TVB Considers “Inbound Troubles” Sequel Despite Controversial Reception
Hong Kong viewers are up in arms complaining about the content of Wong Cho Lam’s (王祖藍) Inbound Troubles <老表，你好嘢！> which was only aired for a week but already has generated numerous complaints from the public. Yet TVB executive, Tommy Leung (梁家樹), thinks bad news is better than no news.
More than 70 Complaints Within First Week of Airing
Taking the slot of Missing You <幸福摩天輪> since Monday, the drama, which stars Roger Kwok (郭晉安), Wong Cho Lam (王祖藍), Joey Meng (萬綺雯) and Mimi Chu (朱咪咪), addresses the local social problems that has arisen for years, such as the worsening relations between Hong Kong and China. To-date, the Broadcasting Authority has already received more than 70 complaints.
In the show, Angela Tong (湯盈盈) plays a Hong Kong tour guide, not unlike the real-life Ah Zhen, who gained notoriety in 2010 when she was caught on video reproaching a group of tourists from China who did not spend enough on a shopping trip. With this character, some viewers felt that the drama is publicizing the bad reputation of the Hong Kong tourism industry, which will only worsen the relationship between Hong Kong and China.
Before Inbound Troubles was aired, there were already rumors that the drama will be censored in mainland China due to the sensitive content. In spite of the negative comments, there were many viewers who gave the show a big thumbs up.
Tommy Leung Considers Sequel
Despite its controversial reception, Tommy Leung felt that the more publicity generated for the drama, the more viewers it will garner. “I am satisfied that the ratings have reached 30 points. Even Roger Kwok was surprised at the response! If ratings are going to be maintained, I may look into a sequel!”
Wong Cho Lam who plays Roger’s cousin from China in the show, also partook in the scriptwriting. Cho Lam said, “It’s not new for TVB to receive complaints about their shows. But really, this show has only aired for a week. Let’s see how it goes after the 20 episodes have aired.” Regarding the possibility of the show being cut, he said, “When viewers complain there is a lack of originality in Hong Kong dramas and producers lack the guts to depict real life, these are the people who kill the shows.”
Producer Wong Wai Sing (黃偉聲) said in a telephone interview, “I have received many complaints. But that also proved that when there are viewers, then there are complaints! With such a good viewership, why should we edit the drama?”
The cast of Inbound Troubles also showed support for the drama. When veteran actress Mimi Chu was told of the strong reaction of the show, she quipped, “It can’t be my love scenes with Wong Kwong Leung (黃光亮), right? We don’t share any passionate scenes.” On a more serious note, she added, “The show is based on real life. To say Hong Kongers love money, that’s not wrong too! Anyway, people just love to complain.”
Bob (林盛斌) put it best, “The show is based on real life. We only dramatized it and made it light-hearted to present to the viewers. We hope by emphasizing the lifestyle and cultural differences, we can bring out the importance of harmony. If we receive complaints because of these matters (and cut the show as a result), it’s a pity!”
Source: ihktv.com
This article is written by Karen for JayneStars.com.
how many sequels do they need? good lord, they’re running out of ideas.
TVB been running out of ideas, that’s their gag.
Dont like sequels. They have make a lot of sequels this year. the 2nd usually get worse than the 1st one.
I love this show and agree with what the actors and actresses say!
me too!
It is the truth, harsh but still the truth. My complaints is not the contents but some lack lustre wit. This series is more critical on HK than China.
The truth suck$ 🙂
why are there so many complaints in this series lol
Sensitive cultural issues that have been brewing for quite some time well before 1997. People could write essays on this stuff if they really wanted to.
As for the sequel, I’m with the guy who said we should wait for the 20 episodes to finish airing. I want to see if they balance out this parody so that they present both sides. So far they’ve presented the Bad Tourism HK case so I hope the next one will showcase something from the HK perspective.
Otherwise, you’re not really depicting real life if the show comes off as bias. It’ll just piss off the viewers even more.
hk ppl nothing to do then play complain lor..what to do…they got alot spare time to complain but don’t wan to use those time to help others..
Would you care to elaborate on that? Usually I see protests in HK about their liberties being trampled on and demanding Universal Suffrage.
I know HK isn’t entirely democratic, they don’t have the same system as NA does with respect to that. But they do have alot of freedom from the civil liberties granted to them by the English. So protesting is within their rights when they see something as unjust that could step on their rights.
It’s really hard not to complain when a government isn’t put into place by the people. The Internet is also a good example of a warzone between control and freedom.
“When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.” -Thomas Jefferson
lol, nice quote there. It’s the same here in the United States, only difference is that HK people have the guts and time to file a complain and attend protests. Props to HK people though. They fight for what they believe in.
This series is pretty OK, with experienced and credible cast members.
Haters gonna hate.
I gotta admit, there is humor in this series and I laughed quite a bit, but that’s only because Wong Cho Lam carried everybody! Roger Kwok is barely hanging in the series, and it doesn’t get better when Angela Tong cheats on him! With the social problems in the series, which pretty much portrays the tourism/relationship with China accurately, I wouldn’t fathom over a sequel. This series is pretty much a joke without the comedy that Wong Cho Lam added in.
The only interesting aspects of this drama is the addition of new artists, such as the caucasian girl (who speaks almost flawless cantonese, mad props to her!), Roger Kwok’s sister (omfg, do not like her, please go away or improve…doesn’t look appealing at all), the dude who will get in bed with Angela Tong and mess up the entire series, and of course, the criticism. Sophia (the grandma) also does a pretty good job, but not enough.
Overall, a disaster. Stopped watching after ep. 4. Maybe I’ll resume when they wrap up….
I like this show. Find it very entertaining.