巾幗梟雄之義海豪情 (No Regrets): I'm up to episode 19. Episode 21 aired tonight, and I believe we're in the home stretch. Yawn. The first few episodes were fitting of an anniversary series; of course Spare Rib Boy's (Ngo Kanin) acting was tops. But the second half of the show has veered into numbing anti-Japanese war propaganda. Things that bother me: Fala Chen - sorry, boys, but I just don't see the appeal; Spare Rib Boy - he doesn't bother me but his lack of screen time does, though he seems to be making a comeback in the final week; crazy Japanese guffawing and other obnoxious caricatures - it's too easy and simplistic. This latter point is my main complaint for the last 2 weeks' episodes. I don't mean that this historical period has been overdone. Rather, the static, black and white portrayal of good Chinese folks under the oppressive, and slightly buffoonish, Japanese needs a paint job. There is a slight makeover in the forms of Lau Sing and Gau Mui; both are interesting characters who have firm loyalties but not always steady ways of showing it. And let's credit actors Wayne Lai and Sheren Tang for another round of brilliant performances. But their effort is too often drowned out by background noise. Nancy Wu and Evergreen Mak are both strong in this series, but Ms. Wu especially needs to turn the decibel level down a notch. Lau Sing's housemates similarly need to cut the histrionics, but then, it wouldn't be a TVB series without. Overall, it's been a fair run and I think the pace is picking up a bit as we near the end, but I feel that finishing up this series has become a chore. I watch it because I must, not because I want to.
刑警 (Gun Metal Grey): Meanwhile, the 9:30p slot is no chore at all. I'm even watching it on the teevee instead of waiting until it's uploaded on TVB.com the next day. Much more exciting than the Bowie police procedural I just finished. The story itself is interesting, but I think what I really enjoy is the acting. I don't think I've ever seen an entire Michael Miu show and I never watched anything with Felix Wong (I know, I need to catch up on my 80s shows). I've only recently become a fan of Nancy Wu after seeing her in the original 巾幗梟雄 (Rosy Business) and her love match in this show is played by Vincent Wong, who I'd never heard of. Alas, all are spectacular, all reign in the overacting. Incidentally, it's Jessica Hsuan, who I usually like, who's a non-factor in this series. Mostly I object to her non-role, which is to be the female catch all. When things need to be explained to the audience or when a stupid character's stupid actions are necessary to move the story forward, they call on Ms. Hsuan. In any case, tonight's episode was Felix Wong's character's turning point. He killed a suspect then lied about it. It's all downhill from here for him. But let's hope the show doesn't go the same way.
