Synopsis of “Can’t Buy Me Love”

TVB will be airing Can’t Buy Me Love <公主嫁到> on Monday, August 23rd. The series stars Charmaine Sheh Si Man, Moses Chan Ho, Linda Chung Ka Yan, Fala Chen, Kenneth Ma Kwok Ming, Susanna Kwan Kuk Ying, and Raymond Wong Ho Yin.

In an attempt to avoid marrying into the Tibetan royal family, unruly princess Charmaine is in a hurry to find a prince consort. Gold shop owner, Susanna Kwan, puts her second son, Moses Chan, and third son, Raymond Wong, before Charmaine for consideration. By marrying into the imperial family, Susanna hopes to solve the financial difficulties facing the gold shop.

Moses and Raymond share a strong bond and in order to save the family business, Moses agrees to the marriage with Charmaine. Moses’ family is shocked by Charmaine’s arrogant and imperious princess attitude, who requests the family to bow before her in a formal court manner.  Even Moses’ grandmother, Lee Heung Keung, bows to Charmaine’s demands. One of Charmaine’s most trusted maids, Fala Chen, also possesses an arrogant air and refuses to pay respect to the magistrate match matcher, Kenneth Ma.
Moses’ family refuses to be domineered and unites together. Unfortunately, Moses’ family maid, Linda Chung, takes side with Charmaine. Despite multiple arguments and reunifications, the princess and prince consort maintain irreconcilable differences and eventually bring their dispute before the emperor for settlement. In marrying the unruly princess, can Moses’ fortitude turn into gold?

Source: Tom.com

Jayne: The synopsis is similar to many “Taming of the Shrew” style dramas TVB has produced in the past, most notably, Esther Kwan and Bobby Au Yeung’s old series, “Taming of the Princess.” This theme focuses on an outrageous female who ultimately comes to her senses and becomes less unreasonable when her marriage is threatened.

The plot for “Can’t Buy Me Love” is nothing new, but we will have to rely on Charmaine’s sassy and unruly princess to carry the show.

I am not opposed to ancient comedies, but I’m sure we’ll hear a lot of modern, rough dialogue totally inappropriate for the time period. These anachronisms often make me cringe at how TVB uses the historical backdrop, yet the characters act like they stepped out of the 21st century.

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Responses

  1. I’m getting sick of seeing Charmaine…does TVB not have anyone else? Sigh.

  2. I like watching Charmaine,she has greatly improved from her early days. Furthermore, she has not had many series this year. There have been a few other actresses that have been featured way more than Charmaine in the past 2 years.

  3. Yay~ Fala, Linda, and Sharon^^
    I’m depressed that Kenneth and Selena aren’t a couple in this drama :3 But still~ and Edwin’s in it also ^^

  4. To seraphiclynn,

    Yes, TVB have not aired Charmaine series this year. Her last series aired was BTROC in 2009. She only film 2 series per year since 2006.

    Kinda funny when I see haters claiming to see her everywhere, otherwise must be having limited access to backward series only.

  5. well – even though her appearance in tv dramas low, she’s always in tabloids and ads. maybe that’s what seraphiclynn meant.

    charmaine is very marketable. i actually don’t mind her as much as i did in the past. i’m glad she’s only filming 2 series a year. =)

  6. To pandamao,

    Seraphiclynn did not say Charmaine’s series everywhere – it was the poster above who indicate ‘anyone else’ – clearly she/he is talking about series.

    Btw, if anyone have problem with her appearing too much in tabloids *roll eyes*, please write to them asking to stop following her. As a fan I will appreciate it too.

  7. Is a reporter followed a couple all the way to Hokkaido and this couple to me is nothing news worthy, more so a hot property like Charmaine? The day no one follows her is the day she dies. I believe even when she retires someone will be following her and reporting her every move.

  8. She only film 2 series per year since 2006.

    I thought I read 2 series since 2006. 2 series per year is a lot. Which means she will have a series every year, sometimes 2 in a year. Frankly I am not sick of seeing her, I am however sick of seeing her being paired with the same guys over and over and over again.

  9. To Funn, an average TVB managed actress, such as Myolie, Linda, Fala etc currently film a minimum 3-4 series per year.

  10. When established actresses such as Charmaine film in China, it’s a win-win situation. Charmaine earns more money than at TVB and TVB gets a certain commission for allowing other companies to use Charmaine.

    In fact, TVB has been trying to develop artists to work in different markets, such as China producers, music industry, fashion and vendor endorsements, etc. to maximize earnings.

    Artists who are popular in China and have a matured career such as Roger Kwok and Charmaine

  11. Roger and Charmaine don’t film for TVB as frequently and are allowed to pursue other money making opportunities.

    Then there are artists who are very popular among advertisers such as Moses, Bernice, and Fala. And artists that TVB has made into idol singers: Kate, Linda, Raymond, Bosco etc.

    TVB is diversifying its artists too much. While it’s good cash for everyone, it seems that all the younger artists are focused on these income opportunities and the development of solid acting skills is an after thought or left for the artist to figure out on their own.

  12. Had a glimpse of this drama and was left with the feeling of “yet another typical, senseless TVB drama”. I am completely not interested in any of these overly promoted casts – seeing the same overused actors brings a sense of ‘deja vu’. Question: Why is Moses acting the same as his character in Heart of Greed?? Charmaine somehow looks and acts the same as she always does…and Linda Chung is hardly enough to be the supporting role. I am simply BORED with TVB’s favourites!! oh yes – the thought of ‘ancient comedies’ makes me CRINGE.

  13. Ditto, though I have to say The Gentle Crackdown was okay, the first one not the second one. The second one isn’t worth much mentioning.

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