Triumph In The Skies [TVB][Episodic Thoughts]

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2009-12-28T23:55:00.001-08:00

This is the COMPLETED Episodic Thoughts for the series Triumph In The Skies produced by TVB. For more info, do read the right panel top most column. For the episodes, check out the right panel under Episodes. Comments are still open so feel free to post your comments. Thank you.

EPISODE 40 [FINAL EPISODE]

2005-02-24T21:29:00.000-08:00

From the first scene, the doctor came in and told Sam that they found a donor heart. Zoe was safe! But she was still very weak, and Sam constantly by her side with Belle, waited patiently and suddenly Zoe opened her eyes and everybody was happy.

Zoe then got a visit by Tai Hung (remember Patrick Tang's character with tha dumb girlfriend who refused to leave the plane despite bomb threats? The girl's name is Ding Dong by the way, how apt) and they all asked where is Ding Dong? Tai Hung then said Ding Dong got hit by a car and was brain dead so he donated her internal organs. He didn't know the heart went to Zoe and everybody deduced that Zoe got Ding Dong's heart. Although saddened Zoe vowed to live a happy life, which was something she has been doing for the past 39 episodes anyway. So all ok?

Noooooo, more drama. Zoe got fever, there was signs of infection BUT NOT REJECTION OF THE HEART. Sam and Belle were again by her side, very very very very worried when next morning Zoe woke up, free from fever. Sam and Belle were so happy they hugged each other and Sam planted a kiss on Belle's cheek. Ruby and Paul saw that and Ruby talked to Belle whilst Paul asked Sam whether they were both lovers or friends? They both laughed.

Back outside, Sam and Belle had another heart to heart talk. They both acknowledged their relationship has gone beyond ex-lovers or friends. They were family and as Belle wished Sam the best of everything with Zoe, Belle said that she wanted to leave HK for a while and visit her mom and dad in law as well as Coco. Sam bade a very happy farewell to his "Vincent" in a way of course. And Belle went to the place where she took Vincent's ashes and threw it in mid-air and in her heart talked to Vincent for one last time, that she was ok.

Now the Zita-Isaac-Donald dilemma must end right? Donald told Isaac that he wanted a fair chance to woo Zita. Both gentlemen agreed. But Zita had a tough time choosing though neither had made their move yet. Zita felt for both she said, her mom Tina ran away when asked who she should choose, then Zita got a call from Isaac, and the same time the same call from Donald, both asking her out.

Perhaps HK's most favourite destination for confessions of love and going on ones own way that is the beach, Zita met Isaac and Donald, both coming from her left and right, she looked cornered. Anyway Zita wanted them to be honest. Isaac said "You must choose Donald. He was with you first.." whilst Donald quickly said "No! Choose Isaac, because you liked him first". And Zita said in effect let's be friends again and the 3 agreed. So that's it I guess.

Zoe left the hospital a healthy and happy girl. She didn't look sick even at her worst. Anyway, Sam took her to the landing site (you know where planes land) and Zoe was complaining why he took her there and Sam said; "We met at the airport, we fell in love at the airport and I just wanted to ask you to marry me right here..." and Zoe was shocked but she said "Let's close our eyes and count to 3, if there is a silver bird (plane) flying past us..." and they did and guess what? Yep, a plane flew by. Like it was so strange eh since they were at the airport!

So they planned their wedding and Belle sent Zoe a gift, a wedding dress whilst Coco gave Sam her best wishes. Belle said she will come back for the wedding.

And so they held their wedding at the airport and Belle was late. As Zoe and Sam walked down the aisle, both Sam and Zoe slowed down their pace and suddenly Belle appeared, smiling clapping happily. Then Belle took the place of Vincent and gave the "best man's" speech, saying fate brought them all together and they must cherish it.

One month later, Belle went back to work as a ground crew as she was before. She met Zoe and Sam after they came back from their honeymoon. The 3 stood together at the upper floor and observed the happenings below...

- Paul and Ruby pak-toh whilst working.
- Zita, Isaac, Roy, Chris (all in uniform) and Donald (in a very smart looking suit-he did say he might go back to become a pilot once his dad is ok but you and I know that will never happen) all walked together, laughing happily like they did when they were cadets
- New cadets making the rounds with Taylor and Tony guiding them
- Coco and fellow air stewardess and stewards walking and chatting
- Tina doing the rounds with newbies

And the series ended with Zoe, Sam and Belle walking together, laughing and acknowledging that the airport was where all fates entertwined and all walks of life can be seen.

How I see it? Life goes on, and that is what the airport is all about, saying goodbyes, saying hellos, in the end life goes on.

My only problem is this;

- where the heck is Zoe's 7 brothers AND Paul when she was almost dying, TWICE?? Even at her wedding, nobody! Why? I think her parents is dead but brothers, where art thou?

- hmmm right after surgery Zoe had make up on and very little tubes in and out of her body. Very strange eh?

Anyway one interesting fact. Check out the almost ending scene as Belle, Sam and Zoe were talking to one another, you will see lights flashing at their direction! Ahh fans taking pictures.

As for the ending, the actual ending, I would have to say this ending is pretty comprehensive. I like the ending, I like the way the camera zoomed over everybody, and telling us what will be their ending. But that little voice wanted a different ending... hear me out..

I wanted Belle to find a new guy, or the chance of a new love. I wanted to see the ending where she again dropped her bracelet without realising it and as Zoe, Sam and Belle all walked towards wherever they were walking as in tonight's episode for the ending, I was hoping a handsome popular guest star (maybe Tony Leung, maybe somebody really famous) ran towards Belle and asking her.."Miss, is this yours?" and Belle smiled and said yes and as Belle walked away I wanted the guy to look at her in a very charmed and besotted way and as Sam and Zoe teased her about this guy, she looked back and that guy who was walking away also looked back, both locked eyes and smiled and then went their own ways BUT with the possibility that Belle will find love again.

Wouldn't that be just romantic??

Anyway the ending wasn't like that. I was just glad TVB didn't end it with everybody standing in line and say something really preachy like "Airport, the window to hellos and goodbyes".

The performance? Since tonight is the end, I won't say much. I will talk more in my review proper.

Thank you for reading my thoughts and sharing with me your thoughts.

EPISODE 39

2005-02-23T09:25:00.000-08:00

One more episode till the big finale. My fear that I mentioned in the previous episode almost came true, but it didn't. This has got to be the most emotionally charged episode, better than when Vincent died, better than any other episodes, because the emotions were so raw, so real and the performances were nothing but exceptional in one single scene that lasted about 8 minutes or so. Maybe 10 minutes. Never imagined myself saying this, fans of Flora must pay attention to this episode because this is her at her best. But of course it went downhill later. I am not too sure of the sequence of this episode but what happened in tonight's episode will be detailed in here.

Belle was alone in the house crying, wailing for Vincent, knowing he wasn't there.

Anyway Zoe's condition worsened but she still managed to smile and stay optimistic. Constant worry and running out had taken its toll on Sam who looked haggard, even had some messy hair. He was worried about losing Zoe, and he cried on her bossom as Zoe lightly comforted him and he even stayed with her and slept with her on the hospital bed, but this time it was Zoe offering her shoulder to him. She went out of the hospital and saw the rainbow. Sam professed his undying love for her and lightlyand gently kissed her lips and Zoe knew her death will hurt Sam really really bad.

Then Belle appeared. She visited Zoe at the hospital but she looked even more pale than the patient. She didn't look like she was paying any attention to the encouraging words Zoe was saying and Belle mumbled to herself Zoe's misfortune and how this wasn't supposed to be the way life is. Belle told Zoe that Zoe will be fine, told Zoe to hang in there, that Zoe must not have any regrets like Belle was having and Belle left looking as distracted as ever.

Sam came and Zoe quickly told Sam she was worried about Belle. Then Zoe felt her heart a bit of pain and Sam was quickly on his feet, asking if she was alright whilst Zoe tried to tell Sam about Belle. Sam was very distracted and tired but Zoe insisted that he goes to Belle's apartment and check her out. Sam by this time was fed up with Belle as he thought Zoe's condition merited his attention more. But he went anyway and he loudly banged on Belle's door, screaming if Belle was in there, looking very fed up with Belle. Suddenly Belle opened the door, and she looked frighteningly pale, a few messy hair and very big dark eye circles. Sam didn't quite noticed all that and he took Belle by the shoulders and roughly shook her, scolding her that "You promised me Belle, you promised me the last time will be the last, you will not think about Vincent anymore...I miss him too Belle, Wake up! Wake up!" but Belle was beyond listening and she weakly slumped to the floor. Sam noticed something was wrong when she kept saying "This will be the last time, it will be the last time" and he saw bottles which I suspect were sleeping pills. He knew immediately Belle was trying to kill herself and as he slumped to the floor with her he took teh phone and wanted to call of the ambulance. Belle took the phone from him and wailed, saying "No! I want to be with Vincent, do you know the pain of missing the one you love, the regret, it is too much to bear..." and Sam was in tears, desperate to try to take the phone and he ended up hugging Belle tightly, telling her his heartfelt words .."Belle, please don't do this...Vincent is already dead, Zoe is dying, please don't die, I will have no one left, please don't die...please...", begging Belle to hang on and weakly Belle said, "This is Zoe's chance to live..we have the same blood group, she can have my heart Sam, think about her..don't call please...let me be..." and Belle moved away and fainted whilst Sam thought for just awhile and quickly grabbed the phone.

Once at the hospital, Belle was inconsolable. Sam said "I know you blame me for saving you..but I can't let you die..." and Belle was too depressed to hear anything.

At the same hospital, Zoe saw Belle at the garden and Zoe approached Belle. Zoe sat down and said some comforting words that if she died she wouldn't want her loved ones to worry, she would want them to live on and she was convinced Vincent would feel the same and she felt. Belle suddenly looked at Zoe and her face brightened up. When Zoe left, Belle saw Vincent who told her it was time for her to let go. Belle finally understood and she let go of her grief and her regret and decided to be her old self again and Vincent disappeared forever.

I must say, is Vincent a ghost?? Joking, joking but Belle seemed to be still delusional but let got of her delusions. Whatever works for her to deal with her grief, or more like regret.

Anyway Zoe slipped into a deep coma and she had one night for a new heart, if not she will die. Sam was worried sick, didn't know what to do and for once the calm cool man ran out and Belle followed him and in Belle's arms he cried. They both tried to remain positive but they knew if Zoe didn't get a new heart by the end of that day, they would lose her forever.

Tomorrow will be last episode but no worries, a happy ending. Question is, whose heart will Zoe get? Definitely not Belle's.

I love tonight's episode as it showed Zoe's strength and Sam's vulnerability in full force. I was pretty bored with Zoe's optimism, but it was Sam's fear, pain and tears that really made tonight's episode the all time high. Francis Ng's performance was flawless. This man showed every worry, every frustration, every pain. When he held Zoe, he had fear and hopelessness, that he couldn't save the woman he loves. When with Belle, he looked fed up and then quickly turned to concern when Belle was in a more emotionally serious condition. His scene with Flora when as Belle she was trying to kill herself was emotionally raw. Flora did very good in that scene, she didn't mumble and she had the pain, the regret, the grief, all rolled into one. The best scene had to be Sam begging Belle to not die, because he had lost his best friend, he might lose the woman he loved, he couldn't handle another death. The grief was so real, I had tears in my eyes as Belle closed her eyes. I knew she will not die but you know who knows? Like that ridiculous Donald-Zita breakup scene, anything is possible. I didn't always like Belle but her grief was understandable as like she said, nothing is worse in life than having regrets.

What I didn't like though is Vincent's appearance, as a ghost-like figure when we all know he is just Belle's imagination, as if her inner voice talking to herself. It just made Belle looked like a lunatic. It was meant to be a good bye scene but for a woman so in grief, I was thinking she never once visited Vincent's grave. Then I realised Vincent became ashes and his ashes were thrown off the plane and into the air! A better plot would be burying him somewhere and Belle spending her days talking to his headstone and the goodbye scene with her saying a tender goodbye to Vincent at his grave, and then she sees a very handsome Vincent smiling at her and he lightly brushed her cheeks lovingly and happily drifting away, like as if Belle in her mind knew by letting go of her grief she will be releasing Vincent in a spiritual way. Wouldn't that be just poetic?

Everybody else does not exist in this series unfortunately. One thing I really don't get; Zoe is seriously ill, she is dying but Paul, where is Paul? Where are her brothers and sisters in law? Would they appear in the last episode? Wouldn't it be better to show them arriving in full force at the hospital, keeping vigil, praying and all? I mean Paul appeared for a while when he should be there as worried as Sam, even more worried than Sam.

As for Belle, shouldn't Ruby her bestest friend be in here somewhere? Where is she?

What I like though is Belle slowly taking Vincent's place as Sam's new best friend. They both lost someone they loved dearly, Belle lost the man she loved, Sam might lose the woman he loved, so there is a connection on a very emotional level. She and Sam became soul mates towards the end of this series, a relationship far stronger and spiritually fulfilling than being lovers.

The rest of the episode is between repetetive and a bit overdone. I am quite bored with Zoe's sickness actually.

Don't miss this one.

EPISODE 38

2005-02-22T09:41:00.000-08:00

Today's episode is something I would say it's not great, it's not bad, just too draggy. This series as it ends should really hopefully end with a bang but the way it goes...I am getting bored with it. My rating for it is going down, down down. Basically today we have Zoe-Sam and Belle-Vincent.

Anyway story continues where that dumb girl refused to leave the plane. Sam told her there was a bomb but she thought it was her husband's (or maybe fiancee's) trick to get her off the plane. Zoe meanwhile was worried sick and suddenly that husband ran into the plane, knocking Zoe over and she cut her hand. There is a significance to this scene as I shall reveal later.

Once inside, he begged her to leave the plane but she went on and on about him shouldn't call his ex-girlfriend, if he wanted her, then just go back to that woman, you know, Vincent-Belle-Sam situation. Sam then said "actually I have been through such a similar phase in my life, believe me, if this man doesn't love you, he wouldn't be wearing the ring.." and the girl softened a bit and she left with him. I was wondering, can the airport authorities fine her for being such a pain in the arse? Anyway I must say, what a bad bad performance by this actress. Bored to death with her monotomous delivery.

Anyway Zoe saw Sam coming out and she immediately hugged him, worried sick. Back at home, Sam finally convinced Zoe to give their relationship another chance and when he was about to kiss her, she fainted.

At the hospital, the doctor was about to tell her the ugly truth but she agreed to let Sam hear the news also as she promised him no more secrets. Then the doctor revealed her heart was weakened by the infection caused by that cut on her hand. She must be warded immediately and Sam was worried sick. He refused to believe the doctor but when he calmed down, he was scared for Zoe. At the hospital, Zoe was well taken care of, her uncle and aunt visited her often and Sam took time off to be with her. But Zoe insisted that he went on with his life, go to work. He did but he was still worried sick about her and was afraid she might die that he cried on her lap but Zoe comforted him, being optimistic and all.

Back at home, Sam was especially quiet and his family finally found out why. Belle went visiting Zoe and they had this very serious discussion where Belle was getting increasingly disillusioned with life. She didn't understand, first it was Vincent and now Zoe, both good people. But when Sam walked in, Belle smiled again and left but Sam and Zoe were both worried about her.

Anyway Zoe wanted to leave the hospital because she didn't want to wait to die and she didn't want to die waiting. Sam refused to let her do so and then Sam knew Zoe was hiding something from him. Zoe finally confessed that she had probably weeks to a few months to live. Sam was shocked and he scolded Zoe for being so secretive and Zoe almost tearfully told him "I didn't want you to be hurt" and Sam almost tearfully said "Do you think by not telling me the truth you will spare me the pain?". Zoe immediately hugged Sam and said she will listen to his advice and stay at the hospital but Sam realised Zoe should be free to do whatever she wanted before her time is up though they were both optimistic that she will find a donor heart. So Zoe left the hospital and resumed work, but less hectic as a PR face for the airport. So we have about 8 minutes or maybe lesser of Zoe introducing the airport in a mock promotional video which was a total waste of my time. My patience was running out.

Then we have something interesting. Zoe fainted again and she was brought again to the hospital and Sam was haggard, worried sick when he received a phone call from Ruby expressing worries for Belle. Sam thought Belle was ok but Ruby said Belle was missing work these days, when asked why and Belle would say she was attending some theraphy but when asked what theraphy, Belle avoided Ruby. Sam said he will look into it.

He followed Belle out of Ruby's house and Belle went to her old apartment, her love nest with Vincent. Sam immediately knew Belle was pretending to be fine. Once inside, we see Belle sitting alone at the empty apartment when Sam knocked and knocked. Belle refused to answer Sam but Sam was insistent, Sam said "I know you're in there Belle". So Belle had no choice but to open the door and Sam immediately went to Belle and asked why she was here. Belle said "I wanted to see Vincent again.." and Sam said "You and I both know Vincent is dead...I knew him longer than you did Belle, sometimes you must learn to let go.." but Belle said "I just want to fill myself with my memories of him, sitting here give me comfort, please let me sit here for awhile...please" and Sam knew he had no choice but to let her do so. He left, but only after Belle said it will just be for a moment and this would be the last time. When Sam left, Belle sat on the living room floor and tearfully said "Vincent, can you hear me? Please come out, please Vincent, I need to see you..please..." and she cried alone knowing Vincent would never appear again.

I will have to say this; that last scene as Belle wept and pleading Vincent to see her, that was such a sad scene. Flora Chan did well by really having tears, a sense of desperation and no mumbling. She handled that scene with grace and I really pity Belle. Imagine this, losing someone you realise only after he is dead that he is the one for you...I was almost in tears. Next episode we will see Belle committing suicide as Zoe's condition got worse and worse. I do wonder; will Zoe's new heart come from Belle? I hope not. Belle shouldn't die. She should learn to move on.

Francis Ng did an amazing job tonight as the very haggard looking Sam. You could see worry, you could see fatique, you could see tiredness.. a sense of almost hopelesness though he tried to be optimistic. And now he had to worry about Belle too.

I don't think Belle's condition is annoying. Some might find her tiring due to her constant delusions but I actually find it all very sad and very pitiful. For once I like watching Belle and I feel miserable watching her actually. It is interesting that Zoe, a very sick girl never giving up hope whilst Belle, a healthy woman physically finding it increasingly hard to live on.

At this juncture, I kinda remembered this great TV character, Dr Jeffrey Geiger from the series Chicago Hope, probably TV's most interesting character. He once said of his routine in life after the death of his son who was drowned by his insane wife.."I wake up, I breath, I shower, I eat, I go to work, I come home, I eat, I breath, I sleep and it is the same everyday...". Belle was exactly like that. Very sad.

What annoyed me though is the overlong scenes of Zoe coping with her sickness. She didn't look pale enough, her sickness was repetetive and Sam's constant worry and Zoe's very optimistic outlook though she knew she had little chance of survival if she didn't get a new heart soon was very very very tiring to watch. The scene went on and on and on with her trying to tell Sam to be optimistic and Sam looking very worried. Entire 45 minutes was on this sole single issue and this was from way back a few episodes before. Must the series drag on until they hit number 40? I am afraid I might be bored to death if Zoe hadn't died of her heart disease. Each episode since almost 4 or 5 episodes ago is like detailing Zoe's slow digression of health due to her disease. This is not a medical documentary. I need more than just Zoe, Zoe, Zoe, Zoe. I love her but too much of her just irritates me. So when Belle appeared, I was so happy when previously I was so irritated by her. This series is not only losing its focus, it is losing it's consistency and to make each scene matters. But right now it was like waste of film to be so long winded. 1 hour felt like 2 hours and I found myself counting the days this series would end so that I can watch Point of No Return!

Anyway, it is still a sad episode but having milked too much of the viewers' sympathy for the past few episodes, this episode lacked surprise. The only surprise would be the preview of tomorrow's episode and I just don't like it if Belle killed herself and Zoe got her heart. That would be just too tragic.

Addition
I forgot to mention this when I posted this thought about one major scene. It was Sam flying the plane with his brother Isaac after the time he found out how serious Zoe's condition was. Calm and cool as usual, suddenly guest star Ellesmere Choi after hearing a phone call in mid air started to beg everybody to let the plane fly straight to Singapore instead of stopping at Thailand to transit to Singapore. Usually there is scchedule integrity. But when Sam found out Ellesmere was in such a stricken state because his young son was in urgent need of I think liver transplant and he as the father was the suitable donor, Sam after getting the whole plane's consent flew straight to Singapore. The boy was saved of course. He did what he did because he thought of Zoe. Whilst I think this scene was oh so touching, I wonder have there been any precedent that a plane would skip the scheduled destination? I know of sick patients and emergency landing but what if one boy is dying in Thailand and another in Singapore? Now what would Sam do? What would you do?

EPISODE 37

2005-02-21T09:48:00.000-08:00

The story with Belle continues. Sam immediately knew Belle was imagining Vincent was there with her but Belle kinda told Sam to mind his own business. Then Sam and Zoe turned up at her apartment and saw her in bathrobes. Immediately Sam tried to shake Belle and to wake her up but Belle who knew Vincent was dead refused to believe he didn't come back to be with her in the form of a spirit. She said she made a wish at Rome at the fountain for Vincent to be back with her and she was convinced Vincent was back. She rushed Sam out of the house, saying she rather have no friends if they were to force her to give up on Vincent's memory in the form of a spirit but Sam was very fierce. He said Vincent wouldn't want Belle to act this way and he refused to leave, until Zoe pulled him out and said give Belle some space.

Next day they went to a psychiatrist seeking advice and we see some intercut scenes. As the doctor explained perhaps Belle may be suffering from some depression causing some major delusions as she knew Vincent was dead but she refused to move on, we see Belle actually going on with her life everyday as if Vincent was there, talking, chatting, etc. It was quite eerie actually. Where is Coco? She should be with Belle!

Anyway Ruby, Sam and Zoe immediately went to see Belle and Ruby asked Belle to move in back with her and Zoe even said either in this episode or the previous episode that if she wants, Zoe can move in with Belle. Belle refused and she went into her room I think. There she saw Vincent who told her "You know I am dead...you must listen to Sam..stop this Belle". And so Belle thought for awhile and then said to Ruby she will move back with her and she left happily.

A pause here. It is interesting that Belle knows that Vincent is dead, she hides the fact that she is talking with him from others so she knows the reality but she refuse to acknowledge it. I find this very real in a way. And Vincent was like her inner voice, she knew what Sam said was right and yet she wanted to live in this illusion. But the way she quickly said yet to move back with Ruby, the delusions ended in a mere one episode or so. But i don't think so. I shall speculate here; she moved back and brought along with her her memory of Vincent. So she was still delusional, but she was trying to lie to everyone including herself.

I kinda remembered Sam or Ruby saying they just wanted Belle to be happy instead of being insane. But I personally thought she has never been happier since Vincent died. I mean she saw Vincent in her mind, maybe that is insanity but sometimes unable to cope with grief, a lie is somewhat better than reality, so why not let her bask in it for awhile? Yeah it is wrong to let her be but to me Belle needs time to check back with reality and now she was further into her delusions as she hid from everyone the truth and went on with her life when maybe in the middle of the night she may be up speaking with the dead Vincent. Sam, Ruby and Zoe never really look into this more. I suspect more tragedy in the making for Belle.

Meanwhile Ruby denied having a relationship with Paul in front of Paul's parents saying she wasn't good enough for him when Paul thought she meant the opposite. So when he went home late, he said to Ruby the relationship was over. As he was packing, Belle showed to Ruby Vincent's last message and told Ruby to appreciate what she had, if not like her she might missed it one day. Ruby thought for awhile and confronted Paul who was steadfast in moving until Ruby said let's tell everybody about the relationship. Then we know he was just trying to pressure her into having an open relationship. Interesting plot for tonight which speaks for how little is happening tonight. I mean a lot happened but none logical except for this one.

As for Donald, poor thing. He was on his way to save his father's company and Chris, having too his side kinda fell out of favour with his 2 other best friends. But Chris didn't mind. Zita went on with her life. Then Isaac azked Zita to go to a concert with him, effectively a date and Zita quickly said yes.

Sorry to say, I have very little respect for this character Zita. Yesterday's episode she ran away and with her she had Isaac's music box. Today she readily said yes, never once questioned why Donald did what he did. Never even suspected and she went along with Donald's plans. I just feel she never really loved Donald whilst Donald was so crazy about her. It was like in her heart there was still Isaac and Donald won her over with his sincerity but never really won her heart. She did cry, but I find this plot very unconvincing.

Anyway Zoe saw Donald at the hospital staring happily at a picture (him and Zita) and immediately she suspected something was wrong. She tried to ask Donald but Donald coldly brushed her aside. Then she saw Donald leaving with his crippled father.

Zoe was perhaps the only reasonable one in this episode. She did what Zita should have done but didn't bother to do. She went to see Chris who was alone, poor man. She asked Chris for the truth. I myself wondered what was the reason. No reason actually and Zoe said something I truly agreed with. Zoe said "Donald was stupid to have this plan but you're more stupid to even go along with him..as his friend you should have advised him..." and Chris acknowledged he was wrong and he felt guilty. But he made Zoe swear that she musn't tell Donald he told her the truth, if not "I would lose my only remaining friend"! Quite pitiful actually.

Zoe asked Sam if she should tell Zita and Isaac and Sam said yes, because look at the Vincent-Sam-Bell mess he said. So they saw Isaac and Zita chatting happily and Zoe was reluctant since she knew they were almost about to date one another. Urged by Sam, she told them the truth. They went to Chris and Chris apologised. But Donald was away in Australia for a very important meeting. Zita and Isaac so happened to be there and they all greeted each other happily and I suspect Chris called Donald beforehand. When they were flying back, Donald was in a rush to reach HK to speak to the bankers. The captain and his first officer suffered from food poisoning (though earlier in this series they did mentioned the captain and his co-pilot never eat the same stuff to avoid this same problem) and it was Zita and Isaac who did the landing. Donald went to see them to say sorry and thank you and when he left, Zita told Isaac that maybe the concert date was ...and before she can finish her sentence Isaac agreed. So there goes for the budding romance.

Then they all went to visit Donald and they were friends again BUT no word on Donald and Zita. I think they remain as friends.

Zoe meanwhile who wanted to remain as friends with Sam didn't because she met with a couple who were her friends on their way to I think Hawaii and they said eh bring you boyfriend along and she said yes and she called Sam or Sam called her and she said this couple invited him as well so it is confirmed; they're still a couple but Sam didn't know it yet.

But then Zoe met the same couple arguing just minutes later about the guy's ex girlfriend (I think the actress is De something, seen her before whilst the guy is Patrick Tang I think) and this woman tore up the guy's ticket, took his passport and ran into the plane. The guy couldn't get in and the stewardess tried to get back the passport but couldn't and the guy left with another attendant. Suddenly Zoe hear that there was an anonymous bomb threat on that very same flight and the plane had to be vacated. She suspected it was the guy who made false phone call or even put the bomb on the plane (how I do not know since he never got on the plane) as he threatened before that if he can't get in, the plane will not be flying. The police arrested him for questioning but he denied ever doing so. I believe him. Zoe was worried sick about Sam who was left behind with some crew member to persuade that airhead woman to leave that bloody plane. She simply refused, thinking her husband was the one playing a practical joke to get her off plane and Sam told everybody to leave and he stayed behind. Last scene was Zoe's worried face whilst that husband escaped everybody and ran into the plane.

And there I was thinking "eh dumb woman, don't you feel a bit like an idiot for sitting in the plane all alone when everybody vacated it?".

Anyway the passengers thought it was some mechanical failure.

Was there a bomb? I bet there wasnt't but that husband didn't make that phone call either.

Next episode Zoe's condition worsens. But for someone with a heart disease and in urgent need of a transplant, she can definitely walk, run and be so normal. Shouldn't she be out of breath? Having frequent chest pains instead of just "Oh, pain"?

And today's episode clearly highlighted one major plot problem. I still didn't get the part WHY Donald had to pretend to be so mean to Zita and be so mean to everybody. I mean when they all found out they were very supportive of him. I mean wouldn't Donald want such support? As for Zita, wouldn't you love this man more? I don't get it, I never will. Never ever.

Performance wise, all ok except for that guest starring role by that Carina something something as that dumb wife. Ohhhh what bad acting, such monotone, but luckily just for a few minutes. But her character quickly established herself as all time dumb one. Donald a close second for his ridiculous non reason for what he did. Eeeesssshhhhhh....waste of plot, waste of time, draggggggggggging factor only.

Belle is a-ok, strange eh? Flora Chan was like a schizophrenic in here. Her performance as in suddenly ok, suddenly not. Not very consistent but like I said not all is a-ok with Belle.

There was Joe Ma, as a guest starring character he did very well. I just don't want to see him so often.

Francis Ng rules whilst Myolie had little to do actually. She can carry the entire episode with just one expression but still remain credible.

The best tonight was the pair, Jerry Lam and Louisa So. Very interesting but convincing pairing. Jerry Lam did very well, he was very funny as the friend and warm as the loving cousin. Louisa So is so pretty.

And that is that for tonight's recap.

EPISODE 36

2005-02-20T09:46:00.000-08:00

I missed episode 35 but from the first scene, Donald visiting his very sick father at the hospital, I deduce and I was actually told that Donald's father at last accepted his son's ambition as he himself was failing in his own business but then suffered a heart attack. He woke up paralysed and Donald was worried sick. Then he made a life changing decision; he knew his father's company was in heavy debt and his father couldn't just let the company die such a horrible death. Now something very illogical happened after this scene.

Donald told Chris he must help him to ditch Zita and Zita overheard that Donald pursued her as a dare with Chris to see who can get to kiss her first and Zita, heart broken ran away. Roy and Isaac stopped being Donald's friends who was very cold to them and naturally Isaac ran to Zita to offer her his shoulders to cry on.

I have to say this was such a lame plot. This is the only excuse TVB can find to get Zita into Isaac's arms and to create some tension in the group? I mean was Donald's father involved in some hostile takeover of Solar Airlines where 99% of the employees will be axed and Donald will have to carry out that work? Nope. Was Donald being involved in his father's company will make Zita lose out certain things? Nope. So I didn't get it at all why Donald had to do what he did. And shouldn't Zita just ask "Bastard! How can you treat me like this?" when overhearing what Donald said to Chris instead of just running away without ever confronting Donald? How can Isaac and Roy believe what Donald said when Chris was still by his side and the day after Donald actually quit as pilot? Can't intelligent beings like them deduce that perhaps Donald was facing some personal crisis? Can't Donald just tell Zita what he told Chris that "Chris, I have to go back to my father's company, he is sick, he is alone, I need to help him, I have to quit my dreams" and as Zita, wouldn't you feel more in love with such a noble being who gave up his dreams for his father's dreams? But noooooo..I don't understand. "Dim gai?" "Why?" Tell me why?

Anyway ridiculous as this plot may sound, it give credibility to what I am going to say next with regards to Belle.

Finally Belle heard that bloody tape. My neck was so long waiting to hear what Vincent had to say and he said something quite right...

"Belle! I finally understood! Belle! Belle, listen to me, you lost that bracelet 3 times, I found it once..don't you get it? Your fate with Sam was not meant to be because it is something you can't hold on to but with me, once and you married me...Belle, I want to start all over again with you, please give me a chance, remember this date Belle, remember today's date..."

Belle was of course crying like a total maniac and Flora Chan, every time she cries she mumbles and so the entire sentimental scene was killed by her tearless cries and her mumbling. What did she say? I don't know. Anyway thereafter Belle suddenly saw Vincent, and Vincent said he will have to leave and Belle must go on with life but Belle hugged him and said no no no, he will stay with her, he is back with her.

At this point, we all know it was all hullicination or Belle is going bonkers in a less sophisticated language. But after that whole Donald-Zita incident, I really actually do believe Vincent's ghost came back to haunt Belle. Oh yes, this is like Seven Sisters now. Why not? If Donald can leave Zita for no apparent reason and Zita can let Donald dump her for no apparent reason, would seeing Vincent's ghost that far fetched? I don't think so.

Ok ok, Belle was delusional. Anyway for the next few days, she refused to see her friends, always busy busy busy. Then Sam and Zoe gave her a surprise visit and found her having a candlelight dinner with no one, she dressed fabulously, magazines about cars opened on the dinner table and Belle quickly tell them to leave. Zoe was very worried and Sam when talking to Belle noticed she wasn't paying attention. Scary stuff.

Meanwhile, Zoe's heart is saying I QUIT!! Doctor advised her to check into the hospital but she refused. Sam was very worried but Zoe dismissed his worries and insisted on being friends with him. Sam was of course heartbroken but said very little.

At this moment I must stress for someone's whose heart was giving up on her, Zoe seems very energetic, full of life and more importantly healthy. Shouldn't she be a bit pale, have some breathing difficulties? I mean she can still walk all over like no problem. Very unrealistic.

But we all know Zoe still love Sam because she saw him giving tours to little kids who wanted Zoe to give them chocolate and cheapskate big brother Sam gave them a story that Zoe once told him. Hmmm "brother pilot, can I have my chocolate now??"

Anyway Zoe clearly was still in love with Sam but as she said earlier, she wanted them to be just friends so that if she ever ever have to leave this Earth, he would not be that sad which to be is a bunch of B.S. But her actions were thoughtful; it is often hardest to say goodbye to the one you love, more so when you see them dying slowly. But Sam didn't know how serious Zoe's condition was.

Last scene, Sa found Belle sitting alone at the airport lounge, nobody around but she was clearly besotted and touching an unseen figure opposite her. Sam sat opposite her and called "Belle?", looking very worried.

The end.

One mention, Taylor asked Tina to marry him but Tina wanted to be just friends. Then Zita came back very upset due to Donald's supposed betrayal and Taylor comforted her like a father would and Tina then said to Taylor let's give their relationship a try. And so began a very boring relationship. I wonder what happened to Tina's previous boyfriends??

This episode I don't get it at all. Why Donald must leave Zita? It is illogical, to the point of him hurting even his friends. Donald was all alone with his problems and there were indications Isaac may take this opportunity to woo Zita, something he wanted to many many episodes before.

As for Belle, pure drama. Such a long time for her to become delusional and for me to hear the tape recording, when I do hear it it was of not much impact because the wait was far too long, the impact all gone.

Performance wise, you will get to see Joe Ma, I suspect returning because of viewers' popular request. But I was joking about him being a ghost in here. Everybody did well, however illogical the plot may be. I must mention this; Flora had a bit too much blush on her cheeks, Myolie too much powder on her face, Michelle too much gloss on her lips and this drama getting increasingly draggy and slow. Just 4 more episodes and it felt like a lifetime.

EPISODE 35

2005-02-17T09:40:00.000-08:00

Missed tonight's episode. I hope it's not the one where finally I will get to hear Vincent's recording.

Please tell me this isn't the one.

Anyone care to share what happened tonight?

EPISODE 34

2005-02-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

I missed the 1st 30 minutes because I was busy watching Michael Jackson's parents talking about their son. Wasted my time for nothing.

Anyway, the moment I switched channels, I saw Sam's mom hugging Phillip saying she didn't care about his impotence. Ahh happy ending.

Next Zoe was back in the picture, having dinner with Sam's family. I suspect she must have been told her heart was failing and she was dying like what I saw in the preview yesterday. Anyway she asked Sam's parents how would you know he's the one? They said at first glance, fated, that moment when two souls meet, you will know. Sam could see Zoe was thinking about something.

Next thing Zoe mailed the Triangel back to Belle with a note attached saying the Triangel originally belonged to Belle, so Belle was fated to be with Sam and not her. Then next day she met Sam at the beach and whilst Sam was telling her about his eyes, everything ok so he will fly again, but not as captain as he needed to re-train first. Zoe told Sam she wanted to break off the relationship with the reason as follows:-

"Then it is time for me to leave.. it is time for me to look after myself, to find myself...Maybe the person fated for you is Belle, you were not looking for me, but looking for Belle whilst I was looking for you but maybe we are not meant to be...we can still be friends and I will support you in everything you do. It is time for me to visit my family, I haven't seen them for quite awhile. Go find the one in your heart, go find Belle...", then she left leaving Sam very very confused and almost in tears. But Sam accepted it.

And then Belle found out from Ruby they broke up and Ruby told Belle this was the time to sort things out and to which Belle still answered I don't know. I thought previous episode Belle told Sam they could be best friends, the past is the past, so how come we have the same old garbage again? Is this like a recycle bin, again and again and again we hear the same bloody question. Can't we move on??? Belle had yet to receive that package from Zoe nor hear what Vincent had to say. I am morphing into a giraffe, long neck over the waiting.

Of course Zoe left for Rome, like where else? Can't they change location, like maybe Venice? As fate would have it Sam and Belle were working on the same flight. Then big drama happened.

One guy went into the toilet and smoked, and the forgot to put out his cigarette causing a fire which destroyed the toilet. Everybody panicked and Sam made a suggestion to go back to HK to check the damage, but (and this part I didn't know so I learned something) the captain said with a full tank of petrol, they can't land like that. So they needed to throw away some petrol and the passengers thought the plane was going down and panicked big time.

Belle asked Sam to come to meet the passengers and that guy who caused the whole problem began speaking very loud, saying his incident was small compared to the plane going down and Sam in a very smooth, clear and quiet voice said to that guy "Sir, if you do not stop causing a scene, I have the power to handcuff you". Then he shut up! Yeah!

But people still panicking although Sam explained all he could and then entered Belle, very emotional, almost crying screaming "I am a passenger too! I trust my crew with my life, I would give my life to them, please please trust them, pleaseeeeeeeee".

The end.

Tomorrow, some infuriating scenes like them with that orange again like in ther first 2 episodes and them kissing I think but Sam realised he loved Zoe and Belle loved Vincent and they had that speech about being friends again but Zoe seems unmoved by it all. Garbage, total garbage.

This series is killed by repetition, the uncertainty of Belle again and again and again and the whole thing about fate, destiny, love all between Belle and Sam. How many times must I go through the same torture?

Vincent's last message to Belle better be good!

Performance wise, Myolie Wu was more subdued and gave a very mature performance. What a delight to watch, now that I don't need to see her too perky.

Flora Chan really should try to vary her acting, her emotions. Of course her Belle is an emotional wreck, but there must be more to emotional wreck than looking uncertain and crying. Can't she look happy but uncertain? Maybe crying but happy? You know, more variety?

Francis Ng was the best of the best of the best. His best scene was with Zoe at the beach as Zoe tried to tell him why they must part ways and his Sam looked so pitiful, so confused, like wondering what went wrong? I was hoping Sam would ask Zoe "Why?" but he didn't, he looked confused and in tears. Definitely the best scene of tonight's garbage episode.

End credits we have someone explaining about...what was that? Can't remember. I was hoping they would explain about the dumping of petrol in mid air, very interesting stuff or power to arrest someone during flight. Like what happened to Ronald Cheng!!

Anyway, this series is ending in 5 more episodes then will be replaced by another big and heavily promoted production, Point Of No Return. Imagine this, 5 more episodes. I can't take it anymore.

This series is a prime example of going on for far too long and losing it's sight on what to say and ended up with nothing more to say.

EPISODE 33

2005-02-15T08:58:00.000-08:00

Nothing much happened today which I shall call this episode the "Busybody episode". Oh ya, loads of plot about busybody busy with other bodies, so to speak. And again repetetive.

For one, Phillip simply refused to tell everybody his embarrassing problem, so wife left for Rome leaving Sam rather frustrated.

Zoe was still trying to get Sam to go on a holiday with her. What is the significance of this holiday? May I be bold to suggest that a holiday involves living in the same room and thus sleeping on the same bed so more intimacy? I mean they can just pak-tor in HK but Zoe was pretty insistent, and thanks to Paul, she gave an excuse of going to Rome to try and persuade Sam's mom to come home. Sam said ok but not about the trip but about what she intended to do in the trip.

Meanwhile, Sam and Zoe still quite ok, Zoe still didn't tell Sam about her heart ailment and Sam still running to Belle whenever she asked him to, in a way. I find it very irritating that Zoe was so giving. No girlfriend will be that understanding, more so when you had planned for a BBQ trip, bought everything and suddenly Sam received a call from Belle who didn't say anything much and Sam looked like he wanted to see her and Zoe out of genuine concern immediately say yes. We must remember before this Belle met Sam at the beach and said the past is the past, let's be best friends but both looked rather reluctant to stop their relationship there.

Back at Belle's place, she said she asked Sam to come because she found some tapes that Vincent filmed and wanted to watch them. She did, she cried, she watched and cried some more. And I am still wondering when will I get to hear Vincent's last message? Why such a slow pace? Why draggggggggggggggg?!

Anyway, then we have same old plot about Isaac and Donald and Zita. Out of the blue we have the scene of Donald detecting a bird flying on the runway and warned the captain and the captain complimented him. A very odd scene, maybe to remind us all that

a. this series has more than Sam, Belle and Zoe
b. Donald is still very much alive and is a pilot, never forget that.

Anyway again, Zita seemed pretty much settled with her love life with Donald, writing love letters and all. Very good but Isaac looked like he still longed for her, which is dead boring because I have seen this every 2 episodes, like Belle crying every episode, Sam longing got Belle and Belle longing for Sam every other episode and Zoe planning a trip with Sam every 3 episodes. When are we going to move on??

Back at Rome, Sam's mom refused to go home. Then we have another odd story within a story where Sam's mom had a neighbour (upstairs neighbour) whose husband left her for another woman some 15 years or more before. The truth known to everybody was that man died in a car accident many years ago, something that woman didn't know and the woman was still living with the hope that he might return one day and so she never left the apartment for a stroll however beautiful Rome may be. Zoe devised a way to make that woman happy after reading a news of a sunken ship that sunk some 15 years ago and they found letters. So she managed to forge a letter and gave it to that woman who may have read that letter (so assuming her husband drowned instead of dying in a car accident with the other woman) and Zoe and Sam saw her finally strolling on the streets, buying groceries. Zoe's reason for doing so is to give the woman an answer; that her husband has died but he died wanting to return to her which was not the truth. Sam looked at Zoe admiringly and the end.

Tomorrow Zoe will break off her relationship with a very confused Sam.

I wonder though what is that woman after having read that letter realised the one reason for her still living had died decided to jump off a building to be with her dead husband? How will Zoe feel? I mean if that woman wants to wait for her husband let her be. But she went ahead and forged some letters. What if the end results are negative? I mean if I know that the man I have been waiting for decades is dead and died still loving me I might

a. like Zoe anticipated, live on
b. just jump off the building since that's the end.

What a busybody.

Anyway performance wise, I am beginning to be very irritated with Myolie Wu's constant smiling and perky self. Nothing wrong but getting very tired of it all. Also very tired with Sam's I love I don't know emotional roller coaster though Francis Ng was brilliant whilst very bored with Belle's constant crying when she was still longing for another man's embrace.

Boring boring boring episode.

Looking forward to some tragedy because this series' plot is getting stale, and getting nowhere.

End credits we have someone explaining about luggage.

EPISODE 32

2005-02-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

This episode is very frustrating to watch, because of its over the top plot or rather confusing plot.

You see, Zoe fainted right? Once at the hospital taken there by Paul, she found out her heart may be the culprit but needed some tests. Sam of course waited at the house and Paul told Zoe to tell Sam but she didn't. She concocted some lies. At that point I finally understood why Belle told Sam instead of Vincent about her HIV scare, because you can't really confide in the man you love, as this series preaches to us all. So Sam was in the dark. And he continued to be in the dark throughout.

Frustrating plot one : Why didn't Paul, a very loving and concerned cousin of Zoe marched right up to Sam and just scold Sam for not even noticing Zoe was sick? Of course it would be an unfair accusation but it would be a reasonable action. Wouldn't you as Paul itching to tell Sam to just pay more attention to Zoe seeing her going through such heartbreak? But Paul here did show concern but not enough. It must be more than just words of advice and hoping Zoe will do the rest.

Frustrating plot two : Sam is now Belle, Zoe now Vincent and Belle is like Sam. We have the same confusion, same dilemma, same old bloody plot all over again.

Then Zoe found out indeed her heart ailment came back. She was indeed sick. She was at the hospital at the same time Sam was there who was having his eye check up. For Sam it was good news, his brain thingy is getting ok and he might fly again whilst to Zoe, it was bad news. Paul was there for her and saw the amount of medicine she had to take and immediately knew she was sick like she was before. Anyway Sam was there. First person he called about the good news? BELLE. But he couldn't find her so he called Zoe who saw Sam but hid in some corner and Sam again didn't know anything. Zoe sounded happy but Sam could detect a certain coldness in Zoe's tone though it wasn't coldness, it was rather fear, Zoe didn't know what she should do.

Frustrating plot three : Sam is getting on my nerves. He called Belle first. He still had feelings for that woman. And guess what? She is very very very available right now. But more on this later.

Frustrating plot four : More like a complaint. Zoe, you must tell Sam!!! What kind of relationship is this? Happiness we share, sadness I take all? No way! Make Sam suffer too!

Then Belle came back and she wanted to start work immediately. She was quite ok until she was in a restaurant and the waiter recognised her as Vincent's wife and we have some flashback, rather necessary to remind us how stupid Belle was to say I Don't Know before and she is still saying I don't know when Ruby asked her. What is this man?? Anyway she ran into the toilet in tears and Zoe was there to comfort her.

Frustrating plot five : Again, I don't know. That really much hated quote of this series. After Vincent's death and all, she still said I don't know though she missed Vincent, she mourned him, she refused to stay in their matrimonial home. Surely these were all signs of love she felt for Vincent but this woman denied her inner voice. Ruby said tell Sam the truth, he needed to know but Belle again didn't know what to do. Again the same old bloody plot again and again and again and again and again. Like a wheel of torture, again and again and again and again.

Anyway Belle was on board a plane working, happily when I think it was Donald who gave her a piece of paper which had something to do with Vincent and again she felt saddddd. And as she was serving a customer, this jerk touched her hand and then I think touched her waist and almost her buttocks. She lost her patience in the most polite way and some water spilled onto that guy who made a big ruckus at how unprofessional she was. Belle tried to explain he wasn't proper but her superior (Zita's mom) politely excused Belle and apologised to that guy. Back at the airport, Sam received the jerk's complaints about Belle and his supervisor interviewed Belle and even advised her to change jobs as perhaps Belle was too emotional to react as she did. Belle was very offended with that remark. Sam on the other hand took Belle's side and advised her she should have just reported the incident to her supervisor, then change crew to serve that guy but Belle didn't think of all that. She placed customer service as first in her priorities. Investigations were made and Belle was ok. Anyway there was a point when Sam was comforting Belle, he touched her hand, they looked at each other, something went on in their eyes and they let go of each other's hands.

Frustrating plot six : I know it is good to portray a very good image of the airline crew but to the point of ridiculousness? I mean that guy touched her buttocks and what was she supposed to do? Carry on and smile eventhough she was sexually molested? I know for a fact the airline will not tolerate misbehaviour on the plane or such conduct. I thought Belle carried her admirably but that HR woman, to suggest Belle overreacted was like slapping Belle and trivialising such a big issue. It just show how inept these people are and I just can't understand how she can say what she said? Totally stupid scene.

Frustrating plot seven : That hand in hand scene. Sam, she is a widow now. Belle, you're a widow now. Forget about Vincent. Forget about Zoe. Just get back together so that we the viewers can get on with the show! I mean how many times must I see them uncertain, I don't know, longing for one another despite the fact Sam seemed to care a lot for Zoe and intended to make the relationship work whilst Belle cried at every mention of Vincent? It just made the whole series into such a repetetive thing, so tired type of plot. And in real life, Sam gives me an impression that if Belle insisted they be together, he could have pushed Zoe aside whilst if Sam wanted her, Belle would have run to him. Zoe left in the lurch.

Frustrating plot eight : Zoe, I love her. But her character is getting too overly over the top too tolerant and nice. She encouraged Sam to comfort Belle, without a tinge of jealousy. Maybe a little fear.Maybe she thought she was sick so she wanted Sam to get back with Belle. Who knows? But really Zoe is not human.

Then of course the plot about Phillip. What was wrong with him? My guess was right. He and Natalie were lovers before but not now, he was just helping her find a job. His wife was ok with that. And then Natalie wanted to seduce Phillip for old time's sake and this time she left a clue for the wife to find the hotel (like a piece of paper, address and all) and find them in very compromising position; Phillip's short unbuttoned and that girl very clingy. Wife left in a huff and that girl left in a huff leaving Phillip alone. The reason why Phillip acted so strangely was because he couldn't perform. I think it is erectile dysfunction, in other words maybe called impotent as he can't get "it" up. So he wanted to use Natalie as a test, whether can he lust for her but it wasn't working. But of course nobody else knew about this problem. Phillip did look sick and pale. Maybe Sek Sau was sick and pale then.

Back to Zoe. She was still confused as to what she should do when she met volunteer pianist for the airport lounge, famous pianist Mr Wong (guest starring Dave Wang). I couldn't catch his name. It was either George or Josh. I think it must be George Wong. Anyway he explained to Zoe he was sick of his fame and wanted a holiday when he was asked to do this stint and he agreed. And in doing so he realised this was what he loved best; performing. Nothing else mattered. Zoe of course finally understood. She must enjoy the process, irregardless of the outcome. So she became chirpy again and called a very surprised Sam to a date. Sam immediately agreed. And the end.

Frustrating plot nine : The song selection by that famous pianist was horrendous.

One funny scene though. When George was playing the piano and talking to Zoe, notice one gwailo at the back looking over Zoe's head. I think they were acting right below some notice board because that guy didn't look like an extra!

Tomorrow will be more on Zoe, Belle and Sam. Finally maybe an answer other than I don't know. Still haven't a clue on what Vincent said to Belle. My sister speculated that perhaps Vincent said "Belle, go with Sam! I finally understood. You belong to each other". I still stick to my original analysis some thoughts before.

End credits someone explained something about the plane. Can't remember. I actually thought they might be explaining what happens if there is some misconduct on the plane? Will they throw the guy a parachute and ask him to jump off the plane (joking!) or arrest him? No mention.

Performance wise no comment. Really running out of comments since Joe Ma died in this series. I was rather impressed with the girl who played Natalie. She portrayed her role very convincingly and she was the only reason to watch Life Begins At Forty.

What I don't like about this episode is that this series is running out of things to say. It should end now before it becomes melodramatic and repetetive. I am becoming a bit bored with it now. I am also frustrated that nobody seems to know what they want. Such uncertainty makes for boring plot.

EPISODE 31

2005-02-13T08:53:00.000-08:00

Tonight's episode is the in between episode. I can't say nothing happened, or nothing of significance happened and I can't say a lot of things happened because not much happened for the 1st 45 minutes. Anyway here goes the plot.

Vincent is dead. Very dead and the first scene we saw tonight was his face, black and white in his pilot uniform, like IC photo on top of a plane. Belle took his urn up to the sky and threw out his ashes into the sky whilst friends and family cried down below. Belle was ok, Sam was almost inconsolable but he didn't cry. Zoe looked at him, worried.

Later Belle went away with Coco and Vincent's parents for a holiday whilst Sam continued to work. Zoe met up with Sam and asked him with a very suffocating concern for Sam's well being whether he was ok and all Sam could say was "I will give you an answer..remember you asked me whether I have any feelings for Belle, whether I still have those feelings and the truth is..." and Zoe panicking said "You don't have to make a decision now..go take a holiday..not with me but just go think about it, don't tell me now" because she was afraid he would say I dump you for Belle since Belle is very available right now. Sam just said what Belle said and is fast becoming this series' most famous quote.."I don't know". That was Sam's answer and to Zoe it was like "Yes, I still have feelings for Belle". Later that night Zoe had some heart to heart talk with Paul and Paul said this will be the time to move forward with Sam, don't waste time but Zoe wanted to give him space and Zoe said "If he doesn't love me, I will leave but I could feel it, I could feel that I still have a chance...". Poor Zoe. Now Sam is becoming like Belle and Zoe like Vincent you know. Why can't Sam make up his bloody mind?!

Then we shift to Isaac who told Taylor that he wanted to change simulation flight partner (that will be Zita) and Taylor asked Zita if something was wrong between she and Isaac when they were all celebrating Zita's mom's birthday and Donald overheard and was I don't know, either guilty or worried. You must remember he overheard Chris and Roy said Zita loved Isaac first and Isaac had some feelings for Zita.

Anyway Zita went to Isaac and told him what happened in the past was the past. She's with Donald now, very happy with him and Isaac then told Taylor everything was ok.

Then Zita ran into some work problems. When at a restaurant, a Mandarin speaking man asked Zita to take a photo of him and his wife (guest starring Lily Lee) and the camera couldn't work. That man immediately blamed Zita and said she spoilt his camera but Zita walked away from that nonsense. That chauvinistic man then scolded his wife all the way to the airport departure gate and saw Zita walking by in her uniform. He stopped her and said he refused to fly in a plane she is flying as she can't even be trusted with a camera. Zita wanted to argue her innocence but Henry arrived and told Zita to get ready for the flight. Then Henry told that guy they will change flights for him but first must wait. The Captain then received a notice that the flight must be delayed 15 minutes to get that man's luggage and Zita was very apologetic since the problem started with her but the Captain said that man was unreasonable.

At this point I do wonder is an airport that accomodating? If I were Henry I would say stick to schedule integrity and that man will have to wait for his luggage to return with the return flight. Anyway, for a moment I thought Henry would say "Zita you're off the flight, customer is always NUMBER ONE".

Zita was upset but not that upset. Donald told Zita she could just quit her job and she can be a manager in his company and everybody will be happy. Hmmm sounded like his father which was strange as Donald never intended to work for his father, so how come he suggested what he suggested? Then Isaac overheard and Isaac told Zita to follow her dreams and Zita said she will never quit, Donald was just thinking what was best for her and Donald overheard and Donald was..jealous or ashamed, I really don't know. A lot of people overhearing stuff tonight.

Back to Zoe who didn't want to bother Sam in his times of confusion but Paul said call the mother, have lunch with her and she did. Mom called Sam but Phillip couldn't come, busy he said. Earlier there was this scene where mom said Phillip was avoiding her and Sam and Isaac saw dad doing yoga! Then Phillip wanted a new secretary and mom hired someone very young and Phillip looked, I don't know guilty or lusty. Then Sam was at the restaurant and he saw Phillip walking in with his secretary then he approached Phillip and saw him playing kissy-kissy hands with secretary and Sam warned his dad but Phillip said it was nothing. Back at home Sam warned Phillip again and Phillip said she was just his secretary. Strange though. Because for 20 odd years Phillip was never seen with another in front of the camera and suddenly now he is the lusty old man? I don't know what is going on, maybe mid life crisis or worse, dad has some life threatening disease and doing this to drive away mom? I don't know, we shall see as the series go along at its slow mo pace.

At the meantime Sam was guilty for neglecting Zoe and so he called Zoe for a dinner date. Zoe was very happy of course and was ready to leave her house when Paul said her face looked red, her body felt very hot and Paul was very worried so he asked Zoe to go see a doctor now! But Zoe sneaked out of the house and Sam also noticed she looked red all over. But Sam didn't suspect a thing and Sam was confessing to her how he was so sorry for neglecting her and how he will make it up to her when Zoe was getting worse and worse. Suddenly Zoe stood up, apologised to Sam saying it was nothing, it was not his fault and she ran out leaving Sam thinking she was still angry with him for neglecting her. Outside of the restaurant, Zoe fainted and Paul came just in time to see her fainting.

Tomorrow we shall know why Zoe fainted and her decision about her relationship with Sam. Very interesting but melodramatic stuff.

Performance wise, Francis had little to do whilst Myolie was just a bit too much. But I can see why. Her Zoe is supposed to be very understanding and yet very afraid Sam would leave her and yet tried to be cool about it. So she had to bee overeager.

Everybody else was ok.

I am still sore though the story between Isaac and Zoe never took off because tonight, Isaac approached Zoe advising her about her problems with Sam and I thought in real life, Isaac would be secretly in love with Zoe. The body language said so.

As for tonight's plot, I am very confused with Phillip's sudden change of behaviour and Sam's I don't know mentality and yet he knows later on. Very hot and cold. And also the Donald knowing Isaac loved Zita and Zita loved Isaac because that plot was redundant. Nothing was made out of it and frankly the whole plot of the S4 and its members were rather redundant. Nothing much happened with them anyway. As for Belle I was also very confused. One episode earlier she was almost hysterical with grief whilst on the plane imagining Vincent was still there and yet tonight she was all calm and cool. She could even laugh. I could even see lip gloss and shiny perfect hair. Shouldn't she be a bit more like a grieving widow since Vincent just died? And no news on what Vincent said on the phone message, maybe after that she will become hysterical. Even Vincent's parents were cool, cried a bit but generally not that grieving. I guess some people take everything as it comes, but imagine your only son died at such a young age, shouldn't the mom look lost or something? At least a tiny little bit?

End credits we have I can't remember, I think Sammul Chan explaining the power source of a plane.

EPISODE 30

2005-02-08T11:09:00.000-08:00

Oh the tragedy! Oh the tears! Oh Vincent, oh Vincent, gone but not quite gone, dead but not that dead! Vincent...oh! You will definitely need your Kleenex, but not when Vincent died, but when seeing how Sam reacted to the news that Vincent died.

Story continues today with Vincent about to leave for Rome and Belle crying like no control. They were saying goodbye as if Vincent was never coming back (which was true) and then when he left, Belle ran into the arms of Sam, crying which was exactly what Vincent didn't want her to do. This woman really really was getting to me.

Anyway Vincent was in Rome and Sam and Belle trying to talk things out. Before that Zoe did approached Sam and asked him is everything a-ok, should she be worried about Belle in Sam's life but Sam said silly, don't think such stupid thoughts. But Zoe was worried, very very worried. One thing good about Zoe is when she is worried, she is not like Belle, going to everybody BUT the source. Zoe will go straight to the source that is Sam and basically all a-ok for now.

But Sam needed to talk to Vincent, and he called Vincent, left him a message saying words to the effect that "Hey buddy! Don't worry; I won't seduce your wife, friendship is more important than women". Don't know if Vincent got the message.

Then Sam asked to see Belle and whilst they talked about their relationship, Belle confessing her answer to Vincent was the classic I don't knowwwwww, Sam said he didn't give Vincent an answer because he felt saying I don't know was an answer in itself. In a way Sam was confessing that indeed he was still thinking about Belle. Now Belle was confused but they continued their talks.

Then Vincent at Rome was still quite miserable when he saw a lady dropping her bracelet and the newspaper vendor picking it up, ran to the lady and they were chatting like old friends. Suddenly Vincent was smiling happily, ran to a phone booth (which was a work of art, such a beautiful phone booth) and called Belle but Belle wasn't home as she was with Sam. So he left a message saying "Belle, I finally understood, I finally got it! Belle..." and we will never know what he said as I am sure that would be left for Belle to listen in a more dramatic scene later. But I suspect this;

At this juncture my family were having this argument, that what he meant by saying he understood. My second sister, the one with the most vocal opinion said Vincent was right to dump Belle as he should never settle for less than 100% love. In a way I agree. Vincent gave Belle the ultimatum; take me 100%, love me 100%, give me 100% of your heart or nothing at all! But I for one was of the opinion Vincent knew what he was getting into. In a way he was right to leave Belle with that ultimatum, to give her the chance to choose all over again, either him 100% or nothing at all. But it was a bit unfair to Belle as sometimes, women get very nostalgic when it comes to forst love. There was no denying Belle loved Sam first and will always love him, think about him, talk to him but she does love Vincent in her own way. Maybe not 100%, maybe 80%. But if Vincent can't take 80% only, I guess it will be for the best to leave her because this woman is incapable of giving more than what she can. It's not that she's not prepared to give Vincent that much, it's just that her memories of a strong intense past love prevented her, she is tied emotionally to Sam in some ways. Of course my second sister disagreed as one should not settle for less but I countered saying in life, if you want to achieve a certain level of happiness, you must settle for less, but not less to the point that it becomes a liability but less to a point that sometimes maximum isn't 100%. My eldest sister summed up our discussion by saying "Shut up! This is just a TV series, it will never happen in real life, moreover, Belle deserves to be miserable, she can't even make up her bloody mind!". Well, I find this complex emotions very real. Everyday, many women married a man they may like but not passionately in love with for a variety of reasons whilst men, seek affairs to rekindle the passion they once had but that may not mean real true love. It's very real.

Anyway, enough of that. Back to the plot...

Vincent was walking happily, because I think he accepted the less than 100% but gained more than he could get from Belle concept when he saw this stupid little girl playing in the middle of the road and a car was fast (actually slowly) approaching and Vincent ran towards the girl's direction. We never see the impact but we will get to see two shocked bystanders running to Vincent and there he was, flat on his back hugging the little girl tightly and his head was bleeding and the guys were panicking. The little girl was ok but Vincent was dying since he got this massive head injuries, only that I didn't really see that massive head injury except for a tiny pool of blood but it was true, Vincent was dying.

Now let me digress a bit about Vincent, his dying moment and Joe Ma.

This episode clearly illustrated two acting powerhouse, as in one fully charged powerhouse and one in serious need of power.

Imagine you were Vincent, you finally accepted whatever you accepted, you were eager to go back to see Belle, because you finally understood, assuming of course you wanted Belle back. You have many happy thoughts, many words to say to her, you haven't had a chance to tell her face to face, you were smiling because you knew moments later you would be seeing her and telling her your innermost thoughts and your happy decision. Then you got hit by a car and you lay there dying. You knew you were dying since you were knocked head on, and you were unable to move. In that very last moment of your life, you must be thinking a whole lot of things like perhaps your friendship with Sam, your marriage with Belle and how happy you were, you decision, your happy thoughts, the moments before where you reached an important decision that involved you and Belle and it must be a positive one since you were so darn happy just moments before, and the realisation that you will not be able to see Belle again, Sam, all, gone in a few moments. You were dying with the regret of knowing you will never get to tell Belle how much you love her, assuming you wanted to get back with her. How would you look?

a. pain, anguish, sadness

b. shocked, numbed, disbelief

c. regret, remorse, pitiful

d. happy, you die smiling, you die smiling like an idiot whilst lying on the street.

Just moments before Vincent's death, he was smiling. Oh yes. I do not know what he was thinking, but I am sure someone as young as Vincent and with some unfinished business and was about to die will not die smiling like a happy contented man. This is not some Korean drama where Belle who died earlier is waiting for Vincent at Heaven and he will be meeting her soon in Heaven. Belle is still very much alive. Joe Ma gave the worst performance in that scene. You may argue he was probably in shocked, since he was smiling moments before, probably he was about to die and that shock didn't really leave him so he had this happy look, frozen by shock. I don't think so. He looked like he was dying a very happy man when he still had a little sister waiting for him back in HK. The worst performance and I am glad Vincent died because I can't stand another second of Joe Ma with his bad English, standard text book acting, uncharismatic presence and in the end, his very inadequate acting. Maybe he had his own interpretation but I didn't see all that. I was sorting out my older reviews and I actually had good comments about this actor in those earlier reviews, that was when he was just a second fiddle with line and some scenes but when he took on significant amount of air time and more lines with more prominent roles, that was when my comments became more and more negative. I want to see him get a role tailor made for him but the problem is I can't see his siganature role yet and he doesn't have the acting capacity to give more. Oh yeah, as a viewer am I ready to accept 60% of effort from him and just ignore my other 40% expectation? Maybe in love but not when it comes to my viewing pleasure. Maybe the writer was bad, maybe the director was bad, or maybe, just maybe, and sorry to all Joe Ma's fans, just maybe Joe Ma doesn't have it. That it being more than the usual acting. He can act, he can act decently, sometimes he can act well, he can be watcheable, he can be entertaining, he can be cute and he can be funny. But he can't take on more than he can handle, and he can't take on roles that require him to be a lead because this is one actor who has no charisma, no screen presence, who when needed to deliver can't deliver and who does not have a personality one can see onscreen. I hope he will get a role that will make me eat my own words because he got the height, he got the looks, he seems like a nice guy with wholesome image but he just lacks the leading man quality. He bores me, even when his Vincent was dying. The only scene he gave more than I expected and a bit more than he usually give was when he was giving this speech for Sam. But those moments are so rare. Vincent is not my favourite character in here but he has his moments and his virtues and I shall miss Vincent but I won't say I will miss Joe Ma. A much better actor may be able to garner our pity, to make us go "Damn! He still needs to go home to Belle, to see her, to tell her all he wanted to say, how can YOUUUU do this!! DAMN!!!" but none of that was coming from my mouth. My only question after all those thoughts of what was going through Vincent's mind as he laid there dying was.."Hmmm, maybe if the director had shown Vincent being hit and thrown a few metres away, that may be more effective or maybe a tear from Vincent".

Anyway, Sam and Belle were still thinking what they didn't dare to say and admit when Zoe ran to them and took the longest of time and in tears to tell Belle, almost hysterical now with worry that Vincent died in Rome. Then we see Henry explaining what happened, and Sam took Belle and a very tearful Coco home.

At this point I must salute Francis Ng who gave his best performance in this series tonight. His Sam walked into the house, already in tears but wiped it away and bravely told his family that it was fated, they had to accept it. He then told them he will accompany Belle to Rome to take Vincent back home whilst Coco will go to her parents and take them to HK. Belle refused the airlines' offer to arrange the funeral as she wanted to arrange it herself.

Back at home and alone in his room, Sam was almost in tears when Zoe, worried sick walked in and volunteered in the wrong time to accompany Sam to Rome. Sam kept saying no, he can handle it but Zoe was becoming far too insistent and Sam really scolded Zoe to back off, to go away and let him grief alone. Zoe was pale with shocked and dutifully left.

Once at home, Zoe confessed to Paul that she was worried that perhaps Sam didn't love her, perhaps Sam didn't want her around when Ruby walked up and right so, gave Zoe a piece of advice in a very harsh way but gentle enough. She said.."If you want others to stop treating you like an immature little kid, you should stop acting like one. You shouldn't think so much into Sam's actions. I too am worried about Belle, I am her best friend but sometimes you must back off and let them grief in their own pace and own time." Zoe realised she was wrong to push Sam so much and she agreed to back off but she was still worried about Sam and Belle of course.

Back home, Belle laid down Vincent's uniform and she cried and cried. She had yet to hear the message from Vincent yet. Sam meanwhile was looking through the old childhood photos and I can tell you to get ready with your Kleenex. Sam then broke down and cried really hard and I was almost in tears. Sam lost his only friend actually, someone he knew for over 20 years. Poor Coco too.

Next day, they went to Rome and took home Vincent. They saw the little girl and her mom praying for Vincent by the road side and suddenly Belle couldn't take it. She was hysterical and Sam had to calm her down as she begged for Vincent to come home. I think she finally realised she loved Vincent more than she thought she did. Very sad actually but Flora killed the sadness and I shall explain later. Back on the plane, Belle thought Vincent was still alove as she was served with her favourite drink when Sam calmed her down and said it was him not Vincent who told the air stewardess to serve her that drink. I think Belle is suffering from delusions, denial, guilt and later, nervous breakdown.

Back home, Sam was told he wil be given the award Most Outstanding Youth and Henry asked Sam to go but Sam didn't want to. Henry said it will be Vincent's wish for Sam to go since Vincent recommended him and Belle said please go.

Of course strange thing was such an award which should take place in a hotel took place at the airport and everybody was there, even I think Vincent's grieving parents which was ridiculous of course. Then the whole ceremony started off with Sam and ended as Vincent's make-do funeral as Sam delivered a heartfelt obituary after he heard Vincent said what he said one episode before. Sam was in tears and everybody was in tears actually. Strange was Vincent's parents wasn't in that much of tears. Are they his parents??

Anyway the scene ended there and as the credits rolled, we learn about backbox.

Then when the song ended, Wah Lai Toi showed a short tribute to Vincent and ended with Vincent's not so smiling face, the last one we saw as Sam saw during the ceremony, freeze framed with that eagle pendant or whatever you call it with the series' title right across his face. It was like a tribute to Vincent, his obituary but it was creepy as it looked like Joe Ma's obituary when he is still very much alive. TVB of course wanted to be sentimental but the ugly truth is, the tears induring part wasn't when Vincent died, not by Vincent dying that it was sad but it was how Sam reacted to it. I thought his death scene was very lame.

Now performances.

Francis Ng was perfect in here. His tearful eyes, not wanting to cry, controlling his emotions and letting it all go when he was alone in the room. I can't fault his performance tonight. He deserves an award for this episode, truly amazing performance.

Myolie Wu gave Zoe a very pester-eager kinda attitude tonight and I feel very apt because Zoe being much too young didn't quite understand sometimes people want to be alone for a little while. She too gave an amazing performance tonight. Fear all there. I think her Zoe insisted on going to Rome with Sam because she knew Belle was there and Sam and Belle were at their most vulnerable with Vincent's death. A bit selfish but totally understandable and Myolie gave Zoe such depth in her performance.

If Joe Ma gave the worst performance tonight, Belle certainly gave the second worse or the worse for a female actress. Whenever Flora cries, I can't hear her dialogue. She tends to mumble and I hate that. I didn't get a single word she was saying as she was crying and mumbling. And her crying was truly horrible. It was fake, it was crocodile tears, didn't see a single red eye (whilst Francis' eyes were really red) and her make up still perfect with her rosy cheeks when she should not look so impeccable. She should look old, tired and grieving. She didn't look grieving.

Everybody else looked shocked which was good because they should be.

Tonight's episode highlighted the weak writing, some really bad performances and of course showing to us why Francis Ng won so many awards.

One thing I must mention. I think being a captain at Solar Airlines is a jinx kinda job. First Sam, moments after becoming a captain suffered a devastating blow to his career and sometimes losing his eyesight whilst Vincent, on his first maiden flight as a captain DIED.

And I must also mention this. 2 episodes back, Vincent became a captain, something I forgot to mention. What was strange was Vincent was so upset Sam became the first captain and the airline made it very clear they had room for one captain only. Moments later Vincent became a captain. Maybe because most captains were retired and Sam was incapacitated.

And one more thing. Yesterday's episode, Vincent I think said his friendship with Sam was since primary school, some 23 years ago. He was very specific about the year. How old is Sam and Vincent? 36? Minus 23 years and that would make them 13? And they met when? Secondary school or primary school? Today, Sam said 20 years which was worse but the photos showed them perhaps 10? 11? Can't the writer be more consistent?

Next week drama!! Sam kisses Belle, Zoe's very very sick and Zoe said to Sam, no more relationship!! Oh the drama!

Anyway, RIP Vincent. At least Belle will not be confused anymore. Now it is Zoe's time to be confused!

EPISODE 29

2005-02-07T10:39:00.000-08:00

This episode is the episode before a big thing that will happen that will shake the very core of this series, I think. Remember Bee Gees' famous song?

TRA-GE-DYYYYYY (high pitched voice please).

Anyway, continuation. Belle really didn't know how to answer Vincent's question: who is in her heart, who does her heart belong to?

So Belle couldn't think, Vincent became very irrittable and even did the unimaginable; he snapped at Coco who didn't know what was going on and she refused to talk to her brother since. Sam asked Belle "Is everything ok with you and Vincent?" after hearing Coco saying something wrong with Belle and Vincent. And suddenly Belle asked "Was my decision at Adelaide the right one?". Cue flashback just in case you forgot where Belle confronted Sam about their little misunderstanding on the eve before her wedding to Vincent and they both agreed that Vincent would be good for Belle and Belle chose Vincent in part because Sam refused to run away with her, in a way. Sam was shocked but there was no reply as Belle took back her question and hurriedly left. Then Zoe came and Zoe didn't know what was happening and happily chatting about their impending holiday together and Sam was like "What holiday?" and Zoe thought he was joking and then Sam said "I can't take leave right now" and Zoe was again utterly disappointed. Me too because then Sam went home and took out that book he bought in Japan and didn't give it to Belle and cue flashback again. Sam Sam Sam, like Belle didn't know a good thing even if the thing was in front of them. I am surprised Zoe stuck with Sam who is becoming almost a jerk for the way he avoided intimacy and therefore commitment with Zoe. It made Zoe looked desperate when that wasn't the case as it was Sam who was too slow mo about it all. Then Vincent appeared and Vincent in Sam's room wanted Sam to be honest with him but before he can say what he wanted to say, Sam was called out by Isaac. Then Vincent saw that book and Vincent was very upset and he left and Sam didn't know why.

Back home Vincent confronted Belle and asked that question again and frankly I thought Vincent could have been a bit more open minded about it all at first about the whole HIV secrecy issue and Sam the first one Belle told about the whole fear issue but when your wife tells you "I don't know" to your question who lies in your heart, what would you do?

Vincent was more than upset, he was angry. He was angry that he lost to Sam, he confessed that to his ex-girlfriend who rightly said "You knew that she loved Sam, you knew she still loved Sam when she married you, you knew you were in the losing end when you married her and why are you now complaining?" and Vincent said "I know, I know but I can't accept it!".

Vincent was still very angry with Sam and refused to talk to Sam (though it wasn't Sam's fault but rather Belle's fault) when Henry said Sam won the Most Outstanding Young Person award as nominated by Vincent himself and Vincent was asked to give a short speech. Vincent reluctantly went for that short interview, he was later and he looked very sulky. And then he looked into the camera for the longest of time before he said what I thought was the best scene tonight..

"I knew Sam since we were in primary school. I was at a field when I accidentally destroyed his paper plane but he wasn't even angry, he even taught me how to make better paper planes. We didn't really plan to become a pilot then. Sam was a good friend. I remember looking into his report card and his teacher wrote 2 words which best described him..compassionate and considerate. Indeed he was. He was the most giving friend, he was the most considerate friend to me. Even when things didn't go his way, he never let his emotions rule his heart. He had done more things for me than I could ever be willing to do for him. He was indeed a very good friend and I count myself fortunate to have Sam as a friend. This award may be for his ability, a recognition to the fact he is the 1st Chinese Captain. But to me this award is more a recognition for the man he is, for a friend he is and for the person he is. I am happy for him as he deserves this award and this recognition."

His speech, in a nutshell. It was a very emotional tribute and then suddenly Vincent has made his decision.

He met Belle at the beach and told Belle it was best they go through a separation first. Belle begged him not to and said "Remember this bracelet? Sam picked it up twice but YOU, it was you who picked it up for the 3rd time, you're the one for me" and Vincent told Belle in an exasperated way "I wasn't the one. Sam was the one, he asked me to give it back to you...so you see Sam is the one, your destined one...Sam was the first one you ran too when you were scared about the HIV thing, not me". And guess what Belle said? "I don't know..I don't knowwwwww". I was, to say the least very very irritated with Belle and her indecision. And in a way I was also very irritated with Vincent's inability to understand Sam was Belle's first love, perhaps her true love but she did love Vincent.

At this point I was interrupted by my sister who said "Vincent was right to do what he did, after all he loved Belle very much" and I was thinking how many people have the luck of marrying their one true love, the one they're totally crazy about instead of marrying someone you kinda loved and could spend the rest of your life with, without going through a divorce? Vincent was lucky he married the woman he totally love with all his heart but it was unfair to expect the same from Belle though it was fair for Vincent to expect Belle to answer "Yes, I love you" instead of "I don't knowwwww".

Anyway Vincent decided that was that and he didn't tell Coco but he hinted many many times. Belle was awfully quiet and Vincent will be flying to Rome soon on a long term basis. Belle asked "Will be still see each other when you come back?" and Vincent said "Leave it to fate" but in a nice way. And they still slept together and Vincent asked "Can I hold your hands for the last time?" and Belle nodded and she cried. This woman doesn't know a good thing and Vincent is slipping away fast!

Then Vincent went to see Sam and they were ok again.

Tomorrow Vincent will die. Get ready with your Kleenex. I thought I would be happy to see Joe Ma gone but after tonight's episode, I realise I will miss Vincent.

This episode is interesting on many levels. You can say tonight is all about Vincent. I think he was angry at first, but when he sat down for that interview, he realised perhaps he was the barrier between Sam and Belle. He realised that Sam did so many things for him, including letting Belle go that Vincent thought his friendship with Sam was far more important than petty anger. I think he wanted to give Sam and Belle the chance and even if they didn't make it, he knew he wasn't the cause. I think in this way Vincent was very giving and in some ways, as considerate and compassionate as Sam could be. But he still loved Belle and I guess this was his way of telling Belle to make up her mind. Tomorrow he shouted into the pay phone happily that "I understand, I finally understand Belle". I think he meant that he will finally accept the fact that Belle may not love him as much as he loved her but at least she did marry him for love, like his ex-girlfriend said. But the he will die and the biggest loser is Belle.

I like tonight's episode, as in the characterisation of Vincent and how he arrived at his ultimatum for Belle. I cheered of course; this woman must be punished for her indecision but he actually meant well. In that respect Joe Ma gave an above average performance, emoting the expected emotions but truly, never really dwelve deeper into Vincent's mind. I know I may be asking too much but I find Vincent a bit hot and cold sometimes. He is not very consistent sometimes and I see that as Joe Ma's problem, not Vincent. A better actor would have given Vincent more angst than petty jealousy and then the moment of truth, when Belle said I don't knowwww, a better actor may be able to portray the betrayal, the disbelief instead of just anger. I am sure you would feel a whole lot more emotions when you wife said I don't knowwww when you expected you! I love you!! though you kinda expected her to say no! not you! Sam! Not you! But it was for Joe Ma alone a good enough performance.

Flora was unbearable tonight, in part due to her character Belle who was really irritating tonight and darn stupid. No wife would say I don't knowwwww. What a way to kill the marriage. But a large part is due to Flora's inability to cry like she meant it. I remember one time she was being interviewed by Lydia Shum in her show and she talked about the pain of going through a divorce, she was in tears but not hysterically in tears and I kinda deduced that decision for divorce didn't really come from her. Why can't she be like that as Belle? Why must she be so darn hysterical as Belle? And no tears too. What? Ran out of Optrex?

Francis is ok, nothing much for him though his Sam and the way Sam is treating Zoe is really becoming unbecoming of Sam.

Myolie Wu was wonderful; her disappointment when Sam said "No, I can't take leave" was truly a very good one second performance all though her eyes.

Ron Ng was in here tonight as a comic relief and well, love him but not enough for me to comment about his performance.

Nancy Wu was wonderful as Coco though she had little to do. I do enjoy the chemistry between she and Joe Ma who really looked like brother and sister and the way Vincent treated Coco, it was very close and very brother like. Only Coco can scold Vincent and I thought their scenes were very nice to watch.

Everybody else missing tonight.

EPISODE 28

2005-02-06T10:25:00.000-08:00

Belle was very very worried about that whole HIV scare and she wouldn't know the results until a few days later. So in times of deep fear, uncertainty and pain, she called not her husband but Sam. Sam consoled her the best he could. Vincent saw Belle taking some pills but didn't know what it was. Then he tried to have sex with her but she refused. He thought she was not feeling well as in cold and fever but Belle was very afraid; she was afraid she would infect everybody, and Sam consoled her the best he could. And because he wanted to be there for Belle, Sam refused to go with Zoe on their trip, though Zoe didn't know why but she trusted him. When Zoe went home, she was actually very very disappointed but as she held the triangel doll and said "What is destined to be yours is yours" and her eyes was almost in tears but she was smiling in an optimistic way, I kinda suspected she knew Sam saying no had something to do with Belle or perhaps with Sam's own refusal to actually really love Zoe wholeheartedly. I think it is funny that Sam met Belle for a day and he slept with her and yet with Zoe, when Isaac kinda playfully suggested the trip will be akin to a honeymoon kinda trip, Sam immediately told Isaac to mind his manners. Was this Sam saying he was not trully committed to Zoe? What will it take for him to be committed? Zoe dying? I was very disappointed with Sam and his wishy washy ways and I pity Zoe who truly gave her heart to Sam who didn't give her his because his already given to someone else. And Belle too because when she went to take the results and she was ok, she hugged Sam and Vincent was there to witnessed it. He consulted his friend about Belle's pills and found out from his friend it was for HIV positive patients. When Belle went home, Vincent was very very cold towards her. Belle kinda knew why and she immediately told him about the whole HIV scare. Whilst I thought Vincent could have been more open minded about the whole issue about Belle, HIV, secrecy and Sam, I thought it wasn't baseless for him to ask that one question we all might ask our spouse if the other spouse did what Belle did;

"When you were afraid, who did you call? You called Sam..."

And that was that. Vincent was utterly devastated by Belle's behaviour. He also suggested something might be going on between Sam and Belle, at least when it comes to matters of the heart and Belle tried to deny it but Vincent left. Then Belle sat alone thinking about that one day at Rome and yes my fellow netizens, Belle indeed called Sam because in her heart there was still Sam. But I can understand it this way and maybe Vincent could.. that Belle was a romantic at heart and no woman will ever forget their first true love. She loved Vincent no doubt, but not with the burning intensity she felt for Sam and in some ways she may not have married the man she loved with such passion but she married a man she could spend the rest of her life with. Maybe Vincent didn't understand all that. I thought he was petty but yet I can truly understand why he was that angry.

I saw in the preview Vincent will propose a separation tomorrow. I guess he was fed up of being second fiddle but Vincent, you almost had it all, you were almost there, why can't you hang on? I can tell you why...Point of No Return is showing soon and Vincent has got to meeta fate so dramatic that it will alter Belle's life as well as Sam and Zoe's life. Call me a cynic but I thought today's Belle-Vincent-Sam issue was pure drama. But good drama actually.

Now back to Isaac-Zita-Donald. Whenever Zita was around with Donald, Isaac felt uneasy, so I guess he finally realised he actually liked her.

Anyway Donald took Zita home for dinner to see his parents and his mom took an instant liking to Zita. But daddy was truly horrible. This man was dead awful. He had total disrespect for his son and when they were having dinner, his father said to Donald he should return home for business and Donald argued he wanted to forge his own destiny and his father said his destiny, like himself has been set since Donald's grandfather started the family business and Donald said no he won't come back and his mother scolded his father saying Zita was here and she saw Zita as future daughter in law and his father asked Zita "Don't you agree with what I said? Donald joined the course to get near Zita and now that he has her, he should some home... Since you will be marrying my son, I will give you two a big banquet as long as Donald comes home to learn the business and as his wife and my daughter in law, you will encourage Donald to do so and assist him in the business" and Zita tried to say she didn't agree when Donald replied "Whether I marry Zita or come back to run the business is not the same issue!" and his mother said "I don't see the relevance!" and his father said the most hurtful words like "I do not want my son marrying a woman who will spend all his money and will be of no help, like the woman I married so Zita, you are not cut out to be part of this family!" and his mother was close to tears said "How can you say that on my birthday?" and Donald refused and his father left.

That entire scene was classic. I truly liked the tension and I pitied Donald. What a stupid and mean father.

Then back at home Isaac was packing his bage because he wanted to move back to Sam's place on the excuse that mommy wanted him to when in actual fact he couldn't bear to see Donald and Zita together. As he was upstairs packing, Chris and Roy went outside and away from Isaac.

Donald took Zita home and apologised to Zita and asked Zita "Will you be by my side always?" and Zita nodded and smiled sweetly and Donald. I guess Zita truly loved Donald now.

Donald went home and he overheard Chris and Roy saying Zita was in love with Isaac and now she is with Donald and Isaac couldn't stand it and he is moving...

Cue Donald's shocked face and I think the end. Didn't really pay attention tonight.

I want to talk more about Donald and his father.

I think his father just refused to see the changed Donald. Before the training and Zita, Donald I think was pretty arrogant and useless. But now he had a purpose, he had an objective and Zita was truly a good influence. The father not seeing past his own misery at having to run his own father's business now wanted to make Donald suffer but of course this wasn't said so blatantly in the series. I don't think his father loved him since he was never there for Donald at all. Really hate that father.

Anyway the plot is not getting thicker but getting more and more dramatic. Not sure if I like the direction it is heading.

Performance wise, nothing much to say except Flora should really brush up on her "I am crying so hard because I am so scared" look. She was truly awful in that scene where Sam tried to console Belle who was afraid of contaminating anything and infecting everyone. Awful.

Myolie Wu did very well with her fear and uncertainty scenes whilst I thought Sammul Chan was decent and Joe Ma was ok as the uncertain husband.

What will happen tomorrow? When will Vincent die? Will I bring out my kleenex for that scene or will Flora spoil it all with her dramatic crying scenes?

Only a few more episodes and I will know.

EPISODE 27

2005-02-03T09:41:00.000-08:00

Today's episode is an example why this series should end earlier than later because it is running out of story to tell.

First quarter we have the Belle-Vincent story. Belle wasn't pregnant, and she was of course disappointed though yesterday she was anxious about being pregnant. Vincent of course thought they can always try again and again and again.

Next we have a 5 minutes scene of Chris and Coco dating, ALL OF A SUDDEN. Nevermind, they aren't that important anyway.

Then we have a major story about Roy. I mean Chris suffered some family crisis, Isaac some love crisis, Zita some emotional crisis and Donald some major love crisis as well, so it was only fitting that Roy had a story and a chance to tell it. I'd rather his story was skipped or told properly because his problem was solved like in 30 minutes, and Donald got blamed for being such a bad friend.

You see, Roy suffered from anxiety attack because his parents had high hopes for him. So he crashed his plane in a simulation but Taylor said he could take the exam again. But Roy was nervous as his parents proclaimed they will all fly with him one day. So the gang except for Zita thought of accompanying him on some flying lessons and Donald was no show, though I didn't quite understand why can't they go on without Donald. Chris was not happy, Roy thought Donald abandoned him and again Isaac made some terrible assumptions about Donald. Truth was Donald wanted to go but he got an emergency call for goddess Zita whose mother had some major health problems and Donald rushed to help Zita, of course she was more important and I do agree with Donald's actions. Isaac who didn't know anything refused to listen to Donald's explanation so Zita went to Isaac and explained in what I thought was appropriated frustrated manner. Isaac then realised what a jerk he was and went to apologise to Donald who in turn became friends with Isaac again.

Meanwhile, Chris thought Roy should just tell his mom that he was afraid and all and they did tell the mom and his mom said "Roy, even if you don't get through, it's ok" and guess what? He passed.

All these in less than 30 minutes. It felt like an episode of Friends and I disliked the entire Roy, Donald, Isaac, Chris story today which was nothing but to fill in time. If the story had been told properly, and acted well by especially Kenneth Ma, perhaps this sub plot may be an interesting story. Bad acting aside, the attempt at some friendship sentimental scene was at best corny.

Then back to another sub plot, with Taylor and Zita's mom. Zita's mom confessed her love to Taylor but Taylor in a way kinda said she shouldn't take him as a floating device so they remained as friends as Taylor wasn't sure Zita's mom was genuine when she said what she said or she was just desperate.

Meanwhile another sub plot involving Ruby and Paul trying to get some private moment together but can't because nobody except Zoe knew they were an item so they had to sneak around. Funny of course but pretty empty storyline.

Then back to Zoe and Sam. I am getting bored with Sam the older guy not comfortable with Zoe the younger girl and everybody calling Sam uncle or Sam as Isaac's father. I mean he is not that old! Maybe Zoe's uncle but Isaac's father??

One outing Sam planned to go to the water themepark with Zoe but he was dressed in suit and all, very formal. Funny because when he was in Rome I thought his casual dress looked pretty smart but now all of a sudden he is always in suit. Where is his sweater??

Isaac of course told Sam to please dress appropriately and don't upset Zoe. So when he turned up to greet Vincent, Belle and a very professional and office like looking Zoe (who was dressed to conservatively to please Sam), Sam turned up in torn jeans and pink t-shirt, I believe Isaac's clothes! Zoe was upset but didn't show much. Everybody else was laughing. Then Zoe saw how Vincent and Belle each had an ice cream trying new stuff, Zoe wanted it and Sam quickly bought ONE ice cream and Zoe was even more upset as she viewed that as Sam trying very hard to please her when she didn't want that. Sam was clueless but he tried and Zoe appreciated that.

Then Zoe thought she wanted to bring their relationship closer so she suggested a holiday overseas. Everybody was excited as they thought this was like honeymoon and all and Zoe smiled but Sam was not happy. He refused to go with all types of excuses and later he confided in Isaac he wasn't ready for such a hugh big leap in their relationship. Poor Zoe, still trying to figure out how to close their generation gap and make them closer.

This made me remember last episode when Sam asked Zoe "What do you like?" and Zoe immediately answered "You!".

and why can't they understand that now??

But it was funny to see Zoe dressing so mature and Sam so teenage like tonight when I thought Sam should dress like he always did or like Vincent who wore a very colourful and smart looking sweater or whatever you call that tonight.

Then back to Belle who was on her way to somewhere when she saw an aftermath of an accident involving a car and a streelight I think. She immediately went to help and the bleeding woman said please please see if my baby is ok and Belle took the baby and said the baby was ok.

Immediately next scene we see Belle being bandaged on her arm. I didn't recall any scene where Belle was cut or bruised or hurt but I assume she sustained that injury when helping the bleeding woman.

Next thing we know a nurse I think quickly asked Belle to see a very pale faced doctor who told Belle when Belle asked am I ok and he said "I am afraid not..the woman you helped had AIDS" and then end credits.

That final scene reminded me of some sappy period drama Taiwanese series minus the tears. What's next? Vincent has cancer? Oh no wait! Vincent will die!! But of course...

That storyline's main purpose is to create a closeness between Sam and Belle and create a big big space between Vincent and Belle. In the preview for next week, Vincent proposed a separation. Huge drama coming.

I find tonight's episode overly too dramatic at some part and overly too repetetive or too brief in other parts. This series is making us the viewers assume many many things when it shouldn't be. I never ever ever seen Chris and Coco together and yet they were together tonight as an item. I dislike such assumption that we viewers know everything or will accept any plot thrown at our way.

Very weak storyline tonight though all performances were above average except for Kenneth Ma who gave a very amateurish performance.

Why all the Mas have so little charisma, screen presence and decent acting ability? That includes Steven Ma though he is a slightly more watcheable actor.

End credits someone explained about the windows on a plane.

EPISODE 26

2005-02-02T09:35:00.000-08:00

Tonight's episode has got to be the funniest thus far. Thanks in part to Eason Chan, the singer-actor I never liked but must admit, he can act and he can really sing. It's just his face...

Anyway this episode started with Sam at the parking lot and suddenly a van drove by and a bunch of young girls running behind it with flowers. Emerged Eason Chan as Eason Chan, and he was obliging in signing autographs. Some fans asked him to sign on the windshield of their cars and he did so, and then he stopped in front of Sam's car. Sam was on the phone with someone and Sam said to the phone "Yes, yes sign please, just sign" and Eason signed on his windshield. Then Sam was off the phone and was shocked to see his car defaced. But he was pretty cool about it until Eason looked at him and delivered what was the funniest line tonight..."Ermm uncle, I always wanted someone of your generation's opinion about my music..." and Sam's answer was pretty sarcastic, to the effect that "I don't know anything about your movies but I know you just defaced my windshield" and Sam looked away I think to answer a call and Eason knowing that he made a big mistake signing Sam's windshield quickly and practically ran away with his fans in tow. Sam then turned back and Eason was gone!

Very funny because Sam said "I don't watch your movies" when Eason was a singer first, an actor second!!

Then back at the airport Zoe and Paul were managing the wild crowd and Zoe can't help but look at Eason. Later she told Sam Eason was her idol. Sam of course brushed aside that comment. Then Zoe told Sam she really really really wanted to get his autograph but she had to work the next day when Eason was having this meet the fans session at some shopping complex. Sam reluctantly agreed to go with his CD, was lining up although quite insulted by younger fans who called him Uncle. Half way through the long long line he saw Henry and Henry asked him what he was doing there and Sam pretty embarrassed said he was looking for the toilet and he asked what was Henry doing there and Henry said, "I was just buying some CD, not like those (Eason), the types for us older generation". I was laughing like mad!! Very very very funny.

At home Zoe was waiting for her autograph when Coco said she wanted one too and Belle and Vincent were both wondering about Sam's change of character when Sam arrived empty handed. Well not really as he gave Zoe a present, the name I didn't quite catch but Zoe and Coco were so excited. Zoe happily opened the present and saw... a book. Sam was curious why Zoe suddenly didn't look as happy and I think it was Coco who explained that the book had the same name as one very famous perfume! Ahhhh Sam Sam Sam. But in Zoe's eyes Sam could do no wrong and she lied that she loved the book, went to the kitchen.

The rest kinda asked him why he bought the book and Sam said "I always buy things for someone that I would like". Doomed. They're doomed!

Next day Zoe and Sam were having some drinks at some shop, and you could see Zoe really did everything Sam's way but she didn't mind. Then Eason again walked by and Zoe's eyes kept looking at Eason and Sam asked,..."You want to go get his autograph?" and Zoe lied "No no, I am not that big a fan anyway" and went on drinking. Sam looked for a while and did something that I am sure will melt all female fans' heart because I melted like chocolate. He picked up that book that Zoe promised she will read and rushed to Eason, tried to muscle his way through the crowds whilst Zoe was screaming "No no Sam, it's ok, no no" and Sam was getting desperate went he shouted at the top of his lungs .."EASONNN!". The crowd parted and Eason saw him and Eason recognised him. Sam gave him the book and said sign it fore Zoe and Eason in a very funny scene asked ;"Zoe, you wife or your daughter?" and Sam looking very embarrassed said "My girlfriend" and Eason smiled cheekily. Then Sam in a bid to save face quickly added "I swear I will buy your concert tickets and watch your concert" and quickly retreated and the fans quickly closed the gap again. Sam walked to Zoe and Zoe was so happy, she took the book, didn't quite care for it and immediately gave Sam what I deemed to be a very romantic kiss and a very intimate hug. Did I just say in Zoe's eyes Sam could do no wrong?

Next we have Belle and Vincent. Belle told Ruby she suspected she was pregnant but was far too afraid to test it out. She was worried about being mother, she couldn't handle it and I was thinking, so? Abortion? Anyway Paul walked by and thought Ruby was pregnant.

Paul then took a few days worrying about the cost of raising a child and finally asked Zoe to help find an investor to invest his money to get more money. Zoe said yes, the next scene Paul overheard on the street the stock market crashed and he panicked and Zoe asked "Are you ok cousin Paul? Are you owing people money?". She was very worried and finally Paul confessed that he might be a father soon.

Zoe walked past Ruby's room and thought Ruby was drinking something to abort her baby and stopped her. Ruby was of course very shocked to hear what Zoe had to say and she went to Paul pretending she was pregnant causing Paul to say many things that women would want a man to say; like "I will take care of you and the baby" but Ruby said "I want the baby, I want the money but not you" and Paul feeling very sad said "Ok, at least let me visit the baby and you to make sure you're both ok" and what was Louisa So's best acting moment, she stared at Paul in complete silence, probably shocked that this man cared so much and she was instead the butt of her own jokes I guess. So she quickly told Paul "No no I am not pregnant" and Paul was shocked and disappointed and Ruby then said something very mean like "Not your baby, no" which meant she didn't view Paul with much respect. Paul was very very hurt, and he gently scolded Ruby in a way as he said "I would have sold my blood and my organs to feed you and the baby, I would have taken care of you" and he walked up to the balcony, almost crying. Ruby suddenly appeared and Ruby finally realised this was a man worth giving a chance and she asked Paul why her? And Paul said "You're hot tempered, strict, mean but I don't know why, I just love you" but he didn't really say love. He kinda said feel for you. Ruby was very touched and said to Paul she will give him 3 months to prove himself but no one else can know about thise, except Zoe.

Back to Belle and Vincent, Belle wanted to use the pregnancy kit when she was called out of the bathroom and Vincent found that kit and suspected she was pregnant. But he didn't reveal that to her. Vincent also realised that Belle didn't seem that excited and Coco told him what Belle felt basically, like fear, worry, etc. Vincent said he knew what to do.

Belle at the meantime met with that woman who gave birth at the airport (since Zoe and her were god mothers to that very cute little girl) and asked would she had given birth if given a second chance? The woman of course said yes. I haven't seen a TVB series that directly discouraged motherhood. Moreover she must give birth some day!

So Belle went home and Vincent said he wanted to talk to her (and I suspect Vincent would have consented to an abortion) but Belle said let her talk first and she told Vincent she suspected she was pregnant. Vincent was very happy Belle was open about this and the next scene they were at the clinic, and we shall know tomorrow if she was indeed pregnant.

The preview kinda said it all and predictably so actually.

Small mention that may be a big issue later. Zoe's fever still there, but Zoe tried not to worry too much about it though Paul was. Sam didn't know though he saw Zoe and Paul at the hospital, thinking Paul was sick.

The end credits we have that actor whose name I do not know who played Ruby's colleague and he was so darn convincing in his explanation. He was talking about the history and the origins of radars.

Performance wise, Myolie in my opinion gave a decent performance but again she was too darn excited. I am beginning to understand why some disliked her Zoe, too much cuteness can really kill. I wonder will she stop grinning like a big Cheshire cat and just start acting again? However her chemistry with Francis Ng is undeniable. Her kiss with this guy deserves an award for the intimacy, the sweetness, the love.

Francis Ng was so funny tonight, very good performance.

Joe Ma and Flora Chan looked more and more like husband and wife in here and both gave above average performance. But Joe's Vincent is a very free pilot; rarely see him fly. We all know why of course. Anyway for once I didn't dislike him. Flora Chan was of course spot on with her confused Belle. I am beginning to like Belle.

Nancy Wu was ok, not much to do but I do think she is a talent to look out for though she lacks that leading lady quality right now.

Jerry Lam gave what I thought was his best performance tonight with his very doubtful Paul who nonetheless was ready to shoulder responsibilities as a man should. His chemistry with Myolie is really nothing short of spectacular. Their scenes together have warmth and sibling kinda care and concern. Very impressed with their characterisation although him being in love with Ruby and Ruby being in love with him seem far fetched and too TVB plot-like. I doubt the real Ruby would care to look at a decent but ordinary guy like Paul. She would aim for Sam.

Louisa So may had little to do earlier in the series other than to be Belle's shoulder to cry on and Vincent's cheerleader but really, she proved tonight with that 5 seconds scene as her Ruby looked at Jerry' Paul was something amazing. What more can I say? Except for the fact that her acting is really so wasted in such a secondary role. She should be Belle, playing against type. I am sure she can do it.

Everybody else missing tonight so no comment.

Anyway do not miss this episode!

EPISODE 25

2005-02-01T09:50:00.000-08:00

Today's episode is shocking to the core. Not since hearing Joe Ma speaking English had I been so shocked, and not just one time, but many many times. But first the plot.

Today the story started with Isaac (and I still refuse to spell Isaac as Issac), Zita and Donald love triangle, or rather lack of it. Isaac kept his mouth shut after finding out Zita liked him and when Donald cornered Zita and confessed that he really liked her during one drunken dinner and even attempted to kiss Zita, Zita gave him one tight slap and left in a huff.

Next morning Donald ran after Zita apologising and they bumped into Isaac who quickly left and stood at the corner, hearing their conversation which went something like this;

Donald : Zita I really like you. You must come to the beach, I want to say more...

Zita : Yes I want to tell you something too..

So Donald left but he waited and waited, Zita never turned up as she was hiding at the library. By the way they were back in Adelaide for more training. Isaac was there too but he looked rather confused or rather I was confused with what he was thinking.

Anyway next day same thing happened and Zita was hiding and Donald was waiting with his double bracelet he intended to give one to Zita and one for himself. Isaac went to Zita and asked why she didn't go to Donald? And Zita of course replied him with a question like do you want me too? And Isaac was saying Donald is a good guy and Zita said he isn't the only good guy. I think by this time we all know this was Zita confessing her love to Isaac and Isaac trying very hard to tell her "Woman, don't come between a man and his best friend!!". So Zita went to see Donald, but what she didn't know as Donald who was in a rush to go to the beach to meet was knocked down by a car and lost the bracelet. But Donald went on to the beach although he was limping and when Zita saw him, Zita wanted to tell him that she didn't want him and but when she saw Donald limping and then his nose started to bleed she panicked and took him to the hospital. But Donald wanted to find te bracelet and Zita volunteered whilst Donald asked Isaac to go with her.

Once at the beach they looked and looked but it was too dark and they ended up sleeping and then in the morning Zita found the bracelets which if Belle were to be there, Belle would say "It's fated; the bracelets were just next to you; Donald is the one for you!". But Zita didn't see it that way thought Isaac did. Zita confronted Isaac but Isaac walked towards the beach and saw something that was the reason why this episode shocked me to the core. Will tell you that later.

So Isaac walked back to Zita and Zita asked "Do you really want me to wear this bracelet?" and Isaac looked squarely into her eyes and said "Maybe I may have did something that made you misunderstood my intentions ..." and that was that. Isaac rejected Zita and Zita almost cried and sulking, she walked towards the beach and saw the very same thing Isaac saw and suddenly she understood; she smiled and she finally knew her choice. She ran back to the hospital towards Donald and wore the bracelet. Donald was of course very very happy. So now Donald and Zita are an item. Yippeeeee! Like now can we move on?!?

Next scene Zoe was getting bored with mr ultra boring Sam. They either meet at the airport or went for dinner at Sam's house. So Zoe wanted to do something special, like watching the sunrise. She planned it and Belle and Vincent tagged along. Along the way Sam kinda complained to Vincent what was the purpose of all these unnecessary exercise and at night, they were camping, Vincent and Belle in one tent and Zoe and Sam in the other. Now before you go "ohhhhhh" nope, one slept on the left side, one on the right, no hugging when sleeping. But Sam discovered Zoe was feverish and he found out she wanted to make this trip special so she went along even when she was sick. Zoe didn't want to sleep, she wanted to see the sunrise but Sam promised her he will wake her up. So Zoe went to sleep with her pinkie in Sam's hands and Sam didn't sleep one bit. In fact in one of the more tender scenes, he stayed up the whole night holding Zoe's hands and looking at her, lightly kissing her tiny soft hands and I guess beginning to realise he was indeed falling in love with her. I mean maybe he wasn't that into her before but now, Zoe won his heart. In the morning he woke her up and Zoe and Sam will have to walk some time to see the sunrise though I thought the beach was good enough. Sam gave her his coat although Zoe protested and Zoe said "What about you? You're cold too!" and Sam said "I will be warm since I will be carrying you" and he really carried her all the way! I could tell you this; I too am in love with Sam Tong. What a gentleman, what a guy, so romantic. So they sat there watching the sunrise.

Ahhhhhhh what a romantic scene you know. By the way Belle and Vincent as loving as ever.

I must comment though, the Tong guys are really lucky; both brothers had women chasing after them! But Isaac of course made the right decision not to take away Donald's love of his life and Zita made the right choice by choosing Donald who was so in love with her he kinda lost his sense sometimes. I must say though Donald has a tendency to be like arrogant little master.

Plot wise I find tonight's episode lacking in everything, especially the story about Isaac and Zita. I think it may be due to inadequate writing and some bad acting.

You see I can't understand what Isaac feel for Zita. One minute he liked her next minute he didn't, then maybe he was attracted to her and then maybe not. He was like blowing hot and cold all the time. This may not be obvious as the writer very obviously wrote it in such a way where when Isaac found out Zita liked him, he too was attracted to her and he tried to hide his feelings. But the entire love triangle felt like uncooked pizza you know. Oh yes the ingredients were all there but somehow the crust wasn't cooked at all. It was like all the indication pointed to Zoe and Isaac, but it didn't happen. In fact could that be the real attraction and flirtation between Myolie and Ron we see on screen mistaken as the attraction between Isaac and Zoe? Same thing with Isaac and Zita. The writer tried to put in drama and in the end gave a half cooked plot that was totally wrong, totally not accurate and therefore kinda screwed up this series a bit.

Acting also played a big part. For one Ron Ng didn't emote the right emotions. Maybe he too was confused where his Isaac was going. Michelle Ye and Sammul Chan all didn't have that problem because their characters were clear but Ron was confusing. Maybe bad acting but more like bad directing. Ron seems like he didn't know what to do half the time. I love Ron Ng but he is getting worse and worse. He needs more scenes with Francis because his character seems more sure when around Sam. Everything went haywire when it comes to love.

Francis Ng showed his Sam's tender side tonight. Without any need for words, Francis gave the right emotions and so much more. Love this man. I also love the fact that there is a change in his Sam's dressing; he used to be nerd-ish but now, he came with a very cool looking hat, very out of character for his Sam actually. Ahhh the effect of Zoe.

Myolie Wu was pushing the cute factor tonight and almost crumbled actually but then I realised her Zoe is supposed to be that cute and in the malay word we use "manja" meaning spoilt but in a good way when her Zoe was around Sam. After all Sam is like her daddy you know, that kinda of age gap will create that effect. Acting wise ok but her Zoe is getting too cute for me.

Everybody else was ok, nothing much to do actually. No real drama except for that car accident.

Sammul Chan was ok, his role was basically a love sick puppy. Maybe there will be more between his father and Vincent, more pure drama and a choice between a career you love and a career you have been born into. Quite a conflict actually.

Ending scene we have Tony Ching explaining the role of a second officer or something like that, how they will assist, take over and etc. I wonder do they have such officers for flights from KL to Singapore? What if you captain after 10 minutes of flight said "Ok man, you take over, I will rest" when the journey is only an hour???

Now I must end my episodic thoughts with one major complaint. No not that Zita changed her mind so fast. I mean the series is ending she must make up her mind fast. Isaac's love stories seemed doomed to oblivion.

No, the most shocking moment was when Isaac and Zita saw what Donald wrote on the beach, arranged in stoned with a love shape and all that caused Isaac to back away from Zita and for Zita to finally accept Donald.

Donald wrote and two people can confirm that these were the words arranged by Donald ...

"Donald love Zita".

Spot the problem? The context of it, look at it...

Last night we have Issac, tonight we have Donald love Zita. I am convinced the prop guy or girl really didn't know what she or he was writing. I wasn't the only shocked one, my sister was laughing her head off. I was simply too shocked for words. My question was why didn't Michelle Ye, someone who came back from overseas or even Sammul Chan who could speak decent English point out the problem to the prop people? Was this one of the reason why Zita finally accepted Donald? That she pitied him because his grammar was so bad?

It is Donald LOVES Zita. Not enough stones? Imagine the beach bums sitting there watching the filming of this series who may have seen this obvious mistake.

My view has always been the same. I am not proficient in English, I don't always write perfect grammar and past tense and present tense and all. But I do know when you say Donald loving Zita, it is Donald LOVES Zita. How can TVB make such am embarrassing blatant stupid ignorant mistake?

Issac I can forgive; maybe it's a new spelling like Jenipher. But this... I am totally speechless. Still shocked mind you. Shocked!

I am sorry, I need time to recover. I need therapy. Skip this part when you're watching this episode if you do not want to be traumatised.

EPISODE 24

2005-01-31T09:57:00.000-08:00

I missed the first 30 minutes, so when I changed channels, I saw Chris looking very guilty and Sam leaving Donald's house after scolding Chris. Didn't know what happened and frankly didn't quite care.

Then we meet Kam Chak Tai as the new instructor. Yep, name is Mr Kam Chak and one name, Tai, not Tin as I previously thought. But to make matters easier, he has an English name that I Taylor. Anyways in one flight simulation Zita was paired with Isaac and guess what? Zita was so busy looking at Isaac she kinda flunked the exams and Taylor told her that. She knew she definitely need to not concentrate too much in Isaac.

Then came the big fight between Donald and Chris. Chris found out his father was fired by Donald's father for being just 10 minutes later. Donald immediately went to see his dad who was having some big financial crisis, so he didn't explain much. In fact I have never seen a father having so little regard and respect for his only son. So the assistant explained things, that Chris' father being later caused Donald's father a very big contract, thus the crisis we see on the screen. Donald realised his dad wasn't wrong so he quietly went home and he saw Chris. Chris didn't even listen to Donald and started to call Donald's father names, and even said his father was so rich and so high up there he would never understand the poor people's plight, and Donald was just like his dad. Roy and Isaac were there and Roy even said those hurtful words and Donald in a rage didn't know what to say. Chris left and Zita walked out trying to pacify things but Donald was too hurt and he too left. Then the someone was at the door and it was the assistant who explained everything to Zita and Roy was apologetic but Isaac for some unknown reason stood his ground and he too left after Zita scolded him. Zita ran after him and wanted to scold him some more when Isaac said "I realised you scold me for the sake of arguing with me, not because you care about Donald.." Maybeeeeeeee....

Then Zita found Donald and Donald was so happy he hugged her and wanted to tell her how much he loved her when Zita kinda ran away.

Then Zita was in her room day dreaming about Isaac and kinda drew some picture with the words .."Issac loves Zita".

At this point I must pause again.

Issac? Did I read it right? I always thought Isaac is spelled as Isaac and not Issac. Michelle Ye should know right? Or they have someone who can't spell? I never noticed the end credits so I don't know how Isaac's name was spelt all along but you know what? I refuse to spell it as Issac. It is Isaac and I stick with that name. I have had it with Jenipher, Christofer, and what nots. Isaac is Isaac.

Anyway one of her drawings flew out of the window accidentally and Roy picked it up and saw it.

Back at the house Chris and Donald became friends again and Roy showed Chris that drawing. They immediately went to Isaac and Isaac asked "Everything ok with you (Chris) and Donald?" and Chris said "Ya, but I am not sure about you and Donald" and Chris showed Isaac that drawing and Isaac looked shocked and ta-daaaaa...tomorrow we have a crisis as I think Donald got hit by a car!

Performance wise, I think I know why Ron Ng got criticised very badly. I always thought his Isaac knew Zita was attracted to him as kinda indicated in the last episode and in the earlier part of today's episode but apparently not. Ron is expressing the wrong emotions, or perhaps not emoting enough. Very inadequate performance. And I don't get why Isaac refused to apologise about Donald's incident when many episodes before, he always apologise when he is wrong and when he knows he is wrong. Very strange .... the writing is getting weaker and weaker as the episodes go by, like the series is running out of steam.

The story about Paul and Ruby is just boring by the way.

Michelle Ye is still scary..at times she acts wooden and yet many times she acts too much. I take back what I say about her.. she really needs to control her acting or else her acting is everywhere, you know. She should learn from Raymond Lam, the disciple from the same school of acting as hers and yet he graduated with honours. He really toned down these days and Michelle Ye should tone down too.

Bosco was not great tonight when his Chris finally had something to do. A bit weak in emoting his feelings but way better than the rest of the young guys, like Kenneth Ma who gives a very light hearted performance to his rather empty character who has nothing much to do.

Basically that's it for tonight. I am running out of comments to say about this series actually.

End credits we have Nancy Wu explaining about why they have the rule of min 40 minutes check in time.

EPISODE 23

2005-01-30T09:36:00.000-08:00

Tonight's episode is simply to waste time, the in between type of episode that is entertaining to watch but really empty at the end of the day.

The story of Sam, the customer relations assistant manager continues. We see an old woman (played by Lo Lan) who seems to be at the airport all the time, since she has the time to complain very very often. Her complaints are understandable but at the end of the day the way the customer relations dept dealt with her complaints were shall I say so out of this world; at least you won't see such tolerance and understanding people in Malaysia, don't know much about HK. I was thinking how come she's there at the airport all the time? It's like so far away from civilisation you know. And then of course we find out why. On a return flight to HK we see that old lady again, this time as a passenger complaining to Belle about the lack of fish (a meal) and Belle recommended the new dish, lotus rice. She eats one bite and woo hoo, there she goes again, no dried shrimps, lack the village style taste of Lotus rice. Belle of course has to bear with her and when Belle being ever so apologetic wants to move on to serving the next passenger, this old woman takes one look at her and said "What is you training huh? Where is you service with a smile?" and Belle answers "I am a bit tired..." and there the old lady goes again, blasting Belle to unknown stratosphere of complaints. Poor Belle.

Once the plane touched down, old woman goes to Sam and Sam being ever so patient and helpful really listened to her complaints and the old lady grew to like him for being really attentive (but everybody was as attentive as he was, so why him?). And Sam, a man of his words took her complaints about the lotus rice to his father, Phillip who in turn blasted Sam as he said "That rice has abalone, scallop, how can you spoil the taste with dried shrimps? Don't you let her teach me how to cook!". Poor Sam.

But then Sam sees Belle and Belle confessess that she learned a lot from that old lady and Sam too. Then Sam went dating with Zoe and Zoe reasoned with Sam with her usual optimistic logic (this time very much over the top-Myolie Wu's fault actually) and Sam looks deep into her eyes and said what was perhaps the best moment of this episode .."You're getting more and more attractive...". Ahhhh romantic. Then they bumped into the old lady and had a nice chat where the old lady said she had to take frequent flights to visit her beloved grandchildren because she was too old and the immigration won't allow her to migrate into a particular country. Very sad.

Then Sam and Zoe went home and saw Phillip experimenting with the shrimp on the lotus rice and lo and behold, the old lady was right! And of course Isaac teased Zoe endlessly about her being his sister in law and all. Quite a funny scene.

The episode then shifts to the story of Isaac and Zita. How Isaac fetched her home by bicycle and how Zita was saying she wanted to tell that something Tin that she is his long lost daughter and Isaac fell off the bicycle with Zita falling on top of him, they looked into each others eyes...well you know, somethintg much go on between the young ones who can't just fly plane and walk around in the entire episode. It was all so cliche. Anyway Zita wrote an email to that pilot father, something Tin (still can't quite catch his name) telling him she is his long lost daughter. and that Tin's unseen wife died 6 months before so now her mom and dad can reunite, Isaac found out and knew he had to tell her the truth. He did and he got one tight slap from Zita, witnessed by Roy and Chris who thought they had a lovers' quarrel. Donald didn't know anything of course. It took Zita some time and some good advice by the perpetually wise Zoe to forgive Isaac and they all became friends again.

Next day rumour had it that Tony was not going to be their instructor anymore. Of course, but who? Not Sam, the wasted talent being used in that god forsaken dept. So who else? I wonder....

Then Tin called Zita and that he was there to meet her and when he saw her he called her "My daughter" and then Zita turned around and saw her own mom and Zita was very embarrassed. Story was Zita's mom was dumped by her ungrateful father when her mom was pregnant and Tin took care of them, like a friend because Tin was her father's friend. Her father died long before. So in Tin Zita found a surrogate father. And it turns out Tin will be her new instructor!!!!!!! Wow! What suspense!!!

Anyway I suspect there will be some development between Zita's mom and that Tin.

Then we have the sub plot of Ruby having a one night stand with Paul after she got home drunk. And Zoe was waking up Paul in the morning and they were both kinda naked and Zoe said "If you don't wake up I am coming in" and end scene was Paul and Ruby shocked, didn't know what to do.

Plot wise, really empty tonight. I am still pisses that Sam had to do customer relations. What a plot is this? It's like Siu Sang (AR), a gun expert, a firearm expert, a ballistic expert being the inspector for what? What dept? I mean haven't HK got forensics? CSI? Really stupid storyline.

Then there's the one about Zita and Isaac. For one moment when Isaac asked Zita to let him fetch her home on his bicycle, Isaac looked like he was attracted to Zita who was obviously crazy about him and yet not quite. If yes, this would be a sudden development, sudden as in after he accidentally saw her torn t-shirt and her bare back he felt a sudden attraction to her because she was now not one of the guys but a girl. I will not accept this sudden turn and just as it appeared, 10 minutes later that sudden plot line was gone. Very weird.

Then there's Zoe, now the Aunt agony and nothing much. So I guess I will have to wait for Vincent to die to have any real drama. When? WHEN???

Finally that ridiculous scene of that old lady complaining to Belle about that lotus rice on the plane. Not ridiculous as it can never happen but ridiculous because Belle was there to serve ALL the passengers and whilst she stood there for 5 minutes or so listening to the old woman complaining about her lack of friendliness, I wonder why didn't that passenger in front of that old lady just stand up and say "Eh woman, I am hungry too you know? Can you please serve me first and then listen to what she has to say?". The training had one scene where Zita's mom explained that two trolleys musn't move faster than the other because you don't want the passenger to feel one passenger is being given special treatment as the trolley moves faster. YEAH so what was that with Belle standing there for the whole of I think 5 to 8 minutes and neglecting the other hungry passengers huh? Ridiculous.

And everybody is so friendly, like there isn't a bad hair day or waking up at the wrong side of the bed. Very white washed which I don't like. I want REAL drama, the dirt and all.

Finally performances...

Two actressess overacted to a different degree tonight; Michelle Ye which was scary and you must watch that scene where she was walking with Isaac and telling him about her email to Tin. Her whoosh one turn back to Isaac and whoosh one turn back to facing front with her perpetual big grin and big hair, all very very scary. Myolie Wu, smiled too much. She must tone down that over eagerness. I am beginning to find her Zoe a bit too manic you know. But I still like her.

Francis Ng made Sam more relaxed when he was with Zoe, which was great. Will there be a kissing scene between Zoe and Sam? Hmmmmm....I need something decent to wipe away the memory of that horrible kiss between Sam and Belle...

Ron Ng did badly tonight, especially when he is not around Francis Ng. I can see why there is some debate about this actor; he must learn from Francis where to put his hands and at some point I thought he forgot his script as he drawled on so slowly in some scenes.

Forgettable episode.

End credits we have some explanation about how you can pre-order your meal one day before flight, such as vegetarian, kiddie meal, low calorie, etc etc etc. Interesting.

EPISODE 22

2005-01-27T09:36:00.000-08:00

The story continues as Isaac pursued Sam all the way to the parking lot and asked the question I am sure many of you were asking; "brother, why didn't you explain yourself to Henry? You didn't want to fly..." and Sam said "The truth is I wanted to and now I don't want to, so it doesn't matter".

At this point I finally found out the name of the manager is, depending on the pronunciation of the actors, either Henry or Harry. I suspect Henry since both are the same but Henry is more formal AND I still do not know the actor's name.

Sam went home, confused, that he decided to go for a holiday at where else but the favoured destination of love sick lovers and people with troubles in their minds, yes, Rome (again).But before he left I think Isaac said to Sam he wanted to become a pilot again because "You can't fly though you wanted to whilst I can fly but I didn't want to". I think this is Isaac's way of telling Sam how much he admired and loved him because he wanted to carry on Sam's legacy.

Once at Rome Sam went wandering around and guess who he met? ZOE! It made me wonder whether Rome was indeed that small. Zoe, like a love sick no. 1 fan went to Sam and well in a minute of really manic moment (in part due to Myolie's over eager and over acting) tried very hard to make Sam smile again. Sam didn't find it funny and walked away but Zoe told him a story about a little girl who was born with a congenital heart disease and was predicted to die at the age of 1 but she lived on till today and she decided every extra day was a bonus and so she vowed to smile and love happily. Sam thought the story was corny and told Zoe "Yes, yes I got your meaning" but Zoe persisted and Zoe confessed, "I am that little girl" but I don't think Sam believed her. And then like yesterday's preview of today's episode, I saw Zoe feeling some pain in her chest and fainted right in the middle of the street in Rome full of people looking at them. Ohhhhh I panicked big time because to me this was just far too early to turn into Greek tragedy and Sam loving Zoe because he pitied her. Guess what? Sam was panicking as well and asked in his rather odd but improved English, "Is there any doctor here?" and Zoe woke up and said "Sam Sam I am alright!". Zoe was joking of course and like Sam I was relieved and yet wanted to kick her. It wasn't funny, because Sam thought she was dying and I thought by her about to die this series might become corny and too sentimental MUCH too soon. Luckily not!

Back in HK, Belle could not bring herself to forgive Vincent. She realised that Vincent didn't have any malicious intention but she couldn't believed that Vincent still hurt Sam that much, however sincere his intention was. Ruby, Vincent's no. 1 fan of course said no way, Vincent was right. This scene was before Zoe went to Rome and Zoe agreed with Belle and she thought Vincent betrayed Sam.

At this juncture my sister asked me; "So what do you think" and I said "Vincent was not malicious, he meant well but he should have given Sam more credit" because like Belle I thought Vincent was being malicious without realising it. My sister said "I think Vincent was right; Sam did registered himself and you can't just change Captain in the last minute of a flight".

At this point this all seems so surreal; we talked as if TITS is a reality show.

Anyway, back to Belle. She left HK to go to Rome to find Sam. Coco called Belle and Ruby told Vincent Belle left for Rome. Coco of course at this point being the satay queen poked fire and yet in the nicest way of course as she was just voicing her concern (I think being malicious without really meaning to be just that runs in the family of Vincent since Coco kinda was the same) but Vincent with his silly grin said "I believe Belle; she did this for me because she had to find Sam to apologise to him. Sometimes women just don't understand between men, apologies need not be stated clearly...I believe Belle" and Coco said ok and left BUT then the camera zoomed into Vincent and I thought; Vincent, are you relieved (because he was half smiling) or are you worried (because he looked worried). I don't know and I think Joe Ma didn't either. I don't think Vincent is that open minded, no man is when it comes to his woman.

Back in Rome, Zoe and Sam were cooking when Isaac appeared. At this point I cursed; the writer should have continued with the Zoe-Isaac link but well...tough luck, you can't have everything. Then Zoe and Sam went for a walk and they passed that fountain where people made wishes and tossed coins and Sam told Zoe about this and Zoe said she knew because before she found Sam she made a wish; that Sam would be happy again. Sam was very touched and Sam looked at Zoe with that intense gaze of his and said "Zoe, thank you" and Zoe smilingly and playfully said "If you want to thank me, treat me to dinner OR better yet, buy me a gift". This was perhaps the most romantic line thus far in this series and very heart warming scene when FINALLY, FINALLY Sam took Zoe's outstretched hand and said softly, "Am I big enough a gift for you?" and Zoe said please stop kidding but Sam was very very very very very very very very serious and so they walked around the fountain hand in hand! YIPPEE!! And Belle saw them and guess what? Belle sat down smiling, in a way relieved and threw a coin into the fountain. I wonder what was her wish?? Zoe and Sam, doomed couple??

Back in HK, Sam and Isaac returned to their very happy parents and Isaac told his parents about Zoe and Sam. Everybody was very happy and Sam was very shy about it all and Isaac was very vocal and it was a very funny scene. Don't miss this one.

Belle meanwhile went home and saw of all people Vincent's ex girlfriend. She actually confided in this woman and this woman (played by Eileen Yew) told Belle everything; how Vincent let Belle to choose and all. And she gave a very logical explanation that I find reasonable; "If Vincent was as malicious and as small minded as you think he is, he wouldn't have let you choose". In a way she was right but hey, I can still remember that cake throwing and no apologies scene so I think perhaps there is more to Vincent that meets the eyes. Or maybe it was a combination of bad acting and bad writing.

Belle went to Vincent and they became a couple again. I am sure 2 episodes later they will quarrell again. How difficult is this relationship to maintain? Well having a husband who pretends to be very open minded but actually minded it all and having the wife to explain herself again and again and having a wife who feels more concern for her ex boyfriend and having a husband to run after her again and again, this marriage is doomed! Also because I know Vincent will die. That is the problem of reading reviews, such as this so ha ha ha! You shall suffer as I do knowing Vincent's fate, No more suspense!

Where was I ? Oh yes, Isaac went back to flying, Sam in turn went to Henry to of all things resign because he said "I actually wanted to fly that day, I can't forgive myself" but Henry said "why not be an instructor for the time being" and Sam said "no, let me think about it" and then Henry revealed Vincent actually recommended Sam to be nominated for some youth extraordinaire award or something. So Vincent was quite ok. Sam went home, thought about it and confided in Vincent he wanted some challenge and then he saw passengers complaining and he suddenly thought he could be a Costumer Service person! I mean, really? REALLY??? Maybe he can't bear to see a plane or talk about it, which was why he refused to be an instructor and became a lowly assistant manager at the Customer Service dept! Shocking! I mean stupid plot twist but I guess we have already seen the instructor plot, so in an attempt to introduce the various dept in an airport, Sam became the assistant manner reading congratulatory letters of himself! I mean my god, why? Why? WHYYYY?? I mean why not put him in the control tower? Why not write a scene where Vincent and Isaac were in a plane full of passengers and they had to make emergency landing and the control tower was there to give guidance? I mean this is what control tower supposed to do and Sam's expertise would be of better use! Ridiculous.

And that's about it. It ended there. The ending credits we have an actor explaining beru convincingly the makings of a plane. He said the planes are actually made of aluminium I think and my sister was thinking stainless steel and I was thinking maybe one day, plastic planes where we can see inside as they can see outside!

No preview of next week. Strange. Maybe something tragic will happen... I wonder what??? Hmmmmm...

Performance wise, dear Ron was very weak in more emotional scene but guess what? I like hm.

Francis Ng rules.

Myolie Wu was a bit over acting tonight; not very good whilst surprisingly Flora did better with a more controlled performance.

One good scene I must mention is where Donald was at the airport and he met his father and the assistant. Zita was right next to him and the assistant was saying; "What a smart boy!" and his father said "He can fly the plane anywhere he wants but he will be a smart boy if he comes back to the company.." and Donald said "You said you will give me 2 years? I will be independent, I love my job" and his father retorted "I can assure you that you will be running back to home for money!". Zita of course said "Uncle maybe you should respect Donald's choice" and Donald was very embarrassed because his father was darn rude! It is funny that when he greeted the assistant, he was very friendly but his father was like Ice man. In that one scene Sammul did well as he tried very hard to make his father proud and show the woman of his dreams he is in control but his father successfully killed his joy. I mean what kind of a father is this who doesn't show up at his son's important functions and put down his son in front of his Goddess Zita?

Everybody else did not exist in this episode.

EPISODE 21

2005-01-26T09:50:00.000-08:00

Back to Rome and there they were thinking about the darn past and that darn kiss with her in that darn scarf and him in surprising I think the same outfit. But they stopped themselves (because obviously any more of such thoughts we may see a very tall guy jumping off the building because best friend and wife betrayed him!) and went to have lunch I think when halfway a car I think was on the same path as Belle and Sam pulled Belle into his arms, onto the wall and down dropped a tiny stone onto Sam's very much styled hair. Sam was ok and he forgot about it. Before he went home, he bought a chocolate for Zoe. Do shops sells ONE piece of chocolate?

Anyway I can't remember the timeline of this scene but there was this scene in the cockpit where Sam was asking Zita about the meaning of rainbows, a question posed by Zoe. Zita didn't know but Vincent answered that rainbows is a metaphor for happiness and to Vincent his happiness is Belle and their nice house. Of course Sam got it but refused to see it that way.

Ok, then Sam, Vincent and gang was on the way back to HK when suddenly, Sam's eyes began to blur a bit and he panicked but nobody noticed. Sam cooly landed the plane and I assume parked it despite the blurry eyes. I mean this man deserves to be a captain; even blind also can fly, land and park that plane! Anyway Sam went to the doctor and the doctor told him that stone thing, caused a blood clot in his brain. No big deal as the blood clot will go away by itself, problem is don't know when and until then sometimes Sam may experience temporary sight problems. Surgery is an option but a dangerous one not worth doing because the blood clot is not life threatening. Problem is Sam can never fly until the blood clo goes away.

So later that day Sam was interviewed about being the first captain and he was asked what he saw as his future and Sam was very upset, he ended the interview. Belle went to him and he told Belle everything and Belle was so remorseful because she thought she kinda caused it (and imagine in the last episode, throwing a cake celebrating your best friend's successs and dear Vincent didn't even feel sorry and here Belle felt sorry for something she had no control in!) but Sam asked her should he go for surgery and Belle didn't know what to answer.

Back home, Isaac told his parents his decision; that he will quit being a pilot, a decision he already told his fellow classmates. He told Sam as well and was ready for some good scolding but Sam just nodded, said something I can't remember and walked back to his room. Then Isaac came into his room and gave him back that silver pin (the one Sam gave to Isaac to encourage him to study well but Chris won the actual pin as the best student). He asked if Sam was upset with his decision and Sam of course scolded Isaac that it was his decision to make. Isaac walked out. Later Isaac noticed something was very wrong with Sam and he took a look at the medical report. He quickly ran to Vincent to seek Vincent's advise and Vincent said "I have no doubt, your brother is a true professional; under such circumstances, he will never fly a plane". So Isaac thought Sam will do what's right. But Sam was troubled, he loved planes and he cheated himself by thinking maybe this time the blurry eyes won't affect him, just this time. So next morning in a very chirpy manner he went to work to fly to Taiwan. Isaac panicked and called Vincent who went to the airport and tried to look for Sam.

Sam meanwhile was eating his breakfast, confident that his condition is stable when Zoe turned up and Sam gave her the chocolate as promised. Then Zoe asked Sam to buy something for her 7th brother and then she said "You know, my brothers are all over the world but luckily travelling is so safe in the hands of such good pilots; imagine being on a plane and the pilot is sick?". Sam then realised what he was about to do was very wrong and thanked Zoe and quickly rushed to see the manager to tell him he won't fly. Halfway through he met Isaac and Isaac was very upset and said "Brother, you told me not to fly when I had flu, but now what about you? You told me about responsibilities to the passengers, what about you?" and Sam replied "Which is why I am not flying today". So together they went to the main office and when Sam saw the manager, he wanted to tell the manager his decision when the manager angrily told Sam in front of everybody "You can't fly today!!!" and Vincent was right behind. Belle I think was there too. Vincent said he can't find Sam so he was left with no choice and Sam said he understood. So Sam voluntarily went on a suspension.

Belle meanwhile was upset big time. I understand why Vincent did what he did because he couldn't find Sam and it wasn't a risk he or Sam should take. But like Belle, I also understand Belle's point of view as she angrily told Vincent "How could you betray your best friend? You of all people should know what he will decide, how could you just go behind his back? Did you see the embarassement and humiliation you put him through?" and Vincent of course tried to defend himself by saying "I did what I had to do, I don't feel what I did was wrong and I did it to help Sam" and Belle retorted "Maybe not" , something along the lines that Vincent might have ulterior motive. Hmmmm is Belle being so upset also because of ulterior motive??

Anyway so that was where it ended when Belle stomped out of their love shack with Vincent crying after Belleeee don't gooooo!

Tomorrow, big time problem. We have a blurry eyed pilot and now perhaps a very sick Zoe. Tragedy of Greek porportion!

Anway I do think Vincent is misunderstood tonight whilst Belle was over emotional. This woman should just stop thinking about Sam and start thinking about Vincent. I do pity Vincent.

Performance wise, Francis Ng gave a virtuoso performance as his eyes were filled with remorse, guilt, doubt, pain, relief, disbelief, etc as his Sam went from didn't know what to do to knowing what to do to being humiliated in front of everybody. Maybe Vincent did make Sam's condition sound all too serious. Who knows?

Flora was quite ok with her being upset and all. Her character these past few days were either very happy or very upset.

Myolie had little to do than to be perky and flirt with Francis as Sam of course and she herself as Zoe.

Ron Ng is not a fantastic actor and tonight's episode showed it all as he was very worried for his brother.The way he delivered his lines was monotone at best. But I still like him and I still like Isaac and I feel a need to defend this charismatic actor; he looks boring but I can't help but look at him although his English sucks. But not major pain like Joe Ma's!

Joe Ma gave an average performance, standard stuff actually.

Everybody else , wallflowers or ke-le-fes. Really what's the point of Michelle Ye and gang in this series? They really have nothing to do at all!

I must say though I am seriously hooked with this series. Very addictive even when at its worst. It's the uniform I guess.

End credits said that captain of a flight have to plan everything, check everything, do everything ... really? Never see them running around in the airport like this series, in fact like doctors I have this impression that they will be thawed out of the cold storage when needed to fly a plane and for doctor, when surgery. Who knows?

EPISODE 20

2005-01-25T09:47:00.000-08:00

There is something very weird with this episode and I shall explain why. First the plot.

Sam successfully and very cooly landed the troubled plane, problem is I do not know what is wrong with that plane. Never explained. During the press conference, Sam was very worried about Isaac's fate since he committed the big no no by opening the cockpit door! But the manager (I do not know the actor's name, anyone knows do please tell me) told Sam to hold on about that and he revealed to the press that Sam is the first Chinese captain in Solar Airlines' history. Sam was surprised but happy. Isaac meanwhile was proud of his brother but after what happened on the plane, he began to question himself, losing confidence as he realised he was much too immature, was not good with urgent and dangerous situations. He confided that to Sam and said "I don't think I have what it takes, you were right" but Sam replied "I was one of those who thought you have got what it takes!". But Isaac was put through some counselling sessions and suspended for awhile but no big punishment. Isaac meanwhile had already decided what he must do.

Meanwhile during the celebrations to celebrate Sam's success with everybody there, Vincent was smiling but not too happy, as Sam himself noticed Vincent was drinking non stop. When the cake was brought out, Vincent tried to walk away but Sam pulled him back to celebrate this success together but Vincent smilingly retorted..."You asked me if I am happy...Sammmm, I am not happy! I should be the first Chinese Captain, I should be the one.." and he pushed the whole darn cake to the floor and promptly fainted in a drunken stupor. Least to say everybody was shocked with Vincent's behaviour but Isaac brought another cake and Sam felt pretty bad whilst Belle was feeling sorry as well.

Back home, Vincent confided in Belle that he had always been second to Sam in everything, so he wanted to be the first in this whole captain thing but he smiled and trimphantly and not really drunkenly declared ..."But I got one thing that Sam hasn't got; I got myself a good wife, and I am contented". Well liar liar pants on fire!

Next day Vincent strutted into the office and greeted Sam who was just asked to have a lunch date with Coco. Vincent acted as if nothing happened and Sam didn't pursue the issue any further. But Sam asked Vincent to please help him with Coco and Vincent said "15 minutes...talk to her about planes for 15 minutes" and as Belle and Vincent spied on them, Sam actually spent the next 15 minutes talking about nothing but planes. Coco was so bored she quickly left and the romance died a natural death.

And then Sam bumped into Zoe and found out he and Zoe shared a similar passion; Zoe loved to talk about planes because of her cousin Paul and Sam saw Zoe in a new light as Zoe happily rushed to get to work.

And then potential problem looms; Belle, Coco and Sam were scheduled to fly together to of all places, Rome again and Vincent was worried, a bit jealous and a bit unhappy but in the end realised he has got to trust his own wife. Problem is when wife and Sam stood at the fountain place where they met, they both thought about the same thing; the romance, the kiss, everything.

Poor Vincent...maybe he was wrong; he lost everything when it comes to Sam! Or maybe not....

Now what is wrong with today's episode? Purely some very inadequate acting on the part of Joe Ma and more to the inadequate writing towards the character Vincent.

You see when previously Vincent scolded Sam to stop interfering in his family's life, and when he realised what a jerk he was, he actually went to Sam and apologised. That to me was a small matter but he apologised as a gentleman should.

So which is worse; your best friend telling you to stop interfering with his family's life and then apologising about it OR throwing the cake to celebrate your success, said some hurtful words and then pretending nothing had happened? How can this friendship go any further without apologies and honesty? I was very excited to see an emotional Vincent throwing the cake showing his true colours; he was upset, so it was understandable for Sam to forgive him and forget about that incident. But the next scene was a very sober Vincent telling Belle how he felt, and he didn't feel a tiny bit of remorse for the way he acted, although in a drunken manner or the day after when he met Sam at the office, he didn't even say "Buddy, sorry for what happened. I am glad you got the job, congrats". Nope, not one word and that made me feel Vincent is such a first class jerk. But Vincent isn't like that, it isn't consistent and I blame that on Joe Ma's scene per scene acting ( he should be in a better position to try to reflect a bit of remorse but none whatsoever) and more to the writer who maybe forgot that even best of friends should observe a set of rules of common courtesy.

Other than that, nothing much. Francis Ng rules. That's about it.

EPISODE 19

2005-01-24T09:10:00.000-08:00

Episode 20, from the looks of the preview would be a very interesting episode as Vincent shows his true colours! But back to this one first...

Isaac got it again. He got scolded again by Sam as he prepared to fly with Sam to Australia and he kinda left out one tiny detail; he had flu.When Sam knew, though it wasn't serious, Sam threw him out of the plane and Roy took over his place. Isaac was very angry but Vincent took Sam to the medical hall and he saw how the passengers were afflicted with some serious illness whilst on board of the plane and Isaac realised he was very careless when he went on board with that flu of his.

Meanwhile Phillip was very anxious and angry because he thought his food and beverages dept caused the widespread food poisoning, that he argued with his wife until he was told the problem was due to some passenger taking some virus on board or something. Phillip was of course apologetic and Sam came back in time to see them reconciling yet again. Then Sam went to see Isaac, intending to scold him yet again when Isaac called Zoe to please call Sam to interrupt him. When Sam was about to volunteer information about the flight which was something Isaac wanted to hear, Zoe called. Of course Sam took the call and Zoe invited him as a friend to a concert which Sam agreed.

At the meantime Belle and Coco's relationship were getting closer and better, making Vincent a very happy man. But like Zoe, Coco wanted someone to be her boyfriend and that was none other than Sam! Sam told Coco "I am an old uncle" and Coco replied "You're stable, you're dependable" which was why Zoe liked him in the first place. It would seem all girls under 21 will like Sam! Sam asked Belle to please tell Coco that he wasn't interested, Belle tried to but Coco was very determined that Sam was the one. Poor Sam. Anyway Belle felt that Zoe still had a chance so in a way Belle was cheering for Zoe. Me too of course but nothing happened.

The time has come for the appointment of a new captain for Solar Airlines. Only one captain and both Sam and Vincent had decent chance. And this time both of them had a chance to be the 1st Chinese Captain in Solar Airlines. Sam was the hot pick as he was always excellent and Sam really wanted this, as he confided in Isaac whilst Vincent wanted it more, as he confided in Belle. Each of course hoped the best man will win but Vincent wanted it more than Sam. He didn't like it when he overheard the S4 saying Sam could be the one. We will know tomorrow who will be captain but take a big wild guess...I think the decision must have something to do with what happened at the end of tonight's episode...

Nope, Isaac I think did not screw up Sam's chances, in fact he may have helped Sam to show off his leadership and flying skills. You see one passenger suddenly attacked Vicki (I think this is the name of Margaret Chung's character though I am not sure), really strangling her as the plane was experiencing some technical problem. Sam was busy trying to find out the problem, the captain busy flying the plane, so Isaac in a state of panick opened the cockpit and tried to help Vicki when that guy rushed into the cockpit, took a fire extinguisher and knocked the captain's very important arm. The captain was injured, and the guy subdued, and Sam scolding Isaac with that laser eye why he opened the cockpit when the Captain said "Sam you have control" and to Isaac "Isaac take my place, assist Sam". Isaac was numbed, he didn't know what to do until Sam in a very stern voice told Isaac.."So, what are you waiting for? Come here!" and that was the last scene.

I think Sam must have succcessfully saved the whole plane and all which was why in the preview he was named the new captain and I thought I saw Vincent throwing a cake onto the floor in a very ungentlemanly manner. Maybe Belle chose wrongly.

As for the rest of the gang, there was a side story of how Donald bought a property new Zita who moved in with Zoe, Ruby and Vicki and how Chris will stay with Donald. That's it with these people actually.

One thing I must mention is Isaac. I think tonight kinda showed how much he was in awe of Sam, though he never showed it in front of Sam, but behind Sam he was always saying "I have no doubt my brother will be the captain" or "I can learn from him, he is the best" even when sometimes their personalities and choices will clash. I like this Isaac so much more than he first appeared. Of course opening the cockpit was wrong but what was he to do? That man was really strangling that poor stewardess. Maybe all pilots should learn some self defence skill. May I take a guess that a captain is the only one with the right to bear arms whilst on board of the plane? This is so with ship captains.

Anyway, Isaac is becoming my favourite character in here, I just love his energy, his youth, his idolising Sam and yet very manly by not showing it. I doubt Sam realises how much Isaac was in awe of him.

In that respect, I find Ron Ng's performance becoming better and better. To all those rumours about Daniel Wu, Raymond Lam, Stephen Fung being the 1st 3 choices for the role of Isaac, I would say Ron Ng really suits this part. He may be bad in other series but to me he makes Isaac such a pleasure to watch. The way Sam scolded his Isaac, his eyes would be like "Oh there you go again" but he quietly listened. He was obnoxious in the beginning but he became such a better man now. To all dissenters who feel Ron Ng did badly in this role, I would say I disagree. I like him now. He is not fantastic, but he is more functional. I can see why TVB is heavily promoting him; he has star quality, he has this leading man quality, he is not handsome but you can't take your eyes off him. He was awful in Find The Light but he was interesting to watch in there. Maybe like Gallen Lo he is a diamond in the rough, takes time to become a gem. I look forward to seeing him improving, though sometimes some roles may not suit him.

Another that I am very impressed with is Nancy Wu as Coco. Very obnoxious but she is a natural in the sense she gives Coco a personality. It's not like Flora who acts and the end, Nancy Wu injects something more into her performance that makes it beyond just an act. Very hard to explain but I am sure I can find the words before the last episode of this series.

Myolie Wu had very little scenes today but like Francis, excellent as always.

Joe Ma is bearable tonight but I would rather see him as a villain. Hs English tonight was pure torture though, can't understand a single word he said. Even a ke-le-fe actor could speak better English. I wonder what went through his mind when he was required to deliver his lines in English, as with everybody else who never spoke the language before? Was it "Damn! This is the hardest role I have ever played!". Maybe...

Flora is bearable tonight, and she has a tendency of slurring her speech which is quite annoying.

Michelle Ye is scary tonight. She had little to do but I just find her big eyes, long messy hair and belly exposing shirt very scary.

The rest aren't acting; they just show up and wrap up!

Looking forward to tomorrow's episode.

End credits had Nancy Wu telling us why sick people are banned from flights. Quite rightly so.

I must mention this; there was a segment on the training programme for stewardess and stewards and there was this scene where passenngers give ridiculous demands and the air stewardess had to be ever polite. Maybe Malaysians had expected the minimum from our air stewardess; it is a fact that MAS Airlines serves cold Milo, diabetic inducing orange juice and occasionally lychee juice and nothing else. So we never ask for say...a diet coke. Maybe I haven't been on international flights for far too long!

Also why is everybody so nice to everybody else? Don't they have office politics in HK? I can't stand the friendliness shown in this series. And I am still waiting for some big emergency on a flight. When? When?!

EPISODE 18

2005-01-24T07:46:00.000-08:00

Definitely the best episode thus far as Vincent confronts his inner demons, Belle realises all is not perfect with her marriage, Zoe suffers a physical and emotional setback and Sam realises he may have stepped over the line by being all too helpful in the domestic problems between Vincent, Belle and the very bitchy Coco.

Vincent dislikes Sam now, because of the previous incident. But things went to a complete stop in his friendship with Sam when Belle confided in Sam that her marriage is suffering from some setback, Sam had a talk with Coco and found out that Vincent once promised to take Coco to travel when she graduated from school but because he was busy pursuing Belle at that time, he forgotten about his promise making Coco hate Belle for taking away her beloved brother. So Sam told Belle this and Belle told Vincent to buck up and Vincent found out what was wrong. But when Vincent asked who told Belle and Belle said Sam "who was more sensitive about our problems than you are" (but said in a very nice way), Vincent became very jealous. He confronted Sam and told Sam to basically get out of his family's problems, get away from Belle and stop being such a busy body and Sam knew he may have stepped over the line, although with good intentions. Belle overheard this conversation and I believe tonight's episode showed a side of Belle I have never seen before; she asked Vincent to meet her by the pier and she tearfully cried "I never knew I married a man who is as ungentleman and as untrustworthy as you, you have changed". Vincent was dumbstruck and Belle went further; "how can you say what you said to your best friend?" and Vincent of course spitefully retorted "Did Sam TOLD you?" (and I am sure in his mind he was thinking what a rat!) and Belle said "No, I overheard. Tell me, do you trust me?" and Vincent looked very guilty and the answer meant no and Belle cried even louder ..."One if your best friend, the other is your wife, and you're telling me now you have never trust us? You have always thought there was something between us?!" and Vincent kinda nodded and I think he actually said yes though I can't remember. Oh my, this was the moment Belle was so angry her face was red and she cried even harder and she looked at his square in the eyes whilst Vincent didn't dare to and she said.."Sam and I both knew our separation was due to a misunderstanding even before the wedding, Sam could have ran away with me and I could have followed him but I didn't do that and neither did Sam ... you must realise whatever you are doing now, all that you're doing now are pointless.." and she left. Vincent tried to hold on to her but she felt too hurt and she left without any further word. That I thought was Belle's greatest moment. You must admit, this relationship is very opened; Belle spoke her mind in defence of Sam's honour and I was thinking, VINCENTTTT what a bastard!

Then Vincent went home and sat back thinking what Belle told him. Then he heard the door opened and Coco walked right in as Vincent ran out thinking it was Belle. Coco knew something was wrong and after some time Vincent apologised to her for forgetting his promise and neglecting her and Coco said it was Belle's fault and for the first time, Vincent actually kinda scolded Coco in the gentlest of way .."It's not Belle's fault..I may have spent too much time pursuing her but Coco, you must understand, when you love someone, you spent your whole time with them and I am sorry I neglected you..I love Belle and I love you, you're my only sister" and Coco was very touched. Coco asked Vincent in a small voice; "was it because of me that you and sister in law fought?" and Vincent said "No, it was because of me..I thought I could be a gentleman about the whole thing and be open minded and let Belle choose and I was wrong .." and Coco quickly deduced that Sam was Belle's former lover. Coco quickly told Vincent to get Belle back and "I promise I will apologise to her myself if you get her back".

Vincent first went to see Sam in a pub and though Sam was alright with it, Vincent confided "I was very jealous of you, first with the career but I realise I minded most was the fact you and Belle were an item before.. I am sorry my friend...I am sorry" and Sam said another sorry and they won't be friends and they patched things up. Then Vincent went to Ruby's place and Belle was there and he told Belle he apologised to Sam and Belle forgave him and followed him back and to her amazement, Coco apologised as well and even offered to share her notes with this woman she used to hate! Belle was very happy and so was Vincent. Well Coco is not that bad after all!

End of this story.

As for Zoe, poor Zoe. I can't remember when she fell down before hurting her waist and spinal cord but when she fell down again during the hiking trip, I think she raptured and disc or something and needed surgery and more physical examination because she could barely walk. She was so scared she clung to Sam who promised her he will be right there and from thereon it was recognised as a fact that Sam was Zoe's boyfriend. True to his promised he was there everyday helping her, holding her but after awhile Zoe realised he felt guilty for what happened to her. He tried to gently tell her how he felt but Zoe told him first that he shouldn't take into heart his promise to a little girl who was desperate for some emotional support. She then refused to take Sam's hands and she reached for the I think you call the crane or something and hopped back into the hospital not entirely happy and Sam looking rather bewildered with this turn of events; or perhaps regret, who knows. Sam didn't know a good thing even if that good thing was right in front of him as opposed to Vincent who knew Belle was a good catch and went all out. That is the difference between these two men; one showed too much of emotions and one hid it all. Zoe was of course such a classy lady to walk away as she did, or rather hopped away. I was very happy with this turn of events; I didn't like a clingy Zoe, it showed a more mature Zoe whilst Belle confronting Vincent was a way of showing also how she had grown out of her romance and fate theories and face reality; that Vincent was her husband and to make this marriage work, honesty is sometimes the best policy. I also like the scenes where Vincent faced his demons; it shows a man conflicted in his emotions; and the fact that he told off his best friend and not Belle showed that how much he loved Belle that he was willing to risk losing his best friend to maintain the illusion of a perfect marriage. But when Belle confronted him, all demons gone, that was when their marriage became real. Of course later on Vincent would face his demons again and again and Sam and Belle became closer friends.

Performance wise, we see very little of the young ones except for Myolie who makes Zoe into such an honourable, mature and cute girl that one can't help but curse Sam for letting go of the one person who could make him happy and laugh. What more can I say? Myolie Wu impressess me as each episodes go by as she impressed me from her very first performance.

Francis Ng gave a very controlled performance and his best moment was when Joe's Vincent very rudely told him off, his face though blank and expressionless, his eyes gave a hint as to how his Sam actually felt. More so when he took off his glassess and rubbed his eyes. I believe there was tears and Sam was indeed hurt. It's those little gestures that made Francis Ng's performance such a good one. Young ones should learn from this maestro; where he places his hands, how he uses them, how one stare is worth more than 10 pages of dialogue. Excellent performance.

Flora was a bit over emotional and her face a bit too red as Belle but I thought for once in this series she gave a very good performance, especially during that scene she confronted Joe's Vincent and spoke her mind. In fact that was my favourite scene for this episode.

Joe Ma was above average tonight as he showed the ugly side of his Vincent and I thought for once when he stopped laughing he actually gave a decent performance. Moreover his Vincent had something to do tonight and his emotions complex. I thought Vincent was so interesting tonight. No one's perfect I guess, even for gentlemanly Vincent.

And that's it for tonight. If you ask me, I feel tonight's episode is definitely the best thus far with such super charged emotions. Don't miss this one.

End credits we have an actor playing a steward explaining the criteria to become one like knowing Chinese and English. Yeah right!

Next episode we have Vincent and Sam battled it out to be Captain and Isaac of course did something noble but stupid which I think must have blown his brother's chances. Anyway I kinda miss Isaac.

EPISODE 17

2005-01-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

This episode shows there is one person that is more obnoxious and overbearing than Isaac when he first appeared, and that is Coco, Vincent's little sister. He spoils her, and she in turn feels very jealous of Belle getting Vincent's attention, that when she stays in HK with Vincent and Belle, she makes every attempt she can muster to make Belle miserable and Vincent knows but does nothing, making Belle very unhappy. But all is ok because after all, Coco is here for like 3 days only, right?

WRONG! Coco just got hired as a stewardess with Solar Airlines (which seems to be on a recruitment overdrive) and she is classmate with Belle and she makes Belle screams again and again (when practising to get people off the plane during an emergency), her reason being she is a passenger with hearing problems. Belle lost her voice in the process.

Oh I hate this Coco, Vincent should just slap her!

Anyway, Belle discovers Zoe likes Sam but you know Sam, he thinks he is uncle to Zoe's little girl so he hasn't accepted Zoe's overtures. But he still buys Zoe chocolates as promised and Belle decided to plan a hiking cum picnic trip with Vincent and Sam and Zoe. Vincent isn't too happy because just before that, Vincent, Sam, Donald, and their captain whose name I forgot were flying when they faced turbulence and suddenly, OH YES! name of Captain, Eddie suffered from a major heart attack and kinda fainted. Vincent took over as he was second in command (sitting on the right if you look from the back and Sam on the left) and Donald was observing. Anyway they were coming from Rome to HK, about to reach HK and the weather was unstable. Vincent basically didn't know what to do yet as he was thinking, and after awhile he thought of the more conservative way, that was to return to Rome but Sam disagreed and said the weather looked like it will stabilise, moreover HK was nearer and if they do go back to Rome, they may have to line up with other descending planes and ended up with a dead man on board. Vincent thought for quite some time before agreeing with Sam and Sam turned out to be right, Eddie was saved.

There was a press conference and Sam preferred not to take any credit, as after all Vincent was in command then and he made the final decision and so Vincent got the credit thought Vincent felt a bit jealous but not that jealous.

Then Isaac met Donald in the changing room and asked Donald did his brother panicked and Donald said quite the contrary, it was Vincent who panicked and Sam was the one who made the life saving decision. Vincent heard that and he felt pretty bad. In class, again Donald brought this up and openly asked Vincent about his conservative decision and how brave Sam was and how right Sam was. Sam tookover and reminded everybody that although he suggested the solution, in the end it was the officer in command (that was Vincent) who made the final decision. But Vincent by that time was jealous, as he told Belle that he really wanted to be captain and Sam looked like he got the whole package.

Back to the hiking, Vincent suddenly suggested that Sam and him go running up to the top as a challenge and see who wins. Both reached the top at the same time and Sam asked why the challenge all of a sudden when Vincent quite honestly replied; "I was Belle to see me win" whilst Sam said "ha!ha! I wish for Zoe to see me lose ...". Then Zoe and Belle reached them and Belle suggested that Zoe and Sam go buy mineral water as it will taste excellent with the salami sandwich. Zoe eagerly dragged Sam along and left. Vincent told Belle not to meddle with Sam's affair and Belle was offended and said she just wanted to help and Vincent said I know Sam... and Belle said Sam must be pushed if not he won't do anything and Vincent said you're just spoiling things for Sam, let him be and Belle said fine fine, I won't care...

A major argument I think. Their relationship was kinda strained by Coco's presence and Vincent's reluctance to scold his sister. Coco was the culprit whilst Vincent also very bad for feeling jealous.

Back to Zoe and Sam, Sam tried to tell Zoe they're not meant to be, don't waste time but Zoe said if you don't try how would you know but Sam said he is not interested in trying, he is happy as he is and Zoe was so angry she stomped off and fell down and Sam tried to hold her and Zoe brushed and pushed Sam away and tried to get up and after awhile Sam panicked as Zoe couldn't get up and then Zoe said...

"My legs, I can't feel anything...I can't get up!!"

Climax ending for this episode!! But no indication what happened to Zoe in next week's preview although Sam and Zoe will begin dating. Very suspenseful.

It is after watching this episode that I am sure viewers will appreciate Zoe more because just compare her to that terror, that Coco and Zoe is really the most agreeable person on Earth. Sam should really give himself a chance at happiness with such a lively girl. As for Vincent, I understand his jelaousy and frustration, since at home he can't control the feuding women, the two women who mattered much to him and at work, he wasn't any better. As for Belle, I pitied her. Coco truly was terror no. 1, worse that how Isaac was. Isaac was overbearing but Coco was darn rude and malicious.

Today we see the training programme for stewardess, and some emergency in the cockpit. I hope to see more drama in that area.

Unfortunately Vincent had to speak English tonight and that to me was the worst moment.

Plot wise, today's episode is suspenseful and very frustrating due to Vincent's silence as to Coco's behaviour. The ending is very suspenseful and now I will spend my weekend wondering what's wrong with Zoe. Nope, I did not read any reviews that revealed much too much so I don't know and right now I don't want to know.

Performance wise, today everybody who matters gave very good performance. Even the usually boring Joe Ma is above average but still boring as ever. Flora Chan gave a decent performance and I thought she did well when her Belle really wanted to kick that Coco but of course, held herself back. Francis Ng, the usual, nothing much but his Sam looked so cool under fire in that cockpit whilst tonight, very little on Sammul Chan and the rest. I was beginning to miss Ron Ng actually. As for Myolie, what more can I say that I haven't already said?

Now tonight there is one person who gave a very good performance and I was very impressed with her that was the actress who played Coco. I haven't look at the cast list yet but I think she must be Nancy Wu right? I don't know the name of the girl in Not Just A Pretty Face as the spoilt sister of Pat played by Joey Yung. I think so. Anyway she looked different in here with her short hair. She is not pretty but she can act and my God, she was darn bitchy as Coco and she did well. Was she a Miss HK? I'll do some checking first. Anyway a good performance. Now I am making a big guess here ... will she end up with Isaac or maybe Chris???? Hmmmmm

I am still sore that the writer did not expand on the Zoe-Isaac possibility. Very very sore.

Before I end tonight's thoughts, I want to mention that anyone watching this episode may want to pay extra attention to the scene where Flora, Joe, Francis and Myolie on top of the mountain. One scene you can see the observers at the back, a whole lot of them. Probably fans!

The end credits we have Tang Chi Fung /Tang Jin Fung (still not sure Jin or Chi) explaining the command post in a cockpit. Remember Vincent sitting on the right and Sam on the left if you look from behind and Vincent was making the decision. Donald was directly behind Vincent. Tang Chi Fung explained the Captain makes the decision and if he is incapicitated, the senior first officer on the right (where Vincent was sitting) will take over assisted by the officer on the left (where Sam was sitting). Which was why Sam said to Vincent "It is you decision". I am not quite sure if I got the sitting right as Tang said it very fast but I remember from where Vincent and Sam were sitting so I guess it should be that way.

Interesting. Now I am really learning something from this series. You know this series is beginning to grow on me.

Do tell me about your experience when watching this series, like when did you really became hooked. I don't believe you got hooked from the 1st episode, because the 1st few ones were horrible. Post it in any of the episodic thoughts!

EPISODE 16

2005-01-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

This entire episode is about Zoe and Sam, basically.

But before I proceed any further, I finally heard the name of Tang Chi Fung's (or Tang Chin Fung, not sure which is correct yet) character, he is called Tony Ching! I think I heard Tony.

Anyway Tony has this major problem and he told Sam and that is having a girlfriend 15 years your junior can be a pain. And Sam agrees, somewhat.

Back in HK, Sam wanted to give Belle that book he bought when he saw the new bedroom and didn't give Belle that book, a wise action if you ask me.

Meanwhile, Zoe is actively considering whether to make the move or not. Phillip saw Zoe hanging around Sam's room one night when she was there to have dinner with them (like a regular guest) and he knew. So he told Sam to be more opened but never specifically say why, how, when, where so Sam didn't really understand.

But Zoe was really into Sam now, after he rescued her twice from that maniac you saw two episodes ago, who at first harrassed Zoe at the airport (and Sam giving him this kung fu manouvere-amazing Sam!) and then when he kidnapped Zoe and again Sam came to the rescue, got slashed himself in the process. Zoe was in love.

Isaac then told Zoe Sam was going to Japan and Zoe followed along, deliberately pretending to bump into him at the hotel when she was all dressed to celebrate her 21st birthday with Sam. Sam agreed and Zoe then narrated this story about some dude with one chick and about some chocolated, cue we have fantasy scene but really I didn't get the story. But Zoe said the story meant that you must appreciate the person before you. Sam pretended not to understand her meaning and Zoe left angrily and Sam looked at her leaving. Then he chased after her and he gave her this chocolate as present and Zoe made him promise to buy her a chocolate whereever he may fly to and Sam said yes and they walked hand in hand.

Sorry if I may sound very confuse, because are they an item now or not? I simply didn't get it.

And I didn't get this part...

I was speculating Isaac has a crush on Zoe but this episode confused me further and yet tried to show like he didn't have a crush, they were good friends and he even knew about Zoe's crush on his brother. Now this is what was weird about the whole thing ...

Earlier in a classroom when Donald was trying to give Zita some expensive pen as gift, they were all asking Chris, the self professed babe magnet how to make a girl like them and what to give them for birthdays. Isaac was very interested in this topic and even seriously asked Chris, what should you give a girl for their birthday? At that point I knew Zita has had her birthday but Zoe's birthday was coming soon. So I thought Isaac really wanted to give Zoe something special but that storyline was never fully developed.

When Zoe was hurt in that kidnap attempt, Isaac was very concerned about her, and that kinda gave me the impression Zoe likes Sam BUT Isaac likes Zoe.

But that was never fully developed.

I have a feeling some scenes may have been mixed up in its timeline and the writer may seriously wanted to develop the storyline between Zoe and Isaac but decided half way not to, which was why there were so many signs, but never fully developed.

And that was such a pity because I actually thought they looked great together and Isaac was all too happy to see Zoe,all the time!

Anyway not much to say of today's episode except for the strange timeline and underdeveloped scenes which would have made this series more interesting.

One complain though; I simply hate that story narration scene by Zoe to Sam. It broke the momentum as Zoe tried hard to tell Sam she liked him and that whole scene was so ridiculous, totally killed the credibility of this episode. I was enjoying so much this scene where Zoe stopped calling Sam Sam Jor but called him Sam and Sam asked why she stopped calling him Sam Kor and then we have that stupid scene. Stupid stupid scene.

Anyway, Zoe was so very pretty in that black dress that even Sam was very impressed. I have this feeling with Sam's choice of cholthing (always sweater on top of a shirt), he must have been a very serious studious nerdy student at school whilst Vincent was the popular flamboyant stylish one so not many girls really actually be attracted to Sam instantly, except for Zoe.

One nice scene was again that sam scene where the biggest chunk of Zoe and Sam scene was at where Zoe said "I am not a little girl anymore..." and Sam said "I do like having a little sister" to which Zoe answered "I have 7 brothers, I do not need another brother!". Very powerful confession of love without actually saying "Sam, I love you".

But really, are they an item now or not? Why so cryptic, why so code like??

Performance wise, Myolie Wu rules. Francis rules and Ron is just too cute. The rest are forgettable or simply underused or even never used.

EPISODE 15

2005-01-19T05:09:00.000-08:00

I must say, this is a very good episode. Don't miss this one as our guys go through more training at Solar Airways. The best is of course the actor Tang Chi Fung who speaks such good English. I finally caught his name; Mr Ching. Yep, Mr Ching. And he has most scene with the trainee pilots, now called SO as in Second Officers as they work their way up to be FO as in First Officers so that they can be like Sam and Vincent and Mr Ching, as in SFO I guess meaning Senior First Officers and Sam is on his way to be the Captain. Just add one bar to the shoulder for each rank basically.

We see more flight simulation and for once Sam does not need to train these guys because I don't think he can survice that one 10 minutes scene where Mr Ching did a lot of dialogue in English. I must also mention these young ones will get to sit in the real big planes at the back and observe the captain and SFO (I am not sure if you call Sam this rank but just assume it is correct-I stand to be corrected). Zita & Isaac observed another gwailo captain who is a very good actor but I suspect is a real Captain because he looks, talks, walks and checks out the machinery like one. Sam was also there and Sam was given full marks for his excellent perfect flight and I think landing. However Donald messed things up. Donald was a passenger to enjoy "Zita's first time together" and he asked one of the stewardess (Margaret Chung) to give a card to Zita which she did. Isaac opened it before Zita did and whilst the Captain was speaking over the speaker, the entire plane could here "Itsy bitsy spider came...." (that poem). The captain found it very happy but Sam was furious. He looked behind and saw Isaac holding that card and Isaac didn't want Zita to get scolding took the scolding like a man. In Sam's mind, Isaac was as immature and playful and not serious as ever when I feel, Isaac has grown to be a mature, responsible and serious although still young person. In fact Isaac is slowly becoming my most favourite character in here, apart from Zoe of course.

Anyway they all went to Japan and Zita and Donald visited that Japanese guy whom Zita thought was her father. Then they all found out Zita's birthday was coming. Isaac went shopping and bought her a small but cute musical box which Zita liked very much and Donald bought a small doll which came in pairs and Donald gave Zita one. The other one he kept so that he can recite something to create a postive energy surrounding him and Zita. I always thought Donald was the sane one, so obviously tonight, because of love, he went insane!

Anyway Zita loved that musical box and when she went home she brought it along but forgot all about Donald's gift!

Meanwhile, Sam and Isaac went sight seeing and Isaac was wondering why his brother didn't have a girlfriend after that short affair with Belle. So Isaac tried to hook up Sam with a tourist named Ada. Nothing happened.

At the meantime before the whole Japan tour, Vincent lost his car but he was more worried about the storybook which Belle really liked, also lost. Found the car but the book was gone. Sam saw the same book in Japan and bought it. It is a scene which tells a lot of story by not speaking any dialogue. It was obvious Sam still have feelings for Belle whilst Belle tried to move on. They sat together for lunch and they managed to joke and laugh but it was forced. Vincent on his part transformed their bedroom into a fairytale bedroom, declaring in a very scary analogy that he wants to be the dwarf to Belle's Snow White. Belle was very touched and said her fairytale has already come true. And they hugged whilst Vincent smiled himself silly.

Now why is that analogy scary? I mean did Snow White ever had any ... ermmm... you know...that kind of physical intimacy with the dwarves? Why can't he say I want to be the prince charming to your snow white??

Anyway back to Sam and Isaac and Zoe, now making herself seen more in the presence of her idol Sam. Sam was coming off the plane and saw Zoe being harrassed by that psycho from the previous episode and he walked over and Zoe quickly went to Sam and held on to him. That guy said, "who is this guy??" and Sam looked at Zoe who looked at him and Sam said "Her boyfriend". Zoe smiled happily and said yes and Sam tenderly brushed her hair and told that man to leave Zoe alone, which he did. He then scolded Zoe that she shouldn't be so friendly with everybody and then he left. Paul walked by and teasingly said to Zoe, "Ahhh your boyfriend, contratulations!". Zoe was smiling happily of course but that wasn't real. I love this scene by the way because of Sam's tenderness in brushing her hair AND YET it was nothing sexual but rather like a big brother's gesture. But Zoe was hooked.

Then Sam told Zoe Isaac was looking for her and Isaac found her and gave her a present and then left.

Next scene we have Zoe hearing the story about Ada the tourist and Zoe was immediately jealous. The next day Zoe heard Sam was meeting a woman named Zoe at the cafeteria, she immediately took Paul with her and guessed that the young woman before her was Ada. In a hilarious scene, Zoe asked Paul "Is she pretty or am I pretty? I think I am prettier". Exactly what I would expect from a young girl would do! Then she saw Sam walking to another table to an older woman. Zoe was shocked, Ada so old. Zoe was speculating and all and then she just stood up, walked up and introduced herself in Japanese. That Ada looked bemused and said she doesn't understand Japanese and Zoe said aren't you that Ada form Japan and Ada replied she is Sam's teacher's wife! Zoe looked very embarrassed and Sam teased her in a bemused way saying "Don't tell me you and Isaac still playing that game?". Zoe walked back to her seat smiling very happily.

Tomorrow, Zoe will make her move. GOOD!!!

I love today's episode because of the many sub plots and hidden plots. I want to see a further development in the story between Isaac and Zoe. Isaac treats Zita like one of the guys but he treats Zoe differently. I am not sure the scenes are deliberate or just supposed by me, because I have this feeling Isaac is attracted to Zoe without really realising it yet. Will there be more on this? Will this escalate to brothers vying for the attention of one girl? For once I don't mind watching this kind of plot because it will be interesting. On one hand I like Sam's maturity, stableness and quiet authoritative dignity but he tends to be boring. You know, uncle type. Isaac I like very much because he has proven himself as capable and mature and yet fun to be with, loyal, trustworthy and very charming once he get pass his "I AM YOUR UNCLE" phase. So very hard to choose. And I can see why everybody loves Zoe, because she is sincere, friendly and very cute. Zita on the other hand is a tad too serious but just as nice.

Or maybe these are all flukes, all red herrings. But I would love to see Isaac with Zoe together though I already know the ending of course. Just a wishful thinking.

Other than that today's episode is a very educational one, as we learn more about pilots and what they do.

I must mention this; I absolutely love Solar Airways' logo and planes although it looked painted on. I love the name Solar Airlines/Solar Airways. And everybody looks so good in their uniform. And I was wondering why are the pilots carrying such big black bags. Apparently that's their standard luggage bag! Very stylish.

Now back to the flight scenarios. I hope to see one where our heroes get placed in a situation of life and death, where they had to make tough decisions to save their passengers to show some heroism. Will there be one? Hope so.

Last but not least, performances.

Francis Ng still rules. Bosco and the rest had little to do whilst Sammul's Donald was just too silly in tonight's epispde. Sad thing though, parents were never there. I don't think I have seen Donald's mother.

Myolie Wu rules in here with her very mischevious smiles and dagger stares at the girl named Ada. Her behavious and demeanour really is very young. I find her performance very satisfactory and absolutely brilliant. I was right all along. The first time I saw her to now, I think I have always repeated my opinion that she is one diamond in the rough, with special care and good cut will become a very beautiful brilliant gem. Thus far my opinion has never been wrong. A great talent.

Flora is ok tonight, standard fare from her but I am sure her fans will still love her no matter what.

Michelle Ye is scary tonight, because one scene she was lying on her stomach on her bed listening to that musical box given by Ron's Isaac and her expressions reminded me why I hated her in the first place. If she practised self control like what Raymond Lam is doing these days, I believe she can be as good as everybody else, in fac better than everybody else. She spoils it all with her over acting and opera- expressions.

I realise right now there is not one knock out handsome guy in this series, but there are many stylish ones thanks to the uniform. Francis looks good, Bosco looks good, even the no show actor Kenneth Ma looks good. But the one that impresses me with most is Ron Ng. He may be bad in everything else but this role suits him well and his chemistry with Francis Ng is undeniable. He is at his best when he is with Francis and Myolie. It's true; a great co-star will indeed bring out the best in you, sometimes, not all the times, sometimes. For example, I can't fault Charmaine Sheh's performance in An Herbalist Affair because Roger Kwok made her do better than she usually did. In here, so did Francis Ng. You can see the effect actually. I really like Ron Ng here but I guess you can't be great in every role since basically he isn't a very good actor. He is good here because his character suits him.

That's about it. Nothing much to say. I realise my episodic thoughts for this series are quite brief, and thus far I have yet to see some real drama. Hopefully there will be some soon.

One thing I must mention. Ever notice how come Vincent was never the instructor, apart from the fact that he was getting married at that time? And that why he never had flying scenes with some other people apart from that disastrous first episode? I really do think Francis Ng's Ennglish improved quite a bit but I dread to see Joe Ma speaking English, so all he did in here is basically hang around Flora's Belle. You will see him in uniform but very rare. He's like the most free pilot ever.

And the themesong sung by Eason Chan. Boring song but you know I have been brainwashed because that tune is now in my head but I hate that song. Hate it! And in the ASTRO awards, this song lost to Raymond Lam's themesong in Survivors' Law, which if I remembered correctly was as boring as this one.

EPISODE 14

2005-01-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

I missed the first 10 minutes and when I switched on the TV, Zoe was consoling a man at the airport, telling she could be his friend and that man left smiling. He looked like a potential psycho case.

Then we have Zoe, Belle and the rest of the gang helping a lady to give birth to a baby right in the airport's reception/waiting area! She was in urgent need to give birth and the doctor said no choice, must do it there. White clothes were used to cover up the small space and the woman gave birth to a baby girl named after Zoe and Belle. The significance of this scene? I am not sure. Maybe to promote the efficiency of the airport, maybe to show the blossoming friendship of Zoe and Belle.

Zoe still asked Belle if she was ok about the whole Sam issue and Belle looked quite fine with it.

Then back to Adelaide, this time our heroes have to chart a "fight plan" (according to Sam) for thier flight on some small "pranes". I am so sorry, I must do this. I was thinking what fight plan and when Sam was explaning that a fight plan, the purpose of it is to ... and I was thinking punch each other, knock each other out...Sam was saying to chart their "fight". It took me about 30 seconds to realise he was talking about "FLIGHT PLAN". Aiyayaaaaa...the only thing that will make this series into a joke is the bad English of some of the major players in here. I must pause here to narrate a story, a very funny one. My sis was in I think Hk and she took I think a Chinese airline flight to somewhere and the air stewardess said "Hope you have a nice FRIGHT". From that moment on, my sister's attention was fully focused on this "FRIGHT". Very funny. Why can't they pre-record all those welcoming messages?

Anyway so each charted a flight plan and guess what? All that should go badly did!

For one, Roy had to go to toilet, so he landed the plane. Donald was far too busy checking Zita out over the communications radio. Zita was the most diligent one and even she was accused of being too conservative in her judgment. Chris was I think too confident in his own judgment, he didn't even bother with the machines! Isaac was too gung ho in his flight plan and too busy taking pictures of himself in the plane that he got lost and had to cry mayday! mayday!

So when they landed, Sam of course gave them a good scolding and then paired them up in 2s and 3s to form a flight plan together. Chris was paired with Roy whilst Zita, Donald and Isaac were paired together and they protested; why can't they fly alone? Obvious isn't it?

So they charted a flight, flew half way and went into a storm or a thick cloud, got lost, lost communications with tower and Sam and fellow trainer and one gwailo who can really act were all very worried. In the end they kept their cool and safely landed. Sam praised them, reluctantly.

And sooooo 40 weeks have passed and they are back in HK and they graduated as second officer. All very happy but poor Donald, parents never came, again it was his father's assistant who came to congratulate them.

The end.

Plot wise, I find one aspect very interesting, where Sam would fly with each of them, and they will have to wear a helmet which shielded off their sight except for the machine in front of them. They had to learn to rely on the machines for directions and Isaac, got it all wrong and got scolded by Sam. Deserved it, totally.

Performance wise, the same. Bosco and others are still sidelines although everybody gave competent performances, nothing too difficult for them anyway. I do like Ron Ng though.Despite my emphasis on the FIGHT PLAN, I still think Francis Ng rules and I like Tang Chi Fung, the ever smiling instructor. May I add until now I still didn't catch his character's name.

The end credits, we have Tang Chi Fung looking mighty smart in his pilot's uniform explaining something that right now I can't quite remember ... oh yes, how before there was automatic pilot and the whole sort of modern devices, how the pilots then charted their flight plan and never got lost. I must say this means the olden day pilots were much better since they had nothing but their gut instinct as Tang Chi Fung put it.

I must say thing though, I wonder is Isaac in love with Zoe? He seems so excited receiving Zoe's email. I wonderrrrrrrrr.....No love stories YET between Zita and the rest which is great!

Before I end tonight's thoughts, I must say there are so many versions to Zoe. We have ZOE, ZOEY, JOEY, SHOEY, SOEY, SO-YEE, SHOW-YI....sighhhhhh...what a tortured name. Nothing as bad as one series, I forgot the title where the actors didn't even know whether to call this character Sabrina or Selina.

EPISODE 13

2005-01-16T09:21:00.000-08:00

Didn't watch tonight's episode because I was watching Golden Globe Awards 2005.

EPISODE 12

2005-01-13T11:15:00.000-08:00

Interesting episode tonight as Isaac emerged as the candidate with the highest score (90 marks) and immediately Sam accused him of cheating since he saw him leaving his room and his laptop on. Isaac admitted to wanting to see the Q&A folders but said he didn't and he found his studying method and he didn't have to cheat. In some ways Sam wanted to believe Isaac which was why he made sure Isaac got second chance to resit his paper that day itself. But Isaac thought Sam was against him since he was Sam's brother. He did the exams again and this time got 100 marks. When Sam walked by and congratulated Isaac, Isaac was very angry and said "You just wanted to prove to others that you are fair and just...as long as you don't try to sabotage me...I would be very grateful even if you don't help me.." and Sam was very hurt and Sam said "which is why I am no longer qualified to be your instructor".

That night Sam wanted to quit when he saw Isaac's card which wrote "I wish to triumph in the skies with you my brother" as previously Sam wrote in his card "I wish that you will be able to triumph in the skies" and Sam suddenly felt like (sorry to use such word) shit. Then he went to Isaac's room and saw his room plasted with notes and he was suddenly so overwhelmed that he had doubted his brother he was almost in tears.

At the meantime Isaac was scolded by his classmates who said they believed Sam didn't have to get him that second chance but he did which proves Sam actually believed in Isaac. The next morning Isaac went in search of Sam and found him packing and getting into his car. Isaac apologised to Sam for being rude and inconsiderate and asked Sam to reconsider when Sam said he only wanted to go back to HK for awhile. And so happy ending for these 2 brothers who gained mutual trust and respect that fateful morning.

Back home Sam was invited by Vincent to go to his house for dinner. Sam was reluctant but had to say yes. When Belle found out she freaked out, because obviously she still love Sam and didn't know how to face him in this 3 way relationship. So she went to Ruby's house (Paul was staying with Ruby and I didn't get that scene so can't narrate further here) where Zoe was there. When Zoe heard Sam's name, she immediately volunteered to go to that dinner with Belle and Belle was glad there would be someone else.

At the meantime Vincent was shopping for groceries when he saw that ex girlfriend of his hat started all these misunderstanding and that ex-girlfriend asked why he let Sam go to his house and Vincent's answer was simple; Sam was his best friend, he didn't want to lose either of them, he want to get over with the potentially embarassing moment so that they can move on and be friends and moreover, he said he was willing to take the risk...

Meanwhile Zoe called Sam and asked Sam to pick her up. Previously when he was at Adelaide, she emailed him and Sam called her to thank her for her concern. Back in the car Sam seemed spaced out until Zoe happily chatted with Sam and he began to loosen up. Back at Belle's place, there were some shyness and all but thanks to Zoe who broke the ice by simply being the liveliest one around, the dinner was a success and that night ended with a game of guessing what Zoe was asking about and Sam managed to get it all right and the night went on with laughter and ease.

Next week, Zoe will make her move. GO GIRL!

Anyway, 3 very good scenes in this gem of an episode. The scene where Sam was overwhelmed by emotions when he was in Isaac's room, the scene where Vincent said Zoe reminded him of his little sister, and Zoe playfully answered "You're saying I am a little girl? I am not a little girl!" and Sam and Vincent both answered "You ARE a little girl!" and that last scene with the guessing game which was really very funny. For once we will get to see a very loosen up Sam thanks to the lively and bubbly Zoe. Indeed, Sam needs Zoe. She makes him laugh.

Some TV mistakes here. Just one. The scene where in the 2nd test where Isaac scored 100% (meaning full marks) one of the trainer said to Isaac, "Congratulations, you got full marks again". If I remembered correctly, this was the first official test and he sat it twice and the first time he got 90% so how can he then get 100% AGAIN?

And we get to hear Francis Ng speak horrible English again and Ron Ng as well, bad English which explains why they're brothers. Isn't Isaac supposed to come back from somewhere?

Veyr little scene about the rest of the gang though.

I do want to see the possibility of Zoe and Isaac, but looks like there won't be any though early indications pointed that way.

Performance wise, I feel Ron Ng could improve but when he is in a scene with Francis Ng, he always did better than alone or with someone else. I do think he looks good in that uniform.

Francis Ng didn't quite ruled tonight because there was one scene he was so angry with Ron's Isaac whom he thought cheated in the exams that he scolded Isaac and banged the table, in a very soft way like I didn't even hear the sound. The scene where he spoke English, begging the examiner to give Isaac a 2nd chance was hideously slow and very painful to watch. Other than that he was great, in fact the best amongst others but not the best amongst the few previous episodes.

Joe Ma is still laughing like a mad man. But when he needs to be serious, he stops laughing. But the thing is I don't like watching him. He bores me. I was thinking that perhaps Moses Chan can play Vincent but he's not flamboyant enough. But he can speak good English I bet.

Flora Chan was ok but her role here is getting too one dimensional. I must mention that Belle and Vincent have their HIS and HER towels, cups, chopsticks ... married life..

Myolie Wu rules. She is cute, lively, bubbly and at times flirtatious to Francis' Sam as her eyes twinkled with excitement when she saw Sam or even when she heard his name being uttered but of course Sam didn't notice it all. It will be great to see how her Zoe will develop later on.

Next week, I am sure more excitement, more flying lessons and more drama.

Closing credits had someone (can't remember the actor's name) explaining exactly how a pilot is trained; 60 weeks at Adelaide, exams after exams, some 200 hours of practical training, then a few months of being I think a trainee pilot but piloting perhaps a small plane or cargo plane ... and then of course to humans after going up the ranks. So if this series just cut all that with Isaac suddenly flying Solar Airlines' plane just after graduating, you know TVB is jumping the gun here.

One thing I must note; I thought I saw in the preview that gwailo we always see in TVB series who speaks fluent English. He is also a pilot in here and we see him in a short scene earlier on, not even uttering a word. And guess what? Next week his character will suffer a heart attack when flying a plane and I presume dies without uttering a single dialogue. This must be a first in TVB history I guess.

I must say, I can see what is all the fuss with this series. But I also know when that Zita-Donald-Isaac story kicks in, we will have the usual same old boring plot. And let me guess; Vincent will die, that I know and I guess Belle might be over reliant on Sam and Zoe will try to ignore it but couldn't?

EPISODE 11

2005-01-13T07:56:00.000-08:00

Today's episode is just too tragic for description.

Imagine you met a man you thought you didn't know, had a night of passion and then thought he was a cad whilst he thought you were someone else. Went home and met a new guy whom you thought you knew but turned out to be a mistaken identity. Imagine you left a man thinking he wasn't good enough for you and married the one you thought was good and then found out you got it all wrong. The man you married was actually that man you didn't know and the man you left behind was the one you knew. It is confusing and imagine how Belle felt like when she found out Sam didn't dump a woman as heartless as she thought he did by giving that woman money and that Sam was acting on behalf of Vincent, the real cad. Both Vincent and Sam are good man. Vincent found out from that woman herself (Eileen Yew) and what did he do? He felt guilty because he realised with a sudden dread if the misunderstanding didn't arise and if Sam didn't take Vincent's place, Sam would have been the groom, something that Belle would have wanted. So Vincent deliberately left the old pictures for Belle to see and faked a conversation with that woman explaining the misunderstanding. His logic was simple; he didn't want to start the relationship based on deceit and lie. Belle found out, ran out and found Sam alone. Sam to found out from Zoe and he felt it was a cruel twist of irony. Belle confronted Sam and asked; "Why? Why you didn't explain yourself?" and to Sam all that didn't matter. She married his best friend, a good man who could give her happiness but Belle hysterically cried, "It matters! It matters! If I knew...how could this turn out to be like this? We were meant to be together! How could it be like this?" and Belle hugged Sam fiercely but Sam gently told her "The past is the past, we must let it go, you must let it go, you're Vincent's wife now ... let's move on ..." and Belle wasn't ready, Belle whispered, "If this didn't happen, would we have a chance? Would you have pursued this relationship further?" Sam thought for awhile and quietly nodded his head and said "Yes" but in the end Belle knew, they were over. They missed the boat and Sam would never betray his friend's trust. Back home Vincent was alone, telling his spoiled brat of a sister (who is the actress?) that Belle will not be coming home. He resigned to the fact that Belle would be with Sam but how can he look so lowly on his friend I wonder? Belle came home and hugged. But Belle wasn't happy.

I must stress at this juncture that scene between Belle and Sam was quite tragic and yet quite comical. It's all such an irony and I can almost hear someone playing a sad violen as the background music as Belle pulled her hair and cried how could this have happened. If Sam were to say "Belle, I love you, let's be together" I have no doubt Belle would run to Sam and leave Vincent. But Sam said something very right; "You married Vincent voluntarily, you married him because you love him" and it was true. Moreover Vincent changed. So he speaks horrible English but at the end of the day Vincent is a decent fellow. He did the honourable thing but you know I have a feeling Belle will never be able to love Vincent as much as Vincent should be loved because in her mind she must have felt cheated by a cruel twist of fate. I don't like Belle much after today. If in her heart she loved Sam the most whether he was a cad or not, then she shouldn't have married Vincent. I have this feeling Vincent is like a floating device to her; a back up plan and that is not fair to Vincent. Sam was right to do what he did;' Belle wasn't good enough for either of them.

Back to HK, we have a sub plot between the growing feelings of Paul for Ruby which was quite funny.

Then back to Adelaide, the night before training begins, the gang went to a pub to enjoy themselves when they saw Sam there and as usual Sam kinda scolded them and said if he lost the snooker game, they can continue their activity. So Sam played snooker, won but said "you guys enjoy yourself". They did but Isaac ran after his brother wanting to enjoy some brotherly moments with his ultra serious brother. I think in some ways Isaac is begining to respect his brother.

Anyway training then begins. But the first day itself, Isaac screwed up big time by attempting to fly a plane. Sam didn't scold him but you know the laser eyes ... worse than being scolded actually.

Then Sam reminded everybody they must first pass a written exam before they're even allowed to sit in a plane. So everybody was studying, even Donald (no Zita today except for one small scene) but Isaac went around disturbing everybody. But then he overheard some classmates saying Isaac didn't need to study hard, his brother would help him and Isaac decided to prove them wrong. This guy really loves challenges! Anyway he studied hard and in a book given by Sam he found a card by Sam giving his encouragement.

Before this scene Sam and another colleague was speaking of the quality of students this year and this colleague (who is he? Can't remember his name) commented that Isaac had plenty of potential and it would be a pity for him to fail the written test. Sam of course belittled his brother in a way by not believing in Isaac but this colleague kinda reminded Sam that he was the first Asian winner of the best student award (the best student with the highest score will be awarded a silver enblem, very prestigious apparently) and so he must help his brother in some ways.

So back to present and hence the card. Isaac was touched and he wrote a card back, went to Sam's room and put it into Sam's book. Before he left he accidentally pressed something on Sam's laptop and he saw the folders "Questions" and "Answers" but he didn't look. He left and bumped into Sam and Sam asked what he was doing there and they had some brother bonding moment. Sam gave Isaac that emblem and asked Isaac to hold on to it and Isaac vowed to do his best. Then Sam saw his laptop and thought nothing of it.

Tomorrow's preview Sam stepped over the line by accusing Isaac of cheating in the exam. I would think tomorrow's episode will be an explosive one.

I must say I dislike the way Sam treats Isaac in some ways, not believing in him that I feel Isaac's frustration. He did change quite a bit. And to accuse Isaac of cheating is just too lame, whether Sam did so or not because Isaac is one arrogant self righteous over confident intelligent young man and it is so beneath him to cheat. So I believe him.

I find today's episode very enjoyable except for the bits of Belle and Vincent and Sam. I find Belle is so shallow sometimes but a woman who believes so much in romance, fate and the right one tend to be that way when they married whom they thought is the wrong one when marriage between two individuals is maybe more fate than just pure coincidence. When is Zoe going to make her move? I however enjoyed Isaac and Sam's scene, their love hate relationship of some sort.

Performance wise, I must say Ron Ng isn't a terrible expressive actor but he has great chemistry with Francis Ng who tends to bring out the best in his co-stars. you must buck uo if you're acting next to a man famous for his acting skills. So I find Ron Ng getting better and better as he goes along and I am beginning to like his Isaac.

Francis Ng is as usual excellent. His confrontation with Flora's Belle was very well done, you knew this man wants this woman but he can't do it, because he is a decent fellow.

Joe Ma gave a decent performance tonight. He is one pilot rarely in the pilot seat if I may add. Good because I can't stand his English.

Everybody else had little to do today except Myolie looking mighty pretty and is her usual bubbly excellent self, Jerry Lam gave a very endearing performance today, I really like his Paul whilst Louisa So as Ruby is so pretty in here and her performance as the authoritative Ruby is perfect. I can't say enough of praises for this actress who made the most of out her rather one sided character. A pity she isn't given a meatier role. I would love to see her as Belle, I mean for a change.

Eileen Yew was the guest star tonight, nothing much.

I must say, the end credits we have the actors promoting the airline business or explaining some facts. Today that actor whose name I do not know (very effiminate, he plays Ruby's boss I think but does not make decisions as Ruby makes all the decisions) gave such a convincing explanation of the relationship between the wind and the flight of a plane, how the mechanism works and what happens during take off and landing. I was so into what he was saying. I feel all these educational promo stuff must be narrated by actors (and good actors by the way) because they make it all sound so simple and yet so exciting.

EPISODE 10

2005-01-11T09:37:00.000-08:00

I missed the first 30 minutes.

Anyway, the plot for the next 30 minutes ...

The confusion ends and the anger sets in. Basically that's Belle tonight. But I can't blame her. Sam, having bumped into her during one night of BBQ at Vincent's parent's home at Adelaide kinda said something like "I hope you will appreciate Vincent" and Belle was very offended. She was angry that how could this man teach her about appreciating people when he himself didn't know how to appreciate her. They were almost on the brink of a big argument when Vincent happily stepped in and wondered what was so interesting. The argument broke off and that was that.

Zoe meanwhile saw her former teacher, married with a child at the airport waiting for her husband. So she led her to this baby feeding room and there the teacher bumped into her first love, now married to anorther with an even older kid. The kid, bratty and all wanted sweets and Zoe ran off to buy sweets, came back and saw the kid outside. She opened the door and she overheard how her teacher was waiting whole night for this guy to turn up and he never did whilst the guy was waiting elsewhere for her and she never turned up. They never called one anorther and parted ways. When they each saw their spouse and passed through one anorther with some regret, Zoe realised she must try to sort things out with Belle and Sam whom she believed love one anorther. Here I don't get it. Why didn't she think that Belle may actually be in love with Vincent too?

Anyway she called Isaac who kept asking her if she received his postcard, passed the handphone to Sam and Zoe tried to persuade Sam to do something, he simply switched off the phone. Zoe decided to take matters into her own hands.

The wedding day arrived and Vincent and Belle married whilst Zoe, went to Rome. For a moment I thought she went the wrong way because they were all in Australia. She went there to do some investigation and realised Belle and Sam parted ways because of one minor misunderstanding.

Frankly sleeping with a person you don't even bother to ask their names is not a simple misunderstanding. So what will Zoe do?

I mean Belle is married now and I don't know. Wait till tomorrow.

I must comment though on that dream sequence Zoe had with Belle and Sam as some Greek cupid or something. For such a serious series with such a serious topic, all of a sudden seeing such insane ridiculous dream-like sequence is not just stupid, it kills the credibility of this series.

And now we have Zoe going all out to patch things that may not have been broken in the first place, not by her. I can't imagine her going to Sam and Belle explaining what happened was a mistake and how that will be useful right now. Will Sam disregard his friendship with Belle and just got for it? Will Belle just run away and go for Sam? If they do, that would make them adulterer and adulteress. I always believe and this being my own strict moral code for the sake of sanity of ones own mind and soul that one must never ever woo one's own best friend's wife/husband/girlfriend/boyfriend and one must never go out with the former boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse's best friend, unless with clear blessings from the other party and/or if you wish to end a friendship. Of course some may say a good friend will understand but if this happens to you personally, I doubt you will understand. I hate seeing Zoe so busybody.

Performance wise, everything a-ok. I am still wondering though, is Isaac in love with Zoe?

Tomorrow, I shall know if Sam or Belle will step over the line.

EPISODE 9

2005-01-11T03:04:00.000-08:00

Today is the one and hopefully last time I will ever dislike Zoe. She is one busybody. She found out from Ruby who all of a sudden, the cold stern boss telling Zoe her best friend's deepest secret (which was very odd of Ruby) and Zoe went to Sam and told Sam and Sam knowing the truth, told Zoe EVERYTHING about the romance in Rome and etc. And Sam told Zoe sternly to mind her own business and he didn't want to disrupt Belle and Vincent since Belle agreed to marry Vincent. Zoe felt guilty because she took she kinda hijacked the fated love affair between Belle and Vincent when it was doomed for failure from day 1 for lack of communication. It was funny to see how Sam opened up to Zoe whilst he still remained aloof with Belle, understandably so.

BUT Zoe would not let it rest. She invited both Sam and Belle for lunch, blurted out everything when Sam gave her the "Oii! Mind you own business! Don't you dareeeee tell" eyes but Zoe went ahead in full steam and Belle, good for her, finally confused no more said to Zoe the past is the past is the past is the past. She is with Vincent now, she is happy, she loved Vincent, she will leave now. So there was Sam and Zoe facing one another and Sam said he didn't quite blame Zoe for being such a busy body because "you're just a little girl". In one of the best scene of tonight's episode, Zoe looked at Sam with her cheeky smile and said "I don't mind whatever you said but I mind you said I am a little girl..." and Sam, dumb as he was seriously said "You're a little girl". Ahhhhhh I can't wait for their love to blossom.

That scene alone was interesting. It was at that moment that made me think, a man as serious and as not so fun guy like Sam should have someone as energetic, free spirited and fun like Zoe who will be able to open him up emotionally whilst someone as playful and as not so serious Vincent should have someone as idealistic, romantic as Belle who will be able to tie Vincent down, make him settle down.

Next scene we have the young trainees signing contracts and guess who was late? Isaac who was busy helping Zoe persuade a young man not to jump to his death. That was the best scene as the young man cried, "I feel so stressed, I can't study, my parents forced me to go to America to study.." and Isaac poured his heart out and said "What? You think you're worse off than me? My own brother doesn't even believe I can make it, so I will show it to him that I can".

And he was late and without even trying to explain himself and the head guy, a gwailo lecturing him about time management, Isaac was told to leave and Isaac ran away. Zita ran after him to persuade him to try to persuade his own brother to help him whilst Zoe met Donald and gang and explained it wasn't Isaac's fault. So they all went to see Sam who was very very uncharacteristicly harsh on everybody. Normally he is cool, stern but never shouted but wow! This time he shouted, expressing his disappointment over Isaac's behaviour right up until Zoe appeared did he not shout and he listened.

Back at home Isaac repaired that Sam's model airplane and gave it back to Sam whilst Sam asked him why he didn't bother to explain. I forgot what Isaac said and Sam told Isaac he can sign the agreement tomorrow. Isaac was of course very happy.

May I recap before this scene and before the kid tried to kill himself, Isaac personally went to see Zoe and gave her a cake. I was surprised at his niceness to Zoe (since he never did that with Zita) so I will speculate; Isaac will like Zoe? Anyway Paul gets the job as a airport personnel, same dept as Zoe and Ruby as his boss was not very nice to him at all.

Back to the plot proper, they all flew to Adelaide for training, with Sam as the big guy. Before that at the airport, everybody had families to say bye bye with except poor Donald whose only "family member" was his father's personal assistant. I do pity him. AND I take back what I said yesterday about the wedge between Chris and Donald. Donald truly treats Chris as his best friend and vice versa because Donald must have been the loneliest kid in the block. But there is still a master-servant relationship. I wonder what will happen if Chris and Donald fall for the same woman? Will Chris back away? Will Donald kick Chris aside?

Anyway last scene of this episode is worth a mention. Once at Adelaide, these kids were like tourists in awe of the planes and all. There was Sam alighting from that small plane in his very ultra cool I think wind breaker and his ugly hair style and Isaac inappropriately went to Sam and commented about that place like he was his brother .. which is true but then Sam sternly told everybody to buck up and stop being a tourist and walked away. Isaac of course thought that was personal when it actual fact, it was the only professional thing for Sam to do.

Performance wise, I am very impressed with Francis Ng with his killer gaze, Myolie for her infectious cuteness (and that one single scene where she playfully asked Sam, "A little girl?" was priceless) and especially Ron Ng, who was horrible in Find The Light but here, he is getting better by the minute. And may I say, more handsome too.

Everybody else had little to do. One worth mentioning is the underutilised Bosco. But no big deal, maybe there will be more.

And you may ask why Belle agreed to marry Vincent? Simple. Vincent came to her when she was sick and basically showed such concern that she decided to say yes to his proposal. BUT at the same time she still feel a little something for Sam but she and Sam deleted their emails, so for a while, Belle may be decided. Sam in actual fact is very attracted to Belle but good of him to deny his own feelings in favour of friendship. And good of Vincent to pretend their relationship in Rome never happened. If you don't acknowledge a fact, it doesn't exist and after a while it ceases to exist as you create your own universe of lies and denials. Oh yes, everybody is in a denial. The only sure ones are the younger generation, such as Isaac who has infinite belief in himself. Which is great but borderline arrogant sometimes.

I am beginning to enjoy this series now.

By the way, Francis and Flora won the best kiss in that ASTRO TV Awards. Eeeeeeeee ... he looked like he was swallowing her and Flora looked well .... it was a very suffering kiss to me. Why it won is simply because of Flora's popularity. She is very famous in Malaysia.

EPISODE 8

2005-01-10T03:55:00.000-08:00

Nothing much in this episode except

1. confusion of Belle continues!

2. Vincent discovers Belle's secret betrayal; &

3. long lost brothers Sam & Isaac bonds with one another!

Sounds very much like headlines.

For 1, Belle still wants to talk to Sam. For 2, Vincent read Belle's email to Sam asking to meet to talk about their relationship and Vincent being the good man he is, deleted that mail. Sam never knew and Belle never heard of calling or SMS-ing or just walk right up to Sam and reveal whatever she wants to reveal. Vincent before that proposed to Belle but Belle politely said no so Vincent was confused but not quite hurt yet.

The problem with Belle is herself. She believes so much in fate, she rejects Vincent repeatedly with the hope of Sam confessing something. Is Sam says something like I want you Belle, she will definitely run to Sam but if Sam says nothing, there is still Vincent. She is holding on to Vincent, maybe like him, maybe love him but not with a fierce passion that she may feel for Sam. I say may because really, these two haven't really started yet and yet the relationship is doomed from the beginning because they don't have something that Sam and Zoe have; communication. The key to great relationship in the TVB world is communication so Sam and Zoe are meant for one another whilst Belle and Sam are not.

Back to Vincent, I pity him. He is a good man, every bit as good as Sam is so basically very hard to choose. But Belle isn't choosing, she is playing the waiting game, running after Sam and yet grabbing onto Vincent, I feel drowning him with her neglect. She looks like she cares a lot for Vincent, which may be the truth and yet she is sometimes very cold to him, denying him her love because she is waiting, hoping, praying for Sam. Sam meanwhile seems like he doesn't care when he does. He is attracted to Belle but he will never ever betray his best friend. Because of this I like him more. And despite Vincent's act of deleting the email, I still like him because he didn't use this to act against Sam.

As for no. 3, nothing much. A good scene has Sam scolding Isaac like a big brother when Isaac called him "dai-lou" and Sam scolded "Am I a triad society's big brother? Call me ah-kor!" and when Isaac talked to his parents wthout saying mom and dad, Sam scolded "They're your parents! Call them mom and dad!". But in actual fact it was an affectionate scolding and Isaac didn't really mind. What I don't like about Sam though is his inability and his refusal to believe in Isaac's capabilities to become a pilot like himself, maybe Sam still thinks Isaac is playing and not serious enough. An even funnier scene has Sam telling his parents in a stern way to "please be careful with your behaviour" when his parents were hugging each other intimately in front of Sam and Isaac. It was very funny and Sam seems to be the only sensible, serious, mature one.

Today we get to see Chris' father, who is Donald's father's chauffer. And we also meet Roy's father driving a bus. Interesting fact; you can be fined for talking to the driver!

What i find interesting is the relationship or friendship between Donald and Chris. They grew up together, best friends and Donald treats Isaac well. Chris himself is very friendly, gets along with everybody and amongst all, he really wants to be a pilot. However there was a scene I feel shows that no matter how best friends they are, they're still master and servant in rank. That was when in Japan, Donald was asleep and someone said he wanted to wake him up and Chris said if I were you I won't do that. There is a wedge between them, and I think Chris realises that which explains why he has this friendly disposition. Having grown up in a very rich family but none of the richness belong to you, you'll try to get along with everybody, there is no avenue to be arrogant, unlike Donald. I feel Donald doesn't realise that wedge but I believe there is one and I hope the plot will give this friendship some air time instead of Isaac running where Donald runs.

Other than that, nothing much happens in today's episode. I am curious though; will Isaac fall for Zoe since they seem pretty close?

I think I will post something about who is a better man later on, compared with other series' lead characters since I got a few candidate. Maybe tomorrow.

Performance wise, nothing much to say except Francis' English is really horrible, he was reciting a poem about a plane and frankly I heard "Prane ...frying in the skai" and then nothing else. Simply horrible. The joke is just an episode ago or so, his Sam said one of the criterias to be qualified for the pilot training programme is speak good English. I don't mean accent type of English, I mean English I can understand and clearly, very very bad. Other than that Francis was his usual excellent self. Still hate his hair stye though.

Everyone else seems to have little airtime today.

EPISODE 7

2005-01-06T09:40:00.000-08:00

The confusion of Belle continues, but fortunately just a short scene where she waited for Sam at the restaurant as promised, Sam never turned up and Belle never knew why. We know of course, he went to Japan to look for Isaac after volunteering to "clean" up the mess left by his irresponsible parents.

One thing I must note though, that is the contuinity of this series which is good. Last episode his parents wanted to make themselves look better before recording their confession to Isaac and in today's episode, they both were smartly dressed, hair permed with glitter dust on their hair and faces. I was laughing so hard I couldn't stop. Very funny scene, especially with Sam giving them his dagger stare and rightly so.

Anyway he called Ruby who gave him Zoe's number who told him Isaac was with her at her 3rd bro's house/farm/B&B I think. Anyway off we go to Japan.

What a beautiful place Zoe's brother has who married a Japanese wife. Isaac was moody all day long, angry at being cheated all these years. At the same time he found a connection emotionally with Zita who was there looking for her long lost father. Zita was very upset that she couldn't find her father and desperately wanted to whilst Isaac, who told her everything out of frustration didn't want to know anything. Frustrated, Zita said, "Here I am like a lunatic running all over town looking for my father and you...you were found and the more he(Sam) called, the more you ran ...". Which is true. Sam arrived, saw Isaac and gave him the cookies their mother made and said with the gentlest of tone "The mistakes of our parents are in the past.. we still have familial love..." and Isaac just pushed that tupperware away and bam! It fell to the floor, breaking into two pieces, cookies came tumbling out and guess what? Tupperware was total loss but cookie still one big piece! Ahhh a TV mistake! Plenty more, like how Isaac and Zita can wonder around Japan like they know the place, when Zoe could do that since her brother lives there.

Anyway meanwhile Zoe was very upset that she spoiled everything. Sam explained to her the situation (see how often those that weren't a pair at first will first connect emotionally through deep secrets like Zoe and Sam whilst Belle and Sam didn't have that level of emotional connection earlier on) and Zoe vowed to right the wrong but how?

Zoe saw how Isaac rebuffed Sam's gentle persuasion and saw how Sam scolded Isaac and said "OK! If that's how you want it, I too do not want a brother who is as immature and irresponsible as you!" and Isaac ran away. Zoe approached Sam and Sam didn't blame Isaac, he was just frustrated, like Isaac was too. But Zoe rightly said.."No! You were right! He kept thinking he could not accept that he has an older brother but did he ever thought how you feel, that suddenly you have a little brother?" Good point Zoe and Sam appreciated Zoe's support. Ahhh blossoming loveeee

But Zoe still had to get them back together again. And so she made a plan by lying to Sam, saying Isaac ran into a forest that has dangerous wild bears whilst the other gang (Roy, Chris, Donald) ran to Isaac and told him Sam ran into a forest that has dangerous wild bears. Both ran to the forest and tried to look for each other and then Zoe heard something Sam couldn't recognise since it was new to him...it was Isaac screaming "BROTHER!! BROTHER!!!" at the top of his lungs. Sam ran towards Isaac and screamed "FOONG! FOONG!" (I didn't know he was called Foong) and they found one another. Suddenly they both saw a big black bear approaching and Sam immediately stood in front of Isaac shielding him and as the bear approached, both were scared and then.. the bear stumbled and fell! They both knew they have been duped and it was Paul in that costume. Zoe was carrying a cassette player playing the bear's calls and everybody laughed as Isaac and Sam reunited. But Paul fell on Zoe and Zoe hurt her leg and guess who carried her all the way?

Sammmmmmm

I love that scene. So romantic.

Must mention though that Zita found a pilot named something Tin, a Japanese (played by Lok Ying Kwan-looking very smart in that pilot do) and she suspected he was her father but couldn't bring herself to ask him so she ran away and Isaac casually asked.."Did you ...when you were young did something so reckless that resulted in you know a life?" and that man smilingly said "I was as boring as I was then as I am now.." and so the answer was no. Isaac found Zita and she eagerly asked "So"? and Isaac didn't have the heart to tell her what he said and he just said "You were right!" and Zita was very happy.

Next week I think more on Belle-Vincent-Sam-Zoe.

I love the cinematography of tonight's episode, especially that farm house with beautiful flowers and all as a backdrop, the house that belonged to Zoe's brother. I also love the warmth and the loving relationship between Zoe and her brother and sister in law, though the sister in law could hardly understand Cantonese. I have a feeling Zoe is like the baby of the family that is doted on and loved by all. And why should she be loved as much? I really like her though she was a bit ke-po-chi when it came to Sam-Isaac incident.

No guest starring tonight.

Performance wise, I am tired of repeating that Francis Ng rules so I shall just stop at that.

Ron Ng, Michelle Ye, Myolie Wu all did wonderfully whilst Bosco, Kenneth, Jerry Lam (who gave a very funny performance tonight) and Sammul Chan had little to do tonight.

Of all these 3 names I mentioned, Michelle Ye surprises me with again her thoughtful and graceful performance tonight as Zita. I thought when she calms down and acts, she could give Myolie a run for her money but really Myolie is just too cute. She is so pretty tonight and I love her hair. Performance wise, I find her wonderful. Michelle Ye too in some ways gave an above average performance though she hardly smiled today and for good reasons actually.

Lok Ying Kwan didn't look like a Japanese but I was a bit surprised to see him in here tonight. I am just too happy for this actor who as he grows older is given more varied roles, a welcomed change from the usual villanous roles.

I really look forward to next week's episodes.

I must mention Francis' pronunciation of Zoe is really horrible...now Zoe is I don't know what he said, was it So-wee? Jerry Lam could really speak very good English whilst Michelle Ye of course spoke very very good English with American accent, and why not? She was Miss Chinese International if I remembered correctly and I still remember she answered "Because it is my birthday tonight" or something like that when the judge asked why she should win that fateful night.

EPISODE 6

2005-01-06T05:04:00.000-08:00

The confusion of Belle continues.

Eh! I wrote this in episode 4! I think I will be writing this for many episodes to come. And it's true, she is still confused. Her head says Vincent, her heart says Sam. She believes so much in fate, that it is fated she and Sam met the way they did, that he was Mr X (or Mr Y? Forgot the alphabet), the triangel and all that nonsense, she perhaps kinda overlooked that perhaps she and Vincent was all fate too. So not to encourage such inane plot, I thought maybe I summarise tonights' episode, in terms of Belle's confusion as she refuses to meet Vincent's family because she is still thinking maybe it is Sam she wants and Ruby continues to hard sell Vincent and in the end, she decided to talk to Sam but never got a chance. The end.

Ok, back to more important stuff like the training sessions. Everybody got in, except for dear Paul because he scored the lowest marks and he finally understood perhaps it was not his destiny to fly a plane. One very touching scene was a panel of pilots (Sam, Vincent and others) interviewed each candidate individually and asked; "If you are asked to eliminate one candidate, who would it be?". Paul said "Myself, because I am perhaps the one with the lowest marks, and even if I can't get in and be a pilot, it would be my honour to sit in a plane manned by my friends". Zita said "It is very hard to choose, because all of us are as dedicated and as capable as everyone else, so I would choose myself". Isaac said ; "I would choose myself. Like Paul, he is very sensitive to the needs of others, he will take good care of the passengers". Donald of course promoted Zita because he liked her and said he would eliminate himself (he's not interested anyway). Chris I think complimented someone else, and said himself also and so did Roy who thinks everybody else is more calibre, they deserved a place. The trainers then showed the tape to the candidates and they became firm friends. The choosing process was hard but Sam was first to point out that he was touched by these kids' loyalty to one another which is good as it is an indication how co-operative and giving they could be. But to choose one, he will choose Isaac because he thought Isaac wasn't serious enough but Vincent said Isaac got talent. Besides these, of course there was a test scene where each candidate sat in a flight simulation and answered some very tough questions which is more towards common sense. I would think Donald deserved to be eliminated, because he wasn't serious. Poor Paul but he gained firm friends, which is great.

Then we have some touching moments which to me isn't touching, guest starring Twins, Charlene and Gillian who played long lost sisters who met again at the airport reunion scene (I am not too familiar who is who so I shall say the shorter one was the superstar sister, the taller one the studious one reunited with superstar sister) who now officially on screen are truly twins! Everybody was very touched by this which made Zita wanted to look for her father in Japan, where Donald arranged with everybody else whilst Zoe and Paul went to Japan to visit Zoe's brother. At the meantime, Sam was pressuring Phillip and wife to please tell Isaac about the truth about his status in the family but parents decided to film it, but half way decided to go to I think get some professional make up or something. Isaac came back and received a well meaning card from Zoe (she overheard Sam telling I think Vincent that Isaac was actually his little brother and Zoe thought Isaac knew) that congratulated him on finding his long lost brother. Isaac naturally saw the video though it was not shown and immediately he agreed to go to Japan with the gang when he previously agreed to have a family dinner where his parents were supposed to reveal the truth to him.

The end.

I find the parents very very irresponsible, because they wanted Sam to tell Isaac when it should be them. Poor Sam, in such a difficult position. Isaac also, he must feel cheated, which explains in the preview of the next episode his unreasonable behaviour. I feel the only sane and mature one in the entire Tong family is Sam.

Anyway, plot wise, interesting. I love that short scene where Zoe was sewing one big blanket and her uncle and aunt with Paul was there and there was warmth in that scene. Zoe is such a good girl and such a jolly happy one. Her uncle and aunt clearly adore her and I guess for those who didn't find her jolly happy attitude irritating will definitely find her such a sunshine. She reminds me of Jessica of Survivors' Law, the only difference is Zoe is much younger. But how YOUNG is Zoe? I know she is 15 years younger than Sam but how young?

In that respect I must mention Myolie Wu. What an amazing actress who blossoms into this beautiful intriguing personality who injects such active happy optimistic personality into her Zoe. Her voice is even different and I truly see her as someone so very young, maybe a bit naive but still not as undecisive as Belle. She is such a wonderful actress, I just hope she continues to be as good, if not better than now. In fact many veterans should learn from her. I still find her best performance is in Golden Faith, which is her most memorable performance but in Zoe, I enjoy watching this character. I just feel happy whenever she appears, and that is not because I like Myolie Wu. I mean I don't feel happy when she appeared in Survivors' Law, in fact I disliked her character towards the end but this Zoe, I simply adore her.

Michelle Ye deserves a mention as well. When she is not smiling like a hysterical Chinese opera singer or even act like one with her bulging eyes, she actually is a very thoughtful, graceful, feminine and gentle actress. I like her in this episode and I just pray she won't go Eternal Happiness on me. In fact I still find her best performance is in Treasure Raiders, not as the corpse but as the descendant of that corpse. She was so stunningly beautiful, her performance so graceful, her entire demeanour so elegant and gentle. What happened to her in other series I do not know, I just hope she just don't go Chinese opera on me. That is all I ask for and it is not much.

Sammul's character in here was so familiar that it finally and suddenly dawned on me his Donald was basically Vincent from Survivors' Law, less arrogant but still as cocky. I must compliment Sammul on his ability to have that twinkle in his eyes whenever he looks at someone he supposedly is in love with, in this case Michelle's Zita. But other than that I find his performance average.

Bosco, as observed by Kidd will have very little to do, except to be the follower or in Cantonese, "Pong Yau". True true true. But his character is the most genuine of all in his ambition to be a pilot. Other than that he really has nothing much to do than just to show up.

That Kenneth Ma also, performance not that good.

Jerry Lam is not an actor but he is a great host. His performance is average but I know his limitations in acting and his greatness in being a host, so for that I have no further comment.

Joe Ma is still Joe Ma.

Flora Chan still Flora Chan.

Francis Ng still rules with his icy cold stare at his irresponsible parents and his disbelief at having to call his little brother Uncle.

Coming a close second I must say is Ron Ng. He won most improved actor for this series right? Or for something else? He was really bad in Find The Light but in here he improved quite a bit, and I enjoyed his performance. I enjoyed how rudely he talked to Francis' Sam, how high he thought of himself simply because he was the uncle, his rude tone and the way he talked to Francis' Sam. I really dislike his Isaac but his performance must be given credit where it is due. A good one.

The worst performance had to be Sek Sau. Can't stand him.

The most "I really have nothing to do than to show up" may belong in 2nd place to Bosco but the actual winner is between Louisa So (very pretty but her role here is to me cold to Myolie's Zoe or to be Vincent's cheerleader) and Margaret Chung.

Margaret Chung surprises me with her back to basics characters because I thought she was quite heavily promoted a long long time ago? I feel she is much prettier now, her acting better but her role smaller, at times she is Ellesmere Choi, TVB's highest paid female ke-le-fe. She really has nothing to do.

What is the name of the actress who plays Zita's mom? Must check my cast list.

Overall a very enjoyable episode and looking forward to tomorrow's explosive episode.

End credit had I think some actor whose name I forgot explaining about something ... oh yes, the arrangement of seats in a plane.

I finally found out Sam and Vincent both have 3 bars on their shoulder, so they're one bar short of being a captain.

As for the guest performance by Twins, put it this way. They can't sing, they can't dance, they can't act and they can't even talk properly (be it in Mandarin or Cantonese), what more have they to say for themselves?

On a personal note, I like the taller one, the cuter one though guys seem to dig the shorter one, the sulkier one. Why? Because she is prettier and the taller one is like your little sister?

EPISODE 5

2005-01-05T07:26:00.000-08:00

The confusion of Belle continues.

Vincent came back and first met with Sam and asked Sam and I think Sam told him everything except for the one night stand/romance and Vincent was ok with it, after Sam was his bestest of bestest best friend. No need not to believe Sam. And good of Sam to back away like a gentleman should. BUT Belle refused to back away. I may make her sound like a villain, she wasn't one. In fact she was nice, polite, good and she believed so much in fate that I think she screwed up her own love life. Luckily no more dropping of bracelets. Getting tired of that same old scene. Anyway, Belle. What more can I say? First 15 minutes, very sure, next 15 minutes, still wondering, when she saw Zoe with that triangel (I learn something new. What is a triangel?) that Sam gave Zoe but actually bought for Belle his email friend, Belle knew Sam was the Mr Y and suddenly she remembered those moments they passed each other whilst talking on the phone to each other but never met. Now she was truly deeply very confused and so the last 15 minutes ended with Belle going back to square one. It is obvious so much doubt in her, she didn't really love Vincent, then. Poor Sam, avoiding her like a plague.

Meanwhile Zoe became good friends with Isaac and was still Sam's no. 1 fan whenever Sam appeared. I like Zoe. I find her perky. Some may say TOO PERKY but she is supposed to be a young girl. How young I do not know. I am guessing between 18 to 20?

As for Isaac, like Sam I really feel like kicking him. He was still going on and on about being the uncle, therefore Sam should respect him. Isaac wanted to get back at Sam and so he joined the Solar Airlines Polit Trainee Programme headed by Sam and fellow pilot (what's the name of that actor who is a host first, actor second? who in real life really knows how to fly a plane?). First day itself during the welcoming session with Donald, Chris, Zita (Michelle Ye), Paul (Jerry Lam) and Roy I think (dunno who's the actor) and yes, Mr Uncle Isaac himself and Isaac took offence with Sam saying those not serious about the programme please leave (aimed at Isaac) and Isaac said driving a bus was far more difficult than flying a plane. Sam was clearly annoyed and I too. I mean Isaac can't even see past his own big head, how can he be entrusted with a whole plane full of passengers? Anyway Donald followed Chris who really wanted to become a pilot and when Donald saw Zita, he stayed on. Zita wanted to be the first trainee I guess.

There was an interview and Zita answered with confidence, Paul with desperation (he failed many times already), Roy with some funny answers (whole family is involved with public transport, land, sea, railway and so he wanted to be the one in the air), Donald with a bit of arrogance and Isaac like his usual self. He is really very annoying. And guess what? Predictably, all went through. The one who wasn't chosen was those who refused to co-operate during the teamwork exercise. They all had to play computer flight simulation and answer some I think 200 test questions. At the end of this episode Sammul said anyone interested must fulfill some requirements first and believe me, very easy to fulfill as long as you have the passion and the drive. I think the interview and the test played a big part.

Anyway, all became good friends and Donald became the protector of Zita, always by her side though she hardly noticed him. I quite like Chris, he seemed to be the reasonable and friendly one.

Poor Zoe. She was already having a very bad relationship with Ruby her boss and worse was when she lost a bratty kid whose mom pushed him to Zoe whilst she went to toilet, kid wanted ice cream, Zoe took him to buy ice-cream, kid got lost, Zoe was frantic and Isaac helped find kid and kid was playing, took kid back to mom and I doubt the mom said thank you. Ungrateful woman. Ruby publicly scolded poor Zoe whose only mistake was to listen to that bratty kid when he said he wanted ice-cream. Fearing she might be fired, Paul her cousin took her to see Ruby at Ruby's house and begged for a second chance. Of course Ruby didn't have the authority to fire her BUT she gave Zoe a warning letter after Belle asked Ruby whether she was firing Zoe. Zoe and Belle became friends and that whole Triangel thing came after this.

I wonder, I really wonder, is there a romance between Zoe and Isaac??

Plot wise, I find today's episode very entertaining, especially the bits about Sam, Zoe, Paul and gang. I am losing my patience with Isaac and I hope he will be exposed as the little brother soon. His behaviour was really obnoxious to the core, which made him one of the more interesting charater. Vincent was back to his manic laughter again. And I really liked the restaurant Sam and Vincent always had lunch in, very nice view.

So now I know what pilots do when they are not flying. They teach, they chat, they do paper work.

I am still curious as to who Zoe is working for, so correct me if I am wrong.

Belle - she is the ground crew of the Solar Airlines (her scarf is red)

Margaret Chung (don't know her character) - she is the air stewardess of Solar Airlines (her scarf is black)

Zita's mom - she is the chief air stewardess I think. A bit old to be still flying but maybe different policy for different airlines.

Sam/Vincent - pilot (I think he got 4 bars on his shoulder or is it 3?)

Paul - plane mechanic?

Zoe/Ruby - airport's personnel? I don't think they work for Solar Airlines

Anyway I really look forward to Zoe-Sam scenes. I do like the fact she practically runs to Sam whenever Sam appears and Sam takes it as a little girl idolising him. I don't think he sees Zoe as a woman yet.

Performance wise, I really like the more subdued Michelle Ye. I hope she won't go opera in this series.

Sammul Chan is ok, nothing much to do whilst Bosco is disappointingly the follower in here. Acting a bit shaky as well.

That guy who plays Roy, don't know him. Average.

Jerry Lam is a better host than he is an actor.

Ron is average as well, I would say above average. I hate his Isaac but I like his performance thus far.

Myolie Wu impresses me with her multi layered emotions and did you notice her voice? Very girlish, very young, compare that with the more mature character in Survivors' Law. This girl is getting better everyday. I must give her due recognition; she is one very talented actress and I do think she is pretty. And she was Miss HK! I will have to reassess how I view Miss HKs from now on, there are some who are talented. Like Marianne Chen of course.

Francis Ng still rules by the way whilst today Joe Ma again talked gibberish. Performance wise, Joe was ok. I am waiting for him to die, that would be his best performance I guess.

Overall, a very enjoyable episode.

EPISODE 4

2005-01-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

Today I learn more options for my future generations' possible Christian/English names.

We have

Donald - rich spoilt brat who wants to be anything other than running his rich father's business

Chris - Donald's best friend

And one girl whose name I still don't quite know yet.

Anyway the plot thickens.

Belle decided Vincent was the one at the beginning of the series and by the end of the series she is repeatedly having her doubts whilst Sam tried to stay clear from her whilst Vincent is still having his manic laughter until he went to Rome, went to a pub and lo and behold, saw a photo of both Belle and Sam together. So he knew Belle lied when she said she never met Sam, and Sam's silence caused an unease in opoor Vincent's fragile heart. Vincent refused to take Belle's call whilst Belle was wondering what was going on AND at the same time wondering is Vincent the one? Of course her friend, Ruby (Louisa So) was forever telling her Vincent is the catch of the millenium but Belle, poor Belle still can't figure out who she wanted or rather how to reject Vincent I think. For once Vincent stopped laughing like a maniac. Tomorrow I guess he will confront Sam but will he confront Belle??

Then we have Isaac with Sam really itching to slap him, more so when he caused so much trouble by his own unique arbitrary sense of justice. When Isaac broke Sam's favourite plane model, Sam for once flew into a rage (and still was terribly calm), told his mom that this Isaac can go home and get a job but mom and dad then told Sam the awful truth. Isaac was Sam's little brother. I still do not understand why mom told the lie that Isaac was her brother. I mean she was always looking for Sam & Phillip which meant she wanted to get back with Phillip which meant the relationship was still there which meant it would be very illogical to say Isaac is my brother instead of my son when she has every intention to return home. Am I missing something? Anyway, poor Sam. Now he had to take care of Isaac but he demanded mom and dad tell Isaac and guess what? They flew away to their honeymoon and leaving Isaac still thinking he was Sam's uncle and therefore had every right to be overbearing and so immature.

When Isaac was cycling, rich Donald with follower Chris was driving his BMW when they accidentally splashed water at Isaac. So Isaac said apologise, Donald said race me, win me and only then I will apologise. Before that he threw Isaac some money. So Isaac zig zagged through HK small lanes and won Donald and Donald said sorry and they became friends. During such time, Isaac accidentally knocked over a mahjong game and who was there to rescue Isaac? Brother Sam who had to pay I think $5k for the lost game. Isaac of course was unrepetent. Earlier Sam did scolded Isaac (that was before he knew Isaac was his brother) and Isaac simply walked away from the car.

Next scene we have Donald being asked to go back to dad's office and in came Michelle Ye (don't know her name yet) who demanded for adequate and fair compensation on behalf of the workers who were retrenched in the I think merger exercise or something. Michelle was asked to leave, she did and Donald was smitten with the girl who dared to question his almighty father (not God by the way).

Back to Sam, Isaac said he wanted to become a pilot so Sam took him to test fly a plane. Before flying Sam took like hours to test the plane. And I mean really long time and Sam deliberately did some amazing flying which resulted in Sam jumping off the plane the moment it landed and vomitted into the paperbag. Zoe was there of course to visit her cousin (also don't know his name yet but played by Jerry Lam) and she followed Sam around. Ahhhhh truly a die hard fan.

And we have again Michelle telling her mom (the head stewardess on Solar Airlines) that she lost her job and needed one. She said her mom's company seemed quite ok and mom said they were not looking air stewardess but rather trainee pilots and we have Michelle wondering what if. Her mom of course would rather her daughter meet a rich man and be a tai-tai.

Back to Sam ... ahhh nothing much. Tomorrow the cycle of doubt starts again as early on Belle will be convinced Vincent's the one and by the end ain't so convinced any more.

That is the problem with Belle. She is repetetive, she is unsure and yet I am sure she realise that whoever she chooses, the other will back away or rather Sam will back away. I don't think Sam will be a traitor to Vincent and more over I saw the wedding scene in the opening scenes. So the mystery is all gone for me. Anyway early into this episode as were the first few ones, she was convinced, then no so convinced and then really not convinced and then next episode convinced again. Very boring to watch this yo-yo undecisiveness. In ordinary circumstances I am sure Belle would realise that Vincent isn't really the one yet as per her feelings right now.

Poor Sam though. Stuck. Stuck. Stuck.

Storywise, very good episode today. I love the scenes between Sam and Isaac, and the way Sam stared at Isaac and Isaac ignoring it all simply because he was the uncle. In fact I felt like strangling Isaac myself. And Sam is the kind of guy who is the perfect pilot. He thinks before he acts, sometimes thinks too much but he cares about how other feels than rather how he himself feels. So he takes very good care of his passengers and his family as well. In the best scene in today's episode, he scolded Isaac when Isaac said he only did what was right (fighting a stranger for slapping his girlfriend, as in the stranger's own girlfriend when the girlfriend was unappreciative of his help). Sam said Isaac must think before he acts, he must consider also his parents' feelings, how would they feel if something bad happened. Isaac was of course screaming "I am your uncle, don't talk to be so rudely!" and stormed off the car. But Sam is right dear Isaac, whether uncle or no uncle.

Performance wise, Francis Ng still rules. Not much I can say except for his murderous stares at Ron's Isaac.

Ron Ng seems so much more at ease here than in Find The Light, I find him suit his role well as the arrogant big headed uncle.

Sammul Chan surprisingly plays a very arrogant rich kid, when I expected him to be the soft nice effiminate rich kid. Nothing much to say since too early to tell.

Flora is beginning to bore me whilst I await the promises of Myolie's performance of the perky Zoe. She has to be that perky as she is supposed to be very very young.

Louisa So sadly became the the highest paid ke-le-fe with her role practically doing nothing but sit in the cafe and repeatedly telling Flora's Belle, Vincent's the one.

Joe Ma spoke some horrid English today but luckily not much. Performance wise, average. Really not very watchable as an actor if you ask me.

Bosco is in here also but he looks wierd and nothing much to do (yet).

Michelle Ye was scary. I don't know why, I feel she can fight with Francis Ng for the scariest stare by an actor/actress. Performance wise, average. Nothing much to do yet.

Guest star we have Winnie Yeung as the pregnant wife of a stunt man. I am sure there will be more guest starring. Not worth mentioning anything yet.

Some questions though.

1. Is it that easy to become a trainee pilot? Don't they need some qualification and some eye test? It seems all under 26 seems eager to be pilots in here, and of course they will get into training school but none of them seems to suffer from bad eyesight or something like that.

2. This one was brought up by my sis who saw the scene where Ron raced Donald through some small back alley in HK and she asked...

"Didn't he just came back to HK? Home come he knows so many back alleys?"

Ahhh suspend logic.

Looking forward to tomorrow's episode but please, Belle no more!

EPISODE 3

2005-01-03T02:49:00.000-08:00

I missed Episode 2, so when episode 3 started, it was when Sam's mom and uncle, Isaac (Ron Ng) came back to Sam and Phillip's life. Isaac was obnoxious to the core and tried to order Phillip and Sam around since technically he is Sam's uncle and he is Phillip's brother in law. In actual fact he is Sam's younger brother and Phillip's son. How the mother (Mary Hon) could just pack her bags and leave years before is still a mystery to me, though she did explained she didn't come back to Sam's life because she couldn't locate them. She told Isaac she was his sister instead of mother, why she did that I do not know. I thought Isaac was the half brother as a result of her extra marital affair with anorther man which resulted in her leaving her husband and son, but apparently not. I find the idea of them reuniting happily after all these years, though she did try to locate them AFTER abandoning them was quite far fetched. Wouldn't it be better if Isaac was Sam's half brother and Phillip forgiving the wife?

Anyway Sam was very irritated with Isaac, and did quietly voiced his displeasure but he didn't say much more, I think because he didn't want to offend his mother. Phillip knew Isaac was his son.

Anyway today I found out Phillip worked as the chief of F&B dept, in charge of food. He took Isaac to tour his kitchen and that brat deliberately sneezed in front of the food and dumped his bubblegum every where. Of course Phillip smiled and cleaned up but really, Phillip didn't OWN that dept, he worked in it, so I thought it would have been better to have Phillip giving Isaac one tight slap on both his cheeks, something I am sure Sam wanted to do for a very long time.

Sam's mom is young so I assume she had him very young in life, which explained his father and mother's very 70s approach to raising both sons, BUT Sam seemed to be the only serious, thoughtful one, in fact too serious. One hilarious scene had Phillip, Isaac and mom dancing and playing the saxophone and Sam came home, feeling very irritated and what did he do? He made his point by playing the er-hu! It was very very funny.

Anyway back to that Vincent-Belle-Sam issue. Belle was now seeing Vincent. Vincent narrated how he met and got along very well with Belle's parents whom I think died in some accident and he comforted Belle and how he fell for her but obviously Belle was still in awe with Sam, whom I suspect left abruptly after that Rome's one night stand or something which made Belle think Sam was a no good S.O.B. Not quite sure since I missed Ep 2. But Vincent was convinced Belle was the one for him, whilst Belle was still thinking about Sam. So she left it all up to fate, by AGAIN dropping her bracelet accidentally at the office and guess who found it? Sam but Sam gave it to Vincent who gave it to Belle and Belle thought Vincent was the one and she decided I think to think no more. Sam decided to let go as well but both of them was very shy around each other.

As for Zoe, she met Sam again and I think this little girl had something in mind with Sam. Maybe infatuation but I like watching Zoe. She was very cute and girlish next to Sam's ultra serious demeanour. I found out the staff at the airport didn't quite like Sam because he was very aloof whilst Vincent was the crazy one.

Tomorrow Vincent will find out Sam and Belle had something going on. Wonder when he will die?

Anyway story wise, I like today's episode, thanks to the Isaac-Sam-Zoe thing. Belle is boring, Vincent worse.

Performances of course were well.... I understand why Francis Ng toppled them all. I love how he stared at Ron Ng's Isaac, like anytime he will kill this obnoxious kid and yet tried very hard to stop himself from taking that step. Expressions wise, Sam is one stony faced guy but Francis Ng gave him a very deep emotional depth all through his electric and often scary eyes. I must say, Francis Ng was excellent.

Ron Ng did very well next to Francis but so far he need only be obnoxious so not much to do her. But man, he was irritating.

Joe Ma, thank God didn't speak English today so performance wise, he was average. He laughed too much, almost to the uncontrollable level that I find extremely irritating. But he and Francis Ng really looked like pilots.

As for Flora, she was average since this role was clearly wrong for her. To have two similiar characters but with different age difference (Belle and Zoe) is rather boring to watch. Maybe Belle will go through some problems, like when Vincent died that will make her different.

Myolie impressed me with her one minute scene where she talked to Francis' Sam and her eyes glowing with admiration and awe. Sam has a fan in Zoe! I always liked Myolie, I find her one of TVB's most talented and brightest young star limited only by her young age. As she is now growing older and more mature, she is more suited for more roles that she used to play but didn't quite suit her. Her chemistry with Francis was excellent and I believe she held her own next to a veteran like Francis who is known for his superb acting skill (though he still looked scary with his electric eyes). I really look forward to more Zoe-Sam scenes.

Thus far I am very happy with today's episode except for Sek Sau's performance. Scary. Can't stand him. I look forward to the next episode though I still wonder who cut Francis' hair? Why on earth that hair style??

End credits had Sammul Chan (really looked like a young pilot in training and spoke very credible English) explaining the no. of bars (do you call them that?) on the shoulder of a pilot and what they meant. If I remembered correctly...

4 bars - Captain

The rest I can't remember. Didn't notice though how much bars Sam had so will concentrate tomorrow.

One bad thing though. Don't they ever have office politics in this airport? Everybody is oh so friendly with everybody else! BUT I like the name Solar Airways. Very cool.

I must apologise for over emphasising on everybody's English. I can't help it because I mean I pity the older generations who can't understand English. Every sentence, at least 2 or 3 words in English, reminds me of some Hindi movie like "..blah blah blah GET OUT!!". Of course here it is "Blah blah blah really? Blah blah blah expectation blah blah very blah blah anyways blah blah". If you ask me, a bit pretentious.

I know knows who can play Vincent after thinking over the weekend for someone who is

1. tall

2. good looking

3. can match Francis in terms of close age range but let's face it, Francis is old

4. can speak decent English

5. looks like a pilot

6. doesn't look like Flora's little brother when kissing her

WHO?? Only one bloody name thus far and that is Ellesmere Choi. BUT WAIT! He is far too busy being TVB's highest paid ke-le-fe. I pity this actor. I am sure he can speak English, very sure. But I still feel Bowie could play a pilot in here and any man, thin fat handsome ugly smooth skinned pimple skinned, once in uniform, will look dashing. I long to see Ellesmere in a uniform (not fireman uniform but pilot, something very educated).

Who do you think can play Vincent?

I still feel Charmaine will be perfect as Belle since Belle is supposed to be die hard feminine romantic.

In fact who else can play Sam? Bowie. But I like Francis so he can stay. But Vincent, tell me, who can play Vincent?

Does anyone know the name of the actor who played that young drug addict rich kid, brother of Trammy in Not Just A Pretty Face? Quite good looking, I wonder is he one of the S4? If not he should've been one. Who is he??

EPISODE 2

2004-12-30T10:48:00.000-08:00

Really sorry, no thoughts for today because I missed it. Spent the whole day shopping and the whole night watching CNN and BBC.

EPISODE 1

2004-12-30T07:21:00.000-08:00

Ok. first impression of this mega production and mega hit.

The English title as in TITS is really vulgar though there are a lot of women in this series. The themesong sucks.

But the interesting thing is probably this series is one of the few (actually many nowadays) where every character probably below the age of 50 has an English/Christian name.

We have Samuel for Francis Ng, Zoe for Myolie Wu, Vincent for Joe Ma, Isabelle for Flora Chan, Philip for Sek Sau and I believe we have more to come. I saw the TMO special and there is even one group who calls themselve S4 after F4! That is funny and they consists of Sammul, Bosco, Ron and one more guy I could not recognise.

Back to the story first.

It started on a lame note, showing Belle looking for a certain doll and she having contact with a mysterious Mr x I think who was Sam, but they never knew each other. In just a few minutes, I knew Sam is the serious thoughtful guy who avoids confrontation, Vincent the flirtatious and playful kind who is never serious about anything, Zoe the young girl whilst Belle the young girl at heart who believes in romance and fated love. Louisa's character is her best friend cum room mate whilst Sam and Vincent are both best of friends. Sam's mother (actress not known, but watching the TMO, I know it is Mary Hon and Ron plays his brother) ran away many years ago and Sam wants to find her. He has a very rocky relationship with the embarassingly too-young-to-be-Francis'-father Sek Sau as Phillip, the flirtatious one. Vincent has a better relationship with Phillip than Sam with Phillip.

Then we see the function of the pilot, co-pilot, that guy behind the pilot and co-pilot, the cabin crew and of course the ground crew.

Sam and Vincent are the pilots, highly succcessful, fairly good looking and seems to love to talk more than anything else. Flora as Belle represents the cabin crew flanked by Louisa So (who looks mighty pretty in here) whose character's name I have yet to know. There is the cabin crew also. There was some drama in the sense of Myolie as Zoe as one of the passenger who suddenly had this appendicitis attack, and the plane (a very big jumbo type) was going through some turbulence and Sam came out to give Zoe, a very young girl in direct contrast to the much older Sam some pep talk. Of course she felt much better. And the plane landed safely.

Once on the ground, the cabin crew headed by Belle saw a man who had been waiting for his girlfriend, played by the very beautiful but often so underused and underexposed Akina Hong who came to him and returned to his side. The crew of course rejoiced. This entire scene served only one purpose; to show how involved the cabin crew were (as in airport staff) towards their customers' welfare. In other words, pure KPCs.

Then the series shifted to Sam having several chance meeting with Belle, Sam thinking Belle was Donna and Belle thinking Sam was Vincent. Time and time again they met and they felt a strong attraction, but it was Belle who made the move whilst Sam stoob by waiting.

That was it. Tomorrow's episode we see Belle having some sexual relations with Sam and then Vincent introducing Belle as his girlfriend, creating a very ackward moment. I already knew Belle will marry Vincent by the way.

The entire first episode reminded me of Golden Faith's first episode, beautiful sceneries (in fact a great travelogue-and some people are just so rich), foreigners who can act very well and some hot romance that is really not my cup of tea. It came across as empty and souless. Perhaps just the 1st episode syndrome.

Performance wise, Francis looked every inch a pilot but his hair...his hair...hair..hair...speechless. What is going through the stylist's mind? Anyway Francis gave a credible performance but not great for a man his standard. He struggled with scenes where he had to speak English and he looked often time bored, like he was sleep walking, wasn't too into his role.

Joe Ma gave the usual performance where he is more excited about his performance than I am about his performance. He is considered the 2nd lead but this series had loads of leads so Joe Ma may be playing a secondary character. I find his performance lacking in charisma. He is tall, he is good looking, he looks good in uniform but I want to sleep when I saw him on screen.

Flora is again in a character that I could not see her in. She is the essentially optimistic and hopeless romantic. But her flirtatious scenes with Francis came across as highly impossible, very forced and not an ounce of romance. This is because Flora looks to serious and too so not lady like to play a very girly girl. Her character is similar with Myolie's character but Belle is a young girl at heart whilst Zoe is a young girl. I honestly do think Charmaine Sheh should have been Belle because Charmaine gives me an impression she will pursue love if given the chance; and she looks soft and feminine. Flora looks forced and ultimately old. I don't like her.

Myolie is probably the saving grace in this 1st episode but her scenes were few but she set up her character quickly; friendly, young and full of energy, I feel myself waking up upon seeing her.

But chemistry wise I must agree that Flora shares a good chemistry with Francis whilst Myolie too shares that chemistry but too early to tell. I really look forward to the plot about Francis and Myolie's love affair and also Michelle Ye's plot about being a pilot. That may be more exciting than Flora and Joe's plot. I also look forward to the training scenes.

My sincere condolence to Sek Sau having to play Francis' father, very very unbelievable as much as Flora being a young girl at heart with nothing much romance in her brain.

Now, I am not impressed with this 1st episode, truth be told.

When watching the TMO, TVB said this was the first pilot themed series, with big budget and sponsorship thanks to Cathay Pacific (they renamed the fictional airline as Solar Airlines) and having unprecedented access to training at Australia and access to forbidden sections of the HK Chep Lap Kok airport (I think that's the name and how you spell it). They even used computer graphics to show the flight scenes and landing scenes.

I wasn't the least impressed with the computer graphics; they looked lifeless, unreal and cheap. The airport was impressive though. The so called pilot themed series is a sham. They can show a series about golf players and still golf is secondary, love is first. I am bored with all these love stories with beautiful sceneries as backdrop. Maybe TVB should have written a better 1st episode but from the way the story goes, I have no doubt the story will slowly shift from the airport to the comfortable houses of the characters when they are done introducing the airport and the people in it.

And talking about the ground crew, they seemed to walk around with a walkie talkie in very stewardess like uniform and having friendly banters with one another and walking around some more and then stand in group feeling happy for their customers' happy ending. But are they doing real work? Nope, they are all KPCs.

But no amount of monet or technology can ever save this 1st episode from early doom thanks to the horrendous English speaking abilities of two main actors; Francis and Joe. I couldn't decided who was worst at first but within seconds I got my answer.

Francis was struggling with his English, he was speaking so called Han Yu Pin Yin English, you know what I mean, very textbook, heavy with accent but you could understand him after a while but not much. And this guy is supposed to play a highly educated pilot and his English was suffering to my ears.

The worst, the absolute worst had to be Joe Ma. My reaction when he was speaking English was ... "What did he just say?" and this sentiment was the same one uttered by my nephew like .."Ahhh what did he just sayyyyy?". If you listen carefully, he wasn't speaking English. He was speaking gibberish giving it the tone of an accent but he was saying zero. Whenever he opened his mouth I couldn't understand a single word. Very embarrasing and humiliating for this actor. So much so I had to on the Malay subtitles just to read what he just said!

With all the money in the production, the training and all, TVB should have given Joe Ma a short but effective course in pronouncing the words right. I watched Lagaan and the British actors did a far more convincing job at speaking Hindi in the entire movie than Joe speaking English in a few seconds. It was a horrible moment for me but no love lost because I didn't really like Joe anyway. I mean I like him as a person, but not as an actor. Now never a linguist in the English language.

Why wasn't Bowie offered a role? He could speak English. Even Wong He could speak decent English.

Now in this series we have "I in control", "Zo-yee, Zo-e, Zho-yi" and of course I suspect Kenix's most famous line, "KREAR!" (as in clear) can be heard in here as well.

But it was such a horrible moment that was the most memorable. The entire episode 1 was not memorable except for the sceneries and hearing Joe Ma pretending to speak English.

Do I look forward to tomorrow? Not really but for Myolie, I will stick around longer. But as first impression goes, I would think episode 1 is an expensive flop.

Pleaseeeeee...no more Joe Ma speaking English!

P/s :I will definitely miss some episodes in a week, such as Tuesday and Wednesdays so you might some of my episodic thoughts missing.