Season of Love (戀愛季節)

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I meant to watch this ages ago since it’s short anyway, why not give it a try, right? Yet I got caught up with other stuff so it took a while to get back to this. So how much damage did 5 episodes per story do?

First off, like the theme video because it highlighted the four seasons and its stories.

Spring: The First Love That Came Late (遲來初戀)

My favorite season, talking about season-wise. But what about the theme relating to this story?

And I seriously wanted to refrain from commenting until the end of the story. However, some details were bugging me to death. Seriously? Why was the other guy (the one the grandma had match-made Fun via her friend) complimenting Fun for looking so young at 30? Isn’t that how 30 years old look like? Or at least almost? TVB often cast people too old to play 20-30 years old characters so I think Toby looked about right for 30, maybe just a tad more mature (because it suited her character for having to take care of the family business and all over the past 7 years after her father ran out on them).

• Him Law as Season. A famous celeb. Possibly because of his crazy fans that I felt turned off whenever he appeared. But behind the scenes and talking to his manager, I felt it was hilarious to watch. He not only had to maintain “good looks” through different beauty products but also must exercise to keep a good figure. Watching him being turned into “housewives killer” was really hilarious and pitiful at the same time. He kept complaining about how he was such a big person, how could he survive by those mini portions of his daily meals. There were many hilarious things about him as the plot moved forward. Yet I think it died down with his spoiled nature at times. Sure, he was a good son and a professional person who was serious about his work for the most part. But I found him too diva-ish to sympathize with at times. Even if I got why he didn’t want to go to those ridiculous events to be groped by those old perverts, but other times, he was a tad too ridiculous with his demands. Him was really convincing in his scenes though. He could bring you into his world, feel for him, and much more. You could laugh and cry with him and even grew with him through times as he realized what was important in his life aka his family and his true friends.
• Toby Leung as Lam Chun Fun (林春芬). A hard-working, independent person. I liked her initially. And planning to like her from the start. Yet when she became his assistant, she just lost all her points. Seriously, she wasn’t using common sense when it came to stuff about him. I meant okay, she was super annoyed and pissed off that she had to work as his assistant for what happened earlier. Yet was she that clueless? Didn’t pay attention or think where his towels might be? Like seriously? And what was with giving him toilet paper versus napkins? (Unless she did it purpose to annoy him but it didn’t look like so since she looked clueless.) Like seriously? Yeah, again. Using that phrase again. But I couldn’t believe she lacked common sense that much. How did she survive all these years, claiming to be independent and taking care of her sister and grandma? I could forgive her lack of fashion sense since she has been working in a laborious job all these years, so switching field would be hard for her with not knowing the ins. But the other stuff? Like seriously? YES, I’m using that phrase yet again. But I just couldn’t believe it. And freaking out so badly seeing him half-naked? Like really? She’s 30, NOT 15! It’s not like she has time to have a bf OR anything like that. I’m not expecting her to drool over him or anything since that’s just plain ‘fangirling’ or whatever else. But it seems too off that she has never seen a man without his shirt on before, considering her field and how she would have met all sorts of people throughout the years with her work and all. It’s like too unbelievable. The first time she was shocked he was sitting there without his shirt, I got that. But then the whole running away was just too over. When she chased away the guy her grandma and her grandma’s friend match-made for her, I thought she was graceful and funny, but now? It seemed like she lacked confidence and was too kiddish. It was like the script-writers were making it contradictory or something. Then the whole afraid of ghosts thing was bugging me to death too. Okay, I get it that people have their moments and are superstitious and they couldn’t help it. But seriously? Too exaggerated. Then later it was revealed that she was trying to scare him so no wonder it was sooo exaggerated with her ‘scare mode’ but still, she lost ground with acting so childish. OY! I gave up. Her character became really ridiculous along with the rest of the plot. I know she wasn’t suitable for the industry and didn’t care for some of the nonsensical stuff that she saw. But it wouldn’t kill her to shut up for two seconds. It would have avoided a lot of dramas. And I meant regarding how Yoyo was in general or some people surrounding the industry, NOT stupid paparazzi because no one could win over paparazzi no matter how they behaved.
• Nathan Ngai as Geung Siu Hung (姜兆熊). Fun’s assistant. He was really helpful and kind. He was also a supportive figure for Fun and her family.
• Him and Toby as a couple. I wasn’t against this couple. But I felt like there’s definitely something missing. NOT saying it’s her tomboyish side either. They were a typical bickering couple who would eventually see one another’s good side. It was like how Fun’s grandma had predicted through watching those TV soaps. She soon realized how serious he was in acting and he really did have talent.
• Kenneth Ma as Joe Chu Cho An (朱祖安). He was at the restaurant Fun and her assistant went to and gave his table to them, stating that his girlfriend couldn’t make it. He was later revealed to be a private investigator. Yet he was still too creepy. Or maybe that was the point. However, I thought I enjoyed his appearances more than others as the story progressed. He was there to expose those that needed to be exposed. I knew it was his job and people paid him to do it, but he was the reason why I hung on, trying to see what else he was able to dig up throughout. Also, found it super funny that he told Season to apologize to Fun, lol. I was kind of bummed that he stopped appearing but I thought that would mean no more dramas that needed his service. However, I was glad he appeared again at the bar to drink with Season. And I do know that he would have his own story later, but I enjoyed his creepy appearances throughout, lol. Not only did he have to play private investigator, but he had to play match-maker too? Wow! Yes, he was that talented since he pulled the other two together at the end. But seriously. Can’t wait for his actual story. It better be worth it.
• Ng Yip Kwan (吳業坤) as Ming. Joe’s assistant. He was as creepy and as mysterious as Joe when they appeared together that one time. I guessed it was their style, lol.
• Ha Ping as Grandma. OMG, she was seriously cute for a forgetful grandma. She kept saying all these random things at times. But she also used her TV dramas to reference how Season and Fun would end up falling in love, lol.
• Kandy Wong as Lam Chun Fong (林春芳). Fun’s younger sister. At first, I thought she was kind of cute. Later, I just want to shove something in her face. NOT the actress, the character. So obsessed with celebs that she acted like she knew them. Seriously? But her character did reflect the reality of a typical fangirl worshiping a certain celeb so much that her life revolved around it and was even so protective toward him. Although, during the paparazzi situation, I admired her for backing her sister up and was willing to cut out her toxic friends. It showed how she valued her sister more and knew what was important, not attacking her sister either–even if the rumors were true. Of course, her sister verified the details to her and they talked it out. (Only the part about the rumors being untrue, obviously, because Fun said she promised him not to tell about the details of what really happened.) But I was glad she didn’t go too far with her obsession, unlike those crazies who attacked Fun previously. Then I had to really appreciate her for yelling at Season–even though she had claimed time and time again that he was her idol–on behalf of her sister. He was really shocked that he was no longer worshipped and even sat there to bear it all while she went on and on. It was hilarious yet showed her loyalty to her sister when it actually mattered. She even returned all the collectibles to him, lol. Funniest part was how he handed her the orange juice and she just drank it before continuing with her rant, lol. It was so cute. And then she took all her collectibles back after knowing that they already investigated everything and Season even admitted that it was his fault for blaming her sister in the first place, even wanting to apologize to Fun.
• Chan Wing Chun as Wong Dai Kwan (黃大軍). Season’s driver. Only appeared at the beginning and somewhat at the part where he went back to his hometown to tend to family matters, so Fun had to take over his job as the driver. I wished he had appeared more.
• Daniel Chau as Li Man Kit (李文杰) / Kitman. Season’s assistant. Hilarious because he would get into different schemes with Season. At least trying to cover for Season at times. Too bad his screen time got cut short because of the accident. I especially enjoy his moments and mischievousness with Season at times, and somewhat annoying Cally for it. He was so cute and funny. I was glad that to know that he came back later. Well, it was because Fun quit. But still, I actually welcomed that more. He was another good distraction from the stupid, annoying paparazzi that I had to endure.
• Oceane Zhu as Yoyo. Season’s co-star. She tried to use him for publicity purposes. Her acting was really good at times. Because I could see her flaky nature so clearly. It was too obvious and exaggerated. But it fitted with some of the divas out there that we often see. In fact, I wanted to slap her several times. Somehow, in a twisted way, I wished she was actually the star of the show instead of Toby. Mean, but maybe she could learn what was important and pushed past that vain stuff. Or maybe if she had a background story with how she wasn’t like that in the past but had lost her way and somehow found it again through different trials? I would watch that. Perhaps, it was because I actually liked Oceane in other dramas before. So I felt it was a shame she was wasted for this role just so the plot had some type of villain along withe the other dude.
• Jess Shum as Cally. Season’s manager/agent. Tough and try to hone Season into a true celebrity. Funny at first yet found her manipulative later. Couldn’t totally blame her and that was how the industry worked (or how it was projected). Yet I don’t have to accept it. Also, she blamed Fun for stuff happening like rumors too YET said that Season’s words to Fun were too strong? She didn’t help.
• Him and Oceane as a couple. I didn’t want to put them in at first, because of how she tried to use him for publicity, etc. However, I swear they were more compatible. Perhaps it was because of how it was projected with their roles being an on-screen couple. But it was too bad that they seemed more matching. So Oceane’s character, Yoyo, was a real witch, but otherwise, she and Him seemed to have more chemistry than Him and Toby, even if Him’s character wasn’t the least interested in her.
• Ching Hor Wai as Yeung Cheui King (楊翠瓊). Season’s mother.
• Matt Yeung as Hinson. A celeb. Season’s rival within the e-circle. Seriously, I don’t know what to say. It was ridiculous with the rivalry. Why bother? There were too many actors anyway. If people didn’t like one, they would like another. Again, why bother, dude?
• The story involving paparazzi and those other side nonsense stuff that went on and on. It was ridiculous and not really my favorite part or had hindered me from focusing on the characters and the story that actually mattered. Too bad. Because the more I watched, the more ridiculous the scenes were. Sure, that was inevitable with having anything to do with the industry. But still. It was too ridiculous for my taste. The most blood-boiling part was the misunderstanding regarding paparazzi taking that ridiculous picture and spinning their stories. It was already a lost cause with those ridiculous people BUT those stupid fans who attacked Fun? I admit that I didn’t care for Fun at some later points, but it was getting to a whole new level of ridiculousness with those obsessed fans. Idiots who had nothing better to do. The fact that Fun should feel ashamed for just being a driver of a small business was really sad too. She was actually doing honest work instead of out there selling herself like someone. NOT shaming sex workers here. AND I thought Season had some talents too regarding acting as the story let on. However, it was ridiculous with all those gimmicks to sell himself that was thought by his agent and the company to follow the trends. It was ridiculous. Since when did celebs matter more than people working honest jobs? Besides, real actors don’t need those gimmicks to shine. Viewers who are serious about watching talents would be able to see their efforts, not just seeing some pretty faces and drooling over those faces only. Once again, ridiculous. Also, it wasn’t his fault that his mother didn’t go to the hospital when she was sick, thinking that the paparazzi would give her son more trouble. It seriously wasn’t his fault. Sure, I didn’t like the way the stupid industry operated in general and he had to hide everything to shield her. I just hated those stupid paparazzi for keep chasing him. They didn’t have to do it to hurt others. They chose their jobs. Sure, one could say he chose that life also, but since when had it spun so out of control that you need to chase celebs up and down for news? Desperate much? They were just creating a problem for themselves by doing those things. Besides, they only listened to what they wanted to hear. What was the point of asking him to speak up? He told them not to bother his mother anymore and let her live a normal life. He expressed himself like that yet they still asked such ridiculous questions? Brainless bunch. What was even more infuriating was how his mother had to beg those stupid assholes to stop pestering her son so he could go home and have a meal with her? WOW! A new level of ridiculousness. NOT saying it wasn’t drawing from real-life experiences since different real-life events had shown paparazzi was responsible for various celebs’ withdrawal from the industry and even sometimes death. YET this was really frustrating to watch. It just made you madder by the second. Oh yeah, the on-par thing with them was ONLY writing about bad things or drawing up ridiculous, senseless stories YET never cared for what really mattered. That was them all right, no surprise. But it was ridiculous in general and they shouldn’t even exist at all.
• Matt and Oceane. They were actually suitable for each other. Character-wise mostly. Both equally vain and flaky. I liked them both as stars, so not attacking them out of pettiness, lol. Was just seeing how they finally got together in here to use each other for promotional purposes. It suited them. It was a match made in heaven really.
• Gil Mohindepaul Singh as Pual. MV director. I loved him for all his comments about saying Fun was more natural with Season, lol. Just to troll back at the other arrogant witch. But he was seriously senseless though. One minute, he was like Fun was suitable for their MV. The next? He yelled at them for wasting his time and threatened to quit. LOL! Diva master all right. But yeah, it wasn’t a big deal. Just kind of hilarious. It was like how Season said, he was playing angel and devil at the same time.
• What Cally said about them having no ending. Or something like that. Sad but true. I wasn’t invested in them anyway. But it was still a really stupid concept. So no loss really. It was more realistic, considering how this world value celebs over hardworking daily people. So yeah. Besides, if I was in such a situation, I wouldn’t choose a celeb anyway, unless I know them way before they were one. Because, how would you know they’re not acting? Even if he said he had real feelings for her, I still didn’t believe they could work out. His spoiled nature was shown throughout. Like when they forgot to get off the bus and had to take another path. Sure, it was somewhat showing the little journey they took to the temple or more. But that thing with her having to wait on him hand and feet? It was bugging me. Oh yeah, what Cally said was because she understood the industry too well, but I didn’t like the representation of it at all. Yes, it was the truth, but it didn’t make me less upset about it. What she said about a relationship that wasn’t worth it or how it was a waste of time, convincing Season to focus on his career, etc. Yeah, go ahead and treat people as disposables just because. He could treat his career as important, but when people treat others like disposables regarding love or whatever, I don’t feel sorry when they’re finally ready. They’d chosen. Like they acted like they had so many choices. In some ways, it was better that Fun learned a lesson and moved on with a normal life.
• Fun’s voiceover near the end. Like the title, the main purpose of this story was about first love, not the last one. Yet I still didn’t like it. Maybe because I just don’t like those casual dating or exploration stories. Also, if they didn’t pick stuff about the e-circle in general, I would have accepted it more.
• The ending. I would have been all right with them not being together at all. Why? Am I seriously contradicting myself? No, it was more like even if I was bitter about them not matching up or whatever the excuse was, at least, it was more realistic. Why was it all right when his side decide when it was all right to be together? It was like dating him and the whole industry and not just him. But she didn’t get to decide but just waited. They tried to reassure all of us by making Joe play a part in the ending was stretching it to no end. Just stop trying.

Summer: Love and Battlefield (情場戰場)

I’m not a fan of summer, aside from summer vacation, lol. And an excuse to eat ice cream (LOL). And watermelon. But about the story?

The theme seemed to continue with some story within the e-circle? Um, keep it up–as if it wasn’t a terrible idea before. I just hope the general story would be more enduring. I do like Ron and Kate as a pairing, so I was crossing my fingers so hard when watching it.

• Kate Tsui as Summer Ha Chi Yan (夏至欣). A television producer. She was so cute when she first appeared when she was feeding her fishes and talking to them, lol. Totally normal thing to do really. Her professional side? I found it amusing that Summer kept mentioning the nice things about Hong Kongers, lol. (1. Lodging complaints, 2. Easily forgetting things.) She was a true professional, managing to swallow past that incident when Uncle Wai stole her idea and just went on with the show. Probably it was because it was hard to prove and how it wouldn’t matter if she just confronted him? He would just deny it and then their boss would probably take his side anyway. It wasn’t worth it. Her strong-willed side was both her strength and weakness because it caused her misunderstanding with CK later. Although it was just a show, what Summer said was actually true regarding the guys during their different outing experiences. I was glad she learned the truth regarding the dream house before deciding anything. It wasn’t her fault because others were doing things behind her back, but I wouldn’t want her to choose the wrong person based on that mistake. But why in the world did she agree to marry that psycho though? Seriously? Because she didn’t want to spoil everyone’s mood? This was why I hated it when people propose in front of crowds. They just wanted to put pressure on the opposite party. Like no way was he/she going to say no because he/she wouldn’t want to embarrass the person who proposed. I understand she felt responsible for triggering Jack’s mental issues to come forward. However, she was just using that excuse to hide. Come on, the way it was, he would eventually erupt. It wasn’t just about her. It was good that he got help. But why did she have to be so stubborn about it? Aside from that, I thought Kate had improved heaps since her debut, which was always a good thing to see. Her emotions were well shown and she was reliable as a character throughout.
• Ron Ng as Ng Chun Kai (吳雋楷) / CK. A photographer. He was so protective of Summer that it was kind of hilarious at times. He totally used the opportunity on the show to dunk on those three liars, lol. It was hilarious to see their expressions. So, he was partially responsible for choosing the psycho? I meant it was up to Summer after all. And it wasn’t like he knew it would come out that way. But still. Um, I take back my previous word because. He was obviously responsible for the whole situation. Why? He actually helped the psycho during the last round. That was against the rule. It was just a show. Why was he meddling? He seriously thought she was going to pick someone? I was mostly on the fence with him until that part. It had shifted him toward being an asshole. It was unfair for him when Summer accused him of stuff, but he was also not trusting her instincts on things either. Just because she was competitive and ambitious, he thought she was stupid as well? What gave him the right to decide that for her? He seriously shared her secrets to that psycho? That something that caused her to change her mind obviously. He shouldn’t have done that. Again, asshole move. what was my problem and why was I so riled up? Seriously, even if they got together later, he was unreliable because he was willing to give up her secrets to others. It was all right that he did some of the stuff to protect her because of his own choice. But when he meddled like that to give away her secret, he swayed her choice and influenced her decision. I couldn’t forgive him for that. Who thought it was a good idea? Except to stretch out the episodes even more? They almost got it for this story YET failed on that front. Also, I guess it did tie in with what CK said previously about not making a decision based on what someone did. Because those were false. Exactly how the con job was with him helping Jack. He just didn’t know he was talking about himself. Yes, I called it a con job because it didn’t come from Jack. When the final episode rolled around, I understood why he felt self-conscious as to why he wouldn’t measure up to Summer for whatever reason, but he shouldn’t have helped Jack previously. It wasn’t his call regarding that matter. He could choose to not tell her his feelings–if that was so and let her move on, but don’t try to sway her decision by helping some random guy–and this time, it turned out to be a psycho and they almost lost their lives.
• Ron and Kate. I was actually looking forward to their story the most. Having been a fan of their pairing since The Brink of Law. Some of their other collaborations might not be my favorite but they were still one of my favorite pairings. How was this collaboration? I wasn’t disappointed and I was intrigued the minute they met. I wanted to find out more about them. Was it some ongoing competition like they, themselves, claimed? Was it like what their mutual friends said as well? It seemed otherwise, and I was right. Some of the flashbacks scenes revealed details that others might not know. The reality show that Summer starred in really brought back some old memories for both parties because of where Summer was taken or how the show was presented that had reminded them of the old days. OMG, CK never learned. Each time during their meeting, it was always the same. He should have known by now. Each time CK suggested something, Summer went and did the opposite. Yet he still wanted to suggest otherwise? Seriously. He was so slow. But seeing their reactions toward one another, I was more amused than upset. Yes, I was worried for her safety with the ongoing accidents too, and how the direction of the show had veered toward. Yet their ongoing senseless disagreements were hilarious. OMG, the part where they appeared on the show together and he said she was a Black Widow? Although I got that they were arguing and sort of where he was coming from. But it once again jabbed at women who were too ambitious (typical TVB move) so I didn’t like that. (It was like typical TVB formula to dunk on career women and acted like it was fine yet they were fine with men fighting for jobs or careers or whatever. A total double standard. Perhaps, not just TVB but everywhere in movies or TV shows that rubbed me wrong in so many ways.) Do I blame Summer for accusing CK of being the mastermind behind the crazy threats and the sending of the fake hand and all? No. Why? Because he meddled. He broke her trust. So, why should I cut him slacks? Was she wrong before for accusing him? Yes, but he now proved himself unreliable by sharing her secrets with other people. So, she had every right to be upset and even came to the wrong conclusion. I seriously believe Ron and Kate bring out the best in one another. They haven’t lost their chemistry yet after so many collaborations. I even forgive and even forget what the hell the conflict was about previously during the airport scene. I just didn’t care about all those side arguments. I really wanted them to be together with that conversation. The exchange was really touching.
• Kenneth Ma as Joe Chu Cho An (朱祖安). He appeared early on in this story to rescue Summer from the crazy lady who attacked her. Um, now I wanted to go sidetrack and ship Kenneth and Kate again because of Speech of Silence, lol. And continuing with his creepy vibe from the previous story, he showed that he indeed wasn’t going to drop that act anytime soon. I was starting to get the Columbo vibe as well because he kept mentioning how his girlfriend liked so and so yet the girlfriend never appeared. LOL! (The only difference was in Columbo’s case, it was his wife.) Well, they were saving his story for later, but yeah, the way it was with him keep mentioning her and using it as his background story was funny. He appeared again when Summer sought him out to investigate the various accidents onset. Well, it wasn’t really accidents since she was being targeted by a certain someone. It was a good time to bring him in to get to the bottom of it. Oh cool, he posed as a security guard at the TV station to investigate matters. I was wondering how he was doing with his mission. He was once again playing match-maker for this episode because he tipped Summer off about CK’s flight near the end.
• Ng Yip Kwan (吳業坤) as Ming. Joe’s assistant. He was so cute, lol. Of course, how could he be missing from this segment, right? He was the trusty assistant after all. It was funny that he offered to help Summer in the future if there was a chance and Joe reminded him that he should submit his resignation letter first, lol.
• Kenneth and Kate. I seriously resisted so long before putting them in. Even if his scenes seemed limited for this story–as suitable for the plot, his appearance each time with Kate made me want them to be together even more. Sorry, Ron, your character just sucked. (I made this comment before knowing about what happened to CK, so it wasn’t about his leg or anything. I just hated that he swayed the result toward Jack’s way and shared Summer’s secrets with outsiders.) But yeah, I just wanted to see them together. He appreciated her job and what she did, even if he only used an excuse of saying how his girlfriend loved her show. Unlike some people in here who acted like it was criminal for her to be a career woman. The scene where they were at the restaurant together and how Joe shared what he found out regarding CK with Summer, I just thought of that as another story for the two of them instead of another piece of puzzles regarding CK and Summer. Yes, it was that bad with me wishing they were together.
• Casper Chan (陳思齊) as Kitty. Summer’s assistant. I was really mad at her for messing things up and indirectly responsible for the other dude stealing Summer’s ideas. Yet I guess can’t do anything about it anyway.
• Samson Yeung (楊英偉) as Ho Bit Wai (何必威) aka Uncle Wai (威叔). Summer’s coworker. I don’t know how many shades of assholery he could manage, but I seriously wanted to slap him after learning that he stole Summer’s ideas. He dared to say that it was him who had brought her into the industry and helped her throughout the years? Wow! Not too surprising with the stealing ideas thing since it happened a lot within all sorts of industries. But seriously, I hate those kinds of thieves the most. Still dared to act all innocent. Also, he was a backstabbing asshole through and through. He still dared to badmouth Summer to SK after what he did. It wasn’t that surprising with his pattern, just really infuriating. I had my suspicions it was him responsible for the mishaps at the TV station, considering how he was really jealous of Summer and all. He was acting like he was willing to admit all of that? Wow, the audacity to say that because he was still arguing they had no proof it was him. It wasn’t until he got caught red-handed that he admitted to it. And then his rant was just all about trying to distract them and grab the USB. Luckily, Joe exposed him.
• Iva Law (羅泳嫻) as Li Hou Yee (李皓兒) / Chloe. Summer’s roommate and friend. She could be hilarious yet was somewhat aggressive with trying to pursue CK that it could be annoying. Luckily, she finally walked away when she realized he didn’t like her. Well, she misunderstood but still able to step away. I thought she would be more annoying than Kei Kei yet I realized it wasn’t so. Although she did misunderstand regarding CK and Kei Kei’s situation and ended up passing on the wrong information to Summer later, it was an honest mistake on her part. It wasn’t like she did it on purpose with intention, unlike how Kei Kei had taken actions to prevent CK and Summer from meeting up. And thank you for a little reality check–even if just a little, because Chloe admitted later in private with Summer and Dicky that she was really annoyed that Jack stole their thunder by proposing during hers and Dicky’s wedding. She even said if it wasn’t for Summer, she would have already kicked Jack for such a move.
• Eric Li (李天翔) as Lok Wa Dik (駱華迪) / Dicky. A fashion designer, also Summer and Chloe’s friend. I like Eric so glad he was in this story. He was so funny. He always managed to drive away the intensity of the situation by making jokes or exaggerating about matters to make Summer and Chloe laugh. Definitely a reliable friend to them. I swear he was gay. Seriously. Or maybe that was telling us to stop it with the stereotypes and how each person projected themselves to us.
• Eric and Iva. OMG, they were hilariously cute. One minute she was loving to him, the next she shoved him behind a chair to hide from Summer. I was glad that she didn’t hide him for too long, though. Chloe told Summer the truth when they were going to dinner that one time and he forgot to reserve a spot, so they ended up cooking a meal at home instead. Their sweetness was too much for Summer, lol. They got married so fast. But I guessed whatever made them happy. They were indeed cute though. The other thing I loved about them was that they didn’t just rush Summer to marry Jack or anything. They were truly sad because they knew that Summer didn’t really love Jack. The fact that they no longer paid attention to the time and almost forgotten about their trip–if Summer didn’t remind them of it–proved that they really cared for her. They were her true friends all right. They once again proved they cared by cutting their honeymoon short and came back to spend time with Summer. They even chided Summer for not telling them earlier regarding what happened with Jack. The way they persuaded Summer to go after CK was equally cute. They knew too well she didn’t love Jack so why bother, right? Not to mention how they pointed out that she shouldn’t take what happened as her responsibility but wanted her to cherish the right person.
• Lee Yee Man (李綺雯) as Yu Ka Kei (余家琪) aka Kei Kei (琪琪). CK’s assistant. She was so mad that she only had 40% compatibility with CK? LOL! Whatever. That was seriously senseless though. What was funnier was how she plugged in Summer’s info and it ended up being 90%. She should have listened to him and forget about it. I do feel bad for her because CK had used her as an excuse to stop the shooting for Jack’s segment. Luckily, there wasn’t anything serious with her situation or it would be super awkward later. OMG, I felt so bad for her. I thought that she might be annoying with the description under her character about being Summer’s love rival. BUT she was seriously so unlucky. Even Chloe vomited on her, and also misunderstood that she and CK had already been together based on that one conversation. Or more like some words that Chloe overheard. She found it hilarious actually, but she was always around when things got awkward, lol. Okay, I held out as long as I could. When she talked CK out of confessing to Summer, I was skeptical but wanted to think it was because she was seriously concerned for CK. YET when she went behind his back to send a message to Summer to cancel the date, I was ready to attack. Seriously? What the hell? That was another level of low. She should get together with Uncle Wai for being a backstabber. (And seriously, people should lock their phones. It shouldn’t be that easy to get into his phone. Or did she know his passcode?) Even if I was mad at CK for sharing Summer’s secrets with outsiders, I wouldn’t want her to win regardless. She just became more and more unbearable throughout the rest of the episodes. I will admit, she was really smart when she said it could be Jack who was responsible. She didn’t understand why he would do that either because Jack already won regarding Summer and all and was about to get married to Summer, but she indeed came to the correct conclusion. She was right about him being crazy, though. Even if she was just guessing. And she had no right to tell CK to forget about Summer. Even if I didn’t support the pairing 100% (not because of his leg, which we only found out the truth near the end but would miss if we didn’t pay attention during the part where they had the failed date), it wasn’t her call to tell him to forget. It was CK’s right to care for someone or not, or to forget or not, NOT her call. And just because she did all of those things for him didn’t mean that he had to accept her. Again, I hate prize-winning strategy, no matter if it was the guy or the girl doing it. SO yeah, tough luck on winning me over with this plotline.
• Chung Chi Kwong (鍾志光) as Miu Si Keung (苗仕強) / SK aka Cat Dung Keung (貓屎強). He was seriously two-faced, but not too surprising. He had to be flexible to the demands of the bosses upstairs.
• Jack Hui (許家傑) as Dr. Lui. A plastic surgeon. One of the contestants on the reality show that Summer was on. How was the doctor? Because he was a plastic surgeon, I had this bias against him with how those doctors always want to fix people. Even if Jack (the actor, not talking about the character because I just realized one of the contestants was named Jack) was really charming with his smile and all, but the initial bias was still there. As the story progressed and how they got to go places together, he seemed genuine about caring for the little kids and all. However, one had to take into consideration that they were filming, so he might just be doing that to score points. Yes, he can’t win with me regardless, lol. I knew it! He couldn’t be trusted just based on that charming smile. LOL! Yes, finally saw the part where he was with his girlfriend and got caught by CK. (I paused it for now but my guess would be he just wants to be on the show to promote himself and his business.)
• Otto Chan (陳志健) as Cheng Gam Hin (鄭錦賢) aka Righteous Superman (正義超人). A local councilman. One of the contestants on the reality show that Summer was on. He really lived up to his nickname and also his title of being a councilman. He really cared about his community and wanted to help them. It was just too bad he was a better actor than projected. I knew it was kind of somewhat unreal because they all appeared on the show, so it was easy to put up a front. Luckily, he was discovered by CK because of the clip that he had managed to capture yet didn’t realize it until later. Now I got why (according to spoilers) that they were seriously down to less than preferable candidates for the show hence letting the crazy dude win.
• Marcus Kwok (郭田葰) as Chong Hou King (莊浩景) aka King Sir. A financial expert. One of the contestants on the reality show that Summer was on. He knew a lot and yes, he did live up to his title with all the things he listed and talked about. But I got the feeling of a show-off right from the start. Well, Ms. Lee–his old teacher– had praised him a lot for his kind heart and he tried to tell her otherwise. But still, I wasn’t that convinced with him. Okay, so I was only wrong about the councilman dude because I totally called it with this guy being flaky.
• William Chak (翟威廉) as Jack Chan Chik (陳積). A chairman of a fitness company. One of the contestants on the reality show that Summer was on. He loved all things that were sports and loved doing outdoor activities and always stayed fit. Wow, proposing during someone’s wedding is an asshole move regardless. Even if they set it up that Chloe didn’t mind BUT what the hell was that? I didn’t like him in the first place–like way before how he allowed himself to use CK’s ideas for the dream house, but that move? YUP, it brought him into the asshole category just based on that alone. Oh…Jack had multi-personality disorder. No wonder. I only read part of the spoiler, not all. So yeah, didn’t have all the info. Still. Scary indeed. Well, at least, he got help at the end, right? No one had to die. It wasn’t dramatic like those longer dramas. So, he had a chance to recover. He released all the animals in the cages and other confinements? LOL! That was hilarious and also a sign for Summer to let go and find her own happiness, lol. Corny, but someone had to do it to drive forward the ending. Those two were moving so slowly.
• Amy Ng (吳幸美) as Da Jie (Da姐). A host.
• Koo Ming Wah (古明華) as Chow Gung (周恭). A chef. A special guest on the reality show Summer was on. He was a pervert. It was obvious. But still a hilarious appearance with his criticism on their choices of sweet soups.
• Albert Law (羅浩楷) as So Man Dong (蘇文東). A geomancer. A special guest on the reality show Summer was on. Kind of a fun way to distract the audience with his take.
• The overall story? It wasn’t that bad like I thought. I think it was because of the chemistry Ron and Kate shared that made me forgive all the flaws that the story had. I just wanted them together–like I said in the couple discussion above. Also, because the paparazzi wasn’t the main focus like how it was hogging almost all parts of the story like the first one so I was less annoyed with the story. I was able to step into both of their worlds previously and enjoy their story more. I will admit around episode 3 of their story it got a tad annoying with side dramas and stupid plot lines. But other than that, I thought it was better than what I expected–after the disappointment from the first story. It wasn’t completely satisfying, but Ron and Kate’s chemistry made everything worked out and was more convincing in that sense.
• What was Joe’s trick this time? He had Ming’s friend misplace CK’s painting of Summer on purpose, so CK missed his flight hence reuniting with Summer. (I knew it! I meant I guessed Joe had done something along the line to delay the flight or at least forced CK to miss it somehow, so CK and Summer could reunite. I suspected it as soon as CK said he couldn’t believe someone lost their belongings.) It was actually Ming’s girlfriend who helped. Joe couldn’t believe Ming had a girlfriend but he, himself, who had done a lot of good deeds for others didn’t. LOL! They disclosed how Joe was still after Toni but wasn’t successful and Ming told him to give it up. Joe was determined on his goals, lol. It was hinting at his story coming up with how he glanced down at his phone and we saw his picture with Toni once again like how the last story’s ended with having a scene after the credits to show what Joe and his assistant did each time.

Autumn: Love Withered (愛情枯萎)

My second favorite season because of the breezy feeling and colorful leaves. How did the story fend for this one?

Seriously, people? I wanted to resist all comments until the ending because of how I jumped to conclusions regarding some things the last few times and had to rethink my decisions whether to delete or not. But this time, they targeted Virgo like that. I didn’t like that Kim had stolen the blind guy’s spot on the bus like that. Now it was disclosed she was a Virgo? What were they hinting at? It wasn’t like horoscope was anything other than fun to look at. But Virgo usually gets the most misunderstood because they were different from those other outgoing signs. Not saying that there are no assholes having Virgo signs, but usually, when there was attitude involved, people blamed Virgo and other stars just got off so easily with other excuses so yeah, I had to get that out.

• Nancy Wu as Ho Chau Sang (何秋生) / Kim. A hairstylist. Because of the initial scene with her stealing the blind guy’s spot on the bus, it made me bias against her. However, Kim seemed to be the type that was straightforward and harsh with her words at times yet had a heart made of tofu. That was why she was easily persuaded and taken advantage of by others. She was seriously unlucky though, choosing the wrong person and then having to endure their unreasonableness. I liked her straightforward attitude. It was better than all those flaky caring words from a certain someone who didn’t mean it at all. What was wrong with that? Even if she was straightforward with her words, she wasn’t wrong about that. At least, she kept the basics of social structures in order to get along with others, especially obvious with her job and her professionalism. At home and out of the workplace, she deserved to be herself. At least she didn’t violate basic social etiquette. Unlike some people who acted like they owned the world and demanded she caved or they would slap her with every single label to make her feel that she was wrong. I was surprised when she sought out a private eye to help her with her suspicion, because it wasn’t the PIs would hand out discounts, lol. However, what Joe said in the restaurant was true. She was the type that wanted to know the truth regardless, so it made sense for her to choose the straightforward approach. Nancy’s acting was very good. No doubt about that. It wasn’t anything new that she couldn’t handle. She carried her character throughout. Her emotions showed throughout regardless of the things she went through at each stage of the story–whether it was the reality or the alternate version. She was also very natural in the role, with no awkwardness whatsoever.
• Vincent Wong as Fung Sau Man (馮修文) / Simon. A lawyer. He was likable for the most part in the first version of the main story and then alternate timeline. I didn’t want to comment much on him, considering how I realized the story was going to return to its original course anyway.
• Nancy and Vincent. They did have chemistry during the initial scenes before their lives turned out different. Then the alternate timeline showed their chemistry even more. Although she was the worst in that timeline, their scenes together were convincing enough.
• Oscar Leung as Fong Ka Wai (方家偉) / Ray. A hairstylist. I felt bad for him initially that he was stuck between his mother and his wife and had to deal with his unreliable younger brother. But I felt he was really unreasonable later on. Sure, he had every right to be upset and worried when his mother had landed in the hospital and had to do therapy, etc. But I felt he was the stubborn, uncompromising one, NOT Kim. Kim had a soft heart and was easily moved when she realized what she’d done. She went and tried to redeem herself, unlike him who acted high and mighty and wanted to be right. He was projecting. All the things that he accused Kim of, he was it. The fact that he couldn’t see what his own mother was able to see of Kim made it even more frustrating as well. Once again, he can be mad and upset and reacted however he wanted because of that accident. But to continue with that pettiness once the other person realized it was best to compromise and try harder? That was just plain ridiculous. And these comments were made before it was revealed that he was actually cheating. No wonder he didn’t accept it that she was finally compromising. The initial parts were misunderstandings, but it didn’t help that it had turned to real and had exposed to us how he had reacted anyway. The only time that he was good was during the alternate timeline where he was Kim’s friend because he and May were married. I complained up and down about his character at various points, but I will say that Oscar never failed where acting was involved. He was really convincing throughout. I was also surprised TVB made him the star of the story and not Vincent–although Vincent did have his rising moments, the way the ending went, it was obvious Oscar was the star of the story alongside Nancy.
• Nancy and Oscar. Interesting pairing. Have they ever paired up like this before or was it just collaboration for this one? Anyway, regarding their characters and the plot, I initially understood too well they didn’t match because of their different frame of mind. He was indeed kind and caring toward his family. I was actually annoyed at first with her for being too vain with wanting some of those fancy stuff. However, I was later upset with his lack of backbone toward his family. Yeah, I got it, it was his family after all, but if he didn’t value what she said, it was indeed infuriating and unfair for her. His lying to her about the younger brother unable to keep the mother there was ridiculous too and an insult to her. What in the world was he thinking? Yes, trying to keep peace within the household as much as he could. But using those tactics only worked temporarily. It would backfire. Also, using her words against her? Wow! And yes, I was right about the lying being senseless and unnecessary. Kim found out that her mother-in-law wasn’t afraid of dogs. Far from it, she even had four dogs at one time. (That was the excuse he used as the reason why his mother couldn’t move in with his brother aka his brother had a dog and his mom was scared of dogs.) So, yeah, not going to go well. Yup, she even had proof by borrowing the neighbor’s dog for her mother-in-law to play with. So, that was already subtle. Obviously, this wasn’t about the dog. He broke her trust in him by lying like that. He should have told her the truth. Even if she would still be upset by the current situation they were in but at least, that was the truth. He totally missed the point. He brought all the past up and it still didn’t matter. Yes, like I said before, I didn’t like her vain outlook on stuff at times, but that was who she was. He knew. He agreed to save money with her and they both went through some cuts on spending to save money. But the point was they both understood the situation and agreed on it, making the decision together. This time, it was about him lying to her and robbing her of the chance of making a decision. That was what he didn’t get. The ongoing situation with his mother and how they kept getting into arguments, I swear he had no right to criticize her. He wasn’t there and didn’t understand the context of the conversation. He always took his mother’s side anyway. So she was wrong regardless of what she said or did. It was stupid and frustrating to no end. Her omission of not knowing about why his mother was so careless when crossing the streets hence getting hit? (Or almost got hit.) I didn’t care one way or another at that point. She was equally scared of what might happen. But her initial words were correct. I didn’t care for the other family anymore. It wasn’t me being biased and sided with Kim, but he wouldn’t stand up to his family regardless. He didn’t discuss with her regarding the other thing. Now he wanted to share information? Asshole. Also, he sure took after his mother all right. Expired meat is a health issue, last time I checked. Sure, arguing over it wouldn’t help BUT not getting rid of it? You want to poison the whole family? Her sense of privacy was wrong? Seriously, what do these people operate on? How about we go through everything of his and his mother? Would they make a fuss about it then? Anything they said was right and anything Kim said was wrong? I know the meat or other matter wasn’t the issue, it was their lack of communication and their uncompromising ways. But seriously, it was ridiculous that the truth didn’t matter anymore and you have to cave in just because. So they rather be poisoned? That was the point? Die by food poisoning? That was how it was going to be? Oh, so when all failed, jump back in to blame her inattentiveness? He previously said just ignore what his mother did and just be on her way and everything would be over in half a year. Yet now he wanted to tell her to be more attentive to his mother and pay attention to her? (It was the part where he said his mother was taking meds and if she was blind to not see those medications.) You can’t move the goalposts on people just because you wanted to win an argument. Or like if it didn’t fit your principles at that moment. It was ridiculous. He still dared act all pitiful after that incident with accidentally cutting into a customer’s ear? Really? YES, I’m all out mad and all the way on her team now, so I don’t care anymore if everyone on his side dies. YES, that extreme. But it was ridiculous with them moving the goalposts all the time to suit their purpose. (And I was right as his brother passed his own duty off to Kim AND probably will somehow play the victim later too.) She was already willing to cave and compromise and tried her best to win her mother-in-law’s trust YET he still acted like she was the problem? Really? Yeah, they weren’t the best of friends previously, so he had the right to be worried. But seriously, why was it all right that his mother got to be the blunt one yet when she said true, honest words, she was the monster? It was ridiculous. Once again, using that word, but I don’t know what other word to use without cursing him to the next century. Even if he was right that they couldn’t keep holding themselves back and trying to please one another only because his world contained more people than just her, but he seriously only cared about himself. Even if using her attitude as an example, he made himself out to be the victim more than her. In fact, he made it like he was the only victim or something. I didn’t think she shouldn’t force herself to change for his sake either and was just putting a bandage on the situation, but he must be blind to not see how much effort she put in to take care of his mother and much more. Oh, of course, he wasn’t there but seriously, he always focused on the wrong thing and always managed to make her the monster just because. During the do-over of the main story, they seemed happier but didn’t last long either. This time, it was because of how fame got away from him and he got cocky. I was surprised they did the longer way around and somehow made her forgive him and they started over. It was like he could do no wrong regardless. Like if he messed up, as long as he proved himself, he was good and got the good ending. But she messed up? She had to jump through ten hoops yet was still in the wrong. I was surprised and in some ways found the ending different instead of letting her ending up with Vincent’s character instead. But it was like making me really unease with how they were all right with his lying, cheating ass as long as he repented later. But the various timelines that were played out before? She had to cave and do so much yet wasn’t to anyone’s satisfaction either.
• Kenneth Ma as Joe Chu Cho An (朱祖安). He finally appeared in the second episode of the story at the restaurant where Kim went to. He was there for their appointment actually. Funny. Joe posing as blind person to follow Ray was another level of cleverness. He cracked me up so much. It was something I needed after all that frustration and intensity. Imagine if someone caught a blind guy trying to snap some pictures, lol. He was sure fast though, managing to grab his camera to take pictures as he was pretending to be blind and trying to navigate with his cane. Of course, he was a pro after all, so it shouldn’t be too surprising. But that was slick. He appeared in the alternate timeline because Simon made an appointment with him and wanted him to investigate Kim. Well, they knew one another personally as well, but the main reason for Simon to see him was to investigate Kim.
• Ng Yip Kwan (吳業坤) as Ming. Joe’s assistant. He was so cute and funny, explaining their private detective agency’s policies and how they had a 98% satisfaction rate. When asked about the 2% by Kim, he responded by saying it was because those people were the unreasonable kind, lol.
• Joe and Ming trying to get the pictures. Seriously, how hard was it? They thought they had it in the bag already but it was just too hard each time. The angle wasn’t right or someone was wearing a mask. But they finally got it when the Taxi driver said that the other two hadn’t paid the whole fee yet. (Some bills were missing.)
• Kenneth and Nancy. Anyone wanted them together as well? Yes, I found it really funny that I’m silently shipping people who had nothing to do with one another than the ones involved in the story.
• JJ Jia as Luk Si Mei (陸思美) / May. A hairstylist. She didn’t wait long to move in on him. They totally deserved one another but seriously? She sure knew when to pick the exact time to jump in. Well, the initial part was a misunderstanding and how she only wanted to help him–or so it seemed. Yet later parts? She totally had a plan to jump in. What was with getting him drunk and then trying to offer herself up? Not to mention how she kept playing the gentle and pitiful person to gain points with him even more after the misunderstanding. In the do-over segment of the story, she was seen as already married and have one kid. It turned out that she was married to Ray but the kid wasn’t his as she later confessed to him. Either timeline, she sucked. Even if she didn’t mean to BUT she concealed the secret from Ray, which caused the situation to turn from bad to worse. It turned out fine for her because she technically didn’t cheat on Ray, just that she wasn’t sure because of the timeline and only knew about it after the kid was born. Since Ray didn’t mind about that, that wasn’t a problem anymore. Her luck ran out once again when they had the do-over for the main story. She was fated to be the third party or something.
• Susan Tse as Chiu Suk Hing (趙淑卿). Used to be a celebrity, now a calligraphy expert. Simon’s mother. She did have an air about her and how proud she was of her work. But for once, I did not blame her for some of her actions in here. She had some strict disciplines hence higher expectations. Even if I mentioned below how inconsistent the writers made Kim’s character out to be in the alternate timeline, I felt I needed to rate her based on that. Yes, working with what I have. I was surprised she even accepted the medicine Kim offer after what happened. Her reputation got tarnished after that calligraphy mishaps after all. She was already lenient with willing to accept it. Then how fast she was to accept the apology from Kim. Sure, it seemed like some time had passed, but I wouldn’t blame her if she was upset for a longer period of time. She almost died after all. What was even more, she wanted to leave the new house that was mentioned on the phone to her son and Kim. (Kim overheard the conversation but totally misunderstood and thought it was about Simon, but Amy was with her other son. She wasn’t talking about Simon.) How could she still be so calm after realizing her son was in an accident? I meant she worried and upset, but it was a surprise she didn’t kick Kim out. NOT that I wanted any more dramas, but I was surprised she had so much patience. And I spoke too soon because she finally showed traces of being upset by shoving Kim aside when Amy escorted Simon home. It was her right to be upset after all. Not to mention what she revealed afterward with how her son couldn’t have kids like he wanted anymore, just because of a senseless misunderstanding.
• Helen Ma as So Siu Mui (蘇笑妹). Ray’s mother. How could someone be so oblivious as not to understand the basic courtesy expressed in public? Seriously. It was ridiculous. I didn’t care if she had an attitude or if she was bringing her son some of their traditional food, that was their history and culture and all. But what I did mind was what I already said with basic courtesy toward others. I thought she would at least make an effort to be nice and polite to others out in public. But no, she disregarded all public neutral rules and expected others to cave into her. It was ridiculous. I thought the older generation usually liked to keep face. Or was that just wanting respect for herself and just not others? Really? Not only that but her basic disregard for hygiene and others’ personal space was ridiculous as well. Helen’s acting was convincing, no doubt about that. It brought out the absolute worst about the character. Yet I wished there was a redeeming quality about the character itself. It was ridiculous–as I seemed to be using a lot for this review as an overall. What else? When all failed (like logic wasn’t on her side), she resorted to playing a victim in front of her son. It was ridiculous (yes, that word again) that she shifted the blame toward Kim just because Kim was right about her senseless buying habits and wasteful use of storage spaces. When she accused Kim of being spoiled because Kim tossed out all expired items, it was indeed a new level of assholery. Really? Kim warned her previously not to buy too much or they wouldn’t be able to use it in time. That was a reasonable suggestion. Now? It expired like Kim said YET Kim was the asshole for having to toss it out or they would end up with food poisoning? Yet she turned around and accused Kim? What she said regarding basic genuine and how she couldn’t live in comfort with her old habits was ridiculous too. What was that? Why didn’t she just go live with her precious youngest son then if he was so caring? Also, regarding not being able to put too much oil into food? It is a health issue and with her age, she shouldn’t put too much oil into her own food either. It would increase other health issues in the future. Yet somehow Kim was the monster for trying not to kill her? WOW! I already know she had major boundary issues yet she dared to go into their room and searched through it? (Yeah, it was the comment about the hairdryer.) Somehow, she managed to turn around the play victim once again yet accused Kim of playing the victim. Classic gaslighting. AND yet somehow, she managed to use the “old people” card to get away from everything again. So, the part where she finally gave Kim a chance to start over with her, I felt Helen’s acting was really good. Like I said before, I never doubted her acting. But that was a real turnaround. I welcomed it. At that point, Helen was able to exude and act with her eyes and her limited smile (as her character was still recovering) that showed us she was genuine about Kim’s offer of making peace and meeting halfway. I guess, she was finally able to see the good side of Kim and how patient Kim was, and Kim’s actions and what she was willing to do were more important than those harsh words previously. Her way of caring was different, the straightforward approach–rather than the overly sweet words yet didn’t carry any actions. I appreciated that she finally acknowledged and made peace with Kim when she attempted to talk that one time when Kim visited and cut her hair for her. In the do-over of the main story, she and Kim got along better because both were willing to compromise. So, there was less tension.
• Sammi Cheung (張秀文) as Wong Lei Yan(黃莉欣) / Charlie. Simon’s wife, later divorced. She had a happy ending with Simon in the main story. When it was the do-over for the main timeline, it was believed that she cheated on him and he divorced her after that.
• Kayi Cheung (張嘉兒) as Dan Ngai Mei (單艾美) / Amy. An ophthalmologist.
• Hero Yuen (阮政峰) as Fong Ka Yip (方家業). Ray’s younger brother. Coward and selfish in every way. Sure, I got why he didn’t want to be stuck with their mother either. But seriously? Making all those lame excuses to guilt-trip Ray into taking their mom in? I wasn’t on Ray’s side for lying, but seriously. It was ridiculous that he shrugged it off and acted all pitiful toward Ray when approached. The other two already have their problems, he didn’t create that. If it wasn’t his mother’s situation, it would be something else. But it showed their character when he dodged from the situation and let others take care of it for him. The hospital scene was a new level of assholery coming from him too. Seriously? Where the hell was he all this time? Now he dared to show up and question the other two about the situation? He only acted like he cared, but his actions had shown otherwise. I hated him more and more as the story progressed. It was like ridiculous. He kept passing off his duties to others YET somehow got away with it just because he was family.
• The theme. I was surprised that some characters got together so fast and then the timeline shifted forward. But I was actually a little glad it was different from the last two stories. However, it brought back the theme of an inevitable one and the most annoying. It was about in-laws and how everyone who wanted to get married had to deal with it. The most annoying one that couldn’t be bypass regardless of who. Well, unless the in-laws were already dead, then you’re clear and could face other issues instead. Yeah, I said it, but sadly it’s true. Unless you hit the jackpot with the perfect in-laws, somehow down the road, they would always be a problem. Or unless like I just said, already dead so can’t judge you and force you to change just because. It doesn’t matter it’s from the guy’s side or the girl’s side. And they totally wanted to do a fusion with marriage problems in this one or something. Because they also brought in infidelity as part of the reason that might not work out for couples, etc. AND they tossed in the formula with Kim being pregnant as part of the bonus too. Just to mess with Kim and the rest of the audience even more.
• The shift of the story aka alternate storyline. What? Okay, good one. They totally got me. I was wondering how things would turn out that Kim would end up with Simon, but they did the alternate approach? What? It was indeed different and intriguing. Thank you for changing it up a bit with the pattern. Even if I knew that it wouldn’t turn out well either way, because of the season’s theme. Sad though. (I made these comments above before seeing how the change in the story would be but wanted it to be different. Too bad, I was right.) But regardless, I think the lesson of the story wasn’t about having a do-over. It was knowing how to deal with the situation and its outcome. Regardless of whether Kim got the ideal husband or not, she still had to deal with her problems like clashing with her mother-in-law or not knowing how to compromise regarding matters. Even if she tried to compromise and do her best with what she got, the outcome was the same. She can’t expect a do-over each time. But I found it ridiculous (yes, that word again) that Kim couldn’t fend for herself completely in that high-class society place. Because when she was in the regular timeline, she seriously had a taste. Even if her taste were expensive and all, but she loved steak and even wanted to travel all over Europe. So, that was already there before the midpoint with the change about how she ended up marrying Simon instead of Ray. So, how could she change so much that she ended up being so oblivious to expensive items and not being attentive to more valuable items? I would understand she found calligraphy boring and hard to do, but other things? It was outrageous to present such a scene and say that she would run into problems anyway. I would understand clashing with the mother-in-law regarding calligraphy or some other high expectations. But about the change in food and taste with other items? Seriously? If they were trying to make a point with no do-over, at least make it fit her current personality. Why would she do those stuff that was out of her original personality? That incident with the ketchup onto the drawing? I knew it would happen before it did. Because that was how they created even more dramas and cause trouble for Kim. Yet, it was ridiculous and once again didn’t make sense. It went back to what I said bout her not liking those types of food. She ate healthier items than that. It was based on how she had a sensitive stomach and didn’t like eating oily stuff. So, why create that scenario? Not to mention how it created the scenario with her being careless with the medicines on purpose to make a point. I couldn’t accept that. In the main timeline, she was just straightforward but right about the things she was stubborn about. How could they create this timeline and make her out to be completely ignorant to make a point? It was once again ridiculous. It didn’t match up with her personality in the main timeline.
• What was the lesson of the story aside from don’t expect a do-over? Don’t be too honest. People rather be lied to. Kim was honest about that lady’s hair during the calligraphy show YET she had upset the other party. Should she have been that blunt? NOPE, she totally read the room wrong. However, was that her fault completely to be an honest person and try to help? NOPE. People just loved being lied to. That was why it was senseless to attend such a show. The high-class society was always about fake people and their show-off attitudes. The moving of the goalposts by the writer also astonished me. What was their point? No do-over or was it because of Kim’s uncompromising way? If it was her uncompromising way, then why would they think it was all right to make her the bad person during the alternate version with her so careless and reckless that caused her mother-in-law’s safety? But they were all right with wanting her to compromise when it was the real-time version with her not wanting her mother-in-law to be poisoned by expired food? Pick one, please. It was ridiculous with what the story was driving at. If they were so adamant to make Kim wrong, stick with one theme. She can’t be wrong because she didn’t want to poison someone (main timeline) or had poisoned someone by accident (alternate timeline). Both can’t be true.
• The similarities and differences of both timelines. The majority of the template was there with how marriage was good at first but they had run into trouble because of some issues with the mother-in-law. Then came the possible infidelity and also finding out Kim was pregnant. However, the main timeline had Kim straightforward yet the alternate timeline made her beyond oblivious to things on purpose to make a point. It was later revealed that she wasn’t really pregnant in the alternate timeline. Because her name and another patient were similar hence the mistake. Yet what was even more tragic? Before she could go switch the results out, it was discovered by Simon. The right way was to sort it all out, but was the alternate Kim that brave to do it? She wanted to say it out yet was stopped. Yet if she really wanted to say it, it wouldn’t be hard, right? Considering her nature in that alternate timeline, right? AND how in the world did Kim not learn her lesson? What in the world? The writers were totally messing with us. Because how could Kim be so oblivious to the situation and still brag to her friends and hang out? What was the point of this dragged-out alternate timeline? Except to somehow keep piling on that Kim was wrong? It was ridiculous.
• What was one of the overlooked tragedies of it all? You might not be worth anything to your mother-in-law if you don’t become an incubator and pop out ten million babies. Think I’m exaggerating? That friend of Kim wasn’t wrong when she said her mother-in-law changed her tune after she had some kids. It was always that. I’m not against babies in general. Just hate the concept of forcing others to have babies. Or like you’re not worth anything if you can’t pop out tons of babies. It’s a very toxic mentality. People should only have babies because they want them, NOT because of some other reasons.
• The lesson that was said by her mom during the end of the fourth episode of the story. Her attitude because of the criticism? Granted, she was a little kid after all. Yes, it was right for the mother to tell her to dial it back and set a good example for her since little. But must she grovel to everyone in life and let herself to taken advantage of to be a good person? Goody-two shoes were the most unrealistic of this world. They seriously wanted her to be a pushover?
• The second do-over of the main story. What? Completely confused. Thought it would return her timeline to the original time when she was at her worse and go from there. But I guess whatever worked. One of the changes that I liked was her not cutting the old man off and even offered to take him there. That was after she learned the odd couple who she kept bumping into had a completely different story behind them. I guessed the final take from these stories was that her bias had prevented her from learning the true version behind some of the reasons why her mother-in-law did some of the things she did. Also, some of the reasons behind some other people’s lives as well. YUP, it was more and more obvious that the writers wanted Kim to be a pushover to be worthy of a protagonist according to them or something. Because Kim had already compromised and was more attentive to others around her. Yet what was that price? It was still the same with everything else. Her husband was meant to cheat–whether she overreacted or not. Yet the solution to the cheating was that she hadn’t done enough? Simon wanted to respect her choice, whichever she chose, and helped her. However, his advice to her? Yeah, encouraging her confidence and helping her building herself up was fine. But it made me want to kick the scriptwriters in the teeth even more.
• The overall story? The concept was creative enough in some ways. But I hated that it forced Kim to change so much just to be likable. It acted like men could do no wrong and she was the problem with not changing her attitude time after time again. There was either too much attitude or she was just too gentle or whatever. Or like she had to learn to know every single thing. Like learning to be perfect in others’ eyes. All those senseless etiquettes and useless techniques that only high-class society cared about. It seemed to be always her fault whatever she did. She always had to change and no one else had to change. What message were they trying to send? Don’t change yourself? Well, except for when you need to change for the world? Sure, changing her perspective helped her see some of the other people’s perspectives even more. But the key parts of the timeline didn’t change. It was poor execution regardless of timeline. Like I said before, I wanted to kick the scriptwriters in the teeth. Watching this story was the most exhausting comparing to the past two. And the fact that I didn’t like the first one said a lot. The actors in here did a splendid job. The story was just all over the place because it moved the goalpost too many times.
• The ending? It was very unexpected. I would have thought she ended up with Simon. Yet she accepted Ray again after the do-over? Well, it seemed like he learned his lesson and became more attentive to things around him. However, I felt that it seemed he could do no wrong. That excuse with what Simon said about men cheating because they liked new things was just another excuse. Also, women cheating was unexcusable because of how Simon choose to divorce his wife. Yeah, people are probably saying that I missed the point, but it seemed like the writers moved the goalpost too much that I no longer understand the purpose of this story.

Winter: Frozen Love (冰封的愛)

3rd favorite season. How was the story?

Um, a dream repeating for over 100 times?

• Kenneth Ma as Joe Chu Cho An (朱祖安) aka On Gor (安哥). Finally, it was his story. How was he when he was the main guy of the story? He was so cute, lol. Such a nerd but so cute. He lived up to his character throughout and I enjoyed his story immensely and Kenneth’s acting to bring out his character’s struggles and his many emotions at each state.
• Myolie Wu as Yiu Dong Nei (姚冬妮) / Toni. History and Culture Guide. I initially liked her. Until she ruined by forcing him to accept his father just because the guy was his father. I actually said, “How’s it working out with your father lately, huh?” during the scene where she said Joe could choose whatever he wanted as long as he didn’t regret it. Yeah, she and her father weren’t on speaking terms yet expected others to do the same? So yeah, I didn’t like her hypocritical reasoning either. Once again, the plot probably failed her because dramas often forced characters to forgive someone because of blood relations. BUT they should have known better than plugging that in for her when she was facing similar issues with trust and all. And I seriously did not mean the part where she helped him solve the puzzle of his mom’s story, but the part before that when he was painting and was still in denial of the truth. Some things might not appear the way it was presented as we learned through their investigations. However, I felt it was a bit over to see how she was criticizing him when she couldn’t get over her own obstacles with her father. I applauded her for breaking from her father’s hold on her but just didn’t like it that she was forcing Joe to accept just because of blood relations–as stated before. So was I laughing my eyes out when he did the same to her? Yes, I was. Because if you didn’t like people meddling into your business, you shouldn’t do it to them.
• Kenneth and Myolie. Refreshing in a way. However, I thought that the other cases beforehand ruined it for me since the buildup was so mysterious and all yet it turned out so and so.
• Ng Yip Kwan (吳業坤) as Ming. Joe’s assistant. Again, adorable. So dorky but adorable with trying to stall for Joe. Then his obvious concern for Joe when Joe was missing.
• Bowie Wu (胡楓) as Yiu Xue Yan (姚學仁). Toni’s father. I knew he was a better liar than his wife. His lies and excuses were really pathetic too. Finally disclosing stuff because she already remembered and found out the truth? That wasn’t revealing the truth. That was just latching onto the moment and trying to gain sympathy. I didn’t care for his reasons. He was a hypocrite through and through. I didn’t care for his pitiful acts later on, even if he claimed he didn’t want his daughter to worry for him, etc. thus forgiving him based on that. If it were reversed with how she’d done wrong against him, people wouldn’t judge lightly. Yet because he got the golden ticket of being a parent, he was automatically forgiven. So yeah, I didn’t care for it.
• Chun Wong (秦煌) as Chu Ka Shing (朱家成). Joe’s father. I felt so bad for him, lol. He kept getting pestered to remember something that happened in 1997. It was driving him insane. He did get some good food and fun memories along the way, but seriously. So his story turned out much more than just a character to help Toni at times with her missing past, etc. His acting was really convincing as always.
  • Anthony Ho (何遠東) as Young Chu Ka Shing.
• Pauline Chow (周寶霖) as Chow Siu Wai (周小蔚). Toni’s cousin. I don’t know what to say. But I found her really annoying in here. Her rants at times just made me feel icky. And her desperate attempts to get with Joe. It was ridiculous and unrelatable. Even if we found out later that Joe wasn’t really allergic to eggs but it was a psychological issue, she totally risked his health and well-being so she could kiss him? How pathetic and toxic was that? I didn’t find it a laughing matter at all. So I was just glad that she didn’t appear much more than intended in the story.
• Cecilia Fong (方伊琪) as Yu Pui Lai (余培麗). Toni’s mother.
• Quinn Ho (何君誠) as Kong Hou Lam (江浩林). Toni’s ex-boyfriend.
  • Brian Chu (朱敏瀚) as Young Kong Hou Lam.
• The ending? It was cute with the two meaning to give one another a camera or film roll for their goodbye gifts during their parting scene, but they missed one another. I guessed it was better than expected but I thought the middle parts killed it for me, so I was still taking points for the overall story.

Overall feelings? I initially wanted to put winter as the favorite story because of Kenneth’s character and the mystery involved with him helping Toni finding out the past. However, it spun into some outrageous story all over again with forgiving people because of blood relations so that took all the points away from it for me. After I tossed their story out, it was a struggle between summer and autumn. I chose summer to be my favorite story in the end because, despite its many annoyance with some characters, I liked both of Ron and Kate’s characters and their journey throughout. I could almost forgive CK for his insecurity and wanting to sell Summer off to the highest bidder just because he didn’t think he could measure up to Summer. It was his blind spot after all. Autumn? The story was intriguing with the “what-if” storylines and alternate endings, but it was very emotionally exhausting that I had to take an extended break before finishing out the series overall. So yeah, it went down a notch. I never had to make a decision to like spring’s story from the start because I couldn’t get over Season’s spoiled nature regardless of how annoying his agent was. And the story was so boring at times that it was forgettable by the time summer’s story rolled around. So yeah. That was the verdict for me. I think you could watch it by the story that you preferred with the cast and still not miss anything. Considering how only Kenneth’s character and his sidekick were seen throughout the other stories before his story became the main focus. So yeah.

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