Warning: This is a satirical post that pokes fun at the alternative ending of D.I.E. and suggests an ulterior motive for its production. Spoilers regarding the fate of Roger Kwok’s character in both the original and alternative endings are revealed.

In the official ending of the highly-rated series D.I.E., Yue Sir (Roger Kwok) sacrificed his own life to save Ching Ching (Sonija Kwok), leaving her to care for their daughter. Due to the pensive nature of this closure, Hong Kong viewers were outraged and demanded that TVB produce an alternative ending, particularly one in which Yue Sir survives the car crash. They argued that since TVB series have always ended on some kind of a happy note – lost lovers reunite, villains are cleansed by the power of an imaginary force, infertile women are suddenly blessed with the ability to bear children, and fathers and sons reconcile – this one should have followed the trend. Obligingly, TVB released a special 30-minute gag ending that revealed Bobby Auyeung’s character from Dicey Business to be the driver who hit Yue Sir on his way to making bootleg copies. Various D.I.E. characters traveled back in time to prevent the accident.

However, this alternative ending was actually a derivative of the one TVB had intended to air as the original. The purpose was to take advantage of a high-profile finale in order to promote the company’s anti-piracy agenda. In the original version, Bobby’s character was made an example of the uploaders/downloaders who continue to participate in illegal activities.

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Prior to watching Catch Me Now, I was skeptical about Idy Chan’s first TVB series released in 16 years, which interestingly, is the same length of time Yeung Gor has to wait for Siu Long Lui in the classic Return of the Condor Heroes. The short trailer from last year’s Sales Presentation didn’t really capture my attention and I knew very little about the storyline or Idy’s character. Of course, I still wanted to see one of my favorites actresses of the 1980’s on-screen again, but I didn’t want a mediocre series to mark her comeback. Fortunately, my concerns were unnecessary.

One of the things I like about Catch Me Now is that it gives off a sense of coolness, an effect illustrated by its poster. Although the elements are simply positioned, the dark color scheme coupled with the curvy Chinese characters emanating from a glowing purple gradient make it attractive and edgy. Additionally, the opening scenes enhance this effect by featuring a saxophone-driven theme song and zoomed film-strip sequences.

After watching the first episode, I can already say that Damian Lau’s character is the coolest one of them all. As the leader of a pack of thieves, master mind Ko Chi is the modern-day Robin Hood who steals money from other criminals and donates his share to multiple charities. His team is comprised of a mad racer, demolition man, shooter, and hacker. Since I always value teamwork, I enjoy watching members with different capabilities working together to accomplish a task.

Yung-Yung is introduced about one-third way when she encounters Ko Chi. She is a kind-hearted yet naive housewife who becomes a victim of a third-party involvement. As I knew Damian would be paired up with Idy in this series, I’m glad they rid Yung-Yung of her marital status quickly, allowing more screen time for their relationship to develop.

After collaborating with Damian in last year’s The Drive of Life, Joe Ma plays keen senior inspector Kwong Yeung this time and initiates a game of mouse and cat with Ko Chi. Although I’ve never been a big fan of Joe’s performances, I have a feeling Catch will prove otherwise.

Overall, I’m quite satisfied with how Catch starts off. The storyline seems very interesting and I like the idea of Damian and Idy playing a couple; they do look compatible. Although she was worried about having too many outtakes, I think she will do well for a veteran who has been inactive in the Hong Kong entertainment industry for such a long period of time. Her crying scene at the end is convincing enough. I really look forward to seeing the rest of this series.