When darkness is over, you will see dawn.

tokkita
The first five episodes flew by at a rapid pace – hopefully, the series maintains this momentum moving forward. It’s fantastic to see Tavia back on screen, and I’m eager to watch how her revenge arc unfolds. The tragic backstory of the female lead, Moon, and her sisters makes them incredibly sympathetic and easy to root for.

I was surprised the antagonists immediately recognised her identity – no disguises or name changes here! Their arrogance, assuming she’s incapable of retaliation, perfectly embodies the typical rich villain trope. While there’s still a long journey ahead, it was satisfying to see her get a small taste of revenge when Wilson was confronted by his father with a golf club.

The dynamic between Wilson and Vivian already feels like the beginning of its own mini-drama. An arranged marriage where the guy is a scumbag with a pregnant girlfriend – so intriguing! But does she genuinely like him? What could she possibly see in him?

Fun fact: Tavia’s real-life older sister plays her on-screen sister, which adds a fun layer of authenticity to their relationship.

I also appreciate that Tavia isn’t navigating this path alone – she has a network of allies supporting her. It’ll be interesting to see how far she’s willing to go in using others for her own objectives.

The irony of the corrupt cop raising a righteous son is another great narrative touch. I loved that it wasn’t the first truck of doom that was responsible for it, and that the female lead got to witness it firsthand. It’s so much more satisfying that way!

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linja
This drama is fast paced! I guess with only 25 episodes, they really have to hit the ground running. I wish other dramas would do this, too (eyeing cdramas). I like revenge dramas and as long as it’s done well, I usually enjoy them. It’s still early in this drama, but already I’m finding a lot of things odd. I’m so surprised our female lead used her real name to get close to her enemy for revenge. That’s a pretty bold move and it doesn’t seem like a very smart plan. In most revenge-themed dramas, the protagonist would definitely go for an alias or disguise to protect their identity (as drama watching as taught me). It’s a bit of a red flag that she’s using her real name, especially since it might make her more vulnerable. It could be a risky choice to set up future plot twists. It seems like an odd choice for a strategy, but maybe they’ll explain her reasoning or backstory later to make it seem more strategic.

It’s always a little jarring when a lead character has a vast network of people who are mysteriously willing to help without clear explanation. There hasn’t been much in terms of flashbacks or backstory to explain how she got these connections. Hopefully, the drama will give us some insight into how she built this team and why they’re so dedicated. Sometimes, the show just assumes that the viewers will trust the lead without all the details, but that can make things feel a little too convenient.

The female lead arranged a close family friend to be the chauffeur to her enemy so that she can get some inside information, but she’s seen speaking to him so often in public. It could raise suspicion if the female lead and the chauffeur/close family friend are seen talking too often. In most revenge plots, the lead would likely try to keep interactions secret, but there could be a reason they allow this relationship to be more public. Maybe the drama will clarify whether they’re trying to make people not suspect something, or if there’s a bigger plan to distract the enemy. Could also be a deliberate move to make the revenge plot more complicated.

I wonder if Wilson’s resentment towards his wife stems from his insecurity or fear of weakness. It’s an interesting dynamic. In many revenge dramas, the emotional stakes are just as high as the physical ones, and this could be setting up some complex emotional tension between them. Maybe his feelings of disgust or resentment are rooted in guilt, especially if she’s seen him at a low point and he can’t shake that vulnerability.

Despite the first 5 episodes raising so many questions for me, it was a fun watch. There’s still enough to keep me on my toes! Hopefully, as the story unfolds, the answers to my questions will come into play, and the pacing will balance out any initial bumps. There are some cringe lines here and there, some bad acting here and there, but overall, an okay watch and I will stay for the ride.

Speaking of ride, a wild truck of doom appeared, not on its on, but with a partner and played ping pong with the baddie! It was mad. Now that was kinda funny.

I have one small gripe. I reckon they chose the wrong actor for young Wilson. He looks more like this guy.

Or even this guy.

Heck, he looks like everyone, except adult Wilson!

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maymay
The story begins in a very “dogblood” style, but it effectively sets the stage for the revenge that feels quite “reasonable” (drama-wise). It doesn’t delve too deeply, but hooks you just enough to pique your interest and keep you watching. To be honest, I haven’t been able to complete a TVB drama in a while, so I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy this one immediately.

It seems to focus on an overpowered female protagonist, but so far, it’s not too over the top. The revenge theme isn’t particularly novel, but the fact that she doesn’t hide her identity feels refreshing. Tavia is very convincing as a highly efficient PR professional out for revenge—her performance is compelling, and she even has an excellent wardrobe to match.

I also appreciated that the antagonists are no fools—they catch on quickly, raising the stakes and tension. The pacing is so brisk that we see the first takedown within the first five episodes! It’s also satisfying to see the female lead relish in her opponents’ downfall.

In terms of acting, the younger actresses portraying the three sisters are a bit green, but they are pretty and fresh-faced, so I’m willing to cut them some slack. The main cast more than holds their ground and delivers strong performances in their respective roles.

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wes

Strong start!

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Vivi
Before I start episode 1, I always feel TVB dramas always begin with dull and boring starters. But not for this drama. From the beginning you can see that Tavia is like an army, ready for the war. TVB picked the right person to act as Wilson. He really damn good at becoming a scumbag! For the sake of her revenge, female lead dare to approach her enemy and even work for them. (I really give this character a big thumbs up!) Two artists are back to TVB, Sameul Kwok and Wang Yeung Ming. Samuel Kwok is famous for his cruel character and until now, he still have that kind of vibe. As for Wan Yeung Ming, he is famous for being a bad boy guy during his younger days, but this round, as Wilson’s dad, he is another vibe. First time ever to see Lenna and Tavia work together and as sisterhood, too. Lenna, as Yu Man Sing’s character, really suit her. Rosina Lin as Vivian Cheuk (same name as me, gosh), she is so weak and what does she like about Wilson? Seriously. My mom and I hate him from the top of his head till the bottom of his toe. He is not handsome! His hair disgusted my mom and I. My mom was complaining that she want to cut his hair off, lolz. Even though there are a certain flashbacks, but not as bad as the other TVB dramas. Everything is linked up. No draggy. Each person has their own motive.

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hmmthinking
I thought it was actually okay that Moon needed 18 years of preparation and a whole network to tackle rich people from a story standpoint. That matches what modern audience feel about real life, in that the rich people get away with everything and even the middle class can struggle. I think that’s part of the strong sympathetic point of Moon’s story, because she was fighting injustice outside of a legal system that failed her and her family, simply because the wrongdoers were rich. Initially I wasn’t a fan of Vivian’s character and her starting point of the arc, because she was given the “lovesick” character role. I appreciated what the writers did, in that the boy that bullied you in high school was not actually in love with you, and the boy was not secretly a nice rich guy, that getting married is not the happy ending. And there can be a degree of respect for her struggles as a socialite, because she didn’t just sit back and bemoan her situation, she took lots of initiatives to please her husband and her in-laws.

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jen
The first 5 eps had already caught my attention. I did not think I would last more than an episode due to this being a TVB drama, which are usually lacking in quality. The female lead is seen as unscrupulous and is willing to do anything to accomplish her goal. We are also introduced to villains both old and young, each bringing their own unique brand of menace. And oh yes, bravo to the show for the awesome TOD. My most memorable moment!

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Bleed
First 5 episodes takeaway. Fast paced unlike typical TVB series. Seems like the direction is clear with quick reveal that the female lead is recognized by her target. The guy portraying Wilson is a convincing scumbag. Senior actors long time return to TVB, Samuel and Wang, are interesting. I missed their acting. Vivian and Wilson’s relationship would be interesting. Intrigued by what Vincent’s character brings later.

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Outie
I haven’t watched a TVB or any HK drama in ages! My impression’s still stuck from eons ago when they were the mainstays of my drama life and I enjoyed most of them.

So this one surprised me in the production quality, because I thought HK dramas are low in budget these days. The sets are awesome and a good mix of in location and studio. It’s ironic when I think of the super cram living conditions in real life and Moon’s apartment. But more surprising and hilarious is how her superbly furnished and equipped unit does not have a washing machine. It took me longer than it should that FL and ML are constantly running into each other in the residence laundromat. I was like, HK has these super clean, shiny laundromats just round the corner? Also, has anyone wondered how Moon cleans her apartment? She’s a super busy PR executive, how is her apartment so neat and tidy? But if she has hired help, did she instruct them not to draw the curtains?

Okay, now the plot. It’s fast and furious, like 60 miles in nanoseconds. The most shocking was when the villains knew who Moon was immediately. My jaw dropped. I mean what’s there to unravel? In a typical drama, the villain finds out the heroine is his victim only in his last breath. We don’t get the wide eyed shock and last gasp “It’s you!” in the finale. Even the bad dad cop got ousted so early! And don’t get me started on the TOD.
HK >>>>> SK! They took this overused method and did a literal spin on it! So satisfying, lol. So at 1/5 into the drama, I was worried if the drama would run out of plot. Little did I know that each character is not insignificant and has his/her own arc. At this point, I haven’t really warmed up to Vincent, he’s just the stock trader who visits the laundromat while not looking at candlesticks. I am on team jogging. Wilson is downright scum and deplorable, and Vivian seems like a love crazed poor rich girl.

I want to take revenge with you.

tokkita
Another two down! Wow, so satisfying – because yes, Moon plotted against them, but ultimately, it was their own greed and arrogance that sealed their fate. What a terrible way to go though! The bag subplot made me nervous. I really thought it might cause a falling out between Moon and her older sis, Star, but thankfully, it turned out well. The hospital scene between Moon and little sis HeiSun was well done and made me cry. I haven’t been a big fan of Priscilla Wong’s acting in the past, but she impressed me here and shines in softer type of roles. Vivi always seemed a bit crazy, but her darker side is really starting to show. Her desperate need for approval, and her toxic relationship with Wilson, is not going to end well. Wind meeting Moon’s family was fun. “We live together”. I mean, they’re always doing laundry together anyway, so it’s not far off. I’m loving how he is stepping up to help Moon in his own way. And keeps his dignity even when he technically should be groveling to Wilson. That moment where Wilson handed him an empty wine glass like he was a waiter? Wind handled it so smoothly. This drama feels like a PSA on gambling and drinking. Seriously, don’t gamble, and swap wine for water! Great to see Wilson getting scammed, because all he cared about was partying and getting laid. Always audit your suppliers! And Barry being treated like a dog? I almost felt sorry for him. Years of friendship/loyalty tossed aside so brutally. The Dark Side of the Moon continues to liken a mini-drama, it’s fast-paced and intense, but still grounded with a (mostly) logical plot and well-rounded characters. Having so much fun watching all the drama unfold!

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wes
Watching calmly as your enemy bleeds to death is *slownods*

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maymay
Moon’s revenge takes an exciting turn with two more takedowns in just five episodes, delivering immensely satisfying moments. Yet, the tension remains high as more people start uncovering her true motives, keeping you on edge. Male lead, Wind steps up as the love interest, but so often sidelined you feel sorry for him . Meanwhile, Vivian faces relentless struggles, caught between her domineering grandfather and a husband who despises her, enduring harsh insults from all sides. Her desperate efforts to maintain her status as both wife and granddaughter almost make you pity her. The clash between two scheming patriarchs finally comes to light, adding unpredictability and spice to the story!

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Bleed
The story is sort of predictable, with the toxic relationship due to arranged marriage. Wilson’s scheme on the business end is quite careless, to be fair. Not checking potential partners , yikes. 2 in laws with ulterior motives is also quite fascinating as another ticking time bomb is set. Somehow, I find the villain family side entertaining to watch as it’s just a mess with the bad relationships. Moon’s connections and prep work are also revealed further. Well, her job is sort of flexible to arrange so many plans, find info, etc, so it’s sort of believable. I do find Sing Fung’s character popping out quite randomly to be included in plotline. Kong Wing Yuen, played by Mark Ma, did have a fun arc in these few episodes. A few names taken down again. Seems quite smooth for a revenge plotline.

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hmmthinking
Normally it would be ridiculous for someone to show up everywhere at the exact moment a target of her revenge is dying, but for Moon and this show? No problem. It’s a reflection of no regret and no remorse, and I think that’s okay. There’s been setups of her moral ambiguity since the very beginning when she’s doing the dirty work of other rich people to reach her goal. Vivian shows her true character, shown by her slide into gambling, how she framed her assistant to get her fired just for a bit of badmouthing, and her ruthlessness with pregnancy to maintain her status and usefulness as a socialite wife. It’s still easy at this point to be a bit sympathetic to her because she is in a toxic relationship, but Vivian is certainly someone who, despite her origins, can be considered as awful as the rich people around her. Barry is the big star of episodes 6 through 8! An adult child with no self-control or discipline, and an endless amount of excuses for his own poor behavior. His father, who kept cleaning up his son’s messes without letting his son learn to shoulder the sting of responsibility, fittingly murdered by Barry, who even at that moment, was saying “This will be the last time [you have to cover for me]”. Barry and Wilson may have the difference between ‘poor’ and ‘rich’, but they share the same careless selfishness.

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linja
Big Moon’s plans continues. She won’t rest until she’s taken out everyone who was involved. She was so badass standing over Barry’s dad just watching him die. She made sure her face was the last thing he saw before his lights went out. You don’t wanna mess with Moon. I had to laugh how easily it was for Barry to accidentally kill two people with a slash to the neck from carelessly waving his arms around. That knife must be so sharp it can cut a leaf!

See, I told you Big Moon and Driver meet up too recklessly during the day. They were found out, but luckily it was dumb Barry that found out. If it were anyone else, their plans would be screwed. I really thought Little Moon would be angry at Big Moon when she found out her sis was planning revenge. Instead, she wants to join in, she wants to take revenge, too, and it is now her movitation to get better and walk again. Amazing what hate and thirst for revenge can do.

Oooh, I’m actually invested in Vivian’s story, and kinda rooting for her to have a child and take all of Wilson’s assets, lol. How she got pregnant though, I don’t know how possible that is in real life, to provide your own sperm, just bring in a bottle, yup. They make the guy eject at the hospital for sanity purpose, right.

Also, no surprise Wilson’s mommy is poisoning daddy. I like that pretty teacup set.

Episode 11 – 15 Thoughts Coming Soon

Episode 16 – 20 Thoughts Coming Soon

Episode 21 – 25 Thoughts Coming Soon