Hey everyone!!

Hope everyone has been well! What’s everyone been up to lately? :D  Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas!! and looking forward to 2010!  Here, K for TVB would like to wish you all a Happy New Year ^___^ and a joyful seasons greetings!!

As most of you know, I’ve had a very hectic month. I have never felt so busy with work and study- hopefully the new year will be a bit more relaxing XD (kinda doubt it but it’s always nice to hope haha). As a result, I left Born Rich hanging for a month. I know- I’m very behind lol but I had to get my priorities right.  And so..now I’m back!! I’m officially on break for two weeks :D! Having the rare opportunity to take a break from work, I ended up traveling to Hamilton Island (in Queensland, Australia) for a relaxing holiday last week 😀 and will be going on a short road trip again next week too!!! I’m quite excited ^^ I wish I can go on more relaxing holidays- I’m very tempted to make Sabah my next holiday destination :)  I have been really happy, relaxed and in holiday mood for the last couple of days  so I stayed away from my TVB for a bit.

I did however, wanted to complete Born Rich and judge the series for myself. As a result, I went on a 2 day TVB marathon and finished off Born Rich this morning lol I don’t even know where to begin blogging! I’m just glad it’s over because I feel so delayed! I’m still deciding whether I should go with the 5 episode at a time, or just one for the remainder of the series^^; That’s quite a fair bit to write though..it’s kinda scary eh? lol The series kind of left me speechless. lol

Most people would have finished the series by now but  I feel I should jot something down since there were quite a few anticipating  my thoughts on it ^^ We’ll just have to see…

P.s I’ve  received my Raymond Lam’s Let’s get Wet Concert DVD and Linda Chung’s “My love story” for Christmas!! YAY!! Thanks chibi!!! ^^ Will be posting up some more photos later!!

Within these 5 episodes, the whole series turns into a different mood altogether.

Marcus finds out that Angie has never stopped loving him the whole time. Thanks to Wendy (Connie’s cousin and Marcus’ secretary), Angie and Marcus get trapped on a boat as ‘proof’ of the relationship that exists between  the two- in hope Angie’s father will stop the two from going on further. Instead, this led Marcus and Angie to officially begin their affair and Angie’s  father actually started encouraging his daughter to win Marcus off Connie since Angie  loved him that much. I was a little shocked because I wasn’t expecting her father to say something like that. I mean, what father would encourage their daughter to become the third party in a relationship? One who wants their daughter to be happy…

What was Marcus thinking when he was convincing Angie to stay and not to mention about leaving to England again..what’s the whole point of it? At that moment, it was like he chose to have an affair with Angie while putting the blame on Connie.

Connie encourages Marcus to go on a business trip in Mumbai, India in hope to clear his mind on his priorities and to come back home for the New Years Eve dinner if it was her and their children that he chooses. Marcus ends up thinking through and decides to return home to his family.  Unfortunately, terrorist attacks and gun shots started occurring in the building he was at, and in the riot and confusion-Marcus gets kidnapped and put on ransom!!

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Thoughts on Tavia (Yiu Kam-ling 姚金鈴)

In episode 21 of [Beyond the Realm of Conscience], Tavia really has become someone else. I can’t say I remember much of how Tavia was before she became the concubine.  Every word spoken sounds fake, always trying to present a gentle, kind side of her to impress Moses/Mary. We know this isn’t the real Tavia, but it makes sense she needs to change her mannerism to reflect her status. Appearance aside, what really seems to have changed is her conscience. I’m not sure she even realises that she has changed. The more she gains, the more she desires. No longer is being the concubine good enough for her, she has to be the Queen. She doesn’t want to share, she wants everything to herself. Moses’s heart as a whole. But is she being realistic? Her baby’s death has had an overwhelming impact on her, fueling hatred and vengeance. But is the reason good enough? Why won’t she take it as an accident, instead of putting the blame on others? The fact Tavia is prepared and willing to take the lives of those around her, brings up the question- Is there any good left inside her? Well, we’ll have to watch on to find out! XD

Now let’s get started on this episode!

As planned, Tavia successfully prevents Selena from getting the chance to speak to Moses. She waits by the Turtle’s grave from morning to night but Moses is no where to be seen. She can only hope her father and Kwok Lun can make it back in time.

Tavia who is sadly missing her unborn, lights a candle and sets it free on a lily pad. She promises her unborn she will bring him justice and deviously jumps into the water pretending to commit suicide. This of course elevates Moses’s concern for her who promises to stay by her side.  He assures her that Yi Kei will be gone tomorrow, which should hopefully ease some pain.

Tavia cries to Moses about the loss of their baby

Ok, this may sound a bit indifferent; but does anyone else think perhaps Tavia is exaggerating the whole situation? She cries so much because her baby is gone, tells Moses she can’t live anymore but- she barely even got used to the fact she was pregnant before she lost it. It would have been more convincing if the baby lasted longer and it showed Tavia  preparing clothes for him, a bedroom..etc. It would have made it much more sad to lose him; since a bond, a connection was established. Since Tavia found out she was pregnant, did she ever, even once- genuinely speak to her unborn in a loving, motherly way? No. This only makes her dream big about being the Queen and amused that she’s pissing off Selena. I don’t know..the baby just died too soon for me to feel a great deal of sympathy. Does anyone else feel the same?

The next morning, Yi Kei’s death approaches and neither Kwok Lun nor Kwok Keung return. Selena desperately tries to see Moses, but is dismissed. While Moses is in bed with Tavia, Selena is outside crying and pleading for mercy. She begs on her knees and thumps her head onto the ground continuously. Aww.. a really sad and pitiful moment for Selena 🙁 The guard tells Selena she really should go see her mother instead, as she will be leaving any minute now…

Selena desperately tries to save her mother

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In episode 20, we are first made to believe Selena is pregnant, but shortly after a quick examination it was just a false alarm. Tavia turned from being worried to relieved. Selena; excitement to disappointment. Suddenly, Tavia momentarily loses conscious. She was actually the one pregnant! I was a bit unsure about this at first, but watching on confirmed it is indeed the case. (You can’t blame me for thinking this, it really did look suspicious XD Plus in many drama characters fake pregnancies ^^;)

Tavia finds out she’s pregnant

Maybe its the long gap between watching the episodes, I now kind of just feel sorry for Selena. She seems quite helpless. (Did I just forget about that awkward and forced scene which annoyed the crap outta me?) Suddenly Tavia seems to be more of the predator and Selena is the victim. I guess once the power switches from Selena to Tavia, Tavia automatically appears superior (losing our sympathy). I guess the same thing would have happened to Tavia if Selena really was pregnant. As a result, Selena becomes very jealous as both Mary and Moses tend to Tavia a lot, giving her special privileges while she feels ignored.

Tavia’s happiness doesn’t last though. Just as Tavia and Yoyo are dreaming of her being the Queen one day, she trips over a painting which rolled onto the floor by accident, knocking her stomach into the chair! Blood leaks from her and the baby is immediately killed. o_o Did anyone else find it awfully abrupt? Tavia is absolutely devastated upon learning the truth and blackmails the Palace Doctor to cover up the incident. He warns her it can only be covered up for a maximum of 10 days. Although very heartbroken about the loss of her baby, she doesn’t waste any time to get back at Selena. Pretending she is still pregnant, she takes advantage of the situation and makes Selena give Yoyo (a servant) a massage. Was this even necessary? Well..it sure made her amused for a while..

Tavia loses her baby

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Message from Chibi

Hi guys! I’m back from my holiday trip in HK/China 🙂 It was a nice relaxing break which I thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks everyone who continued to read my [Beyond the Realm of Conscience] Episode Synopsis and thoughts while I was away. I apologise for the slow updates lately – I’ve been busy trying to catch up with everything and unpacking etc.

While I was overseas, [Beyond the Realm of Conscience] was airing (episode 22-33) and concluded. During the entire trip, I avoided all the episodes so I wouldn’t be spoiled (I was still behind HK episodes).  I would hide inside my room while my relatives are all outside watching and talking about it! (This probably sounds so sad XD) Mum thought I was crazy blocking my ears and squealing as I walked passed the TV to get to the kitchen. Hopefully my efforts won’t be  in vain 😀 I know many of you reading this may have already finished watching the entire drama. Can I just reiterate- please do not post spoilers about the story/characters beyond the episode I write about. I would really appreciate that! 🙂 Well, now onto the episode synopsis!

Episode 19

In episode 19 of [Beyond the Realm of Conscience], we see the end of Hor Wai as the Head of Palace Proceedings. It was quite a sad ending for her and I really pitied her character 🙁 I always thought Hor Wai was a decent character with a sense of right/wrong. Her character felt real and didn’t seem that ‘bad‘ to me. I expected the drama to prove me wrong though; I was just waiting for the moment when all truth is revealed that she was nasty as Chui Ma Ma or Tracy. That would have been a real shocker. It didn’t quite happen though. She put on some very suspicious and creepy smirks on her face, but the full potential of it was never revealed. She didn’t act on any great ‘evil’ plan- she just wanted to return home for her remaining days (with extra monetary benefits such as a house).

Hor Wai pretends to be sick, frequently coughing and gains everyone’s sympathy. She has been serving the palace since she was 5 years old and is already 70. She realises leaving the palace and returning home was impossible- but not if Charmaine can so something about it. Since Mary is very understanding (and perhaps with some good words from Charmaine), she may just grant her special exemption.

Hor Wai looking suspicious and Kara worried about her health

When Kara brings some medication to her- she delays drinking it and secretly tosses it aside in a plant pot. Hor Wai probably never thought Kara, her niece, would be the one to ruin her plan and back stab her. Kara was frustrated Hor Wai wasn’t keeping her words that she’ll give her the Head of Proceedings position. She realises that Hor Wai is scheming in order to leave the Palace, believing she only cares for herself, and will just ditch her when the time comes.

When Susanna and Michelle are once again arguing over what happened in the past, Kara interrupts and dimisses their claim. Hor Wai is the real culprit responsible for all their misunderstandings!

Just as Mary was granting Hor Wai special permission to return home (and to retire), Hor Wai’s hopes is shattered! Michelle, Susanna and Kara interrupt and reveal her deceitful character and evil schemes. 20 years ago, because of Hor Wai’s selfishness in wanting to keep talented people by her side, she intercept both Michelle and Susanna from leaving when they had the chance. This caused the two to hate each other all these years. Susanna missed her chance of being with her loved one (Kwok Keung) and Michelle wasn’t able to see her dying mother for the last time. Hor Wai denies the accusations, saying they don’t have any evidence to support their claims. Did anyone find this slightly anti-climatic? I mean..that was it?

Susanna, Michelle and Kara reveal Hor Wai’s scheme

This prompts them to reveal Hor Wai has been faking her illness in order to gain sympathy. They also provided proof that she has purchased property for herself, which isn’t possible with the money she earns- suggesting she has been stealing palace money on the side.

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In episode 18 of [Beyond the Realm of Conscience] some more exciting bits happen! Moses continues dealing with Kwok Lun and has found someone who could prove very useful to him.. can you guess who? 🙂 Meanwhile, Moses’s feelings for Charmaine has reached a point where he cannot hide it anymore and tells Kevin! What will happen? Will Moses, an emperor, be willing to give up his only true love? Read on to find out!

However, be warned that this post consists quite a bit of rant and criticism for certain character developments. I am enjoying this series so far, but there are certain parts which are starting to annoy me. I will also go over the exact reasons why I feel the way I do, so hopefully you can see where I’m coming from 🙂

As I refer to the characters by the name of the actors, I just wanted to make it clear I’m ranting about the character and not the actor themselves.

Just as Kwok Lun was gripping tightly onto Kevin’s wound, his father suddenly bursts and reveals his bandages! Kwok Lun aggressively rips off the bandage and a very deep wound is revealed! Convinced that it was him indeed, Kwok Lun insists he is put to his death. Kevin and his father beg for mercy but it wasn’t until Kwok Keung who interfered did Kwok Lun let it rest. Kwok Keung was touched by how dignified Kevin was and showed the pair sympathy. Yay, Kwok Keung is such a righteous man 🙂 I’ve been keeping a close eye on him since he first appeared, and have noticed he generally seems like a good guy. This episode confirms it, as time and again he actually ruins Kwok Lun’s evil plans! Of course, he is unaware of the evil-doings of Kwok Lun, but speaks up to help the innocent. They have been on good terms because he is married to his cousin (Yi Kei). When Kwok Lun’s guard asks him why he keeps Kwok Keung by his side, he explains he has quite a powerful army and may still be useful to him. He is very aware of Kwok Keung’s righteous nature, which I thought was pretty funny! XD Moses and Kevin also notice this, and uses him to keep Kwok Lun on this toes!

Since the slapping incident between Selena and Tavia, Moses has not visited Selena for over a month, which leaves her feeling lonely and empty. As she takes a walk outside, she sees Charmaine holding onto an injured rabbit. Another rabbit is seen trapped under a stone monument. According to Selena, the pair of rabbits must be lovers, and seeing as one is trapped underneath, the other one is refusing to leave, despite its injuries. She orders for the monument to be destroyed at once but Charmaine warns her against this as this stone is very important. Selena insists rabbits are more significant and does so anyway. What the….heck?? I think this is extremely unrealistic. Selena’s way of thinking is very childish, insisting something so daring for something so small O_o I find this out of character! Even the kind-hearted Charmaine knows the importance of this stone, and wouldn’t do something so offensive. Yet Selena, who isn’t even half as “good” as Charmaine insists so for the sake of rabbit “lovers”. WHHHATTT? I don’t see her being so generous to Tavia- a HUMAN- so how can she truly feel sympathy for rabbits? TVB suddenly tries to convince us she’s not as bad as she appears. However, if she really cared so much for rabbits, which she considers valuable life form- how can she treat Tavia like dirt because she used to be a servant? What a hypocrite. From the beginning, Selena kept picking on her like a selfish little princess, before she even got to know her character! I find this transition awkward and consequently I still can’t feel for Selena. :/ What do you guys think of this? I know TVB wants us to like her, but I can’t! I’m unconvinced! Unlike Tavia, Selena doesn’t scheme as much but I don’t believe she’s pure and innocent. Guess I’ll have to watch more to see if my theory is correct. I don’t think Selena is a “evil” person, but it doesn’t make her exactly likable at this stage either.

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Best Actor: Wayne Lai
Top 5:
1. Dayo Wong- You’re Hired
2. Wayne Lai- Rosy Business
3. Steven Ma- Sweetness in the Salt
4. Moses Chan- Beyond the Realm of Conscience
5. Bosco Wong- Burning Flame 3

Comments: WOW!!! Wayne takes home 3 awards in one night!! Congrats!!! Is this a record? I’m very happy that he won Best Actor as he totally deserves it ^^ Looking at the top 5 it was obvious he would win the award =) I felt there were some other more competitive nominations (e.g Bowie Lam, Gallen Lo etc) which was why I was a little shocked Steven and Bosco actually made it in.

Best Actress: Sheren Tang
Top 5:
1. Ada Choi- The Gem of Life
2. Tavia Yeung- Beyond the Realm of Conscience
3. Charmaine Sheh- Beyond the Realm of Conscience
4. Teresa Mo- Off Pedder
5. Sheren Tang- Rosy Business

Comments: A very deserving winner!!! I’m REALLY happy for Sheren!! She can finally walk home with Best Actress Award which she totally deserves. I felt her performance in War and Beauty was more ‘wow’ but she didn’t win in that year. She had a solid performance in Rosy Business and I trust that this will just the the beginning of many more great performances to come!

My Favourite Male Character Award: Wayne Lai (Rosy Business)
Top 5:
1. Dayo Wong- You’re Hired
2. Wayne Lai- Rosy Business
3. Kevin Cheng- Beyond the Realm of Conscience
4. Michael Tse-E.U
5. Moses Chan- The Gem of Life

Comments: Yay for Dayo for his top 5 nomination ^^ Congrats to Wayne again!! To be honest, I’m quite happy whichever out of Dayo, Wayne or Michael Tse take this award 🙂
I didn’t like Moses’ character in The Gem of Life and Kevin’s character seems kinda boring in Beyond.

My Favourite Female Character Award: Tavia Yeung (Beyond the Realm of Conscience)
Top 5
1. Sheren Tang- Rosy Business
2. Tavia Yeung- Beyond the Realm of Conscience
3. Theresa Mo- Off Pedder
4. Charmaine Sheh- You’re Hired
5. Charmaine Sheh- Beyond the Realm of Conscience

Comments: I’m impressed that Charmaine got nominated twice hehe Congrats to Tavia!! I haven’t seen Beyond, but I’m looking forward to seeing her performance in there now 🙂 Theresa Mo seems to be nominated in top 5 in a lot of categories too- but because I haven’t seen Off Pedder I can’t really say much ^^;

Both Favourite Character Awards went to the 2008 Best Supporting Actor winners! That must say something about their popularity 🙂
Best Supporting Actress: Susan Tse (Rosy Business)
Top 5:
1. Linda Chung- The Gem of Life
2. Susan Tse- Rosy Business
3. Fala Chen- The Stew of Life
4. Susanna Kwan- Beyond the Realm of Conscience
5. Michelle Yim- Beyond the Realm of Conscience

Comments:  Congrats to Susan!! I heard she was more favoured in her role in Beyond (over Rosy) but I guess it doesn’t matter 🙂
Where’s the ladies from Born Rich? 🙁 I believe they at least deserve a nomination over Fala…

Best Supporting Actor: Michael Tse (E.U)
Top 5:
1. Ngo Wah (Elliot Yue)- The Gem of Life
2. Michael Tse- E.U
3. Pierre Ngo- Rosy Business
4. Lee Kwok Lam- Beyond the Realm of Conscience
5. Kenneth Ma- Born Rich

Comments: YAY to Michael!!! I’m glad he took home at least one award lol I mean, I always trusted in his ability and popularity to take an award home but was feeling slightly nervous when Wayne took home favourite male character award. Congrats Laughing Gor!! I believe it was his supporting role which made E.U shine !

Most Improved Actor: Pierre NgoThis award was expected 🙂 Congrats to Pierre and his hard work over the 10 years!
Most Improved Actress: Aimee Chan

Best Performance Award: Tavia Yeung

A new award from TVB this year- recognising her outstanding performance thus far. It was neat how Tavia made reference to her acting school 🙂 This was the second award Tavia received during the night and I thought because of this- Charmaine had a higher chance of taking home an award…but I guess not.  This year, TVB has given some form of  ‘prize’ for the top 5 nominated in each category (except Most Improved category).  I  guess this is to keep those “happy” so they don’t go home empty handed (e.g Charmaine winning 3!)- especially when the competition is quite intense this year.

TVB.com Popularity Award: Wayne Lai

I was actually surprised Wayne got this award! I thought it would have been Michael Tse for Laughing-gor lol Being the first artist award- you just knew Wayne was going to get more than 1 award this year!

Lifetime Achievement: Lee Tim Sing- Producer of Rosy Business

Best Series of 2009: Rosy Business
Top 5:
1. E.U
2. Rosy Business
3. Burning Flame 3
4. You’re Hired
5. Beyond the Realm of Conscience

Comments: I’m shocked!! LOL I was so sure that Beyond the Realm would make best series, especially with it peaking 50 points in its finale…I’m really shocked ..Congrats to the cast of Rosy Business!! Rosy Business was a great series!- with top notch actors and a great script. With so many of their cast taking home awards this year..the chances have been pretty high!

I am so disappointed that Born Rich did not get into top 5 though..=\

All in all..the awards are finally over…I’m still in shock that Rosy Business took home almost all the awards!! (It feels very non-TVB like haha) Congrats!!!

My greatest disappointment was the lack of nominations for Born Rich..not even in Top 5 series?? =X (come on! It’s better than Burning Flame 3) I was also disappointed with some of the top 5 nominations..I felt there were more deserving winners.. but!! I’m happy Laughing Gor, Chau Gao, Sheren, Rosy Business got their recognition. Congrats to Charmaine for having 3 nominations! Tavia taking home an award (or 2) and yay for Dayo being nominated in top 5 for 2 categories.