programme highlights '07 - issue ii

The second TVB Programme Highlights for 2007 is out! Much thanks to Ron Online for the great, high-quality scans! Now, let's go through the series included in this quarter's installment...

Legend of the Demigods
(Linda Chung, Benny Chan, Sunny Chan, Nancy Wu, etc.)
This is my most anticipated series of 2007. TVB hasn't done a mythical series in so long! I enjoy watching series of this genre. With such a strong producer and a nice cast, I am very confident about Legend. It seems fun and interesting. I'm glad it's 22 episodes and not 20.

Linda's role is fascinating. Her character is very cute and happy-go-lucky, but there's a twist. Aside from the traits of her character, Linda also has a variety of personalities and ages to portray. She acts as a 20, 30, 40, 50, and 70 year old - yes, becoming a hot granny. I've heard that she also acts as flirting twins as well as ugly in some parts. Linda is very positive about this series and feels grateful to have been chosen to act out this challenging role. I love Linda's image for this series - very cute and "Sailormoon" inspired. I hope this is another breakthrough for Linda as this is her first costume drama and her role sounds awesome. She filmed Legend before her breakthrough(s) in Heart of Greed and Best Bet, but after Heavenly In-Laws.

Swear is such an amazingly beautiful song too - I can't wait to hear it as the subsong playing at the end of episodes as the credits roll.

Although I'm dying to watch Legend, I'm praying that TVB doesn't release it until some time in the fall. Linda has had 80 episodes released so far this year (and it's only June). She needs a break from the TVB scene for a few months. Besides, Legend is her last release until 2008's blockbuster The Gem of Life is out, so I want to delay it as long as possible so the waiting time for Gem is less.



The Seventh Day
(Kevin Cheng, Niki Chow, Bosco Wong, Natalie Tong, etc.)
What a gorgeous poster! Well, at least half of it anyways. This is the "sad version" of 2006's hit Under the Canopy of Love - which I loved. I'm very excited about watching this series. I'm all for tragic series. I hope Seventh will be as beautiful, meaningful, and touching as TVB is promoting it to be. I'm glad everyone from the original Canopy cast is back. Although I don't like Kevin, I must say he and Niki are a good couple. Niki is a great actress. She just oozes with charisma and is very natural on-screen. Good for Natalie for having for first true second lead! I've been fond of her since her debut in Hearts of Fencing - such a cute girl! Bosco seriously needs to change his look. How many series has he had this particular haircut for now? The themesong to Seventh is dreadfully boring, but I really hope the series isn't. It would be such a pity if it is. This series has scenes filmed in Japan (which should be very beautiful with all of the snow and sights of Japan) and is also filmed in a special HD lens. Canopy used a soft lens to film, giving the series a very dreamy feel, so I hope Seventh also has a special appearance. I can't wait to watch this series!



The Drive of Life
(Damien Lau, Michael Miu, Raymond Lam, Joe Ma,
Charmaine Sheh, Jessica Hsuan, Myolie Wu, Sheren Tang, etc.)
Wow... poor Jessica. It seems TVB has truly dethroned her from the #1 TVB Sister spot simply because she won't renew her contract with them and replaced the spot with Charmaine. A previous Programme Highlights issue released at the beginning of the year credited Jessica as the female lead, but I guess Charmaine was the true lead all along. I honestly hope that the official poster is better than this. It is way too ugly and crowded. If TVB is willing to spend so much money on Drive, why spend short on the poster? Drive is the most expensive TVB series to date with $60 million HKD being spent on production and $1 million on promotional fees. This series celebrates the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's hand-over back to China. Drive is super-hyped and heavily promoted... I wonder if it will live up to all of the expectations people have of it and its performance. Frankly, I'm not interested in this series, but it seems way too grand to miss.



Tai Chi
(Vincent Zhao, Raymond Lam, Melissa Ng, Myolie Wu, etc.)
TVB decided to shorten the English title and make it succinct like the Chinese title as well as simplify the poster. I think I liked the name The Master of Tai Chi better as well as the fuller poster. Having just Vincent and Raymond (although I know the series will be carried on their shoulders) feels really empty. If TVB adds the other cast members to the poster, I think it would look really good. I am definitely looking forward to watching this series as I expressed earlier. People say that this series may be one of TVB's 2007 Anniversary series... if so, I think it's a good choice. It's a grand production with a nice cast, filmed in the mainland, and also the first TVB series in HDTV. Hopefully the script is good because Tai Chi really has everything else going for it.



Phoenix Rising
(Louisa So, Krystal Tin, Leila Tong, Sunny Chan, etc.)
I am interested in this series. I like the cast and it seems like a potentially intriguing and phenomenal series. Louisa is a superb actress and Krystal is quite good, so these two will carry the series very well. I hope Sunny will have another great role in this series like he did in War and Destiny. He is a very underrated actor.

Repeats from Issue I...


On The First Beat (Ron Ng, Sammul Chan, Joey Yung, Michael Tao, etc.) - I was unsure of this series at first and feared it may tarnish The Academy's great name, but positive reviews for this series thus far has really assuaged my fears. I'm definitely going to be watching this.

The Ultimate Crime Fighter (Yuen Biao, Moses Chan, Gigi Lai, Yoyo Mung, etc.) - There are rumors circulating that TVB wants to air this as one of 2007's Anniversary series... could this be why this series still hasn't released? I am still not interested in watching though.

The Family Link (Sheren Tang, Kiki Sheung, Cecilia Yip, Kenneth Ma, etc.) - This is the highest rated series of 2007 to date with a basis on one of my favorite American shows, Desperate Housewives, and led by the brilliant Sheren, of course I am going to watch this. I heard it's funny and enjoyable, so I look forward to watching it.

Devil's Disciples (Bosco Wong, Kevin Cheng, Bernice Liu, Shirley Yeung, etc.) - TVB must love wasting their ink and reprinting a series that was released at the beginning of the year already over and over again. Or are they trying to push this series again? I honestly hope that TVB doesn't air it come July. What a waste of a time slot that will be! I hope it's true that it's only airing on TVB's pay channel.

What series are you guys looking forward to?

programme highlights '07 - issue i

The first TVB Programme Highlights for this year is out! (The last Programme Highlights post actually wasn't the first issue, but just a booklet with an overview of most of the 2007 series.) Much thanks to Ron Online for the great, high-quality scans! Now, let's go through the nine series included in this quarter's installment...

Without-a-doubt diamonds...


Heart of Greed
(Moses Chan, Bosco Wong, Raymond Lam,
Linda Chung, Tavia Yeung, Yoyo Mung)

In my opinion, the best cast of the year. I love all of the main players in Heart. TVB's design for the poster is really nice - very mysterious and it just exudes the whole "grand production," "must-watch" feeling. Everyone looks great! I'm a sucker for family drama. However, I have to say that the soap opera genre with feuds over money and relationships is really getting over-played this year by TVB. I just hope Heart will have something special to make it stand out otherwise it may be forgotten and overshadowed by The Drive of Life and Jewel's Splendor. Nevertheless, I will probably enjoy it more than Drive (if I even decide to watch it) as I'm just much more fonder of everyone in Heart. I'm a little worried about Linda's performance, but she looks amazing in the poster, so I'm sure it won't be too bad. I can't wait for all of the sweet Raymond and Linda scenes. He crushes her and totally breaks her heart, but good thing she will have Moses. I'm not too thrilled that she's officially listed as the female lead, but it all depends on screen time since this is a "huge" 40 episode series, so it doesn't really matter. Tavia looks gorgeous - this girl has really been cleaning up and looking so beautiful since getting "bigger boobs" (not that I'm implying there's a direct correlation between the two events).



Best Bet
(Michael Tse, Linda Chung, Wayne Lai, Anne Heung, etc.)

Great producer, great cast, and just the perfect series for the New Year! From what I've seen, Bet is funny and entertaining and Michael and Linda actually make a good pair - their interactions are so funny and sweet. Hopefully the momentum is maintained throughout and Producer Li will have delivered another classic.

Oh, possibilities...


The Family Link
(Sheren Tang, Kiki Sheung, Cecilia Yip, Kenneth Ma, etc.)

The poster is hilarious! TVB is really taking the "army" in the Chinese title literally, huh? TVB declares this to be their version of Desperate Housewives, so we'll see... Sheren is in this series, so it cannot be too bad. I'm so glad Michael and Sheren get to play husband and wife in this series. Their chemistry from La Femme Desperado was great. I'm skeptical about the storyline and am not that keen on the other cast members, but I will keep Link on my radar.



A Change of Destiny
(Steven Ma, Benny Chan, Shirley Yeung, Selena Li, etc.)

Producer Tsui, Producer Tsui... what am I going to do with you? He just hasn't delivered a great series since ending Virtues of Harmony, so I'm very doubtful that Change is any different than the mediocrity of The Biter Bitten. I have yet to see The Price of Greed, but I don't hold much hope on it judging from the rather poor reviews... I'm just so disappointed in Producer Tsui. However, I wonder if it's the "curse of Shirley" that's causing him to have bad series back-to-back? Seriously - Biter, Price, and Change all have Shirley in them... Haha. He has two male and female leads for all of his series lately and messy love triangles among the four, so it's getting a little tiring and predictable. Nevertheless, I have to compliment whoever made this poster! It looks really good and makes Change seem like a good series. Still, I'm not sold on the series because the theme seems like nothing new (fighting for the throne, messing with fate)... Please improve Producer Tsui! Where did the magic and creativity go? Better yet, just get back to doing the sitcom and then "everyone is happy."



On The First Beat
(Ron Ng, Sammul Chan, Joey Yung, Michael Tao, etc.)

The Academy blew me away. No, it wasn't a spectacular or stunning series. I had absolutely no expectations from it, so when I actually watched it and liked it a lot, I was very impressed. It is much better than Triumph In The Skies. It's kind of like Always Ready; I expected the worst and got much, much better than I could have imagined. I'm very iffy about Beat though. They changed most of the cast on us! Also, the "poster" is horrible. I really doubt this is the final one. If it is, it's really bad... To be honest, Michael Miu was the reason why Academy was so great, so I'm doubtful that I'll enjoy the sequel as much (or if at all). I do like Sonija though and you know, I've seen "Chung Lap Man" and "Li Pak Kiu" go through their 27 weeks of training, so I kind of want to see the next chapter of their lives... I'm sad that Tavia Yeung and Fiona Sit are "written off" in the beginning. We'll see, I guess...



The Slicing of the Demon
(Sunny Chan, Bernice Liu, Michael Tse, Angela Tong, etc.)

The poster makes Demon look appealing. I'm not into horror or supernatural series, but this series has potential to be interesting if it's anything like Dark Tales. [I don't remember much of it since it's been so long and I wasn't allowed to watch a lot of scenes, but I recall vaguely liking it.] I just don't like series that are too "out there." The plot and reviews will seal the deal whether or not I give it a try. I like the leads - and that's always a good start.

Series I'm passing on...


Life Art (Kevin Cheng, Gigi Lai, Natalie Tong, Paul Chun, etc.) - Gigi looks great in this series... but the plot seems way too simplistic and predictable for my taste. I do like the whole "art" and calligraphy theme that this series will focus on, but nope.

The Ultimate Crime Fighter (Yuen Biao, Moses Chan, Gigi Lai, Yoyo Mung, etc.) - This series doesn't interest me at all and 35 episodes is too much (for a series I'm unwilling to watch).

Devil's Disciples (Bosco Wong, Kevin Cheng, Bernice Liu, Sharon Chan, etc.) - Uh...

What series are you guys looking forward to?

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?

programme highlights '06 - issue iv

The fourth and final issue for this year of TVB's Programme Highlights has been released. Much thanks to TVFANSQUARE for scanning it and sharing the booklet with all of us! As stated in July, I'll be discussing each issue of the Programme Highlights and expressing my thoughts on them as they come. Because of my pervasive indifference towards most of the series included in this issue, I'm going to be doing this feature a bit differently this time around.

When will they be out already?!
I am not interested in what TVB has to offer lately, so I'm dying waiting for the following series to release.

Heavenly In-Laws (Nancy Sit, Joey Leung, Linda Chung, etc.)
I'm suffering from L.C.W.D. (Linda Chung Withdrawal Disorder). I swear TVB is torturing me by making Linda Chung film all these series and not releasing any of them in the longest time! I haven't seen Linda since Forensic Heroes and I really miss watching her act. She is so charming and just makes my day. There are two new pictures of Linda in this issue and she looks real cute. My anticipation continues to build as my neck grows long awaiting Heavenly In-Laws' release. This is Linda's first costume drama, so I hope she does well. I was looking at old TVB Weekly scans from during its filming and Linda's expressions and looks for Heavenly are super adorable. Apparently, Linda's character (who is a goddess) wants to re-enact Ngau Long and Jik Lui because she is so moved by their romantic story. Of course, since this is a comedy, things won't be so idyllic.

The series starts off in ancient costumes (since Nancy Sit & Linda are mother/daughter goddesses) and will then proceed to mid 1900's as the two of them live life as mortals... Linda falls in love with Joey Leung's character, but Nancy greatly opposes this couple. I think this series should be entertaining albeit cliché and not very different or breakthrough. I hope Linda will show continued improvement in this series. I've grown a lot fonder of Heavenly since last time and just hope TVB will release it soon!

The Price of Greed (Bosco Wong, Sammul Chan, etc.)
My reasons for anticipating this series remains unchanged.

Brink of Law (Steven Ma, Ron Ng, Bernice Liu, etc.)
I fell in love with this series since the costume fitting. Producer Mui Siu Ching always picks the best people and yes, since this is her production, I am confident that Brink of Law will be excellent. How awesome does the poster look?! This series will revolve around business, horse racing, and fashion. True to Producer Mui's style, I'm sure that this will essentially be a family drama (and I love those) with lots of twists and turns. The cast looks so good. It's always interesting and fascinating to watch dramas about rich people. Steven Ma and Bernice Liu look so good together and I have confidence that they (like Frankie Lam and Linda Chung in Forensic Heroes) will have chemistry. It's so nice how the Virtues of Harmony "partners swap" is working wonderfully, creating great new pairings. I haven't seen Bernice in so long, so I miss her. I hope her acting has improved because Bernice has always been a little shaky with dramatic roles. She's fine in comedies and light dramas, but not so good in heavy dramas. Michelle Yim is consistently superb, so I hope they will put her talents to good use in this series. I'm okay with Ron Ng and Kate Tsui.

The only drawback to this series is... Shirley Yeung. There's always a drawback, isn't there? Just when everything is so right, there's that one that ruins everything. Shirley's terrible in her normal roles when she "acts" like herself (loud, stubborn, obnoxious). How bad is it going to be now that they're forcing her to really "act" as a villain?! I don't even want to begin imagining. I'm hoping that whoever made this pamphlet made a mistake because there is no way that Shirley is leading over Bernice (nor Kate for that matter). I will just have to live with her in this and hope she doesn't ruin the series too much.

All in all, I cannot wait for Brink. It is tied with Heavenly In-Laws as my most highly anticipated release out of the series included in this issue.

Standing in the middle of two roads
These are the series that I cannot make up my mind whether I'm going to watch or skip. I'm very picky and thrift with my TVB rentals (especially these days since I have limited time), so I cannot afford to watch any mediocre or bad series. The following series are ones that attract me in some ways, but repulse me in another, so I'm stuck with indecisiveness.

Dicey Business (Bobby Au-Yeung, Jessica Hsuan, Bosco Wong, etc.)
What in the world was TVB thinking when they created this poster? It is so cartoon-ish and to be blunt, down right appalling! Many people are wondering if this series is really a "drama" because the looks for the characters are a bit too "animated." Bobby Au-Yeung with his fake pot belly? Bosco Wong with his hair and glasses? Tavia Yeung with her fake breasts? But then, the fact that Hacken Lee is singing the themesong, the fact that it's a grand production, the premise of gambling, and the title suggesting a "turbulent casino" make this series seem like a true drama?

Does TVB want us to take this series seriously or what? I have no idea! I'm not a big fan of gambling series and from what I've read/seen, Dicey Business isn't all that appealing to me. However, I do have to admit that I am very attracted to Tavia's image for Dicey. She looks really good! Whether or not I watch this series will depend on reviews and when I get a better idea of what this series is truly about.

To Grow With Love (Myolie Wu, Andy Hui, Selena Li, etc.)
Initially, I was attracted to this series because it looked quite cute and funny. Sadly, I've been hearing that it's silly and over-hyped, so this has turned me off. I also found out that To Grow With Love's producer also did War of In-Laws (which I hated), so I'm skeptical about whether I will enjoy his attempt at a modern romantic comedy about the struggles of fat people. I have to say I am in love with the songs from this series though. I haven't completely crossed it off the list yet though, so we'll just have to wait and see.

Glittering Days (Liza Wang, Roger Kwok, Charmaine Sheh, etc.)
I'm not into musicals and Glittering Days seems a bit long and silly to me. However, since it is a grand production and an anniversary series at that, I'll give it the benefit of the doubt. TVB won't put so much backing into such a series, right?

No light of day
These are the series that I'm going to pass on - no doubt about it.

Devil's Disciples (Kevin Cheng, Bosco Wong, Bernice Liu, etc.)
Since Jin Yong no longer lets TVB adapt his novels, where do they turn to for wuxia ideas? Why, video games of course! Devil's Disciples is based on a video game, which explains its heavily computerized dependence. It's a recipe for disaster. The costumes are a big turn off as well. Kevin Cheng, Sharon Chan, and Shirley Yeung are even bigger turn off's. What a pity for me in regards to Bernice Liu - this is her first leading role, her first martial arts role, and the first time she's pairing with an actor around her age (Bosco Wong)... and I'm going to miss it all. I'd rather watch Face to Fate before this series.

At Home With Love (Lawrence Ng, Yoyo Mung, Chung King Fai, etc.)
It changed its poster since the last programme highlights issue, but my thoughts are still in agreement with four months ago. I am not watching this series for the same reasons as stated before.

So... which series are you most looking forward to? What are you going to watch or skip and why?

programme highlights '06 - issue iii

The third issue of TVB's Programme Highlights for 2006 has been released and BES has been so kind to have scanned it. To view the scans of the eight series slated for release soon, visit her blog here. Out of the eight, I'm definitely going to rent and have high expectations for four of the series.

Land of Wealth
(Moses Chan, Steven Ma, Sonija Kwok, Tavia Yeung, etc)

I'm disappointed that Wealth isn't going to be an anniversary series because it seems very promising. TVB put a lot of money into the production and I definitely like what I see from pictures and news. The costumes and scenery are lovely and the cast is very strong. I love all four leads. The storyline sounds quite interesting and I am an avid fan of this genre! I think there will be a lot of memorable moments.

The Price of Greed
(Bosco Wong, Sammul Chan, Shirley Yeung, Kate Tsui, etc)

Producer Tsui's second series since Virtues of Harmony II! First of all, I'm shocked at how quickly this series is releasing. Second of all, I want to ask Producer Tsui what is it with him and Shirley?! He casted Shirley in both The Biter Bitten and now this series. I really don't understand why. The female cast is quite weak. Shirley, Kate, and Vivien Yeo? Shirley has experience, but still not the talent. Kate and Vivien are still green. However, I do admit that they look quite nice in their costumes. I hope Kingdom Yuen will have a more serious role in this series. I'm disappointed that she gotten comedic roles after comedic roles. I like Sammul now and Bosco is quite good, so hopefully the guys will make up for what the girls lack in acting.

Greed looks very cool and I'm stoked reading the premises of the series. Sammul is super evil, Kate has a split personality, and Shirley is a mute and musical prodigy. I think this series will focus on the minds of people, so I'm quite intrigued. It should prove to be engaging and I know Producer Tsui won't let me down. To be honest, I'm surprised by his series since Virtues. Bitten was a mystery and now Greed is a suspense. I'm all for diversity and think he's a talented producer, but I hope his next series will be more signature of VOH because I think he's the best at doing those funny, warm, light-hearted family dramas.

Heavenly In-Laws
(Nancy Sit, Linda Chung, Joey Leung, Yuen Wah, etc)

The return of "Ma Chi!" I miss my Virtues of Harmony family dearly and I'm thrilled that each of them is making a comeback one-by-one. (Michael Tse had a big break with La Femme Desperado and Frankie Lam recently with Forensic Heroes.) I can't wait to see Nancy and Linda playing mother & daughter because I know they will have chemistry. I loved their scenes in VOH II. Linda looks quite adorable in this series too. The mythical/mortal idea seems a bit overplayed, but I hope Nancy and Linda will make the series worth-while and enjoyable.

The producer of this series has had big hits for TVB, most renowned are Square Pegs and Life Made Simple, so I hope this series will also be a hit. However, I'm not much of a fan of his series though. Actually, I don't like the genre of Heavenly much either. Period comedies can be/get pretty ridiculous and idiotic with the comedy. I'm a bit turned off by the Linda and Joey pairing too... Honestly, I don't expect much from this series because of the producer and genre, but I will watch it for Nancy and Linda.

War and Destiny
(Myolie Wu, Ron Ng, Sunny Chan, Leila Tong, etc)

I love these type of series. I anticipated it since I saw news of its production. The Chinese title is very lovely (Luen Sai Gai Yan - translated as "Turbulent Times of a Beauty") and the cast is good. Myolie says that her role is like Jang-geum (from the Korean mega-hit Jewel in the Palace). I really liked Jang-geum and I know that Myolie will do a great job with the portrayal. The costumes are nice and I adore tragic series. The only setback is Mandy Cho. However, I still think this series will be very good from production pictures and news. TVB has also invested a lot into this series and they haven't done a war-based drama in this time period for some time.

Series I'm passing on


Face to Fate (Frankie Lam, Raymond Lam, Tavia Yeung, Selena Li) - Another good versus evil costume series. (Yawns.) I hate the over-the-top special effects too. Although the cast is nice, I don't like the genre. TVB isn't good at making these type of series anymore and the storyline seems like nothing new.

Love Guaranteed (Sunny Chan, Melissa Ng, Paul Chun, Kenneth Ma) - Too typical and I don't like any of the cast members.

At Home With Love (Lawrence Ng, Yoyo Mung, Chung King Fai, Raymond Cho) - I will not listen to Sharon Chan's singing for twenty episodes! Besides, the storyline seems like the same old thing again and the cast isn't appealing.

CIB (Bowie Lam, Wong He, Maggie Siu, Christine Ng) - I know a lot of people are anticipating this series because the cast is very strong, but I'm just not interested at all. It's not my cup of tea.