modern versions - the new sequel?

It all started with one long-running classic, but the concept of a modern version is quickly becoming a new trend recently for TVB. In the past, a sequel was the only option if TVB wanted to do another series with the same cast as a previous series. These days, sequels are not the preferred choice. Rather, TVB has banked on a new option, one pioneered and created by Virtues of Harmony.

Virtues of Harmony II marked the first modern version-type series for TVB, spinning-off on the storyline and characters of the highly-rated ancient Virtues of Harmony. With the same cast and premises, Virtues of Harmony II became just a successful as its predecessor. Without realizing it, the Virtues crew had inspired a new concept for TVB - the idea of a modern version instead of a traditional sequel.

A modern version is basically a remake of an original series that took place in an ancient setting, reusing a similar cast and storyline. Life Made Simple was the first series to "borrow" the modern version idea from Virtues, being a modern remake of the hit Square Pegs. "Lo por jai" Jessica Hsuan and "Ah Wong" Roger Kwok got together again to show their unique relationship and chemistry in contemporary times, once again bringing high ratings for TVB.

2006 has more series using the modern version concept. There was heavy talk about whether War and Beauty would do a sequel (or prequel) to continue its massive success. Instead, War opted for a pseudo-modern version. Dance of Passion is not a modern War, but uses the same cast and a similar idea of revenge and plotting, exposing the dark sides and pain of humanity. Forensic Heroes (Bobby Au-Yeung, Yoyo Mung, Frankie Lam, Linda Chung) is deemed the modern version of Witness to a Prosecution (Bobby Au-Yeung, Jessica Hsuan, Mariane Chan, Frankie Lam), which was a series that dealt with cases revolving around the inspection of corpses to reveal the true culprit behind murders. Forensic follows a team of forensic scientists as they investigate dead bodies for clues involving murder cases with Bobby's character being called the "modern" Sung Chi (the name of Bobby's title character in Witness).

With sequels, TVB had to create fresh storylines, but with modern versions, TVB only needs to translate an ancient-day storyline into a contemporary one. All the while, they can use the same characterizations and make modifications as needed. The work for creating modern versions is much less and quicker than creating a sequel, which is perhaps why TVB has favored this idea as opposed to a traditional continuation series. Are modern versions TVB's creative new sequels? Or are they "cheap" remakes that show that TVB is losing creativity?

Personally, I think that modern versions breathe fresh air into old favorites and it's interesting to see the translations of the ancient storyline into modern times. I prefer them to sequels because I feel sometimes TVB tries too hard when producing sequels that they end up disappointing the audience and ruining the name of the original. Witness to a Prosecution II paled terribly in comparison to Witness. TVB was smart not to try to do a sequel to War and Beauty because it definitely could not be on par with the original and let's face it, the ending of War was perfect and nothing else needs to be said. Before Life Made Simple, TVB was considering doing Square Pegs II with the addition of Myolie Wu into the cast as another slow character and a new love interest for Roger Kwok. However, a problem existed because Roger's character became normal at the end of Square, thus the idea was terminated and it wasn't until Virtues launched the modern version idea that another Square was thought of. It's true that modern versions resell ideas and are less "creative" than new series, or sequels for that matter, but they are fun.

I feel that War of In-Laws has a high chance of being made into the next modern version. What other series do you think can be made into a modern version? What do you think of the concept of a modern version? Would you prefer TVB to do the traditional sequel instead?