English Title: Friendly Fire

Cantonese Title: 法網狙擊 (faat mong jui gik)

Cast: Michael Tse 謝天華，Tavia Yeung 楊怡，Sammy Leung 森美，Sharon Chan 陳敏之，Louis Yuen阮兆祥，Vincent Wong 王浩信，Benz Hui 許紹雄，Mary Hon 韓馬利

Episodes: 26

Airing date: December 2012 (Replacing The Confidant)

Themesong: Whimsy Life (疑幻人生) by Michael Tse & Sammy Leung (CD)

Official: Website

Executive Producer: Man Wai Hung

Scriptwriter: Ng Lap Kwong

• Voting Polls
• Overall Thoughts (contains spoilers) *NEW 3/2/13*

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Synopsis

Lawyer KAM JO-JAN (Michael Tse) and Director of Public Prosecutions FONG TIN-LAM (Tavia Yeung) used to be cohabiting lovers, but ended up separating due to a failed marriage proposal. Fate has it when JO-JAN makes a job transition to take a position of Prosecutor, resulting in the two working under the same roof once again. With their distinctly different approaches in handling cases, plus the interference of a new secretary CHUK SHEUNG-YUET (Grace Wong), the already severe crisis in their relationship has been pushed to the edge to an unredeemable state. Though JO-JAN is still perturbed by the refusal of his marriage proposal, TIN-LAM actually has something rarely known to the others.

On the other hand, an orphan KAM PO-TI (Sammy Leung), who was adopted by JO-JAN’s father KAM PO-CHEUNG (Benz Hui), and JO-JAN are as close as biological brothers. As a detective of the Criminal Investigation Department, PO-TI frequently cooperates with JO-JAN. During an operation, he gets to know an undercover detective NGAI MEI-SUN (Sharon Chan). Though the pair are completely incompatible with each other, they do acquire the other’s strengths to offset their own deficiencies. Furthermore, PO-TI initiates to pursue MEI-SUN regardless of his own lot or the fact she has already a fiancé. As each of them is hesitating over their future, a murder case involving a wealthy businesswoman PONG TIT-SUM (Alice Chan) makes them go through an arduous and fierce journey all together.

律師甘祖贊(謝天華)與刑事檢控官況天藍(楊怡)本是同居情侶，但一次求婚不遂令兩人分手收場，不過命運弄人，祖贊剛轉職成為刑事檢控官，再度與天藍共處，但二人辦案手法截然不同，加上新秘書祝雙悅(王君馨)的介入，令惡劣的關係到了無可挽救的地步，但祖贊為拒婚一事一直耿耿於懷，孰知天藍真的另有隱情……

另方面，父親甘保祥(許紹雄)收養的孤兒甘波地(森美)與祖贊情同手足，波地身為重案組探員經常與祖贊有合作機會，在一次行動中更認識了臥底探員艾美辰(陳敏之)，兩人水火不融但互補長短，波地決定不理身世向已有未婚夫的美辰展開追求，正當各人為前路躊躇之際，一宗女富商龐鐵心(陳煒)牽涉的謀殺案讓他們共同經歷了艱鉅和凶險的一役……

English Title: Missing You

Cantonese Title:幸福摩天輪 (hang fuk moh tin lun)

Cast:  Linda Chung 鍾嘉欣，Jason Chan 陳智燊，Chiang Chi Kwong 蔣志光，Lin Xia Wei 林夏薇，Cilla Kung 樂瞳，Raymond Wong 黃浩然，Elaine Yiu 姚子羚，Law Lan 羅蘭

Episodes: 20

Airing date:  December 2012 (Replacing  Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles)

Themesong: Happiness Song (幸福歌) – Linda Chung (CD)

Official: Website

Executive Producer: Fong Tsun Chiu

Scriptwriter: Chan Ching Yee

Synopsis

A Tracing Services Organization established its service to exclusively assist individuals to locate their missing family members who have been separated due to wars, natural disasters, relocation or other exceptional family circumstances.  The members of the organization include stubborn and paranoid HONG YU-FUNG (Linda Chung), zealous optimist SZE YIK-HIM (Jason Chan), glib-tongued SIN KIT-CHING (Cilla Kung) and computer expert YEUNG TSZ-KEI (Calvin Chan).  Led by their rational and self-possession team leader LO MAN-TIK (Chiang Chi Kwong), the four members unfold arduous journeys of handling tracing cases one after another.  While striving to retrieve the happiness for the others, they also experience a process of self-evaluation all over again.   As an apprentice, YU-FUNG cooperates well with YIK-HIM.  Though constantly meeting with a rebuff, they come to realize that they should adhere to the principles of professional ethics when providing tracing services.  Nor should they hastily offer any false hope to the enquirers, rendering any unnecessary sorrow on them.    During that time, YU-FUNG starts having feelings for YIK-HIM.  However, for fear that YIK-HIM has already a girlfriend – TING FAN-CHI (Lin Xia Wei), she could only dedicate herself to placing hopes on bringing more blessings to the others.

一個尋人服務機構，專責替人尋找因戰亂、天災、搬遷或家庭突變而失散的親人，偏執多疑的康如楓(鍾嘉欣)、樂天積極的施亦謙(陳智燊)、牙尖咀利的冼潔貞(樂瞳)加上電腦專家楊子基(陳偉洪)，一行四人在冷靜理性的組長魯文迪(蔣志光)領導下，開展一個又一個艱苦的尋人歷程，他們在替別人尋回幸福的同時，亦在經歷一個重新檢視自我的過程……初入行的如楓與亦謙合作無間，雖不時碰釘，但明白到尋人亦需遵守專業守則，不可輕率給予求助人假希望，為求助人帶來不必要的傷痛，期間如楓對亦謙漸生情愫，但礙於亦謙已有女朋友丁芃芝(林夏薇)，只寄望自己的幸福能為別人帶來更大的祝福……

I’ve compiled some of my favourite scenes of Wayne Lai and Kristal Tin from “King Maker”. Kristal Tin reminds me of Sheren Tang so much! I love the chemistry between the two and it was so sad and tragic when she died and they couldn’t be together in the end…May these screen capturs re-live their moments 🙂

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It has been a while since TVB put together a TVB calendar and since they have been keeping the photoshoots quite low profile this year, I was quite excited when I saw its released a couple of weeks ago. However, it turned out that the pre-release was illegally leaked online. Now that its officially out, here they are!! I always look forward to TVB Calendars because its  a good occasion to see photoshoots of many of the TVB artists together! I think this year’s one was a lot better than the previous one (which was back in 2009), although the photoshoot last year was pretty neat too. Which is your favourite?

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January: The popular artists of TVB. Bosco, Kate, Linda and Raymond- like back in 2009 calendar , are once again featured in the month of January! They’re still waiting on their chances of taking away Best Actor and Best Actress. Like the TVB Anniversary Nominations list, I’m not sure why Aimee is there..Nice pic though, veyr nice outfits- just not sure why Linda is by herself there (and appears to be the only one smiling)

February- Pretty neat photo- wish the girls and guys were more linked in the picture though. Nice rosey pink for the month of Valentines Day!

March- I’m not too of a huge of a fan of this month. I think the poses seem a bit akward, especially Selena’s. I don’t really likeMandy’s look here that much either.

April- This one is kind of cool and dynamic! Looks like they’re taken out of a computer game!

May- Fitting for their age. They look nice- don’t really have any other comments 🙂

June-Could this be the month of best Supporting Actors? 😀

July- I think Sonjia looks really pretty in this photo! I feel like I haven’t seen her in ages…I can’t quite recognise Rebecca Zhu.

August- This reminds me of the 2009 calendar with all the girls in swim suits. Slightly cramped in the box but I guess that is the effect they’re after.

September- The funny hosts nicely grouped together.

October- Wow..TVB hosts being on the TVB Calendar- that’s different for sure..are they running out of Artists? XD Nice pic nonetheless.

November: Anniversary month!! Featuring past TVB Kings and Queen. Other than Wayne looking a bit stoned there, lovely photo!

December: Feels like a month of random leftovers. At least they all look rally natural and happy in the shot!

I finally finished writing my thoughts on episode 10-12! Woot! I’m aware [Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles] is currently up to episode 22, so we are about 10 episodes behind the air date. Not to worry though, I will continue sharing my thoughts as I watch so please continue to follow me 🙂 This entry focuses mostly on Idy’s character, as I have more to say about her following my last episode 7-9 post. Get ready for a bit of a ranting session!

Idy encourages Damian to pursue Tavia

Yes, you heard right. Idy makes the absurd and ridiculous decision to hook Damian up with Tavia. WHAT THE HELL IS SHE THINKING? What woman encourages her husband to love another woman, AND goes through the effort to make sure she marries him too?! IS SHE CRAZY? I’m finding Idy’s character increasingly annoying and irritating. I want to pull my hair out every time she’s on the screen because everything she says is just plain stupid. Knowing she doesn’t love Damian wholeheartedly, she wants to make herself feel less guilty by allowing him to love someone else. On paper, it may seem like a selfless and generous act, but the reality is she’s just selfish. When things aren’t looking good in a relationship, you work harder to make it work. If he thinks you don’t love him enough, you show him you love him.

Instead, we have her constantly telling Damian that Tavia loves him– What is the basis for this claim anyway? From the one conversation with her? How much does she even know about them? She just wants to shift the focus back on Damian, when the issue is really about her relationship with Ben.  If she truly loved him, she wouldn’t want him looking at another woman. I hate seeing her give up on their relationship when she didn’t do a SINGLE THING to mend it. She seems rather content being in a ‘loveless’ marriage (Pretty ungrateful considering Damian loves her the most).  It annoys me how Idy forces a awkward smile like nothing is wrong and that she’s happy for him. Every time she pushes him away, it just crushes him more.

Eventually, Damian decides to pursue Tavia and straight-out proposes to her.

Damian proposes to Tavia, and promises her she will be his last woman. Who could say no to that?

Did anyone else find this whole ideal frustrating to watch? I’m so disappointed by her character.. (I was rooting for her god dammit!) I wonder if she’ll be able to redeem herself and save her from going into Chibi’s “hate list” urgh.

Did she ever stop to consider how it would affect the rest of the family? Does he not have enough wives already? What about Mary and Elena? What about the children? Does she think she’s doing Damian and everyone a favour? She’s so fake. I haven’t seen a single scene where Idy shows genuine love for him. I don’t understand what Damian sees in her.

This is a worrying stance. Considering Idy is technically one of the female leads of this series, I sure hope her character does..something. So far it’s way below my expectation though having said that there is still over 20 episodes to go! Fingers crossed it will get better for her.

And the family turns upside down…

Elena and Mary clearly angered and upset over the news

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The TVB Anniversary Awards Nominations List is out! As usual with every year, I’ve put up a poll to give you a chance to vote who your pick would be. 1 vote for each category, with the exception of Best Series (you may pick up to 5 in one go)!

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Reflecting on the year, 2012 hasn’t been a great year in terms of TVB series. It almost feels like last year where I don’t feel too much on who takes the TVB King and Queen Titles. Wayne Lai delivers a solid performance in The Confidant so far, but I’m still waiting for his character to shine. I wish Michael Miu was nominated for his role in Highs and Lows. I would have like Raymond Wong to be nominated for his role in Bottled Passion than Gloves Come off. I’m glad Joe Ma gets some recognition for his performance in Tiger Cubs (although I highly doubt TVB will give the award to him since he’s left TVB). My top 5 pick would be: Wayne, Damian, Joe, Kevin, Raymond Wong. I don’t think Wayne, Damian or Kevin should get it though… XD
I liked Raymond Lam and Kenneth Ma in their respective roles, but don’t feel they are quite there for Best Actor yet. Either way, if Raymond Lam gets it this year, I’ll be happy for him 😀

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I think Kate Tsui deserves the title this year. Her performance was great in Highs and Lows and I think its one of her breakthrough performances. None of the others on the nominations lists stand out to me, other than Aimee Chan which is screaming out ‘what is she doing there??’ I wish Krystal Tin was nominated for her role in King Maker.

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Poor Ben Wong for not getting nominated for his role in Highs and Lows =\ Not particularly rooting for anyone else on the list. Koo Ming Wa will probably get it for his “So Gay” role in Divas In Distress, due to his character’s popularity- although I still don’t see what’s the hype about it. I wish Oscar got nominated for his role in Tiger Cubs instead!

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I hope Elena Kong (first preference) or Nancy Wu gets it for their respective roles!

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I like Happy-Sir Raymond Lam!! 😀 Michael Miu was closely behind!!

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I think this is Him Law and Mandy Wong’s year for Most Improved Actor and Most Improved Actress. They’ve been in so many TVB series this year and their performance has been quite good. I don’t think the others on the nominations list can compete…maybe except Oscar possibly for his role in Tiger Cubs (I rather him get nominated for My favourite Male character though!)

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Source: http://event.tvb.com/tvb2012/nomination.php

Linda’s Chung’s has recently released her 4th album “Love Love Love” on 13 November 2012! I think the CD cover is pretty cute~ It feels like awhile since she released her previous album- can’t wait to see how she goes in this one!

Please support Linda Chung by purchasing her album!

CD
01. 你是我的一半
02. 預防針
03. Love Love Love
04. 最幸福的事 (TVB[護花危情]主題曲)
05. 原諒我是我
06. 落差
07. 就算沒有明天
08. 死症
09. 月亮代表我的心
10. 友愛是這麼簡單 (國)
11. 你是的我一半 (國)

DVD
01. 你是我的一半MV
02. 預防針 MV
03. 最幸福的事 MV (TVB[護花危情]主題曲)

Excerpt from Yesasia.com:

A year after signing with Stars Shine, Linda Chung is finally back with a new album. Love Love Love is the popular TVB actress/singer’s fourth album, which features the Johnny Yim-produced main plugs “Vaccine” (Track 2) and “You Are Half of Me” (Track 1), as well as her Witness Insecurity drama theme song “The Most Blissful Thing” (Track 4). Linda has written and composed a Mandarin number called “Friendship is so Simple” (Track 10), while also covering the Grasshoppers’ “Forgive Me is Me” (Track 5) and Teresa Teng’s “The Moon Represents My Heart” (Track 9) on the album.

The album comes with a bonus DVD containing 3 music videos.

If you haven’t already, please check out my previous entries on [Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles] episode 1-3 and 4-6. I promise you it’ll be a fun read. Okay, so let’s get started!

Tavia plays “hard to get” and gets exactly what she wants..

In episodes 7, 8 and 9 of [Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles], Tavia’s disappointment and helplessness comes to a slight halt, with her turning the tables on Damian. When Tavia deliberately leaks rumours of her relationship with Damian to the media, he tells her he’s never been interested in her. This was a real slap in the face for Tavia, but it only fueled her determination to make him change his mind.

Tavia starts clinging onto another lawyer (Damian’s acquaintance) which alerts his attention. She buys brand new clothing, perfume and even learns some English so she could feel more classy. Her actions are very similar to a girl who just got dumped, and is trying hard to show how much better off and happier she is without him (except she actually wants him). Clearly this method is working for her, as Damian is starting to feel very irritable, and starts yearning for her when issues arise between him and Idy (more about this later) I feel a little sorry for him..

When Tavia auctions off the chessboard and necklace that he had given to her, he becomes visibility upset by this. He had put a lot of thought behind the present and clearly didn’t like the way she treated it. This shows that she means more to him than he would like to admit. Damian ends up being the highest bidder and later urges Tavia to take it back. She eventually does so, but promptly tosses it in the bin which angers him.

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