Purely my thoughts. Please do not repost elsewhere.
I am referring to those comedies which make you laugh at one moment, and weep the next.
There have been at least two of those during Gallen’s career, “Old Time Buddy” (OTB) and “Feminine Masculinity” (FM). Both times when the concepts were first introduced, the audience looked at one another and asked themselves whether TVB had gone out of its mind.
Then everyone laughed, and cried.
My favourite scene in OTB must be the one when Lei Kei (Gallen Lo) was backstage lending his voice to Tse Yuen (Francis Ng), who lip-synced under the spotlight and received all the glory. In FM, it was when Bing Kuen (Gallen Lo) and Christine (Flora Chan) played “Green Light Red Light” for the last time before she vanished, supposedly to reincarnate.
The fact that Lei Kei was not Gallen’s first comedic role did not help in quieting the skeptical chuckles. Before being branded a drama actor with his solid performances in series such as “Vengeance” and “Cold Blood Warm Heart”, Gallen was once the hilarious cop Lei Sei Kei of “Yang’s Women Warriors” acting opposite Maggie Siu. Curious how the two character names were so similar! And if anyone ever remembered, the cute and silly Lei Sei Kei only made the audience laugh. It was Lei Kei who cause the burning sensation in the back of our eyes, pitying him for all the misfortunes he faced.
Bing Kuen did not have the kind of luck Lei Kei had, but much worse. He wasn’t even dealing with people. His misfortune came in the form of a… ghost. While Lei Kei’s life only went up and down, Bing Kuen’s life was swinging confusingly between the two genders. And how the mere idea of having Gallen Lo dressed up as a woman had frightened us all!
Up to date, Lei Kei and Bing Kuen remain two of the toughest acting roles on Gallen’s own list. The former marks his most memorable working experience, and the latter most stressful one. While the audience laughed at Mr. Diana on screen, the actor was struggling to break free of the role and at some point even forced to consult his psychologist.
Now comes his third time, and many wince at the idea of a TV series based on pets…
Against all odds, will Gallen once again be able to endear his character?
TkN | 23-Jul-08 at 4:33 pm | Permalink
I think I’m investing more emotions into this series than I originally thought. To illustrate: I got ridiculously happy when I read someone commenting that the series is cute and funny, and that Gallen is still as good as ever.
Mimosa | 24-Jul-08 at 8:09 pm | Permalink
TkN,
How I wish to read such comment straight from TVB Guide
While I couldn’t care less about rating and such, I’m terribly nervous about your review! Tell me why!
TkN | 24-Jul-08 at 8:51 pm | Permalink
Because I’m a harsh critic.
vee | 26-Jul-08 at 5:11 am | Permalink
I like your post.. I mean, I only look at the surface of this series but I don’t know how Gallen feels about it. I’ll watch it for sure, just because my whole family misses Gallen and me as well. After my exams of cos, since I’ve practically gone cold turkey from watching series. Sigh, to think Moonlight is airing soon!
I really like Old Time Buddy too
Mimosa | 28-Jul-08 at 8:34 pm | Permalink
TkN,
Yes, you are indeed a harsh critic, but the real reason is that I found myself being greatly influenced by your reviews. Maybe I should refrain from reading your WADLAC’s review until I finish the series
Mimosa | 28-Jul-08 at 8:35 pm | Permalink
vee,
Then when you done, remember to share with us your thoughts on WADLAC!
Good luck on your exams
TkN | 29-Jul-08 at 3:11 am | Permalink
lol. Is that the case? Then, has one of my reviews affected your opinion on a series one way or another? You know, we never get to learn what TVB series you’re watching, if any.
Mimosa | 30-Jul-08 at 10:38 pm | Permalink
TkN,
Yes, they’ve affected not my opinion but rather my decision on which series I would (and would not) watch.
For example, I watched D.I.E, skipped Forensics II despite the fact that I like part I and Forensics is my favorite topic, and currently has CMN lined up (after WADLAC, hehe). At the very moment I’m not watching anything, however. I’m… catching up on my reading, still! 
Now, if everything goes accordingly, I should be able to meet Cancan this coming weekend. I’ve heard she’s been voted the most adorable pet character of the series
TkN | 31-Jul-08 at 12:42 am | Permalink
Wait wait wait. What? Cancan? Hold on, what event? Where? What’s going on? Bring Nhi along!! haha.
I hope your “informed decision” did not disappoint.
In hindsight, I do not think “D.I.E.” was that great, but it was “addicting” during the watch. I’m glad CMN is lined up. It is one I’d recommend without hesitation. 
But at the same time, I’m sorry I’ve spoiled the plot via my reviews.
Mimosa | 31-Jul-08 at 11:21 pm | Permalink
Nhi dearest, lols, I wish there were such function here
I only meant that I might be able to start WADLAC this weekend 
I don’t really mind spoilers, as long as the stories are engaging. Truth be told, how many time would you be totally (and pleasantly I might add) surprised at a TVB story twist? On top of my head, I could only recall one - and that was toward the ending of Mr. Diana when everything turned out to just be a dream. It was totally unexpected, yet rendered a much-welcomed logic to the storyline.
I hope you’ve seen that series, or else I’ll have to apologize for the spoiler
TkN | 01-Aug-08 at 12:27 am | Permalink
Chi!! Why did you pull my leg so? You know I’m gullible.
Wait, I don’t think you’ve intentionally tricked me at all; I simply imagined the best possibility. 
How are you viewing WADLAC btw? In Cantonese?
And yes, I’ve seen “Mr. Diana”. Rather, snippets of it. I wasn’t into TVB back then.
Mimosa | 02-Aug-08 at 6:19 pm | Permalink
Nhi, I’ll be watching the Eng-sub version in the meantime while waiting for the V-dub, which is my preferred version. While I enjoy listening to the actors’ real voices, the subtitles tend to distract me a great deal. Between Gallen’s voice and his eyes, I’m less reluctant to give up the former
Gallen Harbour :: Terms of Endearment (2) | 16-Aug-08 at 4:20 pm | Permalink
[...] Terms of Endearment [...]