Hong Kong viewers are up in arms complaining about the content of Wong Cho Lam’s (王祖藍) Inbound Troubles <老表，你好嘢！> which was only aired for a week but already has generated numerous complaints from the public. Yet TVB executive, Tommy Leung (梁家樹), thinks bad news is better than no news. More than 70 Complaints Within First Week of Airing Taking the slot of Missing You <幸福摩天輪> since Monday, the drama, which stars Roger Kwok (郭晉安), Wong Cho Lam (王祖藍), Joey Meng (萬綺雯) and Mimi Chu (朱咪咪), addresses the local social problems that has arisen for years, such as the worsening relations between Hong Kong and China. To-date, the Broadcasting Authority has already received more than 70 complaints. In the show, Angela Tong (湯盈盈) plays a Hong Kong tour guide, not unlike the real-life Ah Zhen, who gained notoriety in 2010 when she was caught on video reproaching a group of tourists from China who did not spend enough on a shopping trip. With this character, some viewers felt that the drama is publicizing the bad reputation of the Hong Kong tourism industry, which will only worsen the relationship between Hong Kong and China. Before Inbound Troubles was aired, there were already rumors that the drama will be censored in mainland China due to the sensitive content. In spite of the negative comments, there were many viewers who gave the show big thumbs up. Tommy Leung Considers Sequel Despite its controversial reception, Tommy Leung felt that the more publicity generated for the drama, the more viewers it will garner. “I am satisfied that the ratings have reached 30 points. Even Roger Kwok was surprised at the response! If ratings are going to be maintained, I may look into a sequel!” Wong Cho Lam who plays Roger’s cousin from China in the show, also partook in the scriptwriting. Cho Lam said, “It’s not new for TVB to receive complaints about their shows. But really, this show has only aired for a week. Let’s see how it goes after the 20 episodes have aired.” Regarding the possibility of the show being cut, he said, “When viewers complain there is a lack of originality in Hong Kong dramas and producers lack the guts to depict real life, these are the people who kill the shows.” Producer Wong Wai Sing (黃偉聲) said in a telephone interview, “I have received many complaints. But that also proved that when there are viewers, then there are complaints! With such a good viewership, why should we edit the drama?” The cast of Inbound Troubles also showed support for the drama. When veteran actress Mimi Chu was told of the strong reaction of the show, she quipped, “It can’t be my love scenes with Wong Kwong Leung (黃光亮), right? We don’t share any passionate scenes.” On a more serious note, she added, “The show is based on real life. To say Hong Kongers love money, that’s not wrong too! Anyway, people just love to complain.” Bob (林盛斌) put it best, “The show is based on real life. We only dramatized it and made it light-hearted to present to the viewers. We hope by emphasizing the lifestyle and cultural differences, we can bring out the importance of harmony. If we receive complaints because of these matters (and cut the show as a result), it’s a pity!” Creds: ihktv
I found this drama quite funny, I think it's the drama so far this year from tvb. Nevertheless I think they can do better as other drama wasn't great like friendly fires, the days of days.
Roger Kwok (郭晉安) is only capable of playing idiots; that's the main reason that he finally broke into success. One look at his filmography reveals that after entering the business in 1986, he really didn't do much professionally until his widely acclaimed depiction of a brain damaged fool in TVB's 2002 series called Square Pegs. Subsequent to that, just about every TVB series that he's appeared in didn't do well, unless he played some sort of foolish comedic role. Thus, IMHO, he's a very limited range actor and is only suited for slapstick off the wall comic relief. Cast him into a role with real lines and to have him act like a normal person, he certainly isn't any on screen asset. The other side of this of course, is the political argument. TVB has recently shown a very high degree of 'in your face' type commentary against Beijing or northern directed agendas and politics. I think this perhaps is the most revealing of its corporate direction. Creating social friction between HK and the north is perhaps it's genuine intended purpose. Hence, in this regard, one can say that despite (or in view of the success of) viewer complaints that this creates cross border animosity, TVB will almost certainly broadcast a sequel.
But I mean all comedic actors can play comedy roles only. If you see cho lam in serious role you wouldnt like it
Hongers are afraid to see representation of themselves....unlike America, we embrace it.... Haven't watched this series yet lol
You do understand their frustration though as Hong Kong drama are edited from the voices scenes and word which makes us feel China aren't the same as us.
I like this drama so far, the show does dramatized some real life issues but it's funny. If those people can't take it than don't watch it. TVB needs to do more shows that actually happens around society.
Oh, I certainly agree, but only to a point. There's various levels of comedy and one needs to also consider the piece that the actor is in. I find Roger Kwok to be the silly type of comedian; he just seems to play fools well. Whereas an actor like Anthony Wang can play just about anything from madman to comedian almost effortlessly. Recalling his role as the killer in Ebola Syndrome [1996], he simply played that part so well that it was rather funny, even as it was meant to be a horror film. If Roger Kwok was cast in the same role, could he have pulled that role off? Certainly not. Which is why I say that his stage ability is really very limited. His role of "Ah Wong" was the pinnacle of his acting career, IMHO. I think even TVB recognized this when they reprised that role for him in Life Made Simple. They couldn't do it with Square Pegs because at the end, he had gotten cured and was no longer an idiot (or an endearing star attraction, it seems).
as long as people like his silly/stupid characters, i think he'll be doing similar roles in the future.
