More than four months ago, I expressed my belief that the 82-episode blockbuster The Gem of Life would become a modern classic. It had the largest budget to date, a list of experienced actors, and what seemed to be a script soaked in richness of twists and turns. Even with the passing of Gu Long adaptations in the 70’s and those of Jin Yong in the 80’s, I still harbored a thread of hope that TVB producers and writers today could deliver a very memorable series. Now, four months later, I must retract that earlier statement; Gem is neither a classic of the past nor present. It is rather an incomplete product with missing scenes and a lack of continuous flow, leaving viewers to answer their own questions and fill in the blanks. Another point often raised is the slow pace of buildup to climaxes or significant events, but the experience is less tiresome for me than for many others. Ironically, Gem is like a chiseled diamond, a gemstone robbed of its prestige. However, I disagree with some of the harsh comments on various forums declaring it to be the “worst series in TVB history” and that “the producer and writer should be fired” when Guts of Man, Devil’s Disciples, and other low-quality series have been given screen time. There are two factors that ultimately save Gem from being taken down a few more notches:
- Solid performances given by main cast members (e.g. Ada Choi and Bowie Lam)
- Existence of non-stock characters with ambiguous morality
Jessica is the only Hong sister who captures my attention, and if I were to resume the series later (white flag on episode 60), it would be to finish her story. On the other hand, I am not looking forward to Constance. She may be the “pure” sister of the trio, but the degree of stubbornness, ignorance, and whining she demonstrates rivals that of Terrence – they are truly made for each other. Of course, even with strong output from the cast and a few colorful roles, what still drags down Gem and its contemporaries is the lack of creative writing and direction. We are no longer seeing gut-wrenching dramas centering around revenge, such as 1992’s The Greed of Man, or others based on controversial themes that force us to think outside the box. Nearly every series uses the same formula and is approved for family viewing. For years writers have stopped experimenting, and if the trend continues, I may stop watching altogether.
I ended on a depressing note, but I do hope Heaven and Earth surprises me – unless they censor certain scenes.
Aeris, I agree with much of what you said. Ada definitely shined in her role and was perhaps the only one who gave an outstanding performance. Bowie, was good, surprisngly, as I didn’t really like his acting in past series. To be honest, I thought the acting from the veteran cast was mediocre. Louise wasn’t convincing as the matriarchal mother who always bothered with her daughters life. I couldn’t help but think Michelle Yim will do better as the mother, only she could pass on as one of the daughters (LOL). One of the aspects of I was looking for in this epic series was the character ambiguities and how they are not completely evil nor good. That is observed in Jessica and Sylvia, but not in Constance. I was expecting her to be less naive and more scheming towards the end after all that her sisters have done to her, but no. LOL, and I quite agree with the fact that Terrence and Constance are made for each other!
Although merits does exist in the series, it doesn’t overcome its numerous flaws. Towards the end, I was debating whether or not I wanted to finish it, but as a tradition, I always like to end a series I started. The ending was a big disappoitment and it left me quite confused.
In regards to your comment, I’m too looking forward to Heaven and Earth, but it seems like that’s far away as they haven’t even planned the filming date yet. Sheren was in the sales presentation clip, so I hope she’s going to be in the series. Besides Nick Cheung, I’m not a big fan of any of the cast members and I’m quite tired of seeing the same actors/actresses.
Just out of curiousity, Aeris, did you enjoy War and Beauty?
Yes, when are they going to start filming Heaven and Earth? I actually don’t like to keep myself updated on upcoming series or entertainment news, so I don’t know these things. And I’m definitely looking forward to Nick’s return.
Regarding War and Beauty, I think it’s one of the best series TVB has released this century. It’s not an all-time classic, but very solid. You know, I’m still a bit disappointed Sheren didn’t win.
Me too! I thought Sheren deserved it the most out of the four leading ladies. Surprisingly, Gigi won, and I just re-watched the series about a month ago and I thought she gave one of the weaker performances among the four.
I think Sheren and Maggie gave the best performances. To be honest, at times I find Gigi’s acting to be fake with the crying and heavy breathing. I remember people were saying that TVB gave her the award as a favor for signing a contract. What do you think?
Maggie’s acting was great as usual too, but Sheren has this irresistable charisma in her acting that makes me love her so much! I agree w/ you about Gigi’s heavy breathing; it was quite annoying to a certain point and she also tried too hard to force out her tears. Thus, it came out unnaturally.
Regarding the contract, I didn’t hear anything about it. I never thought Gigi was such a sought after actress as I thought only her role in War and Beauty increased her popularity. I do not recall her being quite popular in the 90’s though I suppose she was still leading actress in most series. I’ve missed out on lots of 90’s series and now I’m trying to catch up on the better ones!
Hi Aeris…
Yep, that time you expressed that Gem would be a blockbuster, while I was thinking that it would be too draggy because of the 82-episodes. But you told me that the story will probably be written the way that it will keep on giving excitement etc, I can say that I was a little bit convinced by your words. When the themevideo and trailers released, I was quite excited and I thought you was right. But it turns out the opposite.
I still agree that Ada gave the best performance, but it’s a waste to let all those excellent actors/actresses film this production.
Lizzy, I knew you were going to come back to rub it in my face. j/k
Gem is not a modern classic, but I don’t think the whole production is a waste; the series does have its bright moments. And the other series out today actually have some of the same problems, but at 82 episodes long, those problems are magnified in Gem.
And I still stand by what I said that lengthy dramas can be classics. 1979’s The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (sometimes called Man in the Net) was 80 episodes long, but it is still one of the greatest TVB productions EVER. Unfortunately, Gem wasn’t done properly and doesn’t even come close (not like the other ones now do either).
Yep.. I come back to rub your face hahas
Gem is the first 80+ episode TVB series that I have ever watched in my life, (and I don’t count sitcoms), so to me it’s extra long compared with other TVB productions. But if I have watched The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, then I might have a different view.
Anyways, did you like Linda and Bosco in Gem? To be honest, I don’t like.
Yes, I have seen The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, and it is indeed an excellent series.
If I’m not mistaken, Wayne Lai is starring in the remake.
Regarding Bosco and Linda’s characters in Gem, they weren’t a serious couple. I haven’t finished the series, but I know Elise is in love with Ah Wor.
Oh Aeris, I have already given up Gem. I tried you know, I’m at 70. But its so.. disappointing and nonsensical. I think it’s a wise choice to stop at 60, really. Oh and I must say, I am enjoying E.U. It’s action-packed and when I watched the first episode, I was like, ” Gosh I miss stuff like these” Hahahaha!
ps; I am so looking forward to Heaven and Earth! It has an ethical theme and I’m waiting to see how TVB tackles it to make it look family-oriented. Kate needs to work on her acting chops, so I think working with great actors like Nick, Moses and Sheren will help her tremendously!
Lol! You always crack me up with your comments, vee. Although Gem turned out not to be a hit, the series wasn’t a complete disappointment. Or did I not get to the “nonsensical” parts?
Yes, the idea behind Heaven and Earth is fresh. I just hope they do it right this time since viewers will be confronting cannibalistic issues. No toning it down, TVB. Be realistic and don’t censor fleshy scenes!
Hahaha maybe the nonsensical part is all that drama that was not even necessary. But then again I really enjoyed the starting of Gem but it has spiralled downwards and not in a good way.
Heh, why do I crack you up! Lol.
I mean I like your sarcasm.
And while we’re on the subject of jokes, I was just told someone called me a Bosco lover for making comics about Ray. Haha.
Aw! Thanks for appreciating my sarcasm! (I mean it, hand on heart because I love your satire too)
Oh REALLY? I think that “someone” do not understand what does satire mean. Heh, if it’s me, I’d just say, I love to poke fun @ my idol, it’s better this way, then to poke fun at someone you hate and be labelled as a hater. No good no good at all *shakes head*
See, you understand me, right?
But my true reason for writing satires (even when they do turn out not to be entertaining) is to make a point, such as with the comic about TVB singers. Those are my true feelings on sensitive topics packaged in a non-ranting style, and hopefully done successfully. 
And now that I think about it, that person was right about one thing: I am not a Ray “lover”. In my opinion, no celebrity should be idolized/worshipped (nothing to do with religion), and very obsessive fans actually scare me to no end. There are a BUNCH of amazingly talented people working in different industries all around the world, many of whom seem to be admirable humans beings. I just think that that kind of “love” is unnecessary – just my honest position. I know others will feel differently and think of me as a second- or third-order “fan”, but I will gladly accept that title.
I heard that Linda replaced Kate in Heaven and Earth and vee, I know you’re Kate fan, hahas.
Aeris, yeah I see where you are comin’ from, irregardless of whether it is a satire or not, it is just fun to read how people view this whole topic on TVB actors becoming singers. I didn’t love the idea, nor do I hate it, I just support them and give them my 2 cents. Lol.
Gah, I’m a Ray lover. Does it change your opinion on me? Lol.
Lizzy, yes
yes I know. But the news is not 100% confirmed. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the entire cast to be on board!!
Don’t worry, vee, it was never a secret. Kidding.
And you’re much more friendly than some other Ray “lovers” I’ve met online. 
I think the bigger the anticipation, the bigger the disappointment. Maybe I should stop anticipating series. Ha ha…
True… yet I continue to make the same mistake. What does that say about me? Haha. But the truth is the series released these days are forgettable. It’s been many years since I’ve been thoroughly absorbed with one from start to end. Sigh. That’s exactly why we keep old VCR tapes or buy DVDs (that are probably cut).
What series are you currently anticipating, Aeris? I anticipate Beyond the Realm of Conscience, but after reading all this, I suddenly get a weird feeling towards the series…
I like the idea behind the story of Heaven and Earth, but knowing TVB, the violence in the script is probably going to be watered down.
The remake? You mean Pages of Treasure? I guess that you haven’t watched that series? It’s quite good, it gives us a warm family feeling with all their problems.
Oh.. you haven’t finished watching Gem! The ending is extremely bad, like it’s interrupted or something. It is never told if Elise did end up with Ah Wor or not. But I don’t mind, cause I don’t like that pairing… Sadly, Ah Wor didn’t end up with Jessica either.
Well, I think it started off as a remake of that classic, but eventually was reduced down to a sappy family drama. In many ways, that move was a wise one.
think i have Alzheimer while watching GEM, almost forget everything happened last eps once i turned off my PC
i gave up around ep 37 and dont think i will catch up soon in near future
Lol, that’s not possible. I’ve seen almost twice as many episodes and I’m not ill.
haha
, i mean the plot doesnt capture me that’s why i played it with my Mac while did another thing with my PC. But hey, i do it all the time, but still remember what happen with other series but not GEM
I was truly disappointed by Gem, though I stuck it out and finished it. I thought it was truly an unlikeable serie with really unlikable characters. I honestly didn’t root for anyone in the end (okay, maybe a little bit for Ah Wor and Jessica) but otherwise UGH! In the beginning, I enjoyed Maggie and Bowie but they both turned out to annoy me. Maggie for her “great” sacrifice but even more when she later was willing to sacrifice everything including her family and integrity for “her man”. How is she any different than Jessica after all? Constance just plain out annoyed me with her fake goody-goody persona. And Gigi’s portrayal of her was plain awful. The weeping in particular was just annoying. I’ve never considered Gigi Lai as good as reputation. Her crying is exactly the same no matter the situation. That’s to be expectated by a newcomer, not from someone who’s been in the industry 10+ years and has a reputation of an established actress! Ada’s Choi of Jessica was incredible! I’ve never like Ada, but I was suitably impressed. Despite Jessica’s many, many flaws, Ada managed to make her human. As for the male side: Moses was reeeeeeeeeeeeeally unlikeable as Terrence. Constance and Terrence are truly a match made in heaven! Bowie was another one who impressed me. I’ve never liked him either, he just comes off as really smarmy and arrogant, I guess. But he really made his character interesting – save for the last 10-20 eps. Wong Hei’s Ah Wor was a sweet guy, but I felt that he was too one-dimensional. His character wasn’t particular well-written, it felt like they never had the time to probably develop his character, which is pretty ridiculous considering they had 82 eps. I think the script, direction and production of the serie was over all pretty bad. The ending truly had me puzzled!
A long comment!
Personally, I prefer seeing characters with flaws. We’re all humans and we make mistakes; some are more selfish than others. I can understand why many of the characters in Gem are not well liked, but having stock characters who are too nice and innocent is worse.