TVB Reflections

Returning to the blogging world from a three-week long hiatus, I’ve created some patterns and coded a new layout for the site. Since I’m a huge fan of dark themes, this layout sports another black color scheme. I realize that summer is fast approaching, but I suppose this is a demonstration of my hopeless stance against the warm temperatures.

Regarding browser compatibility, although the safe, flexible, and highly customizable Firefox is recommended, I’ve tried my best to make the layout compatible in all popular browsers – yes, even the buggy Internet Explorer 6 that fails to render some codes properly and lacks support for certain types of images (e.g. PNG). However, please do let me know if you find anything that looks odd. I’m always open to suggestions on improving any aspects of this site.

To view past layouts and banners, click here.

Warning: This is a satirical post that pokes fun at the alternative ending of D.I.E. and suggests an ulterior motive for its production. Spoilers regarding the fate of Roger Kwok’s character in both the original and alternative endings are revealed.

In the official ending of the highly-rated series D.I.E., Yue Sir (Roger Kwok) sacrificed his own life to save Ching Ching (Sonija Kwok), leaving her to care for their daughter. Due to the pensive nature of this closure, Hong Kong viewers were outraged and demanded that TVB produce an alternative ending, particularly one in which Yue Sir survives the car crash. They argued that since TVB series have always ended on some kind of a happy note – lost lovers reunite, villains are cleansed by the power of an imaginary force, infertile women are suddenly blessed with the ability to bear children, and fathers and sons reconcile – this one should have followed the trend. Obligingly, TVB released a special 30-minute gag ending that revealed Bobby Auyeung’s character from Dicey Business to be the driver who hit Yue Sir on his way to making bootleg copies. Various D.I.E. characters traveled back in time to prevent the accident.

However, this alternative ending was actually a derivative of the one TVB had intended to air as the original. The purpose was to take advantage of a high-profile finale in order to promote the company’s anti-piracy agenda. In the original version, Bobby’s character was made an example of the uploaders/downloaders who continue to participate in illegal activities.

As viewers, once we finish a series, its intricate plot details are usually forgotten afterward. What we do tend to take away are the relationships of its characters. We remember the chemistry between certain pairings and those who looked compatible. Naturally, as social beings, we place strong emphasis on interpersonal relationships, especially those with family members and friends. Let’s take a look back at some of the most memorable on-screen friendships of the last decade.

File of Justice I-V – Bobby Auyeung, Michael Tao, William So, & Felix Lok
As a popular courtroom series that spanned 5 seasons, File of Justice entertained viewers with a mixture of drama, suspense, tragedy, romance, and comedy. From Ben, Michael, and Bin’s crude antics to Raymond’s timely sensitivity, these four Stooges were constantly poking fun at one another. Many of their jokes hit close to home, but they hilariously brushed them off with witty comebacks. The actors were so comfortable on-screen together that it was clear they were good friends off-screen as well. In fact, Bobby Auyeung was the one who first introduced Michael Tao to his former wife in 1990.

Detective Investigation Files I-III – Michael Tao & Joey Leung
Five years later in 1995, the talented Tao led his own detective trilogy alongside Joey Leung, setting a high standard for future investigative series that arguably has never been surpassed. As intelligent and clear-headed cops, Dai Yung and Yee Jai worked together to solve mysterious and complex murder cases. The ability of each to sense what the other was thinking allowed the two to come up with similar conclusions about who the real culprits were.

Healing Hands I – Ada Choi & Flora Chan
Produced by the same man who brought us File of Justice, the original 1998 Healing Hands was known for its excellent cast, compelling storyline, and strong friendships among its main characters. Having already met on the set of File of Justice V a year ago, Ada Choi and Flora Chan returned to the set this time to portray a pair of best friends. Their on-screen counterparts Jacky and Annie genuinely seemed to care for one another, particularly at times when dealing with illnesses and romantic relationships.

Burning Flame I – Wong Hei, Chin Ka Lok, & Zheng Geng Gei
Tin Yau, Dai Heng, and Tou But regarded themselves as brothers who supported each other unconditionally. When Tin Yau entered the training academy to become a firefighter, the other two joined him without much thinking. Along the way, their friendship suffered through arguments, but they learned from mistakes and matured together.