The cast of the popular TVB crime drama Black Heart White Soul <忠奸人> said they are “very satisfied” with the viewership ratings of the drama. Averaging ratings of 25 points for four straight weeks, the drama’s ratings increased to 27 points in the fifth week and reached a peak of 31 points. Roger Kwok (郭晉安), Kristal Tin (田蕊妮), and Ron Ng (吳卓羲) gathered the cast together for a celebratory banquet on August 20. Roger Kwok’s Popularity Rising The popularity of Black Heart White Soul is also picking up speed in mainland China. Since its premiere, Roger Kwok, who portrays the disabled lawyer Matt Ko, revealed that he has been getting more offers to make appearances in mainland China. His remuneration fees for these appearances have increased exponentially. When asked on how much he has earned from these appearances so far, Roger said, “We haven’t counted yet. I don’t know.” Roger has been monitoring the reviews of the series in mainland China, adding that mainland viewers have become very attached and invested in the drama. Portraying a morally-conflicted lawyer, Roger’s character earned mixed reviews. He said, “There are people yelling at me on Weibo, but there are also people who said they pitied me. The difference was quite extreme, and the reactions were pretty interesting.” Asked if he has confidence to win the TV King title again through his performance as Matt Ko, Roger said, “I won’t [win]! There are still many good dramas that haven’t aired yet. There are a lot of actors who have given much more stand-out performances than me this year.” Roger said he is very satisfied with Black Heart White Soul’s improved ratings, and hopes TVB will treat the cast for another dinner. Will Roger strip off his clothes to celebrate high ratings? “I need to work out some more first!” Kristal Tin Will Not Do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge The finale of Black Heart White Soul will aired on August 22. Kristal Tin said she doubts the episode’s ratings would hit 40 points. “I’m really happy that the drama is getting good word-of-mouth. I will also be happy if it hits 35 points!” Recently the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, an activity that brings awareness to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, has gone viral worldwide. The challenge involved the dumping of a bucket of ice water over one’s head and donating to the ALS Association. Numerous celebrities and public figures around the world have been doing the challenge and tagging others to do the same. Kristal stated that she will not do the challenge, as it is a waste of water, but she will donate to the association. Asked if she will celebrate the drama’s ratings by wearing her swimsuit in public, Kristal said, “That’s not unique anymore, and I don’t think the audience would want to see me in a swimsuit. If finale ratings do reach 35 points, I nominate Roger Kwok, Ron Ng, and I to run around Tsim Sha Tsui wearing down feather jackets.” Creds: Oriental Daily
