his heart and recover his lost sincerity.


Monday, June 27, 2016

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Overview - House of Spirits



When his father (Lau Kong) suddenly dies, Bobby Au-Yeung, as executor of his father's will, summons his younger siblings home. According to their late father's wishes, the four siblings must live together for nine months before they can sell the house. Against her Mainland husband Tsui Wing's objections, Joyce Tang moves back to Hong Kong with her daughter. The profit-minded Jonathan Cheung and his equally snobbish wife, Koni Lui, immediately report home. Youngest brother Bob Cheung, who was on a work vacation, also returns home quickly upon hearing the news. Daily frictions occur between the family. Bobby discovers that a pair of happy spirits, Wu Fung and Helena Law, have been living in the house for a long time. The two seniors use their magic to help the family resolve disputes, but they often make things worse, producing many comedic moments. The old house is in need of repairs, leading Bobby to hire technician Nancy Wu. The two of them clash immediately and constantly squabble. But Nancy develops an indissoluble bond with the family and also finds a cure to her chronic insomnia...