Click Here to See Trailer #2

Click Here to See Trailer #3

Click Here to See Trailer #4

Click Here to See Trailer #5

I wonder who tries to buy love in this show. Title fail, orz.

I do not like how TVB used Beyond the Realm of Conscience to promote Can’t Buy Me Love (in the first trailer above and another highlight clip not uploaded here). It gives me a short tingly moment of bitterness, an urge to bite someone’s head. Sure, the two shows are somewhat related—the new being a spin-off of the old and made because the old garnered high negative ratings. But one, Buy is not a sequel to Beyond and two, the themes and genre are complete opposites. In any case, both do have big casts and very grand costumes/sets. So even though I hated Beyond to bits, it gives Buy that plus side of beautifying in order to not blind my eyes too much.

I have also mentioned some time ago somewhere that Buy reminds me of TVB series A Colorful Life (Frankie Lam, Annie Man) and Hong Kong movie The Lion Roars (Louis Koo, Cecilia Cheung). Therefore, with fingers crossed, it is extremely easy for Buy to get on my good side. I like lighthearted romantic comedies a lot. As long as the family members and couples have good chemistry, there’s not much that can go wrong with a 99% plotless show. Other than a few moments of ridiculous rapping and myriad moments of 21st-century-in-the-Tang-dynasty dialogue, I think Buy will be entertaining if you’re not expecting much (like me) and save yourself from being too picky (hard to do I know).

Finally, let’s hope there are no viburnum trees, leaves, and/or flowers this time around.

Enjoy!

Comments

I don’t have much to say about this production. To be exact, I actually don’t know what to feel about it because it could go either way. Most shows based on Wong Fei Hung that are made seriously can be very good, but even then, the name is still overused. The last time TVB made a series about Wong Fei Hung, the main males here Bosco, Kenneth, and John were in it. Deja vu much? In addition, I’m watching Dicky Cheung‘s somewhat comedic version right now. I mean, to what extent of creativity can they reach to produce a Wong Fei Hung drama that’s potentially different and fresh?

The Mysteries of Love edition ~

Well, I didn’t think I would make another spoof so soon but insomnia sure does the trick. It’s strange. I always think of crazy TVB-related scenarios while lying in bed, trying to sleep. Yes, I just love TVB that much. (Not.)

Since her Virtues of Harmony days, I’ve like Bernice Liu a lot, not so much for her acting but more for her bubbly personality and friendly, healthy image. In recent years, she hasn’t been on the TVB screen often but I guess she did participate in movies. (I haven’t watched any of her movies though.) Nevertheless, I’m one of those who consider her more of a model and dancer than actress. It will be interesting to see where she takes her career. As for Kenneth Ma, I’ve always been completely neutral towards him. Since I haven’t seen A Fistful of Stances, this spoof is actually based on my reading of comments from other blogs and forums. Many viewers don’t think Kenneth can carry a series by himself and I agree. He doesn’t have that leading "aura" and thus far, I’m not impressed with his womanizing Gordon in The Mysteries of Love at all. I’ve a draft on my thoughts about Mysteries, hopefully coming soon.

Enjoy!

Click Here to See Trailer #2

Click Here to See Trailer #3

Click Here to See Trailer #4

I’d be lying if I said I’m not excited for this show. It has almost everything to be successful for today’s TVB standards; a group of popular stars, some decent characters with solid backgrounds, two polar relationships, criminal investigations to keep the audience’s attention, and maybe some sort of an intelligent plot. Fans are already going wild in anticipation for their beloved on-screen couples. To be had, I’m not one of those fans and I think they’re going overboard with the hyping. My interest for this show is dwindling away thanks to continuously chancing upon hyperactive, unreasonable comments about The Mysteries of Love, especially the one about it being the most anticipated show of the year. Sorry, but that spot belongs to what may be this year’s anniversary series. You know? The one with Sheren Tang and Wayne Lai, the one that should be much better acting-wise as well as directing-wise.

As much as I like Tavia Yeung and Raymond Lam, I don’t consider myself a fan and I do have some problems with their acting, although nothing to the extent of the problems I have with Kenneth Ma and Bernice Liu. I like all of them as people. They’re very nice. But to advocate Mysteries with the acting flag is such a wrong move. (More on this later.) On a related note, I’m glad Tavia is finally getting her deserving promotion and attention but TVB needs to tone it down. I feel like she’s the only actress in TVB this year and that’s bad, super bad. I’m really tired of seeing her! The same goes for Kenneth although not as much. I know they should strike while the iron is hot and milk her popularity for all it’s worth, but darn it, they’re pushing their limit and MY limit. After Mysteries, I would like to NOT see Tavia for a while but I’m sure one of her other series is on the to-be-released list. Ugh.

Bernice, on the other hand, I warmly welcome back. Nevertheless, she better show some significant improvement this time.

Now, the trailers are done finely. The ideas of using light, mirrors, and magnetism to represent love and attraction are superbly clever although I believe physics doesn’t really explain love; chemistry and psychology do. Anyway, I like the last trailer the most because of the camera angles and how the two ladies identify their opposing values. I think the last two trailers are more representative of the series than the first two since they put the focus on relationships rather than the science and criminology. And that’s exactly what I’m cautiously going into this series expecting.

Enjoy!

Synopsis

This is a love story between a professor and a policewoman. Their dating experience is enhanced with sense and sensibility through the application of interesting physics theories on the investigation of various crime cases.

King Pok (Raymond Lam) is regarded as the youngest genius in physics and he is appointed as an associate professor in a Hong Kong university. Invited by his good friend Lo Tin Hang (Kenneth Ma), senior inspector of police at regional crime unit, Pok assists in cracking many mysterious crime cases and he also meets the policewoman Chui Siu Lai (Tavia Yeung) during the process. The rational Pok evaluates that he has fallen in love with Lai because of a love hormone called phenylalanine. However, owing to the huge difference in their family backgrounds and life values, Pok fails to tackle their ever-changing relationship problems with formulas.

On the other hand, the romantic and uninhibited Hang has been maintaining a sex-only relationship with the journalist Ling Man Ka (Bernice Liu). Hang doesn’t believe in eternity and he is only looking for sensual pleasure in a woman. However, his belief is suddenly shattered when he learns that Man Ka is going to get married.

Source: Astro on Demand

• This series is mildly based on Japan’s Detective Galileo but will focus more on the romantic relationships than the cases.
• Raymond will be a rich physics professor.
• First time Tavia will play a police officer, where she later gets promoted and transferred to the CID department.
• Similar to Galileo, Raymond and Tavia will develop feelings for one another throughout the course of their detective cooperation.
• Kenneth will be a senior cop and leader of the team Tavia gets tranferred to. While he will be a couple with Bernice, he will also have many other female companions including Lisa, Fanny, Doris, Mandy, and more.
• Bernice is a career woman who makes work her first priority.
• Jessie will be best friends with Bernice.
• Doris is Raymond’s assistant.
• Law Lok Lam is Tavia’s father, who is also a retired police officer. Their family owns a restaurant.
• Lawrence Ng will be Evergreen’s son and Tavia’s nephew.

Character Descriptions

Synopsis

Au Yeung Wai Lai (Yuen Qiu), owner of a martial arts training school, is reunited with her long lost son Koo Yu Cheung (Kevin Cheng) after years of agonizing separation. Upon his return home, Cheung is shocked to find that his younger brother Koo Yu Tong (Kenneth Ma) has been critically ill and that his father was murdered long ago by Wing Tak (Dominic Lam), the current director of a pharmaceutical company and a bitter old foe of the Koo’s. Cheung has never been into kung-fu but shows only glimpses of his potential when he strikes back at the impudent, arrogant Wing Man Kwan (Jacky Heung), the son of Tak. Pinning all her hopes on Cheung, Lan not only teaches him a special set of kung-fu skills created by the family, but also registers him for the Guangdong Boxing Championship Tournament. Out of the blue, Cheung’s opponent in the final turns out to be Kwan.

Cheung starts losing his bearings after achieving growing success and recognition in the field of martial arts. Caught up in the love triangle involving himself, Lan’s apprentice Ying Ngan Ming (Natalie Tong), and his dream girl Chow Mui Mui (Nancy Wu), Cheung is utterly confused and exhausted, which later causes his failure in the final tournament.

Source: Astro on Demand

Capturing attention immediately with fast-paced, gory vengeful action and ending with a bang, the possibility of TVB actually living up to its “Good Show” motto is high in 2010. The overall feeling of the sales presentation is grand. Other than a miss here or there, many shows appear promising. I am excited!

COPS 刑警 Felix Wong, Michael Miu, Jessica Hsuan, Nancy Wu, Kenny Wong An even better version of E.U. mixed with some Last One Standing, and actors 10 times more experienced? I totally dig it.

Mou Gai Monk 武偈大師 Bosco Wong, Sunny Chan, Michael Tse, Kate Tsui Three people in a struggle for power and love because of greed and thus, their lives are full of sins. In a battle of life and death, a monk intercepts. Somewhat fascinating but I have a feeling it will turn out like Slicing of the Demon, which I dropped.

Seven Days of Love Next Door 隔難七日情 Sammul Chan, Myolie Wu, Bobby Au Yeung, Bowie Lam, Sonija Kwok, Chan Chin Pang, Kristal Tin, Evergreen Mak, Ram Tseung, Yoyo Mung Everything from love affairs, business meetings, diamond conning to murders and suicide all happening in one hotel. Hilarity ensues. If I can laugh so much in 1 minute, I will be cracking up hard with this series. Will be watching.

Five Flavors of Life 五味人生 Roger Kwok, Esther Kwan, Michelle Yim, Derek Kwok, Oscar Leung, Mimi Lo The food!! As long as TVB doesn’t preach using this series, I’ll gladly tune in.

The Mysteries of Love 谈情说案 Raymond Lam, Tavia Yeung, Kenneth Ma, Bernice Liu, Jack Wu Fungyi, Berming, and science? Heck yeah!

Pou Chung Ling 蒲松齡 Steven Ma, Linda Chung, Fala Chen, Sunny Chan The theme song sounds so tragic. I generally love tales of "liao zhai" and I’ve watched just about every adaptation. Can’t miss this one. Fala and Linda look beautiful and very fitting for their roles. The ending of the sales clip is almost a spoiler for the ending of the series. Way to go, TVB.

Female Fist 女拳 John Chiang, Liu Xuan Not interested in kungfu, not watching.

Twilight Investigation 囧探查過界 Wong He, Raymond Wong, Linda Chung, Johnson Lee, Power Chan, Kingdom Yuen What a cutesy comedy this is going to be! It’s tacky and wacky. Linda might be overacting a bit but her character is adorable. If anything, I’ll be watching this for Wong Hei and Raymond. Oh, on the thought of Raymond, "Lam Fung! Ah!! So handsome …" (LOL!)

Growing Through Life 摘星之旅 Damian Lau, Raymond Lam, Bosco Wong, Toby Leung A fuel between father and son, and many family, love, friendship conflicts. Boring.

Here Comes the Princess 公主嫁到 Charmaine Sheh, Moses Chan, Fala Chen, Linda Chung, Susanna Kwan, Raymond Wong, Kenneth Ma, Louis Yuen The Lion Roars starring Cecilia Cheung and Louis Koo is what I immediately thought of when I heard about Princess. Charmaine is taking on a sassy role and Selena Li will be in this. I’ll hop on the carriage for a ride.

Forensic Heroes III 法證先鋒II Kevin Cheng, Frankie Lam, Bobby Au Yeung Didn’t watch the second part, not watching the third part.

Righteous Sea of Heroic Love 義海豪情 Sheren Tang, Wayne Lai, Raymond Wong, Fala Chen, Ngo Ka Nin, Kara Hui, Susan Tse, Nancy Wu, Ben Wong Star-crossed lovers facing off in a battle of morals. Will he be able to save her? The answer will be shown next year. This is so my priority series. I hope TVB doesn’t make it an anniversary series because the sooner I can see it, the better. However, if TVB does make it an anniversary series, I petition them to give the same treatment as Beyond the Realm of Conscience and move the awards to December.

What the physics professor thinks …

Physics explains everything. Coincidence is just the result of probability. As probability can be calculated, almost anything is possible. When two lovers meet, endocrine gets secreted and phenylethylamine level rises. We experience pure pleasure. Such a state can be defined as love.

What direction the drama is taking …

In a world governed by laws, just one thing remains completely inexplicable. Curiosity causes people to seek definitive answers for everything, be it a crime or a relationship. Cracking cases with physics. Is love really all about chemistry?

What this neuroscience nerd and drama fan thinks …

If I didn’t know better, I would think The Mysteries of Love, previously known as Shall We State the Case, is taking a stab at the debate between science and romance. The clip definitely shows it to have that potential and it would have been fun if the title was changed to The Chemistry of Love (Michael R. Liebowitz, 1983). According to research, the neurotransmitter phenylethylamine (PEA) is secreted in the brain and released throughout the body when people fall in love. This leads to feelings of excitement and drives a person’s sexual desire. That is not love. It is lust. Love is more than phenylethylamine, dopamine, and oxytocin. It is not just chemistry because a strong psychological attachment is necessary to pull two people together, allow them to trust one another, and possibly connect them for a lifetime. Also, a bit of trivia, did you know that chocolate has a lot of PEA and thus, makes you lovey-dovey? But I’ve digressed, sorry.

Back to the real topic, I don’t think Mysteries will manage to put the debate into perspective at all, or be very intellectually engaging. But it will surely have entertainment value and looks like an academic version of Forensic Heroes–more so than Galileo. I’m assuming it will center around how a physics genius, who believes in nothing but physics, discovers love and changes/grows from there. This might be a breakthrough role for Raymond Lam. If he manages to do extremely well and imprints a strong lasting impression on the audience, he could be the talk of the town next year. In any case, he and Tavia Yeung look really cute together. (See 0:30) While they’re more of an "innocent" couple, I think the chemistry of love is oozing intensely from the playful couple, Kenneth Ma and Bernice Liu. Did you catch that bare back scene of Bernice at 0:39? Yeah, that’s going to be heart-pounding.

I look forward to this series, especially since I love the four leads, but I will keep my expectations low to minimize the probability for disappointment.

Click Here to See Clip

Based on this trailer of Growing Through Life, all of the inserted scenes with Damian Lau are worthy of attention. Otherwise, meh. I won’t be watching this unless it garners very good reviews.