Cupid Stupid: 1

Fate, it is a philosophical concept and no proof exists to support or defy its existence. Yet, the majority of us believe in it. We believe there is an invisible thread tying our paths together. We believe there is someone out there meant only for us. Nevertheless, because we cannot control what is in store for us, we look for ways to tell us what to expect, to foresee our fortune, search for our success, and find our love. Depending on your culture and exposure, you can choose to believe in the zodiac, horoscopes, tarot cards, numerological signs, or fortune cookies. Personally, I’m not one to hunt for my daily horoscope or lucky number, but the romantic side of me does take interest in zodiac readings and astrology, and I do believe in fate, which I think Cupid Stupid uses implicitly well to build up its background story and budding relationships.

In a nutshell, Cupid is a refreshing cliché. I know it’s a contradiction, but let me explain. I say it’s a cliché because well, the premise of the show is a destined love triangle involving one woman and two men. How many times have we seen that before? Maybe not as the spotlighted central story in a TVB series but often enough, right? However, Cupid stands on its own (so far). The script manages to carefully lead one character to know another without making it appear forceful. The directing gives Cupid a nice atmosphere, and the three main characters are all very likeable. Albeit my praises, I don’t think Cupid will be any sort of long-living masterpiece or addicting drama drug. But it will probably serve as good lighthearted entertainment.

Heard (聽說) by Steven Ma – Show ▼

As for the characters, Chi Yat Po (Steven Ma) is a capricorn and average fishmonger, seemingly content with his life. Koon Sing Ho, or Jeff (Michael Tse) is a sagittarius and laidback, talented toy designer, who of course likes to collect toys. Kan Ngo Lam, or Twinkle (Tavia Yeung) is a virgo and worker of a game center although she aspires to become a toy designer. Also, I approve of the name Twinkle.

Based on the theme video, I can safely say Jeff will be "Mr. Perfect" and Ah Po will be "Mr. Right" although other than his career, Ah Po seems very perfect to me. Anyway, I think Tavia and Steven fans have nothing to worry about. Similar to how Tavia turns from Michael to Steven in the last 5 seconds of the theme video, I predict there will be an inevitable love twist near the end of the series to relieve all of you.

Now, onto to talk about the actual episode. I like it. I was surprisingly pleased. As I said, the characters and their connections are introduced in a very subtle and smooth manner, reminding me a lot of The Seventh Day–except Cupid does a better job at making an encounter appear coincidental to the characters, when I know it is in fact fateful. (Rather than making an encounter appear fateful, when I know it is forceful.)

When the episode started, I was a bit put off that Jeff shows up first and that we hit it off with a fortune saying, "Today, you will meet your most important person." But the transition from him to Twinkle, Ah Po, and then how they come to know one another was done so splendidly that I forgot my grudge. I think the cute lunch-on-a-truck scene shows the friendship between Ah Po and Twinkle especially well and the shuttlecock scene in which the two men meet was fun. The three, accidentally, come together at a restaurant and Jeff recognizes, as the audience also should, the playful yet deep and caring interaction between Ah Po and Twinkle.

It turns out, Twinkle is dating an insurance salesman by the name of Simon (Jack Wu), and has been giving him a lot of money to cover his other clients’ payments. She soon discovers that he’s two-timing her and he doesn’t feel one ounce of guilt about it. Her confrontation with him is seen by Jeff, who considerately and cleverly notifies Ah Po. The two men find Twinkle practicing her driving rather recklessly and then getting scold by the instructor. At the sight of Ah Po, Twinkle rushes toward him and cries her heart out. He kindly lends her his chest and comfort, while Jeff stands by with feelings of pity and awkwardness.

Here’s a quick advice to women or men in love and dating. If you want to celebrate your anniversary, don’t give your partner a broken heart, okay? That’s a bad omen. But more importantly, choose your partner carefully. I think Twinkle was too naive this time, but hopefully, she’ll learn from the epxerience. What I really like is when she hid her face in Ah Po’s jacket and bawled. Although I should be sad for her, I couldn’t help but smile because this scene was too cute!

However, the last scene was the sweetest. Before I talk about that though, I want to mention how great the two male characters are. Ah Po is honest and faithful while Jeff is straightforward and smart. After this one episode, I’ve already garnered respect for both of them, especially Jeff. From first glance, Jeff may seem irresponsible, too mischievous, and hard to handle, but he’s actually very true to himself and mature, evident in this conversation:

Twinkle: Oh no, Chi Yat Po, now I don’t have anyone to go with me to the alumni gathering on Saturday!

Ah Po: You don’t? How about a substitute? Hey, Jeff, you look good and cool. Can you go with her?

Jeff: Wait, sorry. I have a girlfriend already and I also know a lot of people. I can’t pretend to be her boyfriend …

Ah Po: It’s fun only. You like to play games, right?

Jeff: I’ll play with anything but this.

I admire Jeff for rejecting the idea right away, as opposed to many other male characters who accept and make the situation more complicated. I also admire Ah Po for not feeling inferior in the following part of the conversation where Twinkle says she doesn’t want him because he stinks. They’ve known each other long enough that he understands she’s frustrated and blew the comment off with sarcasm, "Then I’ll take a shower, okay?" (LOL.) I also have to credit Steven for portraying Ah Po with a different aura, very different from his Slipper in A Watchdog’s Tale, which I’m watching now too, and that helps me from getting tired of seeing him. Ah Po is indeed a refreshing family guy.

I wonder which guy you like more?

The last scene takes place the next day. Simon shows up again and chases after Twinkle because he got fired thanks to Ah Po and Jeff complaining to his boss. As they get to the fishmarket, the neighbors and Ah Po intervenes and stop Simon.

Ah Po: Listen! Twinkle is innocent and pretty. She’s kindhearted. She’s gifted in design. Many men crave for her. You? You damn swindler. You cheat on women and live off of them. She’s dumped you now. We do want to celebrate it.

The usual hero rescuing the damsel in distress executed with impact. (D’AWW!) Delightful! Sweet! How I want them to just hug at that moment. But after this, I’m thinking Ah Po and Twinkle won’t get together so easily. We’ll have to wait and see when Jeff and Twinkle will find out about their swapped fortune slips and get together first.

Needless to say, I enjoyed the first episode immensely and this is primarily because the main characters are really likeable as well as relatable. (This is rare in recent TVB productions.) Also, the pacing was perfect. Not a minute was wasted. Each minute was used to show a character’s personality, strength, or weakness, and let us understand where they are coming from. I’m sure I’ll continue watching Cupid but blogging it is another story. Depends on if I have anything to say.

Filed by Annisa under Impressions. Last Edited on March 7, 2010. 3