[Hong Kong TVB Drama 2012] The Confidant 大太監

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Details:

Title: 大太監 / Dai Tai Kam
English title: The Confidant
Producer:  Marco Law
Genre: Ancient, Drama
Episodes: 33
Production Company: TVB 
Broadcast period: November 5, 2012

Replacing: Highs and Lows 雷霆掃毒

Cast:

Wayne Lai

Michelle Yim

Maggie Shiu

Raymond Wong

Natalie Tong

Nancy Wu

Raymond Cho

Oscar Leung

Power Chan

Chung King-fai

Edwin Siu

Aimee Chan

Elliot Ngok

Synopsis:

LEE LIN YIN (Wayne Lai) and ON TAK HOI (Raymond Cho) came from poor families and were sold to become palace eunuchs at a young age. The two later become apprentices of senior eunuch LAU DOR SAN (King Sir) and developed a deep brotherly relationship. Both became important high ranked officials for Empress Dowager CIXI (Michelle Yim). Unfortunately, TAK HOI had a heart of greed and eventually his relationship with the careful LIN YIN started drifting apart. CHAN FUK (Elliot Ngok) is the head of the eununchs, but he saw he was losing his authority because LIN YIN and TAK HOI won the Empress' favor. He started plotting against the two, but LIN YIN was fortunate to have palace maid SIN YUNG (Nancy Wu) and the eunuch pharmacist, YIU SEUNG HEI's (Raymond Wong) assistance. Meanwhile, it's time for EMPEROR TONGZI (Oscar Leung) to choose his empress, which worried Empress Dowager CI'AN (Maggie Siu) that CIXI may get even more powerful. She joins forces with the Grand Prince (KK Cheung) to drive CIXI into an isolated and helpless position.

Episode Previews:
Episode 1

Episode 3

Episode 4

Episode 5

Episode 6

Episode 7

Episode 8

Episode 9

Episode 10

Episode 11

Episode 12

Episode 13

Episode 14

Episode 15

Episode 16

Episode 17

Episode 18

Episode 19

Episode 20

Episode 21

Episode 22

Episode 23

Episode 24

Episode 25

Episode 26

Episode 29

Episode 30

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Fans Enjoy TVB Anniversary Series 'The Confidant' Grand Premiere at Theater

Thursday November 1, 2012 Hong Kong

Source: Oriental Daily

Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net/forums/

  

Wayne Lai, Michelle Yim, Raymond Cho, Power Chan, Nancy Wu, Aimee Chan, Raymond Wong, Edwin Siu and the rest of the cast of TVB anniversary series The Confidant attended the premiere held outside of a movie theater. This time, TVB really values this series, the premiere was treated like a grand occasion. The theater was reserved entirely for Fans to enjoy the premiere episode of The Confidant with the cast. The cast were glamorously and walked down the red carpet in pairs. Selena Li and Nancy Wu were dressed the sexiest. Although Aimee Chan was in an elegant dress, she was more conservative.

It was said Wayne Lai may become the TV King based on this series, and at the event the audience cheered loudly together showing their support for Wayne. Michelle said: "Our series is very prosperous, we just had a baby girl born! (Referring to Power Chan's daughter)." Then Wayne modestly said: "It's only people supporting! If I get an award, then it will be more perfect than perfect. I don't have any pressure, what I want to see most is The Confidant winning the Best Series award." When speaking of the growing momentum even before the series broadcasts, asked if he hopes for a film version? He expressed that is not his decision. Also, many artists are pulling in more votes for themselves, but Wayne asked the media to help him out.

At the premiere, whenever each of the idols appeared, Fans would scream loudly to support them. The first episode was mainly focused on the story of the eunuchs. The scenes were about the evil eunuch Power Chan, putting pressure on the other eunuchs. Raymond Wong's character wanted to leave the palace to visit his mother, who was critically ill, but Power deliberately made it difficult for him. Raymond tried to escape, but he was discovered and Power ordered someone to beat him. Also, Wayne sang Beijing opera for Selena's character, who played the concubine. The audience applauded loudly for his performance. 

 

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Maggie Siu Takes Bad Terms Rumor as a Joke, Wants to Hit Michelle Yim

Sunday November 4, 2012 Hong Kong
Source: Oriental Daily, Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net/forums/

Michelle Yim, Maggie Siu, Wayne Lai, Oscar Leung, Nancy Wu and the rest of the cast of TVB anniversary series costume drama The Confidant attended the promotional event. Michelle expressed she'll be flying over to England and France for her guest appearance in Triumph in the Skies II, where she'll play Fala Chen's mother. As to Ron Ng having to pay out-of-pocket to upgrade to business class? Michelle said: "I haven't been notified yet, but if its true, I would do it. (Lose a lot of money?) Yeah, I'll bring some cash with me to go shopping." She expressed she has also been watching good friend Damian Lau's new series Silver Spoon Sterling Shackles, she said: "He and I are good buddies, I must support him." It was reported Shiga Lin resembles Michelle after she got plastic surgery done? Michelle said: "Why would she copy my looks, I don't think so. (You maintained your looks well!) Not recently. I'll have to see if she really does look like me or not."

It was rumored Ekin Cheng and Yoyo Mung have been quarreling over money before their marriage? As Ekin's ex-girlfriend, Maggie was unwilling to comment, but when speaking of couples, she said even married couples should be financially independent. She said: "It's best to keep it all separate, no matter if it's men or women, it's better to keep it clear." When asked of her marriage plans? Maggie said: "Even I did, I won't be saying it yet. Our series is broadcasting tonight, that is the 'good occasion' that is actually approaching." It was said she and Michelle don't get along, Maggie played along and joked she wants to hit Michelle, she pretended to call her over, but she was too far away and didn't hear. Maggie joked: "Michelle isn't talking to me!"

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"The Confidant" Starts Off High, Premiere Peaked 35 Points

Tuesday November 6, 2012 Hong Kong

Source: Mingpao

Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net

TVB anniversary series The Confidant premiered last night. The average rating was 33 points, and at 10:28pm the rating peaked at 35 points. The leads Michelle Yim and Wayne Lai were pleasantly surprised. The Confidant's good start brought the other series and shows to a rise as well, the sitcom Come Home Love averaged 28 points, Scoop averaged 23 points and new documentary Pilgrimage of Hope averaged at 25 points.

TVB Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs, Tsang Sing Ming, expressed: "There was one viewer who had an opinion to share, the person thought The Confidants really boring. However, there are already several shopping malls overly eager to make arrangements for us to watch the finale with the audience. The final two episodes will be airing on December 15th and 16th, there will be two episodes airing each night. Silver Spoon Sterling Shackles will air a two episode finale on December 14th. After these two series finishes, December 17th is the TVB Anniversary Awards." 

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"The Confidant" Shoots An Alternative Ending, Audience Decides Nancy Wu's Ending

Saturday November 10, 2012 Hong Kong

Source: Mingpao

Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net/forums/

TVB anniversary series The Confidant started off with high ratings and once again, Wayne Lai becomes one of the hot favorites for the TV King title. Lately, he has been working on a new film in Malaysia and was called back immediately by TVB to shoot an alternative ending for the series; audience can choose whether Nancy Wu's character "Sin Yung" lives or dies.

In the original ending, Nancy's role "Sin Yung" gets beaten to death by "Tim Sau" (Edwin Siu), but in the new version she gets a happy ending. Producer Law Wing Yin reveals all the questions -- will Sin Yung die? will she marry another man? or does she become a nun? -- will be answered at the finale. This time, they filmed two versions of the ending in hope to get the viewers more into the series and this time, the decision is in he hands of the audience. Producer Law frankly expressed: "Just playing with gimmicks! (Are you planning to do an all-citizen vote again to decide which ending to broadcast?) We are still discussing the details now. Perhaps we'll just be airing one of the endings and then air the other on the official site (tvb.com)." He also admitted that Michelle Yim secretly filmed another scene, but because Empress Dowager Cixi is a historical character after all, her role cannot be modified too much, otherwise it will displease the audience. In addition, it is possible there will be a finale event held at the shopping mall for the cast to watch the finale with the audience.

Nancy is pleased to hear that there is so much attention on whether her role ends up living or dies. Her personal favorite is for Sin Yung to die because leaving a sense of regret is not a bad thing.

Wayne supports having two versions of the ending, so audience can vote on which ending they want to see or perhaps just see both endings. This can satisfy the likings of a wider range of viewers. Also, he does not feel pressured by the TV King battle because The Confidant cannot surpass the Rosy Businessmyth. On the popular "HK Golden" Discussion Forum, there is a poll for TV King and Queen. Wayne is leading over Raymond Lam and Kenneth Ma. Kate Tsui is the most popular on the TV Queen side. 

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Source: Mingpao, CSM (by wacow )

Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net

TVB Rating Reports (05/11/2012 - 11/11/2012)

Dramas

The Confidant - 大太監 (EPS 01-06) - 31 PTS (Peaking at 36 PTS)

Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles - 名媛望族 (EPS 12-15) - 29 PTS

Come Home Love - 爱·回家 (EPS 124-128) - 27 PTS

(CSM Media Research: 1 point represents 64,070 viewers)

Notes

- The Confidant: 3 complaints on the random personality changes made to historical characters.

- SSSS appears to be more popular in Mainland. It is currently in 9th place on a Mainland streaming site and continues on a strong trend, there is hope the series can make it to top 3. TVB deputy of foreign affairs (Mr. Tsang Sing Ming) expressed perhaps because the series filmed in Shanghai, so the local audience there feel more attached and interested. 

sugarplum892

Source: CSM (by wacow), Oriental Daily

Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net

TVB Rating Reports (12/11/2012 - 18/12/2012)

Dramas

The Confidant - 大太監 (EPS 07-11) - 31 PTS (Peaking at 33 PTS)

Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles - 名媛望族 (EPS 16-20) - 28 PTS

Come Home Love - 爱·回家 (EPS 129-133) - 25 PTS

Complaints

- SSSS, 8 complaints on the morally offensive plot and too many scenes were cut.

(CSM Media Research: 1 point represents 64,070 viewers) 

sugarplum892

Source: On.cc, HKChannel

Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net

TVB Rating Reports (19/11/2012 - 25/11/2012)

Dramas

The Confidant - 大太監 (EPS 12-15) - 31 PTS (Peaking at 36 PTS)

Silver Spoon Sterling Shackles - 名媛望族 (EPS 21-24) - 28 PTS

Come Home Love - 愛·回家 (EPS 134-137) - 25 PTS

Special

TVB 45th Anniversary Gala 2012 - 萬千星輝頒獎典禮2012 (MONDAY) - 34 PTS (Peaking at 36 PTS)

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TVB Rating Reports (26/11/2012 - 02/12/2012)

Source: CSM (by wacow)
Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net

Dramas

The Confidant - 大太監 (EPS 16-20) - 30 PTS (Peaking at 33 PTS)

Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles - 名媛望族 (EPS 25-29) - 29 PTS (Peaking at 32 PTS)

Come Home Love - 愛·回家 (EPS 138-142) - 25 PTS

(CSM Media Research: 1 point represents 64,070 viewers) 

ladyhotary

I lke historical drama

sugarplum892

Source: Mingpao, KuangaiTVB
Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net

TVB Rating Reports (10/12/2012-16/10/2012)

Dramas
Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles - 名媛望族 (EPS 35-40 END) - 32 PTS (Friday Finale - 35 PTS, Peaking at 37 PTS)

The Confidant Finale Week - 大太監 (EPS 26-29) (FINAL WEEK) - 31 PTS

The Confidant - 大太監 (EPS 30-31) (SATURDAY) - 26 PTS

The Confidant Finale - 大太監大結局 (EPS 32-33) (SUNDAY) - 35 PTS (Peaking at 37 PTS) 

Complaints
- SSSS, 20 complaints: morally offensive plot, no "viewer discretion is advised" warning before the broadcast; Displeased with Ron Ng and Elena Kong's intense kiss scene, insulting to Ron Ng; finale got 9 complaints: too draggy, tragic and uncreative ending, sets a bad influence on children, story was inconsistent, inconsistent with history, artist's inaccurate pronunciations. Viewers felt it was a pity Damian and Idy Chan couldn't end up.
- The Confidant, 8 complaints: Too many 4 character phrases, uncreative, story was inconsistent; finale got 4 complaints: too bloody, too violent, inconsistent with history 

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Nancy Wu Says 'Sin Yung' in The Confidant: "A Shocking Death"

Sunday December 16, 2012 Hong Kong

Source: The Sun

Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net

   

Last night, the cast of TVB series The Confidant took part in a finale event, where they watched the ending together. Wayne Lai brought his wife and son to support and promote for TV King. He expressed his role is a very righteous character and believes there could be more developments if there is a sequel.

Wayne and the other cast including Michelle Yim, Raymond Wong, Aimee Chan and Nancy Wu appeared dressed in their costumes, and joined about 200 fans to watch the finale. TVB Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs reveals The Confidant and Silver Spoon Sterling Shackles were offered a 6 figure sponsor by the shopping malls to host a finale event before the broadcast. TVB got nearly HK$1 million of income from these events. Producer Law Wing Yin expressed Nancy Wu dies in the finale broadcast, but another alternative version where she doesn't die was shown online at TVB's myTV at midnight. Wayne and Nancy like the original ending that was broadcast, Nancy held in her tears while watching the finale to prevent ruining her makeup. She said:"My death was pretty surprising. A few days ago I was already crying watching the series! (Prepared tissues?) I brought some, but I don't just cry randomly, the most important is to make the audience cry! (Do you hope for a sequel?) I heard about it. I hope to collaborate with the original cast again." 

reefman

In the last episode, who is the little kid emperor at the end? where did he come from?

htruc

reefman said:

In the last episode, who is the little kid emperor at the end? where did he come from?

@reefman I'm wondering the same thing too. Who was the kid at the end? Can't possibly be the adopted son of Lee Lin Yin...