This is not a news article, so please do not repost elsewhere. Thanks.
May contain spoilers!
Gallen’s “When a Dog loves a Cat” concluded last night, Friday August 15th, on a note much deviated from that of a “light-hearted comedy” it had started out with. Despite some inevitable shortcomings defaulted by the genre, I found myself enjoyed the series more than I had anticipated (which, quite frankly, was nothing much except for the cute short-hair British cat and the rather curious idea of seeing Gallen interacting with pets).
As expected, WADLAC lacks of a gripping story-telling power, but that isn’t necessary a bad thing. By leaving its characters alone and aimless, the series stages a level playing field for fine acting (or lack thereof) to be showcased.
MC, all things considered, isn’t too shallow a character. Quite unexpectedly, MC does have layers. He even has a drama or two to tell despite the simple overall plot, and Gallen told them so effortlessly that one started to wonder if the actor’s real life drama had had something to do with the on-screen vivid agonies and heartfelt desolations. (Are we still talking about a comedy?)
Has Gallen successfully endeared MC? While WADLAC itself may not make it to any favorite list, MC certainly wins hearts. The outer anti-social, cold and rude MC was refreshingly amusing without being obnoxious, while the revelation of the inner loving and attentive MC was allowed to take place quite naturally.
It wouldn’t be fair if one doesn’t mention his special canine costar, Siu Ba. This talented four-legged star jogged faithfully alongside Gallen from the start to the end of the series, doggedly aided in twisting and untwisting the storyline. And talking about powerful eyes! Those dark, smart, expressive eyes took the spotlight away from Siu Ba’s costars, Gallen included, many a time.
Back to Gallen, audience who appreciate the subtle flickers in his eyes might be delighted to note the fact that along the length of 20 episodes, scenes heavily flavored with Gallen’s signature are abundant.
swtaznlaydee | 16-Aug-08 at 6:04 pm | Permalink
I just watched the 2 hour finale. I loved every second. It was so dramatic. My favorite scene is when Chow Chow finds MC at the hospital, realizing that he’s not dead yet. So much emotion from both actors.
Mimosa | 17-Aug-08 at 11:12 pm | Permalink
Hi swtaznlaydee,
Thanks for the comment. I like the tone of the finale, even though I could certainly live without the idea of a fake funeral. TVB defended its script, saying it wanted the audience to see what other characters would say about MC. I guess it’s a bit too much for my taste, but again, without such detail we wouldn’t have your favorite scene.
swtaznlaydee | 20-Aug-08 at 4:52 pm | Permalink
http://www.56.com/u81/v_Mzc0NzkxODI.html#
I found a Gallolie mv from Gallen’s baidu. Mc & chow
chow love forever<3
Aeris | 20-Aug-08 at 8:56 pm | Permalink
It contains all kinds of spoilers!
I agree with what you wrote, Mimosa. Overall, I would still label WADLAC as a light-hearted romance, but the last few episodes were quite “dramatic” as swtaznlaydee mentioned.
My favorite scene would be where MC and Chow Chow stood in the small patch of sunflowers. Very colorful!
Mimosa | 20-Aug-08 at 9:05 pm | Permalink
swtaznlaydee, much thank for the clip
Aeris, I am… guilty as charged!
Since we have had so many spoilers already, let’s go all the way! I think my most favorite scene, as you might have guessed already by my choice of the illustrative photos up there, was when MC met up with his mother after years apart. Suddenly he looked so… vulnerable!
TkN | 20-Aug-08 at 10:42 pm | Permalink
I exercised all the self-control known to mankind and merely skimmed your entry (which was painful, since I adore your writing). Then I thought… reading comments couldn’t possibly hurt! Boy, was I so very wrong. Please, next time, for warning, write: “TkN, stay away!”