programme highlights '07
hunnypot over at SPCNET.TV Forums was so kind to scan the first issue of TVB's Programme Highlights for the year of 2007. Much thanks to her! As I mentioned previously, the first issue that TVB releases every year is my favorite because so many freaking series are included and it gives a nice view of what's to come in the upcoming year. 2007's first issue is no exception - a whopping total of 19 series are included! Because there are so many series this time, I won't be sorting them out into any specific "groups." I'll just do a run through of them all. Besides, TVB will be reprinting most of these series again into upcoming issues over the course of next year anyways - so why do it now? So let's begin the crazy long 2007 preview tour!
The Drive of Life
(Damien Lau, Joe Ma, Michael Mui, Raymond Lam,
Jessica Hsuan, Sheren Tang, Charmaine Sheh, etc.)
This cast is so huge that I always end up forgetting everyone who's in it. Before, I wasn't looking forward to this, but now my interest has risen. I love the cast. Poor Myolie Wu. Not only was she snubbed at the 39th Anniversary but she seems to have a really small role in this series as well compared to Charmaine, Sheren, and Jessica. I hope the script will be on par with the cast. 60 episodes is pretty long, but this series seems fresh and I'm hoping it's good and special. It's releasing in July - a little over half-a-year from now!
The Gem of Life
(Bowie Lam, Moses Chan, Ada Choi, Gigi Lai,
Maggie Siu, Bosco Wong, Linda Chung, etc.)
Out of the two mega productions for 2007, I prefer this one. I just hope there will be more information from this series soon. It will take a year to film [Boo! No new role/series for Linda until she finishes this one - so it better be good TVB] and it is 80 episodes long, so this production's massive! I'm intrigued by the whole symbolism with diamonds that this series will use as a backdrop. It seems like a very aesthetic, thought-provoking, and powerful series. [Oh and I love how TVB is still trying to milk the War and Beauty cow.]
Heart of Greed
(Moses Chan, Bosco Wong, Raymond Lam, Yoyo Mung, etc.)
I'm dying to watch this series. [By the way, I love the fact that TVB can reuse Moses' picture for this series and Jewel's Splendor but not Linda's though.]
The Ultimate Crime Fighter
(Moses Chan, Yuen Biao, Gigi Lai, Yoyo Mung, etc.)
I'm iffy about this series. The cast is really good and it is a grand production and all, but... I'm just not interested somehow.
The Seventh Day
(Kevin Cheng, Niki Chow, Bosco Wong, Natalie Tong, etc.)
I think the "seven days" groundwork that this series seems to be using seems quite unique and interesting. I also believe that this series will be very romantic and sweet. Being a liker of Under the Canopy of Love, I'm definitely anticipating this one.
The Family Link
(Sheren Tang, Cecilia Yip, Kiki Sheung, Leila Tong, etc.)
This is TVB's version of the US's monster hit Desperate Housewives. I don't know what to think of this series. I love Sheren and I love the pairing of Michael Tse and Sheren so those are two very big pluses. Apparently, Leila's character will suspect the housewives of murdering her friend, so she tries to weave her way into their circle and cause trouble... There will also be some "bathing suit" scenes for the housewives, domestic drama, gossiping [that's a must - what housewife or woman rather doesn't gossip?], and the ever-present suspicions of affairs. I just don't know how this series will be, but I'll keep it under my radar.
On The First Beat
(Michael Tao, Sonija Kwok, Ron Ng, Sammul Chan, etc.)
I'm sticking with my previous thoughts.
The Brink of Law
(Steven Ma, Ron Ng, Bernice Liu, Kate Tsui, etc.)
I love this series already - how many times do I have to say it? I will be so disappointed if this series bombs or turns out to be bad after I have so much faith and put so much promotion into it... But, that won't happen because I trust Producer Mui and this awesome cast [minus a certain someone].
Cordial Heroes [Tentative]
(Bowie Lam, Charmaine Sheh, etc.)
TVB... don't waste our time.
Exquisite Beauty [Tentative]
(Ada Choi, Bernice Liu, Anne Heung, Joe Ma, etc.)
I really do hope TVB films this series, but I think it will have to wait until next year. All of the big stars are tied up with grand productions (namely Ada) and if TVB decides to go ahead and film this series with sub-par actresses, it will sink faster than the Titanic. Please TVB - only film with this series when and if you have the right people! The cast can really break or make a series and I think this one has a lot of potential.
Life Art
(Kevin Cheng, Gigi Lai, etc.)
This series seems cute. Gigi looks so cute and fresh and since my hate for Kevin has subsidized to neutrality, I'm not so ostracizing or condemning the series anymore. I like the idea of art but this series is going to have to offer a lot more than that if I'm to watch it. It seems a bit superficial and forgettable at this point to me. In short, it feels like a "filler" series.
Devil's Disciple
(Kevin Cheng, Bosco Wong, Bernice Liu, Sharon Chan, etc.)
I'm still not at all attracted by this series.
A Change of Destiny
(Steven Ma, Benny Chan, Shirley Yeung, Selena Li, etc.)
I cannot believe this! I thought Selena was in this series, but when she didn't show up at the costume fitting, I thought Mimi Lo had replaced her. This is so absurd. How can she be the 2nd female lead and not have one piece of filming news or scene from the sales presentation clip?! I hope Producer Tsui will pull a The Biter Bitten again and it is Selena who is actually leading and not you-know-who. Since last time, my opinions have begun to change slightly. I've taken it off my "skip" list and will give it a chance (meaning I'll check out the plot, trailer, etc.). After all, Producer Tsui deserves a chance from me, right?
The Slicing of the Demon
(Sunny Chan, Bernice Liu, Michael Tse, Angela Tong, etc.)
This is the series where Bernice shows off her "hot granny" look. This series didn't seem too attractive to me during its costume fitting and filming, but it seems a bit interesting here. I'm just afraid that Suet Nei's look for this series will give me nightmares and I'm not too much into supernatural/horror-driven series. I don't know; I'll have to see the plot, trailer, and more pictures before I can form a better opinion.
Golden Spear Steel Horse [Tentative]
(Adam Cheng, Gigi Lai, etc.)
Is TVB really set on filming this? I'd rather they not film this. If TVB does end up filming it (which I don't think they will), I hope they use the same cast. Gigi looks so beautiful in her costume and Adam is as dashing as ever - he never ages!
The Master of Tai Chi
(Vincent Zhao, Raymond Lam, Melissa Ng, Myolie Wu, etc.)
This series looks really awesome. It is TVB's first HDTV production and (of course) also a grand production. Vincent actually knows martial arts, so I think that's just so cool. It's great that this series will have "real kung fu" [but let's hope it's not like the dreadful 2005 anniversary series Real Kung Fu] and I love the cast. Linda Chung was supposed to have a role in this series, but she backed out to film Heavenly-In-Laws (see below) instead. I was really excited to see Linda work with Myolie (who surprisingly supported Linda to win Most Improved Actress last year [in 2005 when Niki Chow won] instead of her good friend Bernice Liu) and take part in this grand production, but it's a pity that Linda had to back out. TVB had a lot of trouble finding a female lead for this series; I believe Melissa was the 3rd choice. I like Melissa, so I'm fine with her taking the lead. However, hers and Kenneth Ma's hair are awful; I guess bad hair runs in their family [their characters are siblings]. All in all, I think Tai Chi should be good.
Heavenly In-Laws
(Nancy Sit, Linda Chung, Joey Leung, Yuen Wah, etc.)
Oh my god. I am so sick of including this series in every friggin' programme highlights post I've had since the first one I did back in July. TVB, if you're not going to release it, stop torturing me! My god. Anyways, I'm still looking forward to watching this series and even more so now that TVB keeps pushing it back and back... Come on, TVB, release it already for God's sake. Stop wasting ink with the repetitive printings!
Phoenix Rising
(Louisa So, Sunny Chan, Krystal Tin, Leila Tong, etc.)
Can the title be any more clichéd? I'm so happy for Louisa to have another leading role and it seems like a really interesting one as well. I'm not sure if she's the "super villain" that this series will revolve around or if she's the heroine, but this series seems relatively intriguing. Krystal Tin is the girl on the right of Louisa. Who is she? She used to be an ATV actress, but she signed onto TVB last year. This is her first TVB production. I've seen her act in one of my all-time favorite series from ATV (Light of Million Hopes) and she is good! Leila's hair is horrendous. Didn't Kingdom Yuen from Virtues of Harmony II prove for hundreds of episodes that the mushroom haircut is not fashionable?
Best Bet
(Michael Tse, Linda Chung, Anne Heung, Wayne Lai, etc.)
What a cute, though simple, title! This series will release in another month or so (even though they're still filming). TVB specifically wanted this to be their 2007 New Years series and I think that's swell. Producer Li has become one of my favorites among the ranks with Producer Mui and Producer Tsui, so I am so excited to see all of his productions next year. It seems that he's really impressed with Linda to have casted her as the female lead in Tale of a Mythical Quest [speaking of which, why isn't it included in this issue?!] and this series. I don't know how much chemistry Michael and Linda will have; their scenes together were minimal in Virtues of Harmony II, but because they are familiar with each other, I don't think it should be very bad. The basic premise of this series is that Gambler Yi (Michael's character) is such an impulsive and addicted gambler that he gambles away his wife (Linda's character)! It sounds quite funny. In many ancient series that have gambling sons, the family always say, "Watch it or else you'll gamble your wife away." In Best Bet - that's exactly what happens. I'm really excited for this series. The costumes look gorgeous. I think I see Yvonne Lam (whom I missed watching as the "idiotic" and "naive" yet incredibly sweet auntie from Virtues) in this series, so I hope it will be a funny one for New Years.
2007 seems to be a really great year for TVB with many seemingly fresh and breakthrough productions. Which series are you most anticipating? Do you think TVB can finally break its lackluster curse of the past few years [of which I will discuss in an upcoming article] next year?
Labels: TVB Programme Highlights
posted by MetalAZNWarrior at 1:04 PM
32 Comments:
TVB is going to suck my money dry next year. :P So many series, so many episodes and they all look so good. Let's hope the beauty of all these productions surpass superficial levels. :)
1.12.06
What a pity that Linda seems to lead over Anne Heung in Best Bet - no offense though! I would much prefer Anne...
What??? Myolie supported Linda to win last year? Imagine the shock and criticism...
And are you serious about Selena leading over Shirley, or was that a joke or I misread something? No way though!
Haha Leila has Charmaine's hairstyle in Maidens' Vow - 2nd generation.
Highly anticipated series:
- Drive of Life, Jewel's Splendor, The Brink of Law, Cordial Heroes only if there's Charmaine haha, Exquisite Beauty with or without Ada and Anne, cuz it seems so good already.
Anticipated Series:
Phoenix Rising, The Slicing of the Demon, Devil's Disciple, The Family Link, The Ultimate Crime Fighter, Heart of Greed, Best Bet only if Anne's role is promising
Neutral Series:
On the First Beat, A Change of Destiny,Golden Spear Steel Horse, Master of Tai Chi,
Seem like Heavenly In-Laws, Life Art and the Seventh Day are the 3 I'm most likely skipping!
1.12.06
I'm wondering why Ron is on the "Drive of Life" poster when he only appears or about 37 eps out of 60 eps, hehe, he seems to be the least main out of all the male characters
I think I said it before but I actually am looking forward too all the pre-modern/modern series with the exception of "Cordial Heroes" - not so interested now and "Heavenly In Laws" since I just don't like the genre and the time era. The only ancient series that I'm looking forward to is
"Beauty Exquisite" hehe
1.12.06
i never realized how many tvb series there were in a year! being an american, i have to wait for it be dubbed so it'll be awhile until i even finish 2006's series x)
i'm so glad michael tse is being promoted after VOH and LFD :)
1.12.06
The only series that I am really looking foward to is Golden Spear Steel Horse. ;P Tai Gik looks interesting too (I really like Vincent) but...Mellissa and Myolie...
Btw, welcome back!
1.12.06
i like leila! but that wig she has on is HORRIBLE!!! it's as if she looked too pretty in War and Destiny, so this time around, they thought of a way 2 do the complete opposite!?!
i HATE that damn wig!!
whose idea was it to use that wig?!?! the only good thing about it, i guess, is that it does not take long to stick it on your head. maybe that's why they keep using it.
"u look very ugly in it, but hey, it takes very little time to put it on!!"
hahahaha. but maybe leila can pull off the look better than charmaine or shirley. cuz she certainly is prettier than both!
1.12.06
Oh wow! These posters are even more enticing than previously shown. Or perhaps it's because I am naturally inclined toward black and white photography. lol.
The Drive of Life - Hyped to see Raymond taking a bigger lead, but sad to notice Sheren's photo so so so very tiny in here. And you're right, Myolie is ill-treated at the moment.
Jewel's Splendor - What exactly is the synopsis of this one, anyway? I am normally fond of Ada's shorter haircuts, but this one... two thumbs down. lol
Heart of Greed - lol! Wasn't it reported that Ray would only be guest-starring in this production? The poster certainly suggests otherwise. I can't even see Linda... Anyhow, I wonder how dramatic TVB could make an abalone business be... *shrugs*
The Brink of Law - This is the only poster that gives a starking contrast from the one included in the programme highlights. Here, TVB presents two haughty men (mostly Ron). There, they were men of determination. The female expressions are *much* better in this one though. Am not too fond of the premise of this series, but do hope it'll deliver a refreshing perspective.
Exquisite Beauty - Anything with Ada is a must-see for me. :P I'm highly intrigued with the plot of Hong Lou Meng after watching TVB's sales presentation & friends' recommendation, and have checked out the translated version. I'm 1/3 through the book, but nothing exciting or appealing yet. But, I'm always a hopeful individual :P
Tai Chi - Not looking forward to Melissa's or Kenneth's performances (particularly Melissa's bangs). Otherwise, it's definitely on my list. The trailer (from Kitson's site) looks wondrous with stunning landscapes and captivating dialogues.
Phoenix Rising - Supporting Louisa!
1.12.06
hey metal did it say when HEART OF GREED is coming out.
1.12.06
=P I was reading this article on TNPlace and I didn't see that it was from TVB Musings at first, so while I read, I kept thinking to myself, "Man, this sounds so much like Metal..." especially a couple of terms and mentions towards several people.
2007 looks rather promising with its many big productions.
1.12.06
Most of them sound good and look good but who knows really? It was like this in past years and the resulting products left much to be desired.
1.12.06
I so want to watch that series with Krystal Tin Yiu Lee already. Haven't seen her act ever since she left ATV in I think 2002 for the movie industry and since I don't watch movies that much I haven't seen her acting in a long time. I also miss her singing, she's a great singer and is probably the best singer in TVB right now and I'm not exaggerating. I saw this Kenneth Chan Music Show he did where he invited his friends inclduing Krystal to sing with him and when he introduced her out she was singing Flaming Brothers Themesong with a very strong and high voice. Most probably remember her in there as Patrick Tam's wife who he married just because her father was rich. Those who have heard the A Dream Named Desire I themesong would totally agree that her singing is very professional, in fact she started out as a singer and when she competed in a singing contest in HK and won. No clue if she ever had an album out, probably not. I hope TVB would be able to help her do that. ATV still hasn't release that themesong of A Dream Named Desire I at least it wasn't in their compilation album. Wish they would just release it, unless they don't have the rights to.
2.12.06
I totally agree the only person with a decent wig and costume is Louisa So with her rich looking elegant costume. Krystal's wig is also horrible, who's idea was it to give Leila and Krystal those wigs, I know it's pre modern and they've probably ran out of ideas for hairstyles due to the huge amount of premodern series last year but still...Hopefully they won't stay the same throughout the serie.
Same thing goes for Kenneth Ma's hairstyle in Tai Chi, it's so horrible makes him look so unattractive and dorky. I'll still watch this series since Vincent sounds like a convincing actor and looks cute. Plus he looks compatible with Melissa. Not too interested in Raymond and Myolie's pairing though.
2.12.06
The most anticipating series for me gotta be Heart of Greed, then Exquisite Beauty. I remember watching the China version of Exquisite Beauty when i was really small and i was mesmerized by it. Everything just seemed so grand! Hopefully TVB will be able to conjure up that same feeling again. The only complaint i have for TVB in 2007, so far, is the lack of Tavia! I miss watching her in series =(
2.12.06
JJ - What's funny was that Linda wasn't even nominated last year so I don't even know why Myolie supported her. I guess she might have watched some VOH II episodes and was impressed with Linda's acting [because Linda's series that she filmed after VOH didn't release until this year]. *Shrug* Bosco & Niki both supported Linda this year. :D No. I'm serious. Selena is a far more competent actress than Shirley will ever be.
TkN - You're going to be disappointed to know that the black & white photography was not intentional. :P The scans didn't have color. However, I think they work out for the better. It gives a nice, unique touch.
apple - No one knows when Heart of Greed will release. But I will have full coverage on it once it's out. :)
anonymous - Oh my god! That's hilarious. Hahaha.
2.12.06
Hey Metal...
No, I'm not doubting Selena's ability...as she has shown major improvement already considering her relatively low nummber of roles...Shirley is just a personal "favorite" (not exactly favorite...she's above neutral but below like)...and considerin her promotion..it's shockin that Selena is leading over her.
3.12.06
Thanks for the program hightlight's pictures Metal. :)
These are the series that I would love to watch the most:
1. Jewel's Splendor
2. The Drive of Life
3. The Master of Tai Chi
4. The Family Link
5. The Ultimate Crime Fighter
6. Life Art
7. Phoenix Rising
8. The Brink of Law
My most anticipated series are Jewel's Splendor and The Drive of Life for late '07.
I hope The Master of Tai Chi will be released in early 2007 because I have anticipated this serie since it was in production.
I also hope TVB will film "The Dream of Red Chamber" too. I watched the China's version of it when I was in Vietnam, so I forgot all the little details already.
I also watched the first tape of the Taiwan version, but I didn't like it (the storyline and the main leading guy).
Also, I hope to see Gigi and Adam Cheng film that ancient serie "Golden Spear Steel Horse".
3.12.06
But, I will watch almost of the series which are in the program highlight anyway because I rent TVB and my selected Korean series every weekend or every other weekend.
3.12.06
I forgot to mention about "The Price of Greed" with Bosco, Sammul, Shirley and Kate. I'm looking towards this serie too and want to see Shirley's performance as a villian.
I"m not a fan of Shirley but I think her performance has improved and it's not right for Selena to lead over Shirley in the other serie.
Does anyone know why Anne's position at TVB got degraded? I asked because she used to lead a few series a few years back and her acting is pretty fine.
Tavia is also one of the underrated actresses in TVB because I don't think/remember that she has ever lead a serie of her own yet??
3.12.06
JJ - Actually... Shirley is getting demoted these days. :P The only producer who is casting her as "lead" is Producer Tsui. Shirley is supporting in every other series besides his. She's going down. :D
hithere05 - Shirley isn't a villain in The Price of Greed. She's just mute musical prodigy.
*Shrug* Don't know about Anne's demotion. I guess she never got popular in her roles and her leading role series never get aired in HK, so TVB didn't see any potential or benefiting in promoting her. I think Anne is okay but best in evil roles. Her evil glares give me the shivers. :P
The problem with Tavia is that the series she's casted in are 'big' productions [Dicey Business, Land of Wealth, and others] rather than 'small' productions. Therefore, she only gets meaty supporting roles since they are grand productions and require an 'older' actress to take the lead. That's just my feeling. I think it's better to support in big productions rather than lead small productions.
3.12.06
Hmm Shirley is not exactly demoted...considering TVB gave her the Best Supporting Actress Award haha...maybe they are gonna promote her again after given her the award =).
Yea..I notice how she supports to some really suprising people...Sharon Chan seems to lead over her in Devil's Disciple as well - kinda funny. But I'm cool with this as Sharon is great!
Anne is just on and off in taking leading roles...occasionally they will let her lead a production (usually because the first choice didnt work out)...cuz she didnt lead for a while and boom she did in Riches and Stitches...and then again boom she did it in Auu Revoir Shanghai. I hope she will continue to take more important roles than special guest-starring roles like in Love Bond and Bar Benders.
3.12.06
Actually I view her taking "Best Supporting Actress" means that TVB no longer considers her a leading one. :)
3.12.06
Haha I never look at it that way...but that indeed seems sensible. We'll just have to wait and see her future projects.
4.12.06
I feel that Shirley is following Anne's path. She is hardly a lead female in a series anymore. She starts to play supporting/villain role in upcoming series.
4.12.06
Metal - You should stop being so biased on Linda and indirectly bashing/dissing other actresses. e.g. - "Melissa was third choice", and that was because Linda has rejected the role. And Shirley, calling her a "you-know-who" is just plain rude when she's got a name like everyone else. How would you like others to diss your Linda infront of your face. Although I'm not a fan of neither Melissa or Shirley, but it saddens me how you're trying to bash them just because your Linda doesn't get the role you desire her to get. After reading a few entries in your blog, I think you're biased against many TVB actresses just because your Linda gets overshadowed by other more talented ones. You'd probably want your Linda to be on every TVB series and be lead to all of them. Amen.
4.12.06
rach - Um, my comment about Melissa was not in any way shape or form a diss to her. It was a fact. You could look it up yourself. Gigi Lai and Kenix Kwok were the first choices but Melissa picked it up after they turned it down. There was no way that Melissa's role was originally Linda's. You're too biased about me being biased for Linda that you take everything that I say as bashes against everyone else to "bring Linda up." -_-
It's a ridiculous request to ask someone to stop being biased on their own site. Leave if you don't like it. Okay? Thanks. :)
4.12.06
I thought the serie Supercop was gonna come out also.. have not heard much news on this series as of late. Only when they was still filming it but that was a while ago.
5.12.06
GK - Well, they finished film that series several months ago. Usually the buzz around a series dies after it wraps up production and talk only stirs up again when it releases.
6.12.06
Bosco Wong is my favourite idol I really can't wait the release of the Heart of Greed
27.2.07
I love Bosco Wong too! .. The Brink of Law was a pretty good series =] Ron Ng looked gorgeous throughout the whole series .. Im watching Devil's Disciple, Best Bet and Heavenly in-laws at the moment n they're all really good so far .. im not disappointed yet .. though heavenly in-laws is starting 2 get a bit ridiculous and boring .. Kevin Cheng and Bosco Wong in Devil's Disciple are really good .. so is Bernice Liu. Hmm .. anyone know where i can download music by Ron Ng n Kevin Cheng?
18.4.07
love love love raymond lam! wow.. 80 ep?! damnnn i cant believe tavia isnt in any of these wonderful series.. i love her! except shes in heart of greed which is great cuz it was a wonderful serie.. but i wish raymond and tavia was in the 80 ep one.. never heard of it so im looking forward!
23.7.07
anonymous - The one Raymond is in is only 60 episodes.
23.7.07
Great article! Thanks.
18.8.07
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