A Fistful Of Stances [2010][TVB][E]

And so this series ends here. I will say I shall miss it. In conclusion, I may have ranted against it, I may have cried, moan, bitched about it, but in the end this series has its moments. It has 2 very memorable characters for all the right reasons, that is Koo Yue Tong and Chow Fong Fong. It has a memorable villain for all the wrong reasons that is Wing Man Kwan. I enjoyed some of the relationships in here which are heartfelt and sincere (Tong and Ching), manipulative and confusing (Chu and Tak), wrong and does no good (Tak and Man Kwan) and general relationships between brothers that is Tong and Jeung. I didn't enjoy the kung fu which made this series very misleading since it isn't about kung fu in the end. I enjoyed most of the dialogues, even stupid ones and I definitely enjoyed the confrontation scenes involving Fong Fong, Tong and the rest of the men. I may not understand the motive of Tak, I may not enjoy Tavia's guest starring role and I may not understand how Kevin is the lead in here enjoying top billing, but overall, the performances are generally positive. Yes, Kevin was sometimes mostly bad but he has his good moments. Even Shirley Yeung has her good moments.

But frankly if you ask me, why watch this series? I mean it has more similarities with Moonlight Resonance than I care to admit, but why you ask?

Simple.

It has a good themesong, however badly sung by the weak sounding Kevin Cheng.

It has a good story base, a tale of bullying, revenge, repentence, forgiveness. I like the fact the Koos never really went all out for revenge when they could have done so easily. Sure I was bored with the constant bullying, why they're so meek but in the end it shows the Koos are gentlemen, pure and simple and Wing Tak is a thug and a bully.

It has some very memorable characters, and I am sure you may not like them at first, but after a while you will have plenty of reasons to love Tong, Shing, Jeung, Fong Fong and the rest. You can even find some basis to even pity Wing Tak and Wing Man Kwan, except if the story has been better developed, Wing Tak can be a very good character to garner our hate and pity at the same time. The same with Man Kwan and most of my emotions for Man Kwan is not due to what is shown but how I feel.

It has some good scenes that doesn't go overboard like I like it that Man Kwan didn't rape Ming, I like it that the Koos never hate Ching and Yau and they know how to differentiate between father and daughters. I am however perplexed why Tak would allow his daughters to see the Koos though, and I put that down as story inconsistencies.

Yes the story is not well developed but for those little scenes and relationships, some are very well developed like Tong and Jeung's relationship. I like this brotherhood story.

Some very great scenes where for once I see some fierce action by a woman that is Fong Fong. I finally see a slap. I would have wished Fong Fong to slap Wing Tak though.

The ending is complete, no cliffhangers, no what if, no ridiculous endings. It is what it is. It isn's too sentimental, nor too serious.

In the end the good points far outweighs the bad points. I am aware some Kevin Cheng fans may be disgruntled at his screentime but I feel for Jeung it is just enough. Anything more and I may end up hating Kevin Cheng.

This is by no means the best series that this acclaimed producer can produce, but it is a lot better than the lots out there. Watch it for cinematography. Watch it for the characters. Fans of Kenneth Ma will not be disappointed though I am, a tiny bit. Even fans of Kevin Cheng will be impressed. Fans of Tavia will also love her cameo, with some heart wrenching scenes. Fans of Dominic Lam need not despair at his character since frankly he didn't suck.

Overall, why watch this series? It takes about 6 episodes for me to warm up to this series. I can still remember and hate with a passion that scene where the boys dressed as girls and all those noisy scenes. But once this series settled down and moved away from being ridiculous to dramatic, the series actually became very addictive. Suddenly the story is not silly, but a respectable story that you would wish to follow and watch to wonder what's going to happen. And some are suspenseful. Many characters come and go but however short their time was or however memorable or unmemorable, no denying some characters do leave an impression. This series is one where after you finished it, you will remember it and would have wished if it was better written, better developed, but no doubt the production itself is high class stuff. Just look at the costumes, the sets, the cinematography. These were done with careful attention. I value those minor but important details. It is a memorable series, far more memorable than you care to admit. In the end it is not a classic but I suspect with enough reruns, it will garner more appreciative fans in the long run. Where series nowadays depend on those silly antics for ratings, A Firstful Of Stances surprisingly has a good story to begin with. It may have silly antics but in the end the strong point is the character that shows both the dignified and the not so dignified perspectives.

I like this series and despite my constant rants against it, I will wholeheartedly recommend this and let you watch. You might feel like giving up but stick around and I am sure you will find something engaging with this series to continue watching.

And perhaps like myself, you might just fall for the power of the white cheongsam or perhaps the evil stares of Wing Man Kwan that is the awesome (but not for his acting, just awesome awesomeness) Jacky Heung.

Anyway do read my Episodic Thoughts if you haven't done so but be forewarned, lots of spoilers, some mistakes, not entirely accurate reproduction but wholly sincere and absolutely and brutally honest.

I must apologise for my previous recaps if they seem simplistic because after watching a 3 min recap in this final of all final episodes, I realise I missed out on so many good stuff, the dialogue especially and I blame that on my laziness on not writing notes as I watch and my memory can only remember so much. I believe even with my recap, that is knowing every spoiler there is, you can still watch this series and discover some stuff I never write about or completely forgot to recap, so there will be some minor surprises.

Anyway this is the end. This is the final. And may I say, I am a bit disappointed again with the storytelling. But let me recap my prediction from episode 24;

1. Jeung and Ming reunited dramatically and falls in love.

2. Man Kwan paralysed.

3. Wing Tak got badly hurt by Jeung and when he found out Man Kwan paralysed or killed himself or whatever, he became insane. Hence a real use for that mental institution we keep hearing about.

4. Yau and Yan together.

5. Kuen and her boyfriend got together again when his family accepts her

6. Ching will leave for awhile and Tong feeling dejected but with a promise she might come back later when her guilty conscience is abated; either that or Ching stays with Tong. I suspect she will leave, too ashamed with what her father did.

7. Chu goes to jail.

8. Wing Tak is not crazy will get executed and even when about to be executed he still thinks he is right

9. Au Yeung Biu pharmacy becomes a successful business and thus spreading the spirit of the martial arts

10. Probably a few years has passed, and last scene we will have narration or flashback of Au Yeung Biu expouding his philosophies and some flashbacks and obligatory Tavia Yeung shot.

I can reveal now that I got 1, 2 and 9 right. I got 3, 8 and 10 half right. I am happy 5 didn't happen. 4, 6 and 7 I got completely wrong, which is a rather nice surprise but strange as well especially 6.

Ok, so let's recap, or however much I can remember. Really not on the sequence of events but rather what was said.

And so we have 3 minutes recap of Fong Fong and Tong getting really worked up over the betrayal of fellow brothers and especially Pai Jeung. When no one seems to be listening anymore, and Tong knew all was lost, he was so dejected I wanted to give him a hug for at least trying. But Fong Fong, still the bravest of them all pulled another table top (!!!!) and everyone stopped as Tong I believe was the one who scolded the police chief (I know he was commissioner, then I said chief, in the end I think he is probably police chief, anyway just know he is the no. 1 in Guangzhou police force) and the chief threatened to shoot Tong but Tong said "You knew that bastard shot my father, but you did nothing. Now if you want to shoot me, SHOOT! I dare you to shoot me in front of everyone! SHOOT!!!" and the chief did nothing, shocked by Tong's outburst as Tong went to Pai Jeung and everyone and said "He kidnapped your son didn't he? He did something to your family didn't he? Everyone, my sister was kidnapped too. I don't even know what she is and I was told not to come here, if not they will kill her. But I am not afraid, because I know if I reveal all this bastard's bad deeds today, the press will know, everyone will know, and no way he will kill my sister and escape. We can't forever be bullied and threatened by him. Stand up everyone. Tell everyone what he did! Come on!" as Fong Fong also urged "Say something, tell the press, tell them who they took to threaten you!" as Tong urged emotionally "Say something! Come on! Everyone! Anyone! Say something!!" but everyone just cried or shocked or numbed as Tak sat there smirking. Tong and Fong Fong looked at everyone and Tong especially felt dejected, he felt really lost and was in tears when suddenly Pai Jeung, crying very hard walked forward and emotionally said "My son... was arrested for robbery. I was told not to come here and say unfavourable things but I can tell you now that bastard Wing Tak KILLED MY BROTHER KIN SHING!!!!" and then chairman walked forward and said "My young son was kidnapped and I too received a similar call" and slowly all came forward and said the same thing, that someone close was arrested or they themselves was arrested and received such a call from the police. Tak felt sorta shocked as police chief said "What a mess! Everyone follow me to the police station! I will investigate this!!" but no one moved when suddenly the people parted and it was Wai Lan, Ching and Yau, Wai Lan walked right up to Tak and angrily scolded "2 decades ago you tried to put me into the mental institution to shut me up, now I found out you did the same to your wife, Chu! How can you be so heartless, to even do this to your own wife?!" as Yau came "Father, let mother go!!" as Ching said "Father, Yau and I wanted to visit mother, but we couldn't get in, we saw her in a locked room on 4th floor and she was crying to be released! Father, how can you do this to mother? I know why! Because mother shot Koo Kin Shing, but she saw you killed him! That was why you locked mother up!" as Tak walked to them and said "How dare you say this? Whatever it is, we talk at home!" as Ching and Yau refused, Tak said "I am your father!! How can you stand with the Koos? They don't mean well! They want to hurt us!" as Ching and Yau were dragged to leave which they refused angrily and Tong stepped in front of Ching to protect her from being pulled and Tak decided to leave on his own when it was the rest of the Koos, led by a very angry looking Jeung who shouted "WHERE IS AH NGAN?!!!!! TELL MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" and yes he did shouted that way whilst everyone shouted "Where is Ngan!! Where is Ngan??" and Tak didn't reply and wanted to leave and Jeung gave him one strong iron fist punch to his chest and Tak flew back like really flew back and fell onto the floor, vomitting blood as I am happy to see Yau and Ching ran to him crying "DADDY!!".

He is still their father after all, so their concern is to me normal and a nice touch.

Jeung ran to Tak, grabbed him as Ching tried to shield Tak and Jeung angrily said "Where is Ngan? WHERE?!" and Tak laughed as he said "Do you know a person with water can survive for at most 7 days, without water probably just 3 days? I have her locked up somewhere you can never ever find her" and he smiled and Jeung so angry wanted to punch him to death as Ching and Yau tried to shielf Tak but Tong and everyone stopped Jeung. Then 2 guys in suit came and said "Wing Tak, we are special investigation unit from Nanking. We have information that you were involved in the murder of 3 people, you're to follow us to assist us in the investigation" as Fong Fong said "Wing Tak, you think you're the only one who knows people in high places? I do too!! I will get you, you pale faced man!" and you know Wing Tak hated that nickname and so quickly grabbed Fong Fong by the neck and said "DON'T CALL ME THAT!!" and Fong Fong couldn't breath and police chief suddenly feel very faint and Tak kept asking for his gun which he almost gave but fell to the floor and Tak was reaching for the gun but I think Jeung, Tong quickly punched/fought him and Tak was probably too injured and old to fight back and so released Fong Fong and he was led away whilst Ching and Yau were in tears. Fong Fong declared "Don't worry, if he knows where Ngan is, these people will beat the information out of him".

Newspaper headlines time, all the kidnapped or arrested people were found and reunited except for Ming, no one knew where she was, so it was 7 days, then 10 days and finally 14 days!!

14 days!!

Tong was sniffing his meds, Uncle was lounging on the chair, Leung was rubbing his feet, everyone was tired when Jeung walked in and saw everyone sitting around and said to Leung "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be looking at ** area?" and Leung said "I did and I sprained my ankle, I am so tired, haven't had a rest for days" and he went to uncle and asked "Weren't you supposed to find your high ranking friends to exert influence in finding Ngan?" and Uncle said "I haven't rested for day. I am just resting for awhile..."

And Jeung angrily said "Uncle, if I knew as many high ranking friends, I wouldn't have asked you to do that! You (Leung), you (uncle), everyone, Ngan is somewhere, alone, without a drop of water, she is probably afraid, she is probably begging for help, and you all just sit here and do nothing!!!" and uncle offended leapt up and said "How dare you say things like that? You think you're the only one who cares for Ngan?!" as Jeung probably said more to himself "Why is it that such a nice sweet girl is faced with such obstacles? Her father abandoned her, she was raped by that monster, she is in love with someone and yet can't bring herself to tell that man, and now she is kidnapped, why, why is it always her? She has suffered enough!"

Yeah lor, why ah? I don't want her, why not Kuen huh? Jeung, ask TVB writers lar!

Then Jeung vowed to keep looking for her when Tong ran to him and said "Brother, you haven't had a rest for days! You musn't go now, it is late now anyways!" and Wai Lan went up to Jeung and in one moment of motherliness (I mean she was totally silent during this scene), she held Jeung and said "Everyone, we all never expected your brother would be back but he did. Jeung, I believe in miracles. We will find Ngan!" but Jeung wasn't convinced.

At night alone, the waste of time scene, we see Jeung remembering absolutely everything about Ming and with that wasted 5 minutes of what should have been better used to show us how Ming was coping.

Tak in prison and guard came and said Police Chief wanted to see him. So he went, dressed in his suit and saw police chief in hospital garden, on wheelchair. Tak rushed to him and said "I have a plan! I can sell my company, and my mansion and I still have $1million (wah so rich!!), I can use $10,000 or even $20,000 to bribe them.." but the chief said "Tak, I have been hospitalised. Doctors told me I have diabetes and my leg has to be amputated up to the knee. I have been reading a lot of books about buddhism and I realise we were wrong. Tak, we did so many bad things, we must repent" but Tak was busy mumbling about bribing this and that when chief said "Tak, repent. Tell me, where is the girl Ah Ngan? Tak... tell me where is she...we must not hurt anyone else anymore!" but Tak snapped and refused to talk and demanded to leave as the chief cried out "Tak, repent! Where is Ah Ngan?!"

Tak in prison. Ching came and said "Father today is your birthday. We obtained special permission for you to come home for dinner with mother" and Tak feeling very happy reached home with guards everywhere, sat at dinner table and saw Chu mumbling to herself. Tak asked "Chu, this is your favourite, take..." as he gave her a piece of chicken I think when Chu looked up, saw Tak and quickly flew into craziness as she kept saying "I am so sorry! I didn't mean to shoot you!!" as he ran after her and she was backed into a corner, quickly kneel down and kow tow as she cried "Please don't hurt my children, please don't hurt my husband, he is a good man, take me! Take me!! Please don't hurt my children!" as Tak was very confused and emotionally asked Ching "What happened to her?!" as Ching cried "What happened? You! You put her into the mental institution, mother couldn't cope! Now she sees every man as Koo Kin Shing!" and Tak said "But I asked Dr. *** to take care of her!" as Ching said "Dr. *** was arrested! Mother was left alone in the hands of other people!" and I can imagine Chu was being zapped, and such so she must have became crazy under those treatments and Yau or Ching said "You're the reason she is this way!" as Chu ran away and Yau ran after her as Tak scolded "Ching, you're the doctor! How do you take care of your mother until she is this way!!" and some people never learn! Ching angrily walked away as the guards said "I suppose you can't finish your dinner now, so let's go!" but Tak kept saying "I want to have dinner with my wife!" and tried to escape but was held down as he this time said tearfully "I want to have dinner with my wife..."

Insane. I kept thinking he will go insane. Poor Chu.

Tak in prison. I suppose by this time more than 14 days has passed. Guard said "The police chief wants to see you" and again he went to the hospital in suit when the guard said "Actually someone else wants to see you" and he looked over and saw Man Kwan in hospital gown on a wheelchair. Shocked Tak asked "Man Kwan, what are you doing here? Why are you on a wheelchair?" as Man Kwan whispered "This is just for show father. I have managed to pay off some guards and we will be escaping" as Tak asked "But how?" and Man Kwan whispered "I plan to use that girl you kidnapped as bargain. You tell me where she is and I will get her and use her to bargain our way out" as Tak said "Good idea! Good idea! Yes, you go get her. She is at that abandoned warehouse near the ***" and Man Kwan said "Is that the only abandoned warehouse there?" and Tak said "Yes" and suddenl Man Kwan shouted "KOO YUE JEUNG! KOO YUE TONG! AH NGAN IS AT THAT ABANDONED WAREHOUSE NEAR ***. IT IS THE ONLY WAREHOUSE THERE!" and Jeung and Tong rushed out and then rushed away as Tak stared at his son with disbelief and said "Why? Man Kwan, why did you betray me?!" but he wasn't listening when Man Kwan explained gently "Father, this is not fake. I am paralysed. The doctors told me I took too many of those pills, I already felt faint in my legs but by the time I reached HK, I had to be hospitalised and that was when I found out I will spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair" and Tak cried "Why did you come back! You will be shot! You will be shot!!" and Man Kwan said "Father, I know I will be executed but those times at the hospital, alone, I realise I miss my family, I miss sisters and mother and you. I can't be alone. And I realise what I did in the past was wrong. I deserve my punishment, therefore I came back, I am ready to face the music" as Tak said "They influenced you didn't they? Those Koos.." as Man Kwan said "I came back voluntarily. Koo Yue Tong and Au Yeung Wai Lan came to see me and they were right when they said I need to bear the responsibility for my actions. That's why I agreed to help them to trick you into telling me where Ah Ngan is. Father, we must repent... we have done so many wrongs..." but Tak was beyond listening, even when Man Kwan was begging him tearfully.

Pause here.

What a great scene of redemption for Man Kwan. I am so very happy with this end. I thought Man Kwan was so brave to finally know he was wrong, and he came back knowing he will die. I however would have wished to see the scene of how he came back, how Tong persuaded him. There isn't much interaction between Tong and Jeung that is not bordering full on fight so would have loved that scene with Tong as his advisor. I mean if Tong marries Ching, Tong will be his brother. And imagine Man Kwan growing up under the influence of someone so positive and so good like Tong, he wouldn't have turned out rotten. Unfortunately this series was in a rush and deemed the reunion between Jeung and Ming more dramatic than an even more poignant scene between Tong and Man Kwan. What a waste of a good story.

So Tong and Jeung rushed to that warehouse and as I predicted, Tong suddenly couldn't breath and urged Jeung to go alone. Well, drama opportunity.

He arrived, and my sister said how can anyone go anywhere to somewhere most certainly locked up without hammer or axe is beyond her but in Jeung's defence, he was in a hurry. How can anyone survived more than 7 days without water??

So there he was facing a steel door and he was busy pushing and kicking when I casually said why don't he use his iron fist and he promptly did (I AM GOOOOOD!!) and as he iron fist that steel door, we finally see Ming in her condition that is an empty bowl and her on the floor, chapped lips, but not dead and she knew it was Jeung at the door and Jeung was beating till his palm was bleeding and Ming which is pretty scary to watch began to smile....what a love story eh? Anyway door fell, he rushed to her, dramatically carried her away and she was smiling.

At hospital, Jeung held her hand with concern and suddenly everyone rushed in and Ching said Ming was ok as everyone pushed past Jeung to feed Ming with porridge and Jeung could only stare at Ming with relieve and smiled as Ming smiled back, each having eyes only for the other.

Blahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Wing Tak in prison, alone, suddenly panicking, ripped out the bedsheet and hanged himself.

And so the papers reported his death.

Meanwhile, Man Kwan in a wheelchair being led to the courts as Ching and Yau tearfully cried "Brother" and as he looked back. Everyone were writing letters for clemency for Man Kwan for his role in saving Ming and in the end he was spared and was instead sentenced to 20 years in prison. In prison, Man Kwan inherited his father's factory and money and we are shown through headlines Man Kwan signing some papers, and it was said he donated his company to the local hospital, and Tong was there to oversee that and smiling, he patted Man Kwan on his shoulder as Man Kwan looked back and smiled happily.

AND I WAS RIGHT!!! Kidd showed me a spoiler picture, that is Man Kwan looking up and smiling sweetly with a hand clad in black cheong sam on his shoulder and I guessed that was Tong and I was RIGHT! Yeah!! Would have loved a dialogue scene. I really would have loved to see Man Kwan and Tong interact in a friendly manner. And I can imagine when Man Kwan is released probably earlier than 20 years later, Tong and Ching married, Tong will take care of Man Kwan. Again I believe Tong will be a positive influence in his life and he will probably do something good with the remainder of his life. I am very happy Man Kwan found redemption.

I am however disappointed till death Tak didn't know he was wrong but I suppose that is a good ending. Tak was always unreasonable and perhaps it will be his children to give him that redemption that he himself didn't give.

Did I mention how happy I am with Man Kwan's ending? Yeah!

Anyway everything settled, some time has passed, we see Jeung winning the grand championship probably held a year later since the last one Man Kwan won, we see a celebration for opening a new store and it was Tong narrating as he was looking at everyone like a protector he is; "Father, I know you always said you were never a good businessman or good martial art artiste but I am sure you will be very proud with brother Jeung. He has proven himself a great fighter. And we are now opening our branches, business is getting better everyday" and we see Jeung and Ming eyeing each other. Shouldn't they be married already? And we see Fong Fong, uncle, everybody.

"Grandfather, I was 4 when you were murdered. Frankly I could hardly remember you but I remember the values you taught me and I especially like your favourite saying;

修合無人見 , 存心有天知

Good deeds may go unnoticed by others,

but the Heaven recognises the sincerity of the doer

And we strive to do just that. We are all well..."

I think he ended with that word. Anyway can't remember.

Last scene, was worried ended up with Jeung and Ming but in a strong indication who should have been at the front of the poster, we see Tong and Ching, Ching cycling, Tong next to her as Ching sighed and Tong asked "What's the matter? Something wrong? With auntie?" and Ching said "No, mother is fine. It's just work. I have a very serious problem with a patient" and Tong said "What problem?" and Ching said "How do you handle a patient who refuses to listen to you? I mean he treats the hospital like he owns it, he comes and goes as he likes, cuts lines, refuses to take medicine on time..." and Tong said "What? There's such patient? Well, ignore him! Ditch him!" and Ching said "I can't. Worse still, when we have lunches and dinners, he never pays, I am always the one paying" and Tong suddenly realised she was talking about him and he smiled sheepishly and said "Well.. I ermm..." and Ching suddenly stood close, closed her eyes and tilt her face and Tong stepped forward and closed his eyes as he slowly approaches her for a kiss when Ching drew back and said "And you smell terrible!" and she walked away smiling as Tong said "What? No I don't! And I don't even Hiu that much anymore! Used to be every 3 days now 3 months passes without any incident! Come on Ching, why not like this? I pay for lunches and dinners from now on, everyday, for the next 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, forever? Ok? Agreed?" as Ching smiled and ignored him and Tong chasing afte her, trying to get her to say something.

And there the series ends, with this happy cute scene.

THE END.

Wow. The ending is a bit uneventful but you know what, I love the ending! I love it it ended so cute, so happy, so positive. Ok, so I thought Biu would be narrating but I was being stupid. Biu's dead! So I was happy Tong narrated the ending. He has always been the big brother in the family so the scene of him looking at everyone was as if like Biu looking at everyone, he was the caretaker. Even Jeung listens to him. And I was expecting Ching to run away and come back later due to guilt but I think her breaking point was at home during dinner and how her father reacted to her mother's condition, so I would think whatever love and patience Ching had for Tak, it ended there. So why should she go anyway? It's not her fault! So yes I am happy she stayed. I would have liked to see Ming married to Jeung since at least a year has passed. I am also happy to see Kuen never reunited with that wimp but of course that story of hers was a distraction anyway. No news on about Yan and Yau but I supposed they will end up together anyway. I can't remember if there was an obligatory Tavia Yeung scene in the end.

As for Tak, I suppose his ending was also uneventful, almost like an afterthought, a side note and in restrospect that is appropriate. Such a selfish character should not be given a grand send off, much like how Tavia's Kam Ling in Beyond The Realm Of Conscience didn't deserve a grand death. I still find Tak's story very badly written. Why did he stay? Why didn't he leave? My only conclusion is he thinks he is right and that he will get away. It is always everyone else's fault, never his and even in death he needs to control how he dies. What a control freak.

Chu I suppose is still crazy. She may have participated in Shing's death but she I suppose paid her dues in the end.

Man Kwan's ending is one satisfying ending which I have explained in detail, but how I wish those precious minutes spent on Jeung and Ming, a pair I never liked could be better spent on Man Kwan or at least how Ming was coping in the warehouse. I find this episode having a good story but very badly told, like skipping essential details and giving us waste of time fillers, much like Moonlight Resonance was.

But it is in the end a good ending.

Performance wise, I was very impressed with how Kenneth Ma handled that confrontation scene at the banquet. The surprise, the hurt, the insistence, the pain, the realisation, the betrayal, the anguish, the threats, even the shouting of "SHOOT!!" were all well done! In fact I like him so much in that scene than in almost the entire series put together but for once, he didn't pout. And I love the last scene with him and Selena, him looking handsome in that white cheongsam, and he was wearing one I believe, I wasn't imagining it I think. In fact I remember thinking thank you TVB for ending it with that cheongsam and his hair perfectly gelled into place and his handsome face. That is the memory I like to remember of Koo Yue Tong. I kinda miss him now. This is a great character, burdened only by bad writing. I may not like Kenneth in it, and I have my reasons, but at the end when the series finished, I can't imagine Koo Yue Tong with someone else's face. No doubt someone else, who is a better actor, etc will make this character even better but in retrospect everytime I get annoyed with him for pouting, I need only remember that white cheongsam and I just forget all my criticism. Kenneth Ma now has a secret weapon against me; but please don't start just acting in man chor or around that period sort of series!

Kevin Cheng didn't suck, he was all serious, all angry in here and I am so happy to see Jeung back because for 3 episodes he was Shing, and now Jeung is back.

Natalie Tong just so weird with that smile making Ming such a weird girl. Sorry but I never caught on to this pair nor her performance. She doesn't suck but the writing just kills what is essentially a rather competent performance except for her emotional outbursts of epic proportions. She really overacts or rather is so dramatic.

Yuen Qiao is wasted, her Wai Lan is already not there, her performance just doesn't have depth.

Selena Li is cute, she did that emotional scene with Dominic at home shall I say, badly. Yes, badly. Why? I couldn't hear her. Some lines were so muted, because she was busy crying. She really need to adopt Tavia brand of crying for that scene; cry loud, speak louder. Shout in fact. But her last scene was cute. She makes such a fine pair with Kenneth. And I do think she is more suited for light hearted roles, because she just seem so fluffy and nice and sugary sweet. She is competent but nothing exceptional.

Angel Chiang fared better for whatever little scene she has. I find her a better actress than Selena, better at handling more emotional scene and she can play angry. I hope she gets to play a spoilt princess or some warrior princess, she can look rather fierce.

Kara Hui did well, nothing more I can say.

Dominic Lam is bogged down by a badly written villain, if not he I would say did well within the confines of this character. I am not saying he is a bad actor, he is a competent one, but I feel Tak is such a badly developed character, more than half the series he did very little, and when he did do something I find all that so illogical. So how much Dominic could have input into the character is not important since the character itself is flawed.

The rest are as usual, ok with a special mention to the awesome Angela Tong. I never appreciated her, will probably appreciate her just this time, but she really made Fong Fong into an awesome character, and Fong Fong is my favourite female character. Would have wished Tong fell for her! Anyway love her character, love her performance. Should have won something for this performance.

And last but not least, Jacky Heung. I must say, his performance in this episode was fantastic. True! Of course he was supposed to be paralyzed but I saw his legs moving, notwithstanding that, for an actor I kept saying terrible, horrible, awful, he gave a competent performance. I think he played the repetent Man Kwan very well, there was regret, there was repentence, there was pain and in the end that simple scene of him signing some papers, his smile was so boyish and so cute. I dare say Man Kwan is happily in prison! Anyway Jacky Heung improved steadily throughout. He is still terrible if compared to others but as compared to himself, I really like his performance in here.

Anyway thanks for reading my episodic thoughts. I am glad I stuck by this and continued writing. Do feel free to continue to comment since the comment box is still opened.

As for the review proper, I think I will just end with a summary in a short post.

I am sorta disappointed that just 2 more episodes and this series is taking me on a merry go round and for me what Wing Tak chose NOT to do is to me such stupid writing because surely Wing Tak is smarter than that!

Anyway, both guys on the floor, bloody.

I forgot to mention prior to the 2nd match, Man Kwan actually took a large dose of some pills which I believe is drugs and his master advised him to take only one as per instruction by Tak but he just took the entire thing.

Anyway, back to both guys on the floor, bloody. Crowds scream "Get up! Get up! Get up!" and finally, both pushed themselves up and fighting resumes. Cham looked pale, grabbing his chest, looked like he was in pain as Fong Fong was looking at him and when Man Kwan and Jeung continued to fight despite both very weakened, Cham couldn't take it anymore and quickly rushed forward and threw in the white handkerchief and shouted "We admit defeat! We admit defeat!". Tong, Jeung, everyone looked at Cham with disbelief as Jeung wanted to continue to fight but the announcer declared Man Kwan the winner.

In the room, Jeung was throwing a major tantrum as he shouted "Why did you admit defeat? I could have won! I could beat that bastard! I could!" and everyone also asked the same question when Cham said and he was very pale and no one seems to notice that at all; "What is the point of winning when you will incur a lifetime of injuries that will shorten your life? Of course you fight to win but most important is to survive and not die for this. You appeared alright but inside, you never know what that fight did to you physically, you may already sustain internal injuries and you wouldn't want to sustant internal injuries that will plague you for a lifetime. You've already won, you don't need to be declared winner!" but Jeung wanted to argue some more when he started to bleed from his nose and everyone knew Cham was right Fong Fong walked in and Cham saw her and said "Fong Fong!" and he walked to her as she smiled at him and suddenly collapsed.

In the hospital, Ching walked out and solemnly said to Fong Fong "You better go see him now before it is too late" and everyone rushed in and Cham was very very pale, mumbling as Fong Fong said "Cham! Cham! I am here!" and Cham said "Fong Fong, don't leave me. I don't want to divorce! No divorce!" and Fong Fong said "No, I won't leave you! No divorce! I will tear up the divorce papers!" and Cham said "No divorce? Good, good..." and then he died.

WHAT?! Noooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!! This is so sudden! Everyone cried of course.

Meanwhile Man Kwan went to see Tak in a temple. This must be symbolic or something. Anyway Tak gave Man Kwan money and said "You get on the train now, and someone will see you in Shanghai (?) and from there you will take a boat to America" but Man Kwan said "No father! I want to revenge. I want to kick that Koo Yue Jeung to death! I can still do it. I won't leave!" and Tak said "You know how much money I have spent just so you can spend 5 days in Guangzhou for this competition? You know how strings I pulled? You think the Koos are stupid? They will figure out your identity sooner or later and you will be dragged to be shot again! Man Kwan, live well, go to America, continue your studies, I have businesses for your to expand and to take care of. Let this go" and Man Kwan said "But you can't just let those Koos go?" and Tak said "Don't worry, I have my plans".

I think the last 2 lines was what happened, frankly I can't remember exactly.

So Man Kwan leaves on a train and suddenly he was sweating hard, very hard and he told his master "My legs, my legs feel weak.."

And that's that.

So Man Kwan will never be redeemed (bah humbug!) and I predict he will become paralysed waist down thanks to the overdose of drugs, which his father helped to provide.

At home, everyone there including the masters and Pai Jeung arrived asking about how was Fong Fong doing when Fong Fong walked out, sombre and in tears clutching a letter as she said "Everyone, my husband left me a letter hidden under the pillow and I only saw it today. Tong and Jeung and Madam Koo have seen this letter, now I shall read the contents to you"

And so she read, tearfully as we see flashback of Cham and hear his voice.

"Fong Fong, if you could read this letter, it means I am dead. I know you always questioned why I exposed Bing Bing eventhough I could incur your wrath and know you will demand for a divorce. Fong Fong, in my life I have 2 purposes; the 2nd is to be the best iron fist martial artist I can ever be, the 1st is you. Master Au Yeung Biu had a favourite saying hung on the pillars of his house;.."

Ok here I need your help if you know the exact wordings but from my understanding and don't take my word for it...

修合無人見 , 存心有天知
(thanks Kidd for this one)

In English... ermm... let me think about it first... Someone who knows Chinese explained and from my understanding it means...

Good deeds may go unnoticed by others,
but the Heaven recognises the sincerity of the doer

Something like that!

"I really like the 2 sayings. I wanted to live by it, more so when I saw how you and Bing Bing tried to make life miserable to Ngan, who is the sweetest girl there is. She didn't deserve your bullying. Ngan was raped and she has been through enough. The Koo family has been through enough. I heard how Wing Tak caused the death of 2 generations; the father, the mother and the son in law. His son with one kick killed Kwong. I saw how he continually bullied the Koos even until today. I have seen enough and I now have a 3rd aim in life. That is to live a righteous life. I will not want the Koos to be bullied and walked on anymore or suffer anymore injustice. But I have harboured a secret that no one knows. My heart has weakened for the past 6 months. One time I was in so much pain I fainted on the streets. The doctor told me I was having a heart attack and my heart was severely weakened. Another attack and I will die. That is why I agreed to teach Jeung. I want my life to be like the saying. I hope to be judged for what I've done in the remaining time I have. I want the Koos to get the justice they deserve and Wing Tak the fate he deserves for all that he have done."

I think basically that's what he said. And it was a very rousing speech but what happens next made me love Fong Fong again. In fact Fong Fong is officially my most favourite female character in here.

Fong Fong finished reading and she slowly walked to face the master as she said "Everyone, I used to have 2 purposes in life. The 2nd was my business and my money. The 1st was my husband. Now I have a 3rd. If Wing Tak could use his wealth to buy corrupt officials to his side, so can I. I vow to seek justice for the Koos. I will slowly sell my business piece by piece and use that money to fight Wing Tak to give the Koos the justice they deserve. Don't ask me why I am doing this. Just know that I am! I will not rest until I see that scumbag Wing Tak get the punishment he deserves!!!" and the Koos were very touched by what Fong Fong said. Me too. What a woman. Pai Jeung walked forward, tearfully said "If you could do this for us, so can I! I will seek justice for my brother Kin Shing!!!!!" and everyone said they will fight Wing Tak and it was planned that there was an upcoming special event. Reporters will be invited and there Pai Jeung will expose Wing Tak's lies.

Chu and Tak at home, I think Tak was giving instruction to someone to do something dastardly to the Koos, can't remember, Chu stared at him and walked away. In another room, Chu looking very worried and said "Tak, we owe the Koos too much. Why don't you pack your bags and leave Guangzhou?" but Tak refused as Chu said "Tak, please leave. I want our daughters and you reconciled. I can persuade them to leave with you" and Tak looked at her and asked "But what about you?" and Chu said "Man Kwan is safe now, with you gone and our daughters with you, I will have no more worries. Tak, after you leave, I will surrender myself and admit to killing Koo Kin Shing" and Tak kinda shocked said "What? No..." and Chu said "If you didn't shoot him, he would have died anyway from my gunshot. I deserve to pay for what I did. I may have lived well, dressed well, slept well, but in the end all these years I am plagued by my guilty conscience. No one knows about what happened but the heaven knows. Tak, leave. I will take the blame. Just leave!" as she cried into his shoulders and he hugged her.

And for one moment I actually thought him as a good husband until what happened next.

Tak met with his sworn brothers, they were arguing as the police commissioner said "I should have let your stupid son die! Now by him coming back he had placed us all in jeopardy!" as Tak said "Come on, it is not my son's fault, they would have known sooner or later. Anyway let's not argue and let's think of a plan" and the police argued "What plan? What more possibly can be done?! Look, you're on your own from now on!!" and he wanted to leave when Tak argued "Do you think you can escape the charges? Do you think they're so stupid as to not figure out you were involved with Man Kwan's escape? You will be the first to be arrested, I will be second because you have abused your position!!" and the police knew he was stuck as he said "I regretted the day I met you! So now what should we do? You tell me!" and Tak said "I have a plan..."

And later Tak met with a huge group of police, gave them 2 bags full of money and said "Help yourself to however much you can grab with your hands!" and then a doctor came and he was paid money and said "Yes Master Wing, I will do as I am told"

Tak and Chu together, with luggae as Chu said "After you've left, I will surrender myself" and Tak said "Are you sure you're going to do this?" and Chu said "Yes" and suddenly a few doctors and nurses came in and Chu was stunned as Tak said "There she is. She has been having delusions, kept saying she will run away, she has hurt people, please help her" and Chu said "Who are they Tak? Who are you?" and the doctor answered "We are from the mental institution and we are here to help you"

Eh! Same tricks again!

Chu was stunned and looked at Tak with tears and tried to run, but they cornered her and then stuck her with a needle and as she was fainting she asked "Why? Why Tak? Why are you doing this to me?" and she fainted and carried off as Tak said "I will have you released when you're well again".

Pause here.

Yeah why Tak why? He can run! With his money he can go to Shanghai or HK or even America. Why stay in Guangzhou where his name is tarnished, business is gone? Why? No logic. But in a way I understand why; his ego tells him he can survive this, either that or he has become so arrogant he can't see his impending downfall. Any sane person would run. Don't tell me Tak will go insane in the end?

Then we see the son of the chairman being kidnapped, one accused of molesting someone else, some accused of something by the police, then we see Ming being kidnapped.

Pause here.

Oh puh-lease! Why her? So that Jeung can have the chance to panic, save her and she hugging him with such mad passion and cry like mad?

This is like a merry go round.

Meanwhile Tak was leaving the house when Ching and Yau rushed in and Ching demanded "Father, where is mother? She has never so much missed 1 phone call everyday and she has not called me for the past 2 days!" and Tak said "Is this the tone you use to speak to your father?" and I forgot where he said Chu was but Ching countered "Father, please don't lie to me. I have a friend, he is a doctor at the mental institution and he said he saw mother there. What did you do to mother?!" and Tak said "Fine, I have her committed. She was becoming delusional" and I think Yau said "How can you do this to mother?" and Ching said "Yau, let's go to the hospital" as Tak said "Don't bother. I have left strict instruction that no one will see her without my consent. Anyway I must be on my way, I have some things to do" and he left Ching and Yau fuming.

At office, Jeung received a call from the kidnappers and said if he goes to the event and does not leave Guangzhou immediately, Ming will be killed.

Pai Jeung came home, shaking, obviously something bad happened. but everyone was too excited to notice when Jeung rushed in and told Tong "Brother! Ngan is kidnapped!" and he went on to explain what was said and Tong said "No, we must go to the event. Don't fall for that Wing Tak's trap! We must go and expose him!" but Jeung panicked and said "No! We can't go! We forget about this! Ngan's life is most important" but Tong said "We must go!! Mother..." and Wai Lan said "I will find Mrs Wing!!" and they all ran to find Ming and left poor Tong alone.

I can understand why Tong insists. He sees this as Tak's intimidation and he believes exposing Tak will save Ming which I agree also. Anyway Tong and Fong Fong went with a shaking Pai Jeung to the event.

Wai Lan rushed to Wing mansion and shouted "Chu! Chu!" and the maid rushed out and explained "Mrs Wing is not home, she has not been home for the past 2 days" and Wai Lan was about to go when Yau and Ching cycled by and said "Mrs Koo?"

Meanwhile Jeung looking frantically and may I ask why is he dressed like his father now? Anyway everybody else joined him and said they can't find Ming when Jeung saw Tak's company's crate passed by and Jeung used his fist to open the crate and in it ... empty. In frustration he hit the crate.

Tong and Fong Fong at the event, getting ready to expose Wing Tak when Tong saw Tak playing mahjong with the would be witnesses. He felt strange. Fong Fong told chairman it is time and Fong Fong spoke through microphone "Everyone, to our guests and reporters, welcome. Let me introduce to you the chairman who has some interesting things to say. Remember to take a lot of photos, so do come forward everyone!"

Chairman had to be reminded twice, he walked up and did not say expose but just introduced the lion dance!!

Fong Fong knew something was amiss as Tong noticed Tak was smirking, most looked worried, Chairman was busy drinking, Pai Jeung was drinking too! He knew something was not right when the dance finished and Chairman thanked the dancers and that was it! They began to leave when...

ok here I must pause. Here I must remind you the problem is between Koos and Wings. If Jeung can say to let Tak go to save Ming, more so the others who were threatened as well. So I don't blame them. Sometimes it felt like only Tong is the one doing something; like he was the one standing up against Tak and I understand why he would do so, because he believes by exposing Tak, he can no longer threaten any of them. Tak uses fear and love to keep people silent. Fong Fong has no obligation to help since she is not involved, Cham died naturally and not killed by Tak And yet it seems only she alone is fighting against Tak when it is none of her business. The rest are just useless.

Here Fong Fong stepped forward whilst Tong sat there dejectedly, all the effort wasted when Fong Fong suddenly overturn one table that caught everyone's attention as Fong Fong walked straight to the chairman and said "Chairman, how can you call yourself a martial art exponent when you don't even practice the spirit of martial arts? You were supposed to expose that Wing Tak and you didn't! Shame on you! Everyone, I have something to say. Many years ago a mystery was created when Master Au Yeung and his wife were killed, then his son in law and Pai Jeung went missing. All these thanks to that scumbag, Wing Tak!" and she rushed to Pai Jeung and said "Pai Jeung, your turn" and Pai Jeung walked forward as Fong Fong said "This is the missing Pai Jeung!" and he revealed himself and someone said "Yes, that's Pai Jeung!!" and Fong Fong said "Pai Jeung, tell them what happened" and Pai Jeung crying said "I owed a lot of people a lot of debt because I like to gamble. So I took my wife and my son and ran, and it just so happens the same day my brother Kin Shing went missing. There is no connection between my running and him being missing!" and he cried hard (COWARD! Anyway his son probably kidnapped) and Fong Fong was so shocked she turned to him and said "Pai Jeung, how can you say this? How much did he pay you?" and Pai Jeung cried and said "I am telling the truth!!" and Fong Fong angrily slapped Pai Jeung (YEAH!! Please Fong Fong, Fong Fong slap that Wing Tak!!) as Pai Jeung continued to say the lie and the police came forward and said "Arrest that mad woman for spreading lies!!" and Fong Fong angrily said "You dare to touch me?!" and she does gave connections though we never see them when another said "ARREST HER!!" and the police made a move as Wing Tak smirked and laughed when Tong finally stepped in front of Fong Fong and said "You touch her, and I will twist your arm"

Oh Tong, please do it!! Fong Fong, marry Tong! It seems you 2 are made for each other!

Tong went to Pai Jeung and shook him and said "Pai Jeung, did that Wing Tak do something to your son? Where is your son? He is such a fillial boy, I always see him taking you around but not today. Pai Jeung, tell me!" as Pai Jeung cried "I am telling the truth!!!!!!!!"

Next episode, Jeung confronts Tak and gave him a taste of his iron fist as he screamed at Tak to reveal where Ming is and as we see Ming hidden somewhere, probably dramatically dying but we know she won't die. I hope she will. But she won't.

And I am still waiting for the Wai Lan and Chu fight. Where is it? Gone and done with?

This episode really shows how NOT united the Koos are. It just seems like Fong Fong doing all the seeking of justice for them. If Jeung can say to let Tak go for this, what more the others who were not involved? Didn't they think of the danger that their children may be kidnapped by Tak? That Tak is a thug in essence? And I find it insane Tak thinks he can wriggle himself out of this. He should have escaped, run to somewhere else instead of staying back and betraying his wife. In fact his wife admitting she did everything would be better than this. So what made Tak so damn sure he can settle this problem?

Drama. That's what. I am so sick of Ming looking at Jeung with those love sick eyes and now the ending has to be her being dramatically kidnapped and dying somewhere. Why can't it be Ching? Yes, CHING. Why? So that we see Tak descending into total madness when he would use his daughter to threaten Tong. In fact between Tong and Jeung, Tong would worry more about Ming since he knew her longer, loved her as a sister far longer, but the ending has to be all about Jeung.

Yawnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn........

Poor Tong, his thunder taken away. And poor poor Tong, as he sat there alone, staring at everybody and knowing Tak did something, he was so dejected, if not for Fong Fong bravely standing up against the bully Tak.

Now this is the Fong Fong I know. Quite simply my most favourite character, especially when she slapped that wimp Pai Jeung. Now not only did Tak screw over Shing and family, even Shing's own family and own brother, Pai Jeung screwed him over and over and over. There can be no justice until they all stand united against this Wing Tak. In the end isn't Tong right? Why look for Ming when it is better to just punch the truth out of Tak.

Performance wise, Kevin still doesn't know where to put his hands.

Kenneth Ma did surprisingly well for that scene where he sat there dejected, but he still pouts when he argues. However I love how he stood there and threatened bodily harm to that guy who dared to touch Fong Fong. Now that is a man!

Ram Chiang may have a very heart breaking death scene but I still feel he is a miscast and his death too sudden.

Kara Hui did well with those panicky scenes. Dominic Lam did well as well with those stubborness scenes BUT his character is so badly written. His villain is stupid and the last scene he was just there smirking, smiling. Come on, give that man more expressions to do!

Angela Tong gave what I feel is a defining role in her career. Not that bucktooth ugly girl but this one. I wished she had more role in here, I wished her role didn't turn stupid for that 2 episodes but that's just bad writing. Fong Fong is such a refreshing character, reminds me a bit of Sheren Teng's in Rosy Business. She knows no kung fu, she likes dress well, she is nasty, but she has a heart of gold and she really loves her husband. But best of all, she is brave, opinionated, gutsy, generous, giving and the only one who dared to stand up to Wing Tak, even if none of that concerns her at all! And Angela Tong really showed us all that! Even her crying grieving scene is so convincing with less make up and her face wet with tears. She may not be a good lead actress, but Angela Tong is a dependable one as a supporting actress and without her and her wonderful performance as Fong Fong, this series falters when it comes to strong female role. Even Wai Lan isn't that strong. Angela Tong saved the day I tell you and anyone says anyone else is better, I will say please open your eyes and watch with your eyes big big! Angela Tong practically tramples over all the men in that room! What a pity the writer chose to mock her character somewhere before this as in making her so low, so vindictive.

Everybody else, no comment.

Jacky Heung... I think he did well for his standard. Yes, his acting is still terrible, especially that scene where he talked to Dominic Lam in the temple. Aweful performance but he did do well with that scene having him feeling a little weak in his legs.

Ok, one more episode till the end. Here are my predictions;

1. Jeung and Ming reunited dramatically and falls in love.

2. Man Kwan paralysed.

3. Wing Tak got badly hurt by Jeung and when he found out Man Kwan paralysed or killed himself or whatever, he became insane. Hence a real use for that mental institution we keep hearing about.

4. Yau and Yan together.

5. Kuen and her boyfriend got together again when his family accepts her

6. Ching will leave for awhile and Tong feeling dejected but with a promise she might come back later when her guilty conscience is abated; either that or Ching stays with Tong. I suspect she will leave, too ashamed with what her father did.

7. Chu goes to jail.

8. Wing Tak is not crazy will get executed and even when about to be executed he still thinks he is right

9. Au Yeung Biu pharmacy becomes a successful business and thus spreading the spirit of the martial arts

10. Probably a few years has passed, and last scene we will have narration or flashback of Au Yeung Biu expouding his philosophies and some flashbacks and obligatory Tavia Yeung shot.

And so out of 10, let's see if I am right at least half of them!

To cut the long story short, each fought their opponents and each won and so in the end they were to meet at the final, but that would be towards the end of this episode. In between some earth shattering things happened and frankly I kinda guessed half but not the other half.

Remember the disappearance of Pai Jeung? Someone gave me an enticing theory; what is Pai Jeung accidentally shot Shing, and out of guilt he ran away whilst because of the knowledge that he did not shoot Shing, Wing Tak could walk into Au Yeung Biu School like he owns it? Enticing but not logical because it does not explain the other 3 shots and the women's shoe. The truth is scary BUT not as creative.

Cham is concerned about Jeung, as well as having problems of his own, his he kept grabbing his chest (aka heart) and his wife refused to talk to him. When someone asked if he had a talk with Fong Fong to dissuade her from divorcing him, he even declared "If she wants a divorce so be it!" and then he quietly said "You know, I need a place to stay, and since I need to train Jeung, you don't mind I stay here for the time being?" and everyone welcomed him.

Meanwhile everyone was certain that Thai looking fighter was Man Kwan but how could he have survived? Leung said "Anyone who practices kung fu knows you can never stop yourself from doing the styles you were trained with. I have noticed this guy, and he has never once used any of those styles that that Wing Man Kwan used. It can't be him..." and Kuen said she knew someone who worked in the government officer in the area he was supposed to be from and so said she will do some digging and Tong in a rather strange way smiled at his sister and said "Ok". Why I said strange is why Kenneth Ma giving Shirley Yeung that extra sweet sort of smile??

Later Tong and Fong Fong in office and Fong Fong kept getting calls for Tong and she was annoyed and he knew she was annoyed. Anyway it was first Kuen who said "It is so strange brother! My friend said such a name exists but when he went to find the address, no one was there. It was as if entire family just abandoned the place" which is curious but we know Tak probably either killed them all (not likely) or paid them an obscene amount of money and they left as agreed. Another call and this time Fong Fong was annoyed as Tong in a rather cute scene took the call, and I feel Tong isn't scared of anyone except Fong Fong (!) and I think this time it was the caretaker who I can't remember what he said, probably telling Tong someone was there to pay respect at that site he thought his father was buried. So Tong rushed out.

Tong is also very very upset. He has tried looking for Pai Jeung in many places but he couldn't find him so he was pre-occupied and Ching was with him all the way. I would say less out of guilt and more out of love. Anyway he wanted to go to the supposed crime scene again and as he cycled with Ching past an old man, suddenly he stopped and he turned and shouted "Pai Jeung!" and indeed it was Pai Jeung who begin to run as Tong on foot pursued him and finally fell on top of him (ermmm.. Tong, he is a very old man you know?) and Pai Jeung was hysterical as he cried and tried to get free whilst Tong was hysterical asking "Pai Jeung, where were you? I have been looking for you for so long! How did father die? Where is he buried? Tell me! TELL ME!!!!"

and back at the school and everyone was there looking at Pai Jeung who I think was sitting down or standing up but not kneeling. Wai Lan angrily asked "Pai Jeung, you've disappeared for so many years! Where were you? What happened? Tell me!" and by the way Ching was there. Pai Jeung cried as he narrated his story;

And flashback..

"That night I was with Brother Shing and we faced that scumbag Wing Tak together. We tried to make him confess but Wing Tak didn't and in the end ..."

And we see Pai Jeung handcuffed Tak, Shing wanted to take him back to the police station, Tak boasted if he dies so will they and Shing (which is Kevin's finest and only best moment in this series up until this episode) cried he shouldn't have let him enter his house because he caused so many deaths, he is not afraid of death since he felt as guilty as Tak should feel, so he was prepared to die and Tak then agreed to be taken to the station and so they walked.

We saw until this part in the earlier episodes. Now we shall know what happened.

Tak handcuffed, Shing leading the way, Pai Jeung at the back and Pai Jeung narrated "We were on our way to the station, all was calm until something happened that changed everything"

and suddenly Chu appeared and she looked young and ordinarily dressed (since Wing Tak ain't rich then-and again no backstory as to Chu-Tak love story) and she cried "Tak!" and Shing and Pai Jeung were stunned at her sudden appearance and Tak took advantage and did some kung fu action and wanted to run and Shing fought with him as I think Shing dropped the gun which Chu picked up and Tak screamed "Shoot! Shoot!" and Chu fired one shot and it hit Shing in the chest! Shing stunned, fell to the ground as Chu was panicking and Pai Jeung stunned as well started to run when Tak urged Chu "Shoot that one too! SHOOT!" and she did and it hit Pai Jeung's shoulder and he ran and Tak said "Chase after him, finish him off!!!" and Chu reluctantly did and ran into the woods when she saw Pai Jeung bleeding heavily hiding on the grassy ground and he motioned to her to please don't reveal his whereabouts and Chu looked at him and mouthed "Stay low.." as Tak shouted "Do you see him?" and Chu shouted "NO! I think he escaped!" and Tak said "Fine, come back" and she did. Pai Jeung hid and saw Tak and Chu leaving when Shing's hand suddenly held onto I think Chu's leg and her shoe came off, covered in blood. At this point Pai Jeung narrated as he cried "Brother Shing wasn't dead!!" and everyone was quiet as he narrated "But that scum Tak, he took the gun and fire 2 more shots straight at Brother Shing's heart, and Brother Shing was murdered. That SCUM TAK WOULDN'T EVEN LET BROTHER SHING LIVE!!!" and he cried very very hard as Ching who now knew the extent of her father's cruelty bowed her head in shame as Wai Lan or someone asked "Why didn't you report this to the police?" which is true since Tak wasn't big and rich then so he wouldn't have that sort of protection he has now. Pai Jeung narrated "I wanted to! In fact I ran back to find my police brothers when I saw the commissioner passed by and I wanted to go to him when I saw..."

And he saw Tak and Chu with their luggage, shaking and was running when the commissioner found them and he said "Good news Tak! A businessman will invest in the new pharmacy's factory, we are gonna be rich!" and then he noticed Chu shaking violently and he asked "Is everything ok?" and Tak solemnnly said "That Shing still thought that I killed his father in law and step mother in law. He was very persistent and we fought and a gun misfired. Shing died. That Pai Jeung saw everything, so now we have to run" as Chu said "We didn't mean to! Tak didn't mean to!". Chu! He did! He meant it! He fired at him point blank TWICE. The commissioner said "This is.. unfortunate. But I can't let this once in a million lifetime opportunity be wasted. This is what I will do. I will put the blame on Pai Jeung. I will lock him up in prison for the rest of his life. Meanwhile go back to Shing's body and bury him" and Tak agreed. Pai Jeung heard everything and knew he had to run.

"So that night I packed my bags and took my wife and young son and escaped. There were many times I wanted to write you (Wai Lan) a letter to explain everything. I knew what Wing Tak tried to do to you, putting you into some mental institution and the threats. But I realise by you not knowing the truth was the reason Wing Tak has no harmed you all. So I decided to keep quiet for your safety"

Which is true. Wai Lan was young with so many infant children, she would have been easy for Wing Tak to kill if he knew she knew and if he was desperate to silence her. By her not knowing he can dismiss her claims as someone in mourning, someone crazy.

Anyway Pai Jeung cried hard as someone asked "Why now then? Why did you reveal yourself now?" as Pai Jeung said "I passed by one day and saw all of you all grown up. I realised it is not fair that you should never know the truth about what happened to your father" as Jeung emotionally cried "I will win this grand championship, and when I do, I will be famous and I will use my fame to reopen the case and make sure Wing Tak pays for what he did to our family!! as Pai Jeung said "Good! Good! I will be your witness! I am not afraid! My wife died several years ago, my son is all grown up. I have nothing to fear anymore, I want that scumbag Tak to pay for what he did to Brother Shing!!"

And so the truth finally revealed. May not be creative BUT Shing died a terrible death. Number one lesson when shot and killer still around; pretend to have died. Shing could have been alive had he not touched Chu's leg. But then he was disorientated. Anyway a good twist with Chu's involvement, so now Ching knew her mother was as involved as Tak, except Chu did spare Pai Jeung's live. It also showed how manipulative Tak was, egging her to shoot, to chase, to kill.

Ching said she has to leave and Tong ran after her as she looked very disturbed and Tong asked "Are you ok?" and Ching said "I will be fine..I will ask daddy again where your father is buried" as Tong quietly and gently said "If I may ask a favour from you; it is important your father doesn't know Pai Jeung is back. So I hope you won't ask your father where my father was buried although I appreciate your help" and Ching still in shock nodded.

To know your father was a murderer of 3 people is one thing, to know your mother participated must be shocking!

Cham went to see Fong Fong and he said "I received your divorce papers. Can't you wait until after the grandchampionship?" and she ignored him and before he left he said "You can forgive me for what happened to your father but you can't forgive me for what happened with your sister?" and she ignored him still and he said "I will not agree to this divorce. I will beg you for forgiveness, you'll see" and he left and he clutched his chest (bad bad news) and told his 2 god daughters he was alright whilst Fong Fong looked at him from the corner.

Night before the final. Jeung couldn't sleep, he was not resting well when a knock on the door and it was Wing Tak! Tong asked "What do you want?" and Tak said solemnly "I have thought for a very long time and I do not wish for Shing to be a wandering ghost. I think it is time I reveal where he is buried.." and Tong said "So you're admitting you murdered my father?!" and Tak sighed "No I am not admitting anything. I just know where he is buried, that's all. He is buried in the forest near the bridge." and someone asked "Why are you telling us now?" and Tak said "My wife misses my daughters very much and the only way they will return to our home is if I reveal where Shing is buried. That is all I have to say" and he left. Tong knew why Tak was there; to disturb Jeung so that Jeung would not have enough rest! So Tong said "Whatever it is, we wait until after the championship!" and everyone went back to sleep.

But Tong couldn't sleep, he paced the house and knocked on his mother's door and found her empty bed and angrily he said to himself "I said to leave this until after the championship!!"

which I understood why but then... as Uncle later said "How can you expect her to sleep? She has pined for Shing for so long, it is understandable she would rush to dig him up". So Tong finally said "Ok, we all go to mother to help her" and Jeung wanted to go but Tong said "No brother, you stay. You have to rest!" and so Jeung stayed but he couldn't rest, he couldn't sleep as Cham urged him to rest so guess what? Creepy sister to the rescue. She told him to lie down as she gently caresses his temples and told him stories of their childhood and he closed his eyes, trying to calm down.

At the burial site, all dug, and it was raining and someone saw a shoe and Wai Lan dropped to her knees and used her hands and everybody used his or her hands and my god, what a deep hole they have to dig! Finally, Tong jumped in and dug and found a bone. He gave him mother and Wai Lan cried "Yes! This is your father! He once broke his arm and it was not quite properly healed, I can see the marks here!" and Tong knew they found Shing and in a rather sad emotional scene everybody cried "Father.. father" but thankfully the voices all muted for extra dramatic effect as Shing stood on his father's grave for the past 2 decades and teary eyed and looked very very very very very very very very very disturbed. In fact I think he looked like he could kill Wing Tak now which I wished he did. Even uncle was crying!

Back at home, Jeung heard sounds and he rushed out and I think Cham was there and they saw them carrying in a basket covered in clothes and for once Uncle actually took charge when everyone was too stunned to do anything whilst Cham just shook his head.

"Everyone, your father is home. Pay him respect and come morning we will properly bury him and can properly send him on his way and to the altar"

And so they did. What an emotional night.

Morning, Jeung and Cham on trishaw, Jeung dressed like his father did and in fact somehow I lost Jeung in the series, now it was as if Shing was there. I was hoping for some consistency although we did see a spark of Jeung in that emotional scene with Pai Jeung. Cham said to a very tired Jeung "Have some sleep now, you will need the rest" as they passed Bing Bing and Fong Fong. Jueng shouted "Stop!" and he rushed to and I mean really rushed to Bing Bing who smiled and said "I don't think we can ever be together again. But I do wish you will win that grand championship and I say this with sincerity" as she offered to shake his hands and he reluctantly did. In fact he looked like he was in pain. Bing Bing said "Sister and I are leaving town and the office will be taken care by an apppointed caretaker for the time being. Good luck Jeung" and so she left as Cham cried "Fong Fong, can't you forgive me?!" as they rode away and Bing Bing looked at Fong Fong. In fact I think Bing Bing forgave Cham already but not Fong Fong. Jeung looked like he was in major pain.

Pause here.

Why? Why did he let her go then if he still loved her? Obviously Jeung still very very keen on Bing Bing. Bing Bing seemed ok, so she isn't leaving because she felt shame, she just felt they can't be together perhaps thinking her lies put off Jeung but obviously it didn't. And since Bing Bing seems understanding and nice again, WHY NOT LET JEUNG BE WITH HER?! I know she was mean, she was low, she was malicious but if someone will repent, why not?

Anyway competition time. Jeung having known how his father died, found his father's remains, got dumped by his girlfriend.. all in the space of 24 hours, of course was disturbed. Both signed death warrant and frankly both ready to kill the other.

Fight began and it was a close call. Each beat the crap out of the other. Each has grudges against the other. Jeung kept thinking of his father, his mother, his grandparents, his family and fought hard, ready to kill. Man Kwan thought about his sifu, his family, himself almost executed, etc and fought hard, ready to kill as well and he unleashed the secret style that his sifu taught him before he was executed and everyone knew then that was Wing Man Kwan. But Jeung himself fought back and fought hard. Half time and they had to be forcibly pulled apart as each wanted to kill the other. Inside waiting room, Cham said "Don't waste time. If you see an opportunity, hit quick and hit hard, that's the only way to defeat him. Understand?" and Jeung nodded and Cham said "Also, promise me, if I ask you to raise the white flag (aka surrender/admit defeat), you will do so. Understand?" and Jeung asked "Why?" and Cham said "Just do as I say" and so Jeung agreed.

Fight continues. Meanwhile Cham was so worried he has grabbing his chest area, obviously in paid and Fong Fong was there and saw him doing that and was worried. Competition continues and it was fierce. Since I can't describe a fight scene as eloquently as Jin Yong or Gu Long, I shall just skip the details and say each punched the other so very hard that each was so very bloody looking and ended up flat on their backs on the stage, unable to get up and covered in sweat and blood. Quite realistic. Someone shouted "Get up! Get up!" and whoever gets up wins. Tong and other shouted "Get up! Get up! Get up!"

and we saw Jeung and Man Kwan still flat on the floor, each too tired to move but each tryin to move their limbs in attempts to get up. And the crowd shouting "GET UP! GET UP! GET UP!"

and...

next episode (DAMN IT!), Cham threw in the white handkerchief, explained why he wanted Jeung to admit defeat as he laid dying on hospital bed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT?! Next episode will be a very very sad one!! Cham's gonna die? WHAT?! Until then, I tell you this episode has the best cliffhanger for this series and one of the best for a lot of series thus far. The last scene was harrowing, the lightning superb. I still wish for open air fight, and a heavy rain to give it a dramatic effect but well.. the stage inside studio is ok. At least the lightning and atmosphere can be manufactured and controlled. And kudos to make up department for what looks like a very realistic bloody look. Kung fu wise, nothing fantastic. It's the look, the feel. Fantastic way to end this episode though I cursed!

The saddest though was that digging up father's remains scene apart from Shing being shot so many times. What a way to die. That Tak so despicable, even had to involve his wife. How will Ching face her mother knowing her mother participated in the murder as well? I hope there will be such a scene between Ching and Chu, such an opportunity is too good to miss! Anyway the sad part was not really how Wai Lan looked at the bones or everyone else crying in the rain but strangely Tong's very quiet reaction. He just stood on where his father was buried, in the hole that is and just stood there silently, doing nothing much but looking rather shocked with a tinge of hatred. Or maybe I imagined that tinge of hatred but definitely shocked look. I really hope Tong has a chance to kick that Wing Tak ass. Jeung can kick Man Kwan (unless he redeemed himself but looks like that won't happen), Wai Lan can kick Chu (even if she was a reluctant participant, she was a participant nonetheless and deserved to be kicked) and Tong can kick Tak. The rest can kick either of these 3 of they wish.

I also feel for Ching. What a sad knowledge isn't it? That your perfect family is built on deaths, murders and lies.

Performance wise, for that quiet moment, I shall give Kenneth Ma due credit for a job classily done. He could have gone emo, he could have gone dramatic but he didn't and thank you for that. I am still rather confused as to why he gave that sweet goofy smile to his co-star Shirley. You must watch to know what I mean. And I think I remember that quite accurately. Or maybe my mind playing tricks on me. Also I like his interaction with Fong Fong.

Kevin Cheng did a credible job until he started going emotional. However looking back at that murder scene as Shing, I think that was Kevin;s finest moment when he cried how he too deserved to die like Wing Tak for bringing into the house a monster. But please someone tell Kevin to not scream too much. Not for his voice but for my ears. Quite painful to hear, more so to watch except for that one scene, his finest moment.

Dominic Lam did a credible job as the scumbag Wing Tak, past and present. However his problem is not his acting but his character being rather not very well written, even now. He is such a failed villain in the sense nothing grand, nothing great. I mean yes maybe that's the intention perhaps but I find his Wing Tak could have been a better villain, more memorable villain.

Kara did a fine job with her shaking and all. Maybe a bit of overacting on the panicking part but overall I have no complaints.

Everybody else was ok, not much comments since each has very little scenes. In fact some relationships seem lost, like Yan and Yau.

Ram Chiang was ok until he starts talking kung fu. I don't find him credible as a kung fu master. This role should have been Yuen Wah!

Jacky Heung, not much to do except to look like he is about to kill and fight and in both he did very well.

2 more episodes and this series will end. I hope the ending is great, and I don't want a all stand together clap clap sort of stupid ending. I am still wondering; is Man Kwan redeemable?

UPDATES
I have amended those in italic. Thanks Kidd for the correction!

When I started to really like this series, this episode just quite effectively destroyed my most favourite female character that is Fong Fong and the Bing Bing story arc is so darn predictable and a complete waste of time even if rather exciting to watch quite simply because everyone loves a good comeuppance story.

The Wings offering prayers to Man Kwan, who even in photo looks like he is pissed. Can you imagine his passport photo? Anyway Ching and Yau there to console their grieving mother and sat down for lunch. Tak asked "How are you now?" and Ching answered "Truth is father, I am not coping well, since I have never been apart from this family before and more so Yau Yau, who cries herself to sleep every night" and Chu said "Then come home, come home and stay together" but Ching said "Father, I want to come home. But I have a request; can you please reveal where is Koo Kin Shing buried? You don't have to tell me now, you can tell me when you're ready and when you do, Yau Yau and I will come home" but she said it very gently and Tak looked sorta pissed and then Yau Yau said "Father, I too have a request" and Tak looked rather softly at her as she said "Can we move to Shanghai and start again over there? I don't want to stay here anymore" and Chu said "Tak, I have been thinking about the same thing. Can we move the factory to Shanghai? There is nothing more for us here. The business may slow down a bit but it is better than being here" and Tak said "I am going to Shanghai to check out some business plans, I will think about it" and nothing more was said.

Very brave of Ching to ask her father for that. I think everyone agrees Tak did kill Shing. She wasn't rude, wasn't harsh, wasn't being judgmental, she just asked. I think that to me is better than going dramatic.

Then we see some tall skinny dark skinned boy doing some major kicks and we see Jay Chou... sorry! I mean Man Kwan! But he does look like Jay Chou in that scene with his hair down, and so dark looking. Tak appeared, so Man Kwan is in Shanghai! Anyway Man Kwan now is taught by Thais and I was right to say muay thai Man Kwan and he was eager to show his father his improvement and he fought his father and his father lost and Tak looked proudly at Man Kwan who by the way was shirtless and sweating and yes, nice body. The Thais said "Your son is a fast learner and he hardly rests, practising more than 16 hours a day. Amazing progress" and I think this is Man Kwan at his most hardworking. Another said "Master Wing, we have bribed all channels. Young Master will be in the 7 States Grand championship" and Man Kwan vowed to kill Jeung on stage.

Pause here.

I am a bit conflicted with Man Kwan here; he was like an eager boy to show to his father, to please him and yet filled with hatred. No doubt Tak loved Man Kwan, but if Tak were to be a better man, he would have been a better father in the sense he would have imparted better wisdom to his son. Man Kwan is the way he is thanks in most part to Tak's twisted education. And to some Tak may even be a good father, but look closer, he is a terrible example.

Then story shifted to Jeung and was busy practising but damn Bing Bing was doing all sorts of things.

Jeung with Bing Bing in restaurant as Jeung said "We are going ahead with the photoshoot and I think Ngan will be great. Moreover family thinks so too so Ngan will be the model" and Bing Bing wasn't pleased as she said "I hope she doesn't get the wrong idea" and Jeung asked "What do you mean?" and Bing Bing said "It is very obvious she likes you more than that of a brother" and Jeung laughed "Of course not! Ngan treats me like her brother, and after what she went through for me, I see her as my sister" and Bing Bing curious asked "What did she went through for you?" and Jeung was reluctant but blurted out what is actually an open secret anyway.

Jeung was practising and analysing his oppponent with Cham and Cham was confident he could beat everyone with the right concentration and Jeung was probably too confident. Then suddenly Kuen came running in and announce "Brother! Come and see Ngan! She is so pretty!!". Ah yes, calendar photoshoot. But Cham told Jeung not to go anywhere and as the discussion continued, Yan came running in and said "Brother! You have to get ready for the photoshoot" but Cham gave him a killer stare and said "Not until I am finished with him!" and Yan said "Ermmmm ok" and went away and as Cham continued, suddenly a tap on his shouler and Cham angrily said "I said do not disturb Jeung!" and it was Fong Fong and Cham went silent as Fong Fong said "And I can't disturb you? Jeung, get ready for photoshoot" and Cham had to agree and so Jeung went away as Cham fretted.

Everyone was there except for Tong (and this is a significant fact) and Ming indeed looked very very pretty in the modern dress and Jeung in a suit and they took photos, then rested when I believe someone came to give Fong Fong something, it was newspaper, she looked at it and immediately tried to cover the paper as she said "This photoshoot is cancelled. Ngan, you don't need to be the model anymore" and surprised everyone asked why and Fong Fong said "I rather not say" and again asked and finally Fong Fong said frustratingly "This paper..." and the headline is something like "Virginal girl raped, the rapist still at large" and basically reported on Ming's rape, which was an old newspaper cutting. Cham stared at Fong Fong who said "You were raped. I am sorry to hear that but you're no longer innocent girl and so you can't represent this company" and Jeung made a feeble attempt to defend Ming's honour "What has it got to do with this calendar?" and Fong Fong said "I am sorry it happened. But we have an image to take care of" and please, don't everyone RUSH to defend Ming (like no one) as Ming said "It's ok, I understand." and she walked away, teary eyed and Fong Fong walked to Uncle "Why didn't you tell me this? Wasted the whole day!" and she looked at Bing Bing giving her the eye/wink which Cham saw and looked disgusted.

Pause here.

I hate this scene. For one, this is the total destruction of my favourite character Fong Fong. What she did, with Bing Bing was beyond low. That was beyond mean. That was just pure spite and pure evil. I really pity Ming who actually put behind the hurt, the pain, the suicide tendecies. I also hate this scene because only Jeung made a feeble attempt to sorta defend Ming, the rest either looked too shocked or too ashamed. And what is there to be ashamed of? The rape isn't a secret. It was such a big scandal anyway and the perpetrator was shot. And why I say Tong's absence was a significant fact is I believe if Tong was there, he would have strenously defended Ming, scolded Fong Fong and insisted nothing wrong with Ming in the calendar. To me Tong is the more protective and aggressive brother and remember how he helped Ming when she wanted to kill herself? He was so worried? The most disappointing was Wai Lan. What the hell is she doing? Nothing. She is such a complete failure as a mother, that's how I feel. She is always taking a backseat, when she should have come forward. So please, nobody rush to defend poor Ming.

Bing Bing, despicable! And it gets worse.

So where is Tong?

He was with Ching, having lunch, looking for Pai Jeung when he suddenly saw someone riding a bicycle, looking like Pai Jeung and he hurriedly chased after him on a bike when we all know Pai Jeung is too old and weak to ride a bicycle. Anyway he called "PAI JEUNG! PAI JEUNG!" and crashed into the guy and some gunny sacks and the guy was someone else as Tong angrily said "If you're not Pai Jeung why you ran?" and the guy said "wouldn't you run if there's some crazy guy after you?!". Tong was on the street, sitting down when Ching came to him and saw Tong in tears as Tong cried "Where are you Pai Jeung? How can I find you? I don't even know what happened to father, whether he is still alive, where he is buried..." and Ching felt guilt since she knew her father was involved and she could only kneel down and console him by her presence.

Yes, Tong was busy with real work! Eeeeesh that Bing Bing!

Jeung was very distracted at practice and Cham was very angry, threatened to leave as Jeung promised to do better as Cham said "My goal is for you to win and still stay alive!"

Uncle was in the shop when a good looking guy in a sweet happily asked for Bing Bing who returned in time and quickly ushered him out and away and Ming came by to see Uncle looking at somebody and she asked "Uncle! What are you looking at?" and Uncle said "Sigh... another one ..." and Ming asked "What another one?" and Uncle said "That Bing Bing, another good looking young man just looking for her, I tell you, she is trouble" and Ming good naturedly said "Uncle, it is none of our business, moreover it could be a business discussion, don't be such a busybody" but Uncle said "I am worried for Jeung. I am afraid Jeung may be cheated in love" and Ming suddenly thought maybe Uncle has a valid reason to be concerned.

Bing Bing with that guy who turns out to be the former driver of her ex husband! So she did seduce her chauffer! He said "I am divorced Bing Bing! Divorced" and Bing Bing said coldly "So? I am with someone else now, don't bother me anymore!" and poor guy said "But you told me to divorce my wife, I left her for you, now you're telling me you're with another?! I won't let you off so easily!" as Bing Bing snarled "My beau is a grand champion in martial arts and he will be the 7 states grandchampion in about 3 weeks. My sister knows a lot of fierce people and triad bosses. If you dare bother me, you will be in a lot of trouble, understand me!!" and she left and came face to face with Ming who was so angry, left. Back in the shop Ming was very angry, then Bing Bing came in and said hi to her and she stared at Bing Bing and declared she is going home. On her way back Bing Bing said "I want to talk to you" which they did somewhere else as Bing Bing said "Whether you believe me or not, I really love Jeung and I don't want him to be affected by what is going on, so all I am asking is that you delay telling him what you heard until after the championship" and Ming angrily said "Will you hurt him? Are your feelings for him true?" and Bing Bing said "That man you saw just now was my ex's chauffer. He was the one who pursued me, I can't stop men from falling for me, I did nothing to suggest otherwise. Anyway, can we agree on not to bother Jeung?" and Ming said "Fine!" and she kept her promise when Fong Fong asked Cham how was Jeung doing and Jeung was doing great.

Meanwhile Jeung met with Bing Bing and Jeung said to Bing Bing they better not see each other for awhile so he can concentrate and Bing Bing said no problem.

So back to practice for Jeung whilst we see Man Kwan brutally savaging his own master.

Fong Fong and Bing Bing with Cham, and Bing Bing explained about the chauffer bothering Fong Fong again as Cham was just complaining how distracted Jeung was. Fong Fong said she has an idea so that Jeung wouldn't be distracted and Cham asked how as she said "I will permit you to use your iron first this time" and Cham knew what he was asked to do and he refused and said "I can't use my iron fist for that!" but Bing Bing begged him and so he agreed.

Met with that chauffer with Bing Bing and Fong Fong. No need to recap all, just that Cham threatened that man with bodily hard and used his iron fist to chop the side off a stone table, the man then went away when Fong Fong paid him and Cham left, clutching his chest as if having a heart attack. For a moment I was worried.

At night, Wai Lan had a strange dream. She saw herself (Tavia again) crawling towards a pit with Kin Shing in the middle, surrounded by men such as Tak, the police commissioner, and they were burying him alive as he shouted "Wai Lan! Take good care of the kids for me! Make sure Tong doesn't have that asthma again. Find Jeung!" and the whole back of the is it spade was smashed into his face and he promptly fainted and buried and Wai Lan woke up screaming for him. Entire clan ran in to console her as she said "It was only a dream". Outside, there was a letter and Wai Lan opened it and it says "Koo Kin Shing is buried underneath the bridge in the park" and Tong suddenly ran inside, brought out a book and said "Look! Same handwriting. This is Pai Jeung! I have his book, where he taught me how to write, same handwriting!" and Wai Lan said "Let's go dig" but uncle or someone said "But it is 9pm, it is too late!" but Tong also wanted to go and so they did and Cham permitted Jeung to go but he mumbled to himself "Girlfriend problems, sister problems, digging up father problems.. what am I to do? How you're ever gonna win if you're so distracted?"

Bad sign. Jeung may be in trouble at the championship.

They all went there, identified a mound, saw some fruits left there by someone who offered prayers there and was digging when an old man walked by, he was the caretaker and Wai Lan asked about any strange incident some 20 years ago and the caretaker said yes indeed since it was his son's 4th birthday and that he heard 4 gunshot wounds and didn't dare find out, hid in a booth and in the morning found a single female shoe with blood on it.

HUH?! A female shoe? Blood? 4 gunshots? What did Tak mean when he said the facts were stranger than fiction? Was Chu involved?

I don't remember they dig up the body after that. I don't recall at all.

At night everyone in the living room, Cham also when suddenly Fong Fong appears, rather pissed and dragging Bing Bing behind her and Cham knew they were up to no good. Fong Fong went straight to a very surprised Ming and she said "I am sorry for what happened to you and I always thought you were reasonable but I never knew you could stoop so low just because you're jealous about my Bing Bing with Jeung" and Ming was like "What are you talking about?" and Fong Fong said "Yes, Bing Bing was rather popular with men and when she was still married to her ex, his chauffer pursued Bing Bing but she rejected him. He came by a few days ago, declaring he has divorced his wife and was looking for Bing Bing" and Tong, the only other one who spoke up for Ming asked "Wait Madam Chow. What has all these got to do with Ngan?!" and she said "Because she is innately jealous of my sister, she doesn't want my sister to be happy. You secretly went to see him and said lots of things to him, making him look for Bing Bing and made life difficult for her. Of course he is gone now, so we have no witnesses but I never thought you can be so vicious because of your jealousy!" and Jeung feebly said "Wait Madam Chow, Ngan is not that sort of person" and Bing Bing said "Jeung, there's lot more you don't know about what she is capable of. Why Ngan? Why do you do that to me? How can you be so vicious?" and Ming just stood there, silent but stoic and given time I am sure Tong will blast them but before anyone could, Cham who was observing said loudly "ENOUGH! ENOUGH WITH THE LIES! How can you make such vicious lies against such a sweet natured girl?" and Fong Fong said "Don't say anything more!" and Bing Bing stared at him as Cham said "Everyone, I am so sorry. So very sorry. There are 3 truths in this matter" as Fong Fong said "Shut up or we are over! Remember what you promised me, remember you owe us this" and Bing Bing said "Brother in law!" but Wai Lan said "Cham, just say it! Say it all!" and Cham said "One, I did not owe anyone any debt or even landed in prison! Two, Bing Bing married that man voluntarity because she wanted that sort of easy life and she did seduce that chauffer and I had to pretend to be some gangster to frighten him away with my iron fist! My iron fist, used for that reason, can you believe that! and three, it was not a coincidence that the newspaper cutting was found in the fruit basket. It was Bing Bing who gave the newspaper cutting to Siu Mui (one of the 2 girls that always follow Cham) to put in the basket because she was jealous Ngan was going to be in the calendar with Jeung!" and Bing Bing stared at all of them and silently left whilst Ming cried a little (when you need her to be hysterical she is almost never that, why?!) and Fong Fong said "Expect the divorce papers!!!" and she left angrily and Cham clutched his heart and sat down and said "I am so relieved I revealed all that. You don't know how many sleepless nights I spent, feeling guilty over what they're doing" and Jeung said "Master, I am sorry for what happened. Maybe you can explain to Madam Chow later to avoid divorce" and Cham loudly said "I don't care if she decides to divorce me. I've had enough!" and Ming thanked Cham for what he did for her. All ok again.

Pause here.

My feeling is Cham is so accomodating to his wife because of guilt; the guilt that he killed his father in law, leaving his wife and her sister orphaned, that's why he became so meek. But he couldn't stand what they were doing to Ming, bullying her. Frankly I find this so out of character for Fong Fong who herself stood up against the biggest bully, Wing Tak. I hate how this episode destroyed everything she is and I thought she would be the one to stand up against her sister as opposed to with her. Everything they did was so low, I really pity Ming but I also know no one would believe such lies against Ming. Those who knows her knows she is incapable of such acts. Even Jeung. If Cham didn't interrupt, I have no doubt Tong will lead the way to destroy Bing Bing and Fong Fong's allegations. So very disappointed. All these drama for drama. So that's it; Bing Bing and her 2 episodes of fame and done, no more. Why bother? For drama? I think Man Kwan and Tak and the mystery of Pai Jeung is enough for drama, credible drama but all these Fong Fong/Bing Bing/Ming story, it is just such a complete waste of time. I was hoping Bing Bing would be allowed to repent, to show even the worst can be good again, like I am hoping for Man Kwan and also for Wing Tak to do the decent thing to reveal where is Shing's body. But it seems this is MR mode all over again and it is just so silly; for that 10 minutes of hyper drama, several characters' integrity is destroyed. For what for? Extra rating? I'd rather a good story told well, that would garner ratings and credibility rather than this cheap shot. So very very disappointed. Obvious isn't it? So who does Jeung ends up with now? Who else? No other women already.

Also the fact she was dressed prettily and everyone urged Jeung to have a look is an indication; to see her reveal herself as a modern beauty. Joke is this episode never capitalise on that, on Jeung looking at Ming as a woman as opposed to as a sister. So the point of those scenes urging him to see her and telling us how pretty she is amounts to nothing.

Anyway Ming saw Jeung beating the punch bag angrily and she looked sad.

Pause here again.

This is more like bad acting rather than inconsistency. I never saw Jeung even remotely upset during the revelation scene, he in fact looked zen. I was expecting confusion, and perhaps hurt and accusing look at Bing Bing, but nothing. Nothing of that sort. And suddenly we see him punching the bag angrily. A bit like skipping scenes here. Maybe it was badly edited. And also an indication he is sure to lose.

Grand championship day, Jeung dressed smartly and looking like Shing. Luckily no preachy speeches one by one, off they went and we see a grander stage perhaps? I still think it should have been open air, and bigger arena, after all this IS the 7 states championship. Anyway everyone lined up, all introduced as winners from different district and finally reached Man Kwan who has a different name but I forgot what name and he removed his hat and I see... JAY CHOU! Really looked like Jay Chou. All saw him knew who he was, I mean so damn obvious but Jeung looked confused since Kevin Cheng can't do the surprised but obvious look and Tak suddenly went numb and walked to Man Kwan and said "Man Kwan, my son Man Kwan, you're alive, you've come back!" and Man Kwan looked at him and said "I'm sorry I don't know you" and Tak went "But you're Man Kwan, my son" and his police commissioner brother said "Tak, that is not Man Kwan. Man Kwan is dead" and Tak said, "You're not Man Kwan, not Man Kwan" and he slowly walked back to his seat; Man Kwan's new identity verified, that to show no one should have any doubt HE IS NOT MAN KWAN but Tong and gang looked at him and we all know he IS Man Kwan.

My guess is if he wins, Tak will pretend to take him as a god son, take him home and he will be like Man Kwan again.

Anyway Jeung looked at the NOT Man Kwan and looked confused whilst Man Kwan somehow looked.. less... pissed.

Next episode, Jeung and Man Kwan fought until both dropped onto the floor, covered in blood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And where the hell are you Pai Jeung!!!

Best scene, Tong crying for his father. That was such a sad scene, I understand his frustration and I also understand Ching's guilt. I also like how Ching asked her father for the favour.

The rest I HATE! Poor Fong Fong! Destroyed! Poor Bing Bing! She never had a chance.

So darn annoyed!

Performance wise, Kevin Cheng disappoints. I mean for god sake man, learn your body language. And his expression is so like Shing now, I thought I was looking at Shing. Where's that angry rough uneducated man? Surely 1 year of practice doesn't automatically give him the grace of a man with the benefit of education. There must be some roughness in him.

As for Yuen Qiu, so darn wasted in here! Not even stepping up to defend her daughter. What the hell is she in here for?

Customary shot of Tavia everytime we tend to forget Tavia was in it. Probably the ratings gone up a bit during those moments?

Nancy Wu did well as the temptress, she looked like it, she looked like those high and mighty bitchy women and frankly very good performance. I just wished she was given a better role than this "just some cheap shot at drama" role.

Angela Tong also. What a pity!!

Dominic Lam was very good. Again I have problems with him as the villain since Wing Tak is again a poorly written character but I like his closeness to Jacky Heung's Man Kwan.

Everybody is the usual, no comments.

Jacky Heung, oooh la la. Nice body. Really looked like Jay Chou! He looked so different with the hair combed down and all, suddenly he looked less fierce and just like a boy. So strange. Acting wise I thought he was better in here than in the last many episodes.

I don't think they dig out the father's body by the way. Just can't remember what happened after the caretaker told his story.

Now I am so gripped by the soon to be here ending. What is the story behind the killings 2 decades ago? Where was Pai Jeung and why didn't he come out sooner? Is Man Kwan redeemable? Is Wing Tak gonna do the decent thing? Will Tong and Ching ever kiss or hug?

One thing for sure; Ming and Jeung, a couple. Sigh...........