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Dear friends, readers and supporters,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Wishing all of you a great 2010!

Hope that everything will go smoothly for you all!

:)

Best wishes,

qingling~

Dear friends, readers and supporters,

MERRY

CHRISTMAS!!

Christmas marks a fine finish of the year. Peace, hope and love fills up the senses to help you stay jolly.

Best wishes,

qingling~

by Mr. Green @ Green Entertainment Cafe

this entry is originally published @ http://greenentertainmentcafe.wordpress.com/2009/12/13/2010-dramas-presentation-2/

[edited by qingling~]

note by admin (qingling~): Mr. Green, you are officially the 6th contributor and this is the 10th contribution to Drama Focus: the Drama Community; the 5th post on SG-Mediacorp dramas! i’d like to thank Mr. Green for the support and for allowing us to use this entry for the Drama Community! thank you for your contribution, encouragement and support :)

20…10… Did you manage to see the 2010 Vivo City Countdown Party Trailer? Do you plan to go down to celebrate the countdown with the Channel 8 stars or do you have any other plans of celebrating? ;)

Before we look forward to the next year, let’s see what we can expect from Mediacorp’s 2010 Chinese Dramas.

*Dates are subject to changes by Mediacorp.*
*Drama titles are subject to changes any time.*
*No. of episodes are subject to changes any time.*

—–

Drama Title: Happy Family 过好年 ( Channel 8 )
Debuts/Airing Date & Time: 19 January 2010, Weekdays 9pm!
No. of Episodes: 20 (Last episode currently slated to be aired on Day 2 of CNY)
Cast: Rui En, Ann Kok, Cynthia Koh, Ramus Kam, Darren Lim, Chen Shucheng, Chen Tianwen, Pan Lingling, Shaun Chen, Koh Yah Hwee etc.
Producer: Paul Yuen Script Writer: Ng Kah Hwee

Personally, I have quite a few pointers of why this should be a drama worth watching. This drama has strong veterans and the cast background/story is well-written. But the most important thing is still how the production team brings out the story and how it will develop.

Why is it worth watching?

* Rui En in a happy-go-lucky role since Love @ Zero Degree Celsius (2006) and a role different from her “cool” personality.
* Riding from the success of 2009 CNY drama, Reunion Dinner, Happy Family is a yet another fresh CNY themed drama.
* Cynthia Koh’s fat character is one reason why this drama is worth watching. Whats more, she isn’t fat in real life and is willing to attempt such a role.
* Pan Lingling is wheel-chair ridden in the show, and this role will enable her to be able to stand out.

—–

Drama Title: Priceless Wonder 游戏人生 ( Channel 8 )
Debuts/Airing Date & Time: 16 February 2010, Weekdays 9pm!
No. of Episodes: 20
Cast: Tiffany Leong, Zzen Zhang, Alan Tern, Priscelia Chan, Xiangyun, Jin Yinji, Nat Ho etc
Production: Matrix Vision

A new drama sponsored by NCPG, this is an anti-gambling drama, as the IRs are coming to Singapore. Hmm, is it a little ’salah’ to air this drama in Feb? Because CNY is still not over yet and talking about anti-gambling seems a little weird. And does anyone think that this show seems to be under-promoted? We haven’t heard any news of the show at all, how the imaging has gone and everything. Well, perhaps this is a outsourced drama and this may be what explains the lack of promotion?

Why is it worth watching?

* Under-rated stars (Zzen, Alan, Priscelia) in lead roles.
* Xiang Yun’s hairstyle, LOL (look at above picture).
* wife/husband in reality pairing up in the show as wife/husband.

—–

Drama Title: The Illusionist 魔幻视界 ( Channel U )
Debuts/Airing Date & Time: Coming in March 2010!
No. of Episodes: 13
Cast: Thomas Ong, Quan Yifeng, Meixin, Jerry Yeo, Marcus Chin, Jeremy Chan, Sugie, Ann Kok etc
Production: WaWa Pictures

From the same team of people behind the successful Perfect Cut, the main cast, Thomas Ong, remains unchanged. This time round, instead of seeing him as a Plastic Surgeon, we would be seeing him acting as a magician, together with Singer/Actress, Meixin and Variety Queen, Quan Yifeng.

Why is it worth watching?

* Quan Yifeng’s role in the drama is a TV Promotion and Branding Manager. The role is touted as a female version of MediacorpTV’s current Promotion & Branding VP, Paul Chan.
* The pairing/love triangle consisting of Meixin, Thomas, Quan Yifeng.
* Thomas Ong in a new show with a different occupation. ;)

—–

Drama Title: The Best Things in Life! 五福到 ( Channel 8 )
Debuts/Airing Date & Time: 16 March 2010, Weekdays at 9pm!
No. of Episodes: 20
Cast: Chen Hanwei, Cynthia Koh, Tracy Lee, Koh Yah Hwee, Phyllis Quek, Zhang Yaodong, May Phua, Terrence Cao, Desmond Tan etc.
Producer: Winnie Wong Script Writer: Ang Engtee

This drama is mainly about Chen Hanwei’s character who lives in the village, and how he decided to come over to the city to look for his dream lover called “Dream” played by Phyllis Quek. However, he later found out that all his younger sisters are facing different problems/crisis, and as their brother, he decided to help them out.

Why is it worth watching?

* Chen Hanwei get his front tooth removed for his kampong boy role.
* Story written by Mediacorp’s award-winning script writer, Ang Engtee.
* Chen Hanwei & Cynthia Koh transform from husband/wife in Daddy At Home to siblings in The Best Things in Life, let see how they walk out from the shadow.
* Phyllis Quek’s 1st Channel 8 drama since 2007’s Live Again.

—–

Drama Title: New Beginnings 红白喜事 ( Channel 8 )
Debuts/Airing Date & Time: 14 April 2010, Weekdays at 9pm!
No. of Episodes: 20
Cast: Jeanette Aw, Jesseca Liu, Elvin Ng, Tay Pinghui, Zhang Zhenhuan, Joshua Ang, Tracy Tan, Ng Hui, Lin Meijiao, Hong Huifang etc.
Production Team: (not confirmed at the moment)

A drama that is hogged by the younger generation of stars again, lead the cast. To be honest, this drama appeals the least to me.

Firstly, the cast is totally similar to 2008’s Rhythm Of Life and 2009’s The Dream Catchers. Just that they added a few people and replaced a few more.

I have never felt confident with dramas that are hogged by the younger generation of stars, just like the 2 dramas I mentioned above, and they didn’t do very well. No offence though. I hope this drama could prove me wrong. I will still be watching it and comment on Jesseca’s acting, as I feel that she has made improvements since her last role in Baby Bonus.

However, I have to admit that the theme of Weddings & Funerals in this drama is a better theme and concept than engineers in The Dream Catchers, and wishing well in Rhythm Of Life. That said, the theme of Weddings & Funerals reminds me of an 80’s drama, though I can’t recall the name of the show. I remember one scene where there is a Wedding Dinner going on in a void-deck, and at the same time, there is a funeral going on in the same void-deck too.

Nevertheless, I still have my reasons/comments of why it is worth watching.

* Jesseca and Tay Pinghui pairing again.
* Elvin Ng and Jeanette Aw pairing again.
* The concept of Weddings & Funerals.

—–

Drama Title: I’m With You 我在你左右　( Channel 8 )
Debuts/Airing Date & Time: May 2010, Weekdays at 9pm!
No. of Episodes: 20
Cast: Rui En, Chen Hanwei, Adrain Pang (more cast to be announced at later date)
Production Team: (not confirmed at the moment)

A new supernatural drama that highlights on the seventh month. The last time Mediacorp had such drama was in 2005 – Zero To Hero, which starred Chen Liping and Edmund Chen. That drama later become the most-watched in 2005.

This time round, the story would be different from Zero To Hero, you may wish to read Zero To Hero storyline here first.

In this series (sourced from Issue 633 I-Weekly), Chen Hanwei played Rui En’s husband, later on Chen Hanwei’s character passes away, leaving Rui En alone. Rui En later realises she’s pregnant with Chen Hanwei’s child.

Despite leaving the world, Chen Hanwei still couldn’t let go of Rui En and decided to stay around her. He attempts to harm Adrian Pang’s character, whom takes care of Rui En and the family. Both Adrain Pang and Rui En later on fall in love to each other.

Why is it worth watching?

* Rui En personally commented that she likes this role.
* Rui En being the 2nd princess to play mother after Felicia Chin.
* The Star Awards 3X Best Actor nominee and Asian Television Award Best Actor, Adrian Pang is the main lead.

—–

So which one are you looking forward to? I actually thought of adding my ideal casts for 2nd half of 2010 dramas. However, I thought I should leave that for my upcoming entries, where I shall say who is my ideal casts are. :)

Pictures Source: Google Search Engine/Facebook/Forum
Dramas Source/News Source: BaGuaTV and I-Weekly.

by John @ Around the Entertainment Scene

[edited by qingling~]

note by admin (qingling~): John, you are officially the 5th contributor and this is the 8th contribution to Drama Focus: the Drama Community; the 3rd post on SG-Mediacorp dramas! i’d like to thank John for the support and for taking the time to write this entry specially for the Drama Community! thank you for your contribution and continuous support :)

” So I guess this show would pose a threat to the upcoming blockbuster? “

Well, that statement did not actually come from me though I personally agree with it totally! Yes! It is so good that it actually prompted one local drama viewer to post that statement in the Mediacorp Forum! Yes! I must say that the drama is indeed that excellent that it could well pose a real big threat to the upcoming end-of-year Blockbuster Drama – < 当我们同在一起 > TOGETHER!

Here, we dissect the points that make this drama such a big hit with TV viewers so far :

• Choice Of Cast :

Besides having two Ah Ges 李南星 Li Nanxing & 陈汉玮 Chen Hanwei as the two main characters of the series, it also boosts a star-studded stellar cast which is quite a ‘rare ‘sight for a non – Blockbuster Drama! Also, the stellar cast include : 郭舒贤 Ann Kok, 许美珍 Cynthia Koh, 詹金泉 Adam Chen, Princess Dawn Yeoh 姚懿珊, Campus Superstar 3 runner-up Chua Aijia, Huang Shinan, 李文海 Li Wenhai, Le Yao, Pei Xiaoling, Cassandra See and even a familiar face, or rather a familiar voice from radio – FM 100.3 DJ Ye Limei too!

With such a star-studded long list of artistes from past, present and even the ‘yesteryear’ era, it’s really no surprise that this drama serial has been such a great hit with local viewers so far!

• Plot :

The drama started off in an office setting with 李南星 Li Nanxing as the VP of the investment arm of a bank. He hires & fires and controls his subordinates very strictly, often going according to the book, where Ted ( 李文海 Li Wenhai ) was the first victim of his firing line. The office business setting makes it looks like it’s a a blockbuster drama ( the way it started off ) – a very common scene where most blockbuster dramas would often start off their story in a company business setting. Then it went off to the collapse of the Lehman Brothers & Minibonds Issue, which most people can easily relate to and connect with. The plight of the victims came alive onscreen, and as real as possible, the two main leads – 陈汉玮 Chen Hanwei & 李南星 Li Nanxing both lost heavily in investments, with the latter later being retrenched & later being reduced to staying at home to take care of the household & do housework. I thought the scriptwriter was very creative and really clever enough to throw in the Lehman Brothers & Minibonds Issue into the story! A great idea and I thought it adds more bite and punch to the plot, which I think it would otherwise be quite an average drama serial!

And it is also because of the Lehman Brothers Issue that got me hooked and attracted to the story that I started following it every night without fail!

• No Lack Of Jokes :

Even later in the story when 李南星 Li Nanxing had been retrenched & had to stay at home to do all the housework, the drama does not have any boring moments at all, for there were lots of comical & funny scenes and there were no lack of jokes to make up for the ‘likely boring parts’ in the story…. Such that the Drama is very interesting, entertaining and such real joy to watch for the whole family! Seeing the many different ways 詹金泉 Adam Chen tried to woo 姚懿珊 Dawn Yeoh in the show as well as the many funny scenes involving 李南星 Li Nanxing when he was doing the housework – they were really very funny indeed! But jokes aside, there were serious moments too, such as the two lead characters having to come to grips with their loss of investments in the Minibonds as well as the various quarrels between the two sets of couples that resulted from it…

• My Verdict :

Although it may have < 企鹅爸爸 >  – which literally translated would meant ‘Penguin Father’ as it’s drama serial title, it is not exactly a boring show as one would initally expect just by looking at it on paper ( this is to tell us not to judge a book by its cover! ) This is one of those shows which do not need to be a MEGA blockbuster drama & encur high production costs but yet is still be able to be such a huge hit with viewers! It belonged to the same category as Table of Glory earlier this year where it’s neither a blockbuster drama, but it also managed to achieve such high viewership ratings with an equally strong cast and interesting storyline and plot!

The way I see it, this drama has the potential to achieve the same feat, if not go one better than Table of Glory & Housewives Holiday to top the charts for local dramas this year (so far before the TV Premiere of ‘TOGETHER’)! And don’t be too surprised if it actually manages to do that!

* Catch 20 Episodes star studded Family Drama – < 企鹅爸爸 > Daddy At Home On Weekdays – Every Mondays To Fridays at 9pm on Channel 8! *

by Vivien @ tvbelicit

[this post is originally published @ http://www.tvbelicit.gofreeserve.com/blogs/index.php/2009/11/08/tvb-42nd-anniversary-award-picks]

TVB 42nd Anniversary Awards Ceremony is just around the corner! With a weak year behind, TVB has thrown many unexpected faces onto their nominations list. While there are undeserving nominees, there is also a handful of strong candidates who are up for the game! Let’s all anticipate a night full of intense heart beating, wonderfully dressed artists, and deserving winners!

Best Actor
This year has been a wonderful year for all leading actors. However, I am surprised to see Bosco Wong nominated for Best Actor while Aimee Chan is nominated for Best Supporting Actress. I do not believe that their roles in Burning Flame III deserve nomination and nominating Bosco for Best Actor is a bigger mistake. Chin Kar Lok is nominated for many categories this year. While I believe that he is deserving in other categories, I cannot judge his nomination in Best Actor based on my biased opinion as I have not watched A Bride for a Ride. All other nominees are deserving. My vote this year goes to Wong He. Burning Flame III was not a very successful series but nonetheless, Wong He portrayed his character beyond my expectations. I have been a fan of his since his old Burning Flame days and I can’t help but to vote for him. I also find Dayo to be an outstanding actor but his chances are slim. Like many of you though, I believe Wayne Lai is the most deserving candidate. I know that more than half of all voters will be voting for Wayne so my vote will do no harm to his strong position.

My Picks: Wayne Lai, Wong He, Dayo Wong
Vote: Wong He
Deserving: Wayne Lai
Winner: Wayne Lai

Best Actress
With the highly anticipated grand production, Beyond the Realm of Conscience, many leading ladies got a chance to shine. 2009 has been a wonderful year for Tavia Yeung after receiving her Best Supporting Actress award last year. She has been heavily promoted and given the evil role of Yiu Gam Ling in Beyond the Realm of Conscience. As much as I am a fan of Tavia’s, I do not think it is her time yet. My vote goes to Sheren Tang whose portrayal in Rosy Business is one of the most solid performances I have seen in years. I was very disappointed with her loss for War and Beauty and I do not hope for history to repeat itself again. Another strong nominee I would like to point out is Sonija Kwok. Her character in D.I.E. Again was very enjoyable to watch and I think she deserves more recognition than she has. It is a pity that she never got a chance to be casted in a grand production like the other nominees. I am also very disappointed that Jessica Hsuan is not seen on the list. I hope her character in Interpol will be nominated next year.

My Picks: Sheren Tang, Sonija Kwok, Tavia Yeung
Vote: Sheren Tang
Deserving: Sheren Tang
Winner: Sheren Tang

Best Supporting Actor
No longer having Wayne Lai nominated in this category gives all other nominees a bigger chance. Ron Ng gets my vote this year. I’ve always thought that Ron was very weak as an actor but this year, he proved me wrong. I enjoyed watching every minute of him in Rosy Business. It’s a pity that he is not nominated for his role in Emergency Unit. As for Raymond Wong, I found him to be a great actor the first time I laid my eyes on him. However, I don’t think he’ll receive this award having been with TVB for such a short period of time. On the other hand, Pierre Ngo has a higher chance of winning this award but I would say that his chances in winning Most Improved Actor is higher. Unless TVB decides to surprise us, mostly likely he won’t be getting this award. So why is Michael Tse nominated in Best Supporting Actor while Bosco is nominated in Best Actor? How I see it is they want to give Michael this award while Bosco is just there to fill up the spot.

My Picks: Ron Ng, Raymond Wong
Vote: Ron Ng
Deserving: Michael Tse, Pierre Ngo
Winner: Michael Tse

Best Supporting Actress
I see many faces I thought would be appearing on the Best Actress here such as Michelle Yim, Susanna Kwan, and Linda Chung. It is quite a shock to see Elanne Kong nominated while others like Elaine Yiu, Natalie Tong, Toby Leung or even Kaki Leung who’ve appeared in more than one series is not. I guess it really does not matter as those names would never make it into top five. My vote goes to Selena Li. You might find this surprising because even I myself find Susan Tse the most deserving of this award. From the list, the two that caught my attention were Nancy Wu and Selena Li. The reason why I voted for Selena is because Nancy already received Most Improved Actress last year and Selena also lost out in being nominated this year. If Selena was nominated for Most Improved Actress, my vote would definitely go to Susan Tse.

My Picks: Nancy Wu, Selena Li
Vote: Selena Li
Deserving: Susan Tse
Winner: Susan Tse

My Favourite Male Character
My favourite male character this year is Mak Tai Song and so my vote goes to Dayo Wong. This award is hard to predict because everyone has their own preference. It just so happens that I fell in love with Dayo’s Mak Tai Song. I also loved Roger Kwok’s Yue Chi Long but for some reason, I have a feeling they will neglect D.I.E. Again like they did with D.I.E. last year. Chai Kau by Wayne Lai was a very developed character. It would be great to see such a unique character get the award but Michael Tse’s Laughing will be taking this award home since the audience had a bigger reaction.

My Picks: Dayo Wong, Roger Kwok
Vote: Dayo Wong
Deserving: Wayne Lai
Winner: Michael Tse

My Favourite Female Character
My love this year is Lam Miu Miu so Charmaine Sheh is who my vote goes to. This classy debt collector has made her way into the audiences’ heart. Sheren Tang’s Hong Bo Kei, like Chai Kau is also deserving of this award. Notable mentions go to Sonija Kwok’s Ying Ching Ching and Kenix Kwok’s Tung Ling Chi, Angie. I have a strong feeling that Tavia Yeung will be taking this award home for her Yiu Gam Ling as she might be losing to Sheren for Best Actress. It will most likely resemble the case of the Best Actor last year featuring Ha Yu and Raymond Lam.

My Picks: Charmaine Sheh, Sonija Kwok, Kenix Kwok
Vote: Charmaine Sheh
Deserving: Sheren Tang, Charmaine Sheh
Winner: Tavia Yeung

Most Improved Actor
This list is short since TVB has probably realized that their artists are not improving. I think Johnson Lee is a very respectable actor but if he was to get this award, he should’ve received it for his Ben Tam (BT) in Catch Me Now. Raymond Wong is another deserving candidate but again, his chances are slim. My vote goes to Pierre Ngo as he is truly deserving of this award. I will be very disappointed if he does not get it and I’m sure he’ll be disappointed too.

My Picks: Raymond Wong
Vote: Pierre Ngo
Deserving: Pierre Ngo
Winner: Pierre Ngo

Most Improved Actress
This list is just out of the blue! My first question is: Where is Selena Li? The second question I have is: Do I have to vote? The nominations list is just too weak! If Selena was on the list, I am 100% sure she would’ve taken the award home. My assumption is that TVB didn’t nominate Selena because she’s doing her studies in Toronto at the time of the Awards Ceremony and she will not be returning for the Awards Night. If I have to vote, it would be Sharon Chan but seeing that Aimee Chan is a hot favourite, she’ll probably be taking this award. It would also be nice to see Rachel Kan on this list since I find that she’s an underrated but talented actress. Not to mention, I think she’s very pretty as well. I loved her in Burning Flame III and she was very sweet with Wayne in Best Selling Secrets. Maybe her stardom will end up like Wayne’s.

My Picks: Sharon Chan
Vote: Sharon Chan
Deserving: None
Winner: Aimee Chan

Best Presenter
Beautiful Cooking II was only enjoyable to watch because of the hosts, Ronald Cheng, Alex Fong, and Edmond Leung. They are not suitable for serious shows but they did a wonderful job with what they were given. I have a feeling that the four Super Trio Supreme hosts might be grabbing this though.

My Picks: Ronald Cheng, Alex Fong, and Edmond Leung
Vote: Ronald Cheng, Alex Fong, and Edmond Leung
Deserving: Ronald Cheng, Alex Fong, and Edmond Leung
Winner: Eric Tsang, Chin Kar Lok, Louis Yuen, Wong Cho Lam

Best Drama
I vote for D.I.E. Again. This was the drama that I enjoyed watching most throughout the year. It was difficult for me to decide between it and You’re Hired but I prefer a little exaggerated crime stories a tad bit more. Rosy Business has a very well written script and is deserving of an award but this year calls for some comedy. TVB is probably going to be biased so the award just might go to their grand productions, Beyond the Realm of Conscience or Born Rich. Since I have not watched both fully, I cannot judge which is more deserving. From ratings though, it seems like Beyond the Realm of Conscience is ahead of the game.

My Picks: You’re Hired, D.I.E. Again
Vote: D.I.E. Again
Deserving: Rosy Business
Winner: Beyond the Realm of Conscience, Born Rich

Best Variety Show
This year’s variety shows weren’t too entertaining except for Super Trio Supreme and Club Sparkle. Between the two, I would vote for Super Trio Supreme because I enjoy watching game shows more. Club Sparkle is also deserving as I loved watching Sandra Ng teasing the guests. Other variety shows just cannot compare.

My Picks: Super Trio Supreme
Vote: Super Trio Supreme
Deserving: Club Sparkle
Winner: Super Trio Supreme

TVB.com Popular Artist
I do not see Raymond Lam and Yoyo Mung on the list and without these two extremely popular artists, Tavia Yeung has a chance. This year, I found that Selena, Nancy, Tavia, and Ron’s popularity has increased while Charmaine is probably still the most popular TVB artist around. This is a tough choice but my vote is for our beloved Tavia Yeung.

My Picks: Selena Li, Nancy Wu, Tavia Yeung
Vote: Tavia Yeung
Deserving: Tavia Yeung, Charmaine Sheh, Ron Ng
Winner: Charmaine Sheh, Tavia Yeung

Please go to http://event.tvb.com/42nd/voting to vote for your favourites! Voting ends on November 29, 2009 at 11:59 PM.

note by admin (qingling~): Vivien, you’re officially the 4th contributor, and this is the 6th contribution here at Drama Focus: the Drama Community; the 4th HK-TVB review. thank you so much for contributing, and for the support! i hope that this arrangement will be able to give both our sites more exposure, and bring new readers! i love your E.U. banner btw!!

by Vivien @ tvbelicit

Emergency Unit

General Information
Title: Emergency Unit
Number of Episodes: 30
Year: 2009

Cast:
Michael Miu as Kong Sai Hau
Kathy Chow as Ching Yeuk Sum
Michael Tse as Leung Siu Tong
Ron Ng as Chung Lap Man
Sammul Chan as Lee Pak Kiu
Elanne Kong as Kong Yau Yau
Kaki Leung as Fa Yeuk Bo

Warning: May contain spoilers. Read at own risk.

01. About the Series
The story surrounds a mafia whose business is associated with drug dealing. The police force has had their eyes on them for many years and yet they haven’t been able to bring them down. Having resort to their last strategy, they officially send undercover agents in search for evidence.

02. Characters and Performances
Michael Miu as Kong Sai Hau
Kong Sai Hau is released from his ten year sentence in jail. He decides to take revenge and does so successfully, taking the position as the mafia leader. He is very clever and although he claims to only want to reunite with his daughter, his actions contradict this. This was no breakthrough role for Michael. His character was very typical and Michael was not able to make it shine. Overall, a solid performance but it wasn’t the outstanding performance I hoped for.
Rating: 4/5

Kathy Chow as Ching Yeuk Sum
Sum is the wife of the former mafia leader. Although she claims to have nothing to do with them, she often has a say in their final decisions. She is pure in nature and is only part of this complex group because of her tragic childhood. It’s nice to finally see Kathy back. Her performance was great here but she has a bit of touching up to do. Some of her facial expressions were a bit exaggerated in my opinion. Her crying scenes were really well done and the best in this series.
Rating: 4/5

Michael Tse as Leung Siu Tong (Laughing)
Laughing is a complex character. Though he appears to be black at first, it is eventually revealed that he is an undercover doing all he can to find evidence to arrest the group. He has been an undercover for nine years and he stays true to the police force. Like everyone else, I was surprised by Michael’s wonderful performance. I honestly cannot think of anyone else that could play this role better. It seems as if this role was written for him. Though it was quite obvious to me that Laughing was an undercover, Michael’s character and his strong performance made me doubt myself at times. His death scene was very sad but I found that this was what perfected his character.
Rating: 4.5/5

Ron Ng as Chung Lap Man
Man is very quick-hearted and tries to crack the drug dealing business as fast as he could. He gets himself into trouble with Kong Sai Hau and finds himself in the undercover business. Ron has improved a lot after not seeing him for quite some time. You can see the contemplation he makes quite often and I believe that these types of characters are hard to portray. His crying was great during Laughing’s death scene. The sudden switch in personality was quite abrupt in the storyline but Ron handled it well.
Rating: 4/5

Sammul Chan as Lee Pak Kiu
Pak Kiu is very well accepted by the upper level police officers. He stands strong in his position as a police but can sometimes be stubborn. He believes that he is right most of the time which eventually leads to his downfall. There isn’t much to say about Sammul’s performance because his role was rather boring. His character did come through nicely though there was nothing special about it.
Rating: 3.5/5

Elanne Kong as Kong Yau Yau
Yau Yau was left behind by her father at a young age and so she depends on herself to survive. She is sometimes immature but can tell right from wrong when things go out of hand. This being Elanne’s debut series, it wasn’t bad. Her performance was a lot better than many newcomers but maybe it’s because she’s filmed movies before. I find her acting quite cute but her crying needs a lot of work. I sometimes couldn’t tell whether she was actually crying or not. Other than that, I think her other facial expressions are really good and funny.
Rating: 3.5/5

Kaki Leung as Fa Yeuk Bo
Yeuk Bo is mentally strong and does her best to be a part of the police force. She is able to overcome her asthma problems with the help from Pak Kiu. Because of an incident in her childhood, she is really fair when it comes to money that she counts down to the last cent. Kaki’s performance, to me, isn’t as bad as what others think. For a first timer, she did pretty well. Whether she’ll improve or not, we’ll have to wait and see but I do think she has potential though not the look.
Rating: 3/5

03. Favourites
Michael Tse
Honestly, this series and the character, Laughing, was meant for Michael to shine. I think Michael had the best performance and he outshone everyone else. Although other characters had their uniqueness to them, Michael’s character with his amazing performance stole the spotlight.

04. The Bad Factor
Lack of Focus on Characters
I found that Sammul’s character was pointless in this series, as if it was being neglected. As this is a sequel, I was hoping that there would be more focus on the two main leads, namely Ron and Sammul. I wanted to see the deep bond between these two friends and how they would work together in the police world. Although the series was a success in my eyes, it would’ve been better if they considered Sammul’s character a little more. His character was more of supporting than lead, if considered.

05. The Ending
I did not like how they had two endings. Yes, I didn’t want Laughing to die but forcing him back alive was even worse. Maybe killing him off would have been the better choice. I would definitely feel a bigger attachment if we, the audience, actually lost him. I know the producer tried to satisfy the audience, who can sometimes but so stubborn about it, but it sort of ruined the story as a whole. But at least it was left as a cliff-hanger. I’m really anticipating the fourth installment.

Last Words
The overall plot was very exciting and each episode leaves you with an anticipation to watch the next. It’s been a really long time since I’ve watched something as good as this from TVB. I’m starting to have more confidence in TVB’s productions now. Hopefully TVB’s standards will go back up.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

by Iris @ TVBInteraction

[this post is originally published @ http://tvbinteraction.blogspot.com/2009/10/youre-hired-review.html]

You’re Hired is truly an amazing and memorable series that it recommended and should be watched by everyone. There is no reason for you to pass it up. 2009 has been a slow and not so great year for TVB, with the only highlights being EU and Rosy Business, both of which were in the drama genre. While TVB has managed to release a couple of enjoyable comedies, they are forgettable and unmemorable. You’re Hired is the greatest comedy and series that TVB has whipped up in not just in 2009, but for years. It is a breath of fresh air from the usual ‘comedy’ because it’s witty and full of amusing dialogue instead of overexaggeration. With comedy king Dayo Wong and top TV queen and favorite Charmaine Sheh, you can’t go wrong.

Dayo Wong – Mak Tai Song

Ah Song is hands down my favorite male character of the year. He is very intelligent and educated about business, despite his outer appearance, which makes him look ‘cheap.’ His outfit of a garbage resembling coat, red and black checkered shirt, white t-shirt, and gray pants is one I’ll never forget. To this day, I immediately think of Mak Tai Song when I see a red and black checkered shirt.

Dayo is truly the ‘TV comedy king.’ My favorite type of comedy is not exaggerated lines and actions, but witty dialogue. Dayo satisfies what I’ve been missing for so long. He has his own style of getting laughs. When he makes you laugh, he’ll make you laugh out loud. Some of the jokes he cracks may even cause stomach aches. His talent for comedy is irreplaceable. Mak Tai Song is a hilarious and yet at the same time a sensitive person. Having a sad childhood, being abandoned by his mother, and never experimenting ‘love’, his love plot with Miu Miu was touching and sweet. Dayo portrays the different sides of Ah Song perfectly, and I can’t think of any way he could’ve done better. It’s a shame he is not signed with TVB, for I’d love to see more of him. It’ll also mean he’ll never be able to get the ‘Best Actor’ award, despite his performance being ‘Best Actor’ worthy.

Charmaine Sheh – Lam Miu Miu

My opinion towards Charmaine was always just ok. Sometimes I liked her, and sometimes I didn’t, but that was because of the characters she was playing. Since watching this series though, I can say that I LOVE Charmaine! She plays the role of a materialistic girl perfectly. The scenes where she was working as a debt collector was hilarious! With her tough attitude, I failed to see how she wasn’t any different from a loan shark. Plus, it was hilarious how while people found the other ‘big but brainless’ debt collectors scary, the other debt collectors were scared of Miu Miu! Personally, I think Charmaine fits lighthearted roles better. She was so cute and realistic in this series. My favorite female character of the year!

Teresa Lee – Sheh Mo Lin

Despite no longer being extremely young or pretty, I feel as though she possesses a cute and young charm. While I find the tone of her voice unusual, I also like it at the same time. It makes her sound so innocent and sweet, just like her character is. Theresa also has flawless English, and I loved hearing her the few times she spoke it. The character of Mo-Lin really grew on me, and I missed her a lot when she was absent towards the middle of the series. Why such an innocent and sweet woman would marry a scoundrel like Martin in the first place remains a mystery to me. Why she didn’t divorce him even after founding out all the bad things he did is another mystery. Teresa did a good job and her performance was natural and likable.

Michael Tse – Johnny

I was tricked into believing that Michael would be the second male lead of the series. Then again, besides for Dayo and Charmaine, no cast member held the title of ’secondary lead’ or ’supporting’ for the whole series. While his character brings some laughs, it is rather a disappointment after the success of Michael’s Laughing Gor. I expected more from the role. Nevertheless, I enjoyed watching how he matured and slowly gained interest and knowledge of the family business.

Queenie Chu – Ngon Sum Po

Queenie is one of the few 20 something actresses that has a more sophisticated look. That was why she was able to pass for Michael’s older sister, despite being much younger than him. She’s still rather wooden though, and she was incapable of expressing emotions. Then again, the role was supposed to be a ‘no nonsense’ and serious type of character, so Queenie didn’t have much to work with in the first place. I do have to mention that her look for the series was disappointing. I like Queenie’s sophisticated pretty look, but You’re Hired didn’t do the best job of showing that off. She looked much more attractive in Threshold.

Power Chan – Sam

Power is such a versatile and convincing actor that it’s a shame TVB gave him such a ‘useless’ role. Arrogant, greedy, and selfish, I would’ve hated ‘Sam’ for sure if it hadn’t been played by Power. One of these days he’ll get a good supporting role in a series that actually has buzz about it. (He made an amazing villain in The Building Blocks of Life, but the series itself was too ‘plain’ for people to actually take notice of him.)

Mandy Cho – Wah Kiu

From reading the character description released before You’re Hired started airing, I was interested in watching ‘Wah Kiu.’ The character turned out to be nothing special and didn’t even have much screen time. Mandy’s performance was just ok, but there’s something about her voice that annoys me. She was pretty and I liked her wardrobe though, but she was out shined in both aspects by Charmaine.

Benz Hui – Tong Kat

Even though Benz is old and not handsome, he has a certain charisma that makes him so enjoyable to watch. He is one of my favorite supporting actors, and is always so humorous. Benz delivered a great performance, but the character wasn’t that interesting. One thing about Tong Kat I found funny though was that his character is supposed to be around 60 years old. That means he is about 5 years from retirement age, and yet still doesn’t know a thing about working. No wonder his dad has to work like crazy, despite being almost 80 years old!

Koni Lui – Vivian

I was really looking forward to watching Koni as I loved her in Catch Me Now. I was disappointed that she was simply just part of a subplot that only lasted about three episodes. Maybe three was enough though, because the story of her, JJ Jia, and Tong Kat was the least appealing storyline.

You’re Hired had 5 main story lines: Miu Miu’s dad’s small noodle business Chai Kei, the mess with Benz, Koni, and JJ Jia and the unification of the kindergarten and retirement home, the big rice business with Michael and Queenie, and the ending storyline about the return of Martin. My favorite storyline was the first one. I liked the dealing of the small business much more, probably because it was more creative. I found the beginning most hilarious too. The rest of the series was of course still superb, but the beginning was when I laughed out loud till I got a stomach ache. The other story lines, although still funny, were more focused on the business. The business aspect of the series was very interesting and informative though. It got me wondering about all the business theories and techniques.

What was unusual about You’re Hired was that there was never a ’second lead’ or ’supporting’ role that stuck around for the whole entire series. Cast members whom we originally thought were playing a supporting part, like Michael Tse, Joel Chan, and Koni Lui only appeared in a couple episodes. They were not ever mentioned again. These three and a couple others felt like simply guest appearances. Even Teresa Lee didn’t appear throughout the whole series, as she was absent for almost the whole rice business subplot.

The Dayo-Charmaine pairing is the cutest and most refreshing couple this year. They’re now my all time favorite pair of rival lovers. Their love plot started too late into the series though. The writers had them hating each other for too long. The uniqueness and sweetness of their relationship when they finally fell in love with each other made up for it though. I would’ve loved to see more of them, they share the cutest chemistry!

There were two things that bothered me in the series though. Why did Ah Song betray Martin for Hunter in the first place? If I recall right, Martin wasn’t always selfish and greedy. This point was never cleared and it bothered me even after finishing the series. The other was the wrap up of the plot with Ah Song and his mom and step siblings, Johnny and Sum Po. There was never a proper conclusion to their story. Johnny and Sum Po never found out that Ah Song was their older half brother. While it’s possible to keep it from them, they should’ve been told after all misunderstandings between them were cleared. If I heard right as well, there was a scene where Sum Po was in the kitchen with her mom. In the scene, her mom says that she wished she had never given birth to Ah Song. Did Sum Po not hear right? Why didn’t she even say anything about it, as if she didn’t even hear her? Why did she go on to say that her mom had soft hands and started questioning how she got them so soft?

Overrall Thoughts

You’re Hired is the best series TVB has produced in years. There won’t be another series as funny and witty for a long time. I actually think that it’ll probably be in another at least two years or so, when Dayo comes back to film another series. It doesn’t have the best script, considering the two goofs I mentioned above, but it is the most refreshing and has the most original story. I will definitely be re watching this in the future. This is a series that won’t fade from my mind anytime soon. Even if I start forgetting the little things, I’ll always remember Mak Tai Song’s trademark outfit, his wit and intelligence, Miu Miu’s enormous wardrobe (did Charmaine even wear any outfit twice?), and the two’s sweet relationship and chemistry. I recommend it to everyone, and I mean absolutely everyone.

Rating : 4 3/4 stars :)

by Kim

[edited; pictures sourced and inserted by qingling~]

This modern version of the original Wars of In-Laws is equally funny and full of surprises! The chemistry between the cast members, main and supporting is fantastic, and the plot flows and develops smoothly.

When I first watched it, I was doing so on my phone and I throughly enjoyed it. But when I watched it again a second time on the television, I enjoyed it even more! I was able to see all the expressions on the actors’ faces. Especially the way Coco (Joyce Tang), and CC (Derek Kwok) exchanged glances!

I did not find the fashion designs featured in the show very appealing or “IN” but found it too over the top. The other thing i hated was the way Kyle (Bosco Wong)’s hair was styled! It made him have a very “I’m a wannabe rich kid” look.

Other than that, the story is great and the show is really enjoyable! I have already watched it 3 times and if it airs on tv again, I will watch it again!

[all photos are property of TVB; credits to TVB and Mtime, Tungstar, bbs.163, on.cc and others]