daNiel's blog: Retirement, Big House?

"Before I proceed, let me describe my hate for Channel 8's serial dramas. They, are an insult to my intelligence. The characters are so transparent you know precisely how they will react each time. Their characters fall into categories that, even after so many years, does not seem to change, e.g.

• Stupid and lazy
• Stupid but hardworking
• Cunning, manipulative
  
• Talkative

There is also another word which describes just about every character in their serials: lovesick. The actors' lines also do not change (guess they have not been able to employ better Chinese teachers). The plot does not even attempt to create any sense of mystery into a character or future episodes you can virtually predict everything to come. Take an example:

1. A and B are sisters. B is a bastard daughter of a rich tycoon. Both got reunited recently. A is cunning, hates B, because of a love triangle.
   
2. One day A and B are in a car. B leaves the car for the toilet. A was suddenly robbed of a jewel after being knocked unconscious with a handkerchief soaked in some anaesthetic.
3. A and B goes home. A accuses B of instigating the robbery.
4. The father, C, starts and investigation. (the jewel was supposed to be delivered to a client)
5. Investigator discovers a handkerchief at the robbery scene.
   
6. Investigator discovers some smell on the handkerchief, sends handkerchief for analysis. (goof here: chloroform is very volatile. It definitely would not exist 20 minutes after the robbery. The investigation started at least one day after the robbery)
7. Investigator discovers a bottle of chloroform in B's room.

Immediately, you can determine these:

1. A set up B by putting the bottle of chloroform in the drawer.
2. B will be in trouble with C. There'll be quarrel. B will be disowned yet again.
3. B's boyfriend will come to B's help and discover the truth.
4. B and B's boyfriend confront C. C admits mistake OR C initially disbelieves, but his own investigation reveals the truth.
5. C scolds A. A hates C.
   
6. ... many things happen
7. Finally, A gets what she deserved. The poor get justice, the rich are punished.

I cannot exactly describe with words how intellectually deprived one who watches Channel 8 will get. But the plays on stereotypes and age-old cliches are positively shit."