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The Life and Times of a Sentinel is a 2011 Hong Kong
historical-fiction television drama produced by Television Broadcasts Limited
(TVB), with Leung Choi-yuen serving as the executive producer. Set in the late 17th century, during the early years of the Kangxi Emperor
's reign over Qing China, the drama stars Nip Dor-po (Steven Ma
), a third-grade imperial bodyguard. He is used by both the Kangxi Emperor (Power Chan
) and Prince Yu (Kenneth Ma
) to pit against each other, conflicting Dor-po's loyalty for both.
(Shunzhi) shocked the whole empire. The second prince Fuk-tsuen, was originally the successor for the throne, but Empress Dowager Hao-chong (Xiaozhuang) changed the successor to the third prince Yuen-yip, who subsequently becomes the Hong-hei Emperor
(Kangxi). Angry with this, Fuk-tsuen dispatchs a spy, Nip Dor-po, and instructs him to gain Hong-hei's trust.
The Life and Times of a Sentinel is a 26 episode Hong Kong TV drama series based on historical fiction taking place in the Forbidden City of China during the late 17th century. In the early years of the Qing Dynasty, ethnic strife plagued the kingdom. Manchu and Han were ordered to live apart so that each race could "live in peace." To win Han acquiescence, the Hong-hei Emperor resurrected the 1647 decree that “Manchu and Han are one family.” Using this as its background, the drama examines the possibility of peaceful coexistence between Manchu and Han. Alongside this theme rises the fictional question: Who is the rightful heir to the Emperor Shun-chi's throne? Does it belong to the Emperor Hong-hei, the incumbent ruler for the last 25 years, or his elder brother, Fuk-tsuen, Prince Yu? Facing the threat of civil war, royal family members and imperial court officials are summoned to unravel the mystery of the Emperor Shun-chi's sudden death and to which son did he really leave his legacy. The story unfolds with a flashback to the final days of Shun-chi’s reign while treachery, misguidance, revenge, incest and moral corruption stimulate the tragedy of this series. Ostensibly, the story is about a power struggle between the Grand Empress Dowager and her grandson, Fuk-tsuen, but the real plot is a tragic coming of age story for all the key players in the series and the nation under Qing governance as it comes to terms with foreign rule and peaceful life void of ethnic inequality.
Fuk-tsuen as the Tragic Antagonist
Fuk-tsuen, Prince Yu, is arguably the most complex character in the series. He is the Shun-chi Emperor's intended heir, but he is not the emperor. Physically, he is a warrior and possesses excellent martial skills. Intellectually, he is a man of culture and intelligence demonstrated by his talent for playing a rare Mongolian horse-head instrument, his ability to write beautiful calligraphy for the Hong-hei Dictionary and his skill in chess-playing. At home he is both an endearing father to his infant son (episode 1) and a devoted husband to his wife, Kwai-lun. Although his marital relation to her appears tepid, they are described as a loving couple by others (episode 15). Through his Machiavellian rise to power, it is indisputable that Fuk-tsuen is cunning and self-serving. Politically, Fuk-tsuen favors neither Manchu nor Han. He strikes a Manchu youth for racial insolence and he is Dor-po’s friend, but he also allies himself with many Manchu officials to stir civil unrest (episode 12). Being expedient, he knows how to manipulate others to his advantage. When he devises murders and engages in subversive acts, he is pragmatic about his actions, justifying the means with the end. Fuk-tsuen is fearless and openly admits to being so. Power and glory are of utmost importance to him. To attain authority in court, he takes great risks: he ventures his own life to earn the implicit trust of the emperor, his brother (episode 4), and the Grand Empress Dowager, his grandmother (episode 12).
The Grand Empress Dowager describes him as being reckless, bloodthirsty and overly ambitious. Contrary to her impression of him, Fuk-tsuen is not simply ruthless. Nor is he compelled by ambition alone. He is really driven by his father’s promise to leave him the legacy of the Qing Dynasty as his successor (episode 1). From his perspective, he is the victim of another's treachery; he is only reacting to Xuanye's crimes against him because he truly believes that Xuanye usurped the throne and stole Man-kwan's love from him (episode 24). Disillusioned, he strives to dethrone Xuanye and wants his romance with Man-kwan restored. These actions do not make him evil. Rather, his deranged desire to usurp the throne and his devotion to Man-kwan render him more tragic than before. As a human being, he is vulnerable to feelings of sorrow, loyalty and remorse; he sheds tears of grief over Man-kwan’s unexpected suicide, he falters in his decision to gain the throne via an anti-Qing attempt at sabotage while he introspects his own loyalty to his brother. He is similarly afflicted by his friendship with Dor-po when he reflects sadly on their fraternity before dispatching Ha-seen to terminate him on the grounds of betrayal and when he later mourns his death as he regrets their severed relationship. Even to Kwai-lun, the wife he does not truly love but marries out of convenience, he exhibits trace emotions of pity when he acknowledges her unworthy consideration of him (episode 20). His emotions do him credit and reveal a character that is more than a simple villain but an individual deserving more than what fortune has allotted him.
Fuk-tsuen's inability to accept reality is what leads him to a tragic end. When he realizes that he has completely lost his claim to the throne, Fuk-tsuen decides to kill himself, preferring death over an ignominious defeat. Unable to accept the reality of failure and his outrageous fortune, he loses his sanity and retreats into an imaginary world where he has succeeded in becoming the emperor, basking in the love of his beloved Man-kwan, when Kwai-lun is really the one accompanying him in exile. These events do not depict a man that is evil beyond redemption. After all, he is haplessly misguided by a promise that he whole-heartedly believes; therefore, Fuk-tsuen can only be a tragic figure of gross misfortune.
Nip Dor-po as the Tragic Hero
The Life and Times of a Sentinel is essentially the tragedy of Nip Dor-po. His tragedy is a result of free will that falls short of insight, one that is easily disturbed by injustice. As a hero of tragedy, Dor-po must be fundamentally good, so his character is introduced as an upright citizen of Han ethnicity. He is the foster son of middle-class restaurant owners, assisting his parents as a hospitable host to patrons and a bouncer to unruly guests at their restaurant. Youthful and impetuous, he enjoys a good fight and uses his martial skills to curb ethnic injustice. He openly criticizes inequity between Manchu and Han and denounces the corruption and political liaisons of court officials. He is affable and considerate of friends and strangers alike (episodes 1, 2).
To attest the proposed standards of ethnic equality, Dor-po enrolls himself as a Sentinel. Successfully admitted after many trials and tribulations, he hopes to use his political influence for the benefit of others, but he quickly witnesses corruption amongst his superiors and peers. Dor-po is courageous and loyal beyond question; he puts the life of his commander and king above all, risking his own life for the safety of theirs (episode 8 & 18). These characteristics make Dor-po the ideal sentinel, a heroic figure, but as a hero of tragedy, he suffers limitations; he is easily moved by passion. It is the anger of injustice that sprouts Dor-po's tragedy. His desire to avenge his father's and grandfather's deaths obfuscates his faculty for reason, so he acts uncertainly and irrationally. During his alliance with Fuk-tsuen, he commits treason against the emperor, even though, he knows that the emperor is a righteous monarch. At times, he finds fault in Fuk-tsuen's actions, debating the necessity to denigrate the emperor's good intentions and to further betray Hong-hei's trust (episode 23). Even his mentor, the monk, warns him of Fuk-tsuen's motives (episode 21). Nap-lan Sing-tak implores him to question Fuk-tsuen's intent (episode 24). Yet, he lacks the will to oppose Fuk-tsuen and persists for no other reason than to have his revenge. Finally, too many innocent lives are consumed by this ploy to disgrace the Grand Empress Dowager. Dor-po's foster parents commit suicide; the midwife is murdered; the fifth princess consort is poisoned; Consort Wai is assassinated; Tai-Sek is stabbed to death. Inherently virtuous, Dor-po finds these deaths senseless and realizes that his vengeance has in effect led to all of these deaths. At the climax of the series, he admits to himself that the tragedy is his, a consequence of his own choice (episode 24).
Even though Dor-po acknowledges his part in the tragedy, he does so too late to belay its full effects and consequently loses everything. In fact, he loses all that does matter to him and gains an identity that he has no interest for. His foster parents commit suicide to protect him. He falls in love with Cheuk Chi-ying/Princess Duen-man, but as the Shun-chi Emperor's fourth son, Prince Rong, he is Duen-man's half-brother by blood. Hence, a romantic relationship with her notwithstanding the magnitude of emotion shared between them is impossible. His friends at home sacrifice themselves to deter Po-chai and his troops from arresting him. His friendship with Fuk-tsuen deteriorates over a worthless power struggle. In exchange, he gains a grandmother, who has denied him his birthright as Prince Rong and the inalienable right to live. He discovers a new brother in the Hong-hei Emperor, but as Prince Rong, Shun-chi's heir apparent, their fraternity cannot flourish because he remains a contender to the throne. The threat of usurpation will always lie between them. Only as Nip Dor-po, the loyal sentinel, can they share a trustworthy relationship. In response to his tragedy, Dor-po muses with detachment, “truth does not matter; nothing matters very much and very little should matter at all” (episode 26). His endurance of his own tragedy is what makes him a hero.
The Grand Empress Dowager as the Villainess
Although it is not readily obvious, the Grand Empress Dowager is the true villainess of the series. By conspiring to murder her fourth grandson, Prince Rong, she sets the whole tragedy in motion. The assumed death of the infant prince is the impetus for a continuous chain of tragic events culminating in the finale. The Grand Empress Dowager's entire life consists of an endless power struggle, a life of power politics deeply imbued with moral corruption. Throughout the series, she claims to be clairvoyant when assessing her grandchildren, but it is really her bias for Xuanye that influences her decisions. In order for Xuanye to properly inherit the throne, she orders a sentinel to murder her fourth grandson and she later forges Shun-chi’s will, just to preclude the Princes Rong and Yu from ascending the throne as the chosen heir(s). In the finale, she asserts that Hong-hei is “the only righteous monarch.” But, what of Prince Rong, Nip Dor-po, is he any less righteous than Hong-hei? Despite the obvious choice, she lacks the munificence to offer Dor-po the throne, which is his prerogative. She even finds it fitting to commend Dor-po for coming to Hong-hei's aid during his time of distress, implying that his right to the throne is as unwarranted as Fuk-tsuen’s claim. In reality she cares very little for her other grandchildren as described by her fifth grandson, Sheung-ning, Prince Kung (episode 17). Even when she finally confirms Dor-po's identity as Prince Rong, she lacks the tact to admit that he resembles his father, the Shun-chi Emperor. Instead, she weakly describes him as bearing close similarities to his mother, the Tung-ngok Consort of Shun-chi.
The Grand Empress Dowager claims to be a virtuous sovereign, criticizing Fuk-tsuen for his perfidious nature. But, she is no different from Fuk-tsuen; they are mirror images of each other in both treachery and rage. Displaying little human compassion and generosity, she deems the lives of subordinates highly dispensable. Her authoritative position as the Grand Empress Dowager allows her to demand obsequious conduct from any subordinate. Any error on their part would constitute death to them and/or their families. Her actions are often insidious; she threatens Sentinel Kei To-ting with the safety and prosperity of his family, yet she reneges on her promise to spare their lives, ordering the arrest and imprisonment of his family immediately after his suicide. Likewise, she commands troops to pursue Kei Man-cheong and Dor-po, ceasing only after the former falls to his death. Even Po-chai, a loyal agent of hers, cannot be pardoned for his failure (episode 3). Consequently, she is the only character in this series to have neither genuine friends nor reliable allies. Equally ruthless and cruel to family members, the Grand Empress Dowager tries to persuade Hong-hei into sentencing Princess Duen-man to death on the grounds of suspicious involvement with anti-Qing rebels. When Hong-hei offers the princess full absolution, the Grand Empress Dowager forces Duen-man to witness her foster father's execution as proof of her allegiance to the Qing Dynasty. To keep Prince Gong in check, she retains his mother and his wife, Kin-ching, in the palace under close guard despite his request to be reunited with them at home. To maintain the upper hand in the final power struggle, she holds Kwai-lun and Bao-thai hostage while they await Fuk-tsuen's obedient response to relinquish his plan to usurp the throne.
Her decisions and actions can only describe a truly amoral individual. Although she concedes to some of her crimes, she does not accept full responsibility for the tragedy in the finale. Without realizing how her favoritism has impacted and changed the lives of each of her grandchildren, she only admits to her wrongful acts against the Kei family, the Tung-ngok Consort of Shun-chi and the Shun-chi Emperor. To her advantage, Fuk-tsuen's flamboyant attempt at usurpation eclipses her immoral acts and grants her reprieve from immediate punishment. Only a diminishing conscience lingers within her to torture her until the end of her days. By staging her own misery in the very beginning, she is a victim of her own success and the true villainess in this drama series.
The Emperor Hong-hei as the Righteous Monarch
According to history, Xuanye, the Emperor Hong-hei, is the greatest and most accomplished ruler of the Qing Dynasty. He suppressed the Revolt of the Three Feudatories, forced the Kingdom of Tungning in Taiwan to submit to Qing rule, blocked Tzarist Russia on the Amur River and expanded the empire in the northwest. He also commissioned literary feats such as the compilation of the Hong-hei Dictionary. During his reign, he ushered in the golden period of peace and prosperity for the dynasty. From the historical narration, he is no doubt a successful ruler. In this series, the Hong-hei Emperor is depicted as a hard-working emperor, managing the affairs of state diligently. He is considerate of his subjects and tries to eliminate ethnic discord between Manchu and Han. He is also notably pious to his grandmother, the Grand Empress Dowager, who installed him on the throne as Shun-chi’s successor. Despite these positive attributes, he seems to lack other crucial traits necessary for effective rulership. In martial prowess, he ranks beneath his brother, Sheung-ning (episode 17). In politics, he is less competent than Fuk-tsuen. Even his aptitude as the head of his household is deficient; he is easily deceived by Consort Wai’s devious plans against the Imperial Noble Consort, Man-kwan, and consequently degrades Man-kwan for wrongful acts that she did not commit. Similarly, he strips Sheung-ning of his military rank without proper reasons, fearing revolt from him. During his development into a ruler by virtue, his actions are ambiguous and he vacillates between magnanimity and petty behavior. He pardons Princess Duen-man for her crime against him, yet he resents Fuk-tsuen for loving Man-kwan. To spite Fuk-tsuen, he crowns Man-kwan as his third Empress without regarding her physical paralysis and inability to manage the affairs of the inner court. By doing so, he opposes the Grand Empress Dowager and ostracizes all the court officials. Nonetheless, he learns as great leaders always do. In the conclusion, he demonstrates genuine nobility by heeding Dor-po’s appeal to spare Fuk-tsuen’s life. He even forgives all of Fuk-tsuen’s rebel alliances, asking only for demotions in return. In the beginning of the series, Xuanye is not the capable Hong-hei Emperor that both the narrator describes and history records. However, he matures effectively and learns to rule his empire with justice tempered with mercy, thereby transforming him into the “righteous” ruler that history has documented.
Man-kwan as the Ideal Woman
The Imperial Noble Consort, Man-kwan, represents the perfection of feminine beauty and grace. In this drama series, she is the idealized woman; she is neglected by her husband, the emperor, but does not protest and she is constantly being slandered by Consort Wai but shows no animosity for her in return (episode 8). Having a genuinely noble personality, she is forgiving when she sympathizes with Consort Wai (episode 23) and altruistic when she faults herself for Kwai-lun’s emotional scarring (episode 24). Her virtues are further contrasted by her female counterparts in the series. Unlike her cousin, Kwai-lun, she is passive and not cantankerous. Likewise, she is the opposite of the fifth princess consort, Kin-ching, demonstrating exceptional skills in music and embroidery. For these reasons, Fuk-tsuen adores her and the Hong-hei Emperor becomes enamored with her in later episodes. The Grand Empress Dowager considers her an excellent candidate for the rank of empress. Unfortunately, she is also a victim of tragedy; she shares a mutual affection with Fuk-tsuen that she denies because of her marriage to the emperor. Thus, she is incapable of requiting her husband’s newfound love for her and blames herself for Kwai-lun’s estranged relationship with Fuk-tsuen. Concerned with Fuk-tsuen’s well-being and position in court, she commits suicide to escape emotional turmoil and to dissuade Fuk-tsuen from his proposed usurpation of the throne. Unsuccessful in her attempt at death, she continues to lead a sad posthumous existence, imprisoned in a paralyzed body with hopes of breaking free like the soaring eagles in the sky.
Kwai-lun as the Estranged Wife
Kwai-lun is the second princess consort, the wife of Fuk-tsuen. Although she behaves like an estranged wife, she is far from being so. Motivated by the power of her father’s military banners, Fuk-tsuen marries her and appears to be devoted to her; he shares many leisurely pastimes and exchanges many pleasantries with her, cajoling her on their affinity as spouses and even mocking her affectionately over the prenatal benefits of a soup she prepares for him. Despite the tepid relationship, their love is manifested by their son, Bao-thai, and her husband maintains a polite civility between them. However, Kwai-lun desires more than this; she demands intimate familiarity (episode 7) and intense passion (episode 17) from him. Because he is unable to express such emotions for her, Kwai-lun begins to doubt him and accuses him of being unfaithful to her, but concealing a musical instrument and denying a past romance hardly constitute adultery. She also blames her cousin, Man-kwan, for stealing her husband’s affections, when it is her perpetual nagging and petty jealousy that drives her husband away from her. Her irrational plot to destroy Man-kwan through a miscarriage riles Fuk-tsuen. Though successful in her ploy, Kwai-lun earns her husband’s scorn not love. Out of pity, he invites her to renew their relationship as husband and wife and to forget the unpleasant past, but she ungraciously declines his offer, insisting that he is superficial and false to her. It is her incessant bouts of jealousy and accusations of infidelity that exasperate him and force him to yearn for a more understanding wife like Man-kwan (episode 20). In the end, she realizes that her jealousy has led to Man-kwan’s suicide and consequently remains steadfast in her love for her husband despite the Grand Empress Dowager’s reproach that the recent unfortunate events are entirely Fuk-tsuen’s fault. Maturely, she acknowledges her part in her downfall and becomes reconciled with her tragedy when she follows Fuk-tsuen into exile, silently shedding tears of sorrow over her husband’s insanity.
Cheuk Chi-ying/Duen-man as the “Uncertain” Princess
The role of Cheuk Chi-ying or Princess Duen-man is the least important in the entire series. She serves primarily as a romantic interest for Nip Dor-po. Nothing about her can be fully ascertained: is she royal or common? Manchu or Han? anti-Qing or a loyal subject of the Qing Dynasty? and does she love Dor-po or only exploits him for her anti-Qing plans? Like an endless dichotomy, she constantly fluctuates between two emotional and physical extremes. As the “uncertain” princess, she even dies with a sense of ambiguity, tragically incognizant of the truth about her kinship to Dor-po and the reasons for his detachment.
Conclusion
By the end, The Life and Times of a Sentinel can be nothing else but a tragedy. Every key player in the series has transitioned for better or for worse in this coming of age story. Finally, the question of equality between the conquered Han and the ruling Manchu reappears. The answer is a resounding affirmation that “Manchu and Han are [indeed] one family,” which is fulfilled by the new restaurant owners, a newlywed couple, Fung Sheung-hei, a woman of Han descent, and Yan-chak, a Manchu. The new couple represents the peaceful union between two cultures and provides a spark of hope for the viewer in a drama series that is otherwise intensely tragic.
. "Viewers in millions" refers to the number of people, derived from TVB Jade
ratings (not including TVB HD Jade), in Hong Kong who watched the episode live. The peak number of viewers are in brackets.
*The highest rating per minute.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
historical-fiction television drama produced by Television Broadcasts Limited
Television Broadcasts Limited
Television Broadcasts Limited, commonly known as TVB, is the second over-the-air commercial television station in Hong Kong. It commenced broadcasting on 19 November 1967...
(TVB), with Leung Choi-yuen serving as the executive producer. Set in the late 17th century, during the early years of the Kangxi Emperor
Kangxi Emperor
The Kangxi Emperor ; Manchu: elhe taifin hūwangdi ; Mongolian: Энх-Амгалан хаан, 4 May 1654 –20 December 1722) was the fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, the first to be born on Chinese soil south of the Pass and the second Qing emperor to rule over China proper, from 1661 to 1722.Kangxi's...
's reign over Qing China, the drama stars Nip Dor-po (Steven Ma
Steven Ma
Steven Ma Chun-wai is a Hong Kong actor and singer. In 1993, Ma won a record deal after winning first place at an annual singing contest in Hong Kong, later releasing his debut album, Lucky for Meeting You , that December...
), a third-grade imperial bodyguard. He is used by both the Kangxi Emperor (Power Chan
Power Chan
Power Chan or Chan Kwok-Pong is an actor in Hong Kong. He has appeared in numerous TVB drama series as well as films. He dated cantopop singer and actress Mimi Lo for 7 years before marrying her on December 2, 2009.-TV series:-Film:-References:...
) and Prince Yu (Kenneth Ma
Kenneth Ma
Kenneth Ma Kwok-ming is a Chinese Canadian actor from Hong Kong. He graduated from University of British Columbia majoring in Mechanical Engineering...
) to pit against each other, conflicting Dor-po's loyalty for both.
Plot
The sudden death of the young Shun-chi EmperorShunzhi Emperor
The Shunzhi Emperor was the third emperor of the Manchu-led Qing dynasty, and the first Qing emperor to rule over China, which he did from 1644 to 1661. "Shunzhi" was the name of his reign period...
(Shunzhi) shocked the whole empire. The second prince Fuk-tsuen, was originally the successor for the throne, but Empress Dowager Hao-chong (Xiaozhuang) changed the successor to the third prince Yuen-yip, who subsequently becomes the Hong-hei Emperor
Kangxi Emperor
The Kangxi Emperor ; Manchu: elhe taifin hūwangdi ; Mongolian: Энх-Амгалан хаан, 4 May 1654 –20 December 1722) was the fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, the first to be born on Chinese soil south of the Pass and the second Qing emperor to rule over China proper, from 1661 to 1722.Kangxi's...
(Kangxi). Angry with this, Fuk-tsuen dispatchs a spy, Nip Dor-po, and instructs him to gain Hong-hei's trust.
Characters
- Steven MaSteven MaSteven Ma Chun-wai is a Hong Kong actor and singer. In 1993, Ma won a record deal after winning first place at an annual singing contest in Hong Kong, later releasing his debut album, Lucky for Meeting You , that December...
as Nip Dor-po (聶多寶) — an imperial bodyguard. He is sent by Fuk-tsuen to spy on Hong-hei, becoming the emperor's personal bodyguard. As Dor-po spends more time with the emperor, he learns to appreciate the emperor's intelligence and his love for the country. Dor-po ultimately decides to help Hong-hei rebel against Fuk-tsuen. Ma says that Dor-po is the most complicated character he has come across. "I have to officially protect the three (Hao-chong, Hong-hei, and Fuk-tsuen), but at the same time, the three are using me to deal with each other [...] but Hao-chong wants me to die, [Fuk-tsuen] wants me to die, and how can I find ways to save myself and Hong-hei?"
- Kenneth MaKenneth MaKenneth Ma Kwok-ming is a Chinese Canadian actor from Hong Kong. He graduated from University of British Columbia majoring in Mechanical Engineering...
as Fuk-tsuen, the Second Imperial Prince (二皇爺福全) — officially Prince Yu (裕親王), Fuk-tsuen is the Shun-chi Emperor's second son. For many years, Fuk-tsuen has been plotting to usurp the throne from Hong-hei as he believes that the throne was rightfully his. He sends Dor-po to spy on Hong-hei, which subsequently leads to Fuk-tsuen's downfall. According to Ma, Fuk-tsuen isn't a villain but a tragic figure.
- Power ChanPower ChanPower Chan or Chan Kwok-Pong is an actor in Hong Kong. He has appeared in numerous TVB drama series as well as films. He dated cantopop singer and actress Mimi Lo for 7 years before marrying her on December 2, 2009.-TV series:-Film:-References:...
as the Hong-hei EmperorKangxi EmperorThe Kangxi Emperor ; Manchu: elhe taifin hūwangdi ; Mongolian: Энх-Амгалан хаан, 4 May 1654 –20 December 1722) was the fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, the first to be born on Chinese soil south of the Pass and the second Qing emperor to rule over China proper, from 1661 to 1722.Kangxi's...
(康熙帝) — The Shun-chi Emperor's third son. He ascends the throne with the help of his grandmother, angering Fuk-tsuen, who was originally the successor to the throne.
- Ching Hor-wai as Grand Empress Dowager Hao-chong (孝莊太皇太后) — Hong-hei and Fuk-tsuen's grandmother, who helps Hong-hei ascend the throne.
- Elaine YiuElaine YiuElaine Yiu Tse-ling is a Hong Kong television actress and presenter.-Career:Yiu entered the entertainment industry after winning the TVB8 Presentator Contest in 2002, subsequently signing a management and filming contract with TVB. From 2002 to 2004, Yiu hosted Mandarin-language television...
as Man-kwan (曼筠), the Imperial Noble Consort (皇貴妃) — Hong-hei's consort and Fuk-tsuen's true love.
- Selena LiSelena LiSelena Li Sze-wan is an actress and former Miss Hong Kong 2003 contestant. That year, as a contestant from Toronto, Selena was the winner of Miss Talent and Miss Photogenic. Prior to entering the Miss Hong Kong pageant, Selena was attending the University of Toronto studying for a Bachelor of...
as Cheuk Chi-ying / Princess Duen-man (卓紫凝 / 端敏格格) — adopted daughter of Cheuk Shu-tong and Dor-po's primary romantic interest.
- Natalie TongNatalie TongNatalie Tong Si Wing is a TVB actress. Before becoming an actress, Natalie was once a model. Natalie once studied in Methodist College.-Films:-TV series:-Awards and nominations:Awards...
as Kwai-lun (桂倫), Second Princess Consort (二福晉) — Fuk-tsuen's wife. He marries her for her father's great military power.
- KK Cheung as Cheuk Shu-tong (卓樹棠) — secretly part of a group anti-Qing rebels, he owns a large medicine company in the capital city.
- Evergreen MakEvergreen MakEvergreen Mak Cheung-ching , better known as Makbau , is a Hong Kong TVB actor. He is lauded and best-known for his villainous portrayal of the main antagonist, Leung Fei Fan , in No Regrets, for which he won the Best Supporting Actor award for.-Films:-Television dramas:-Awards:* 2010: TVB 43rd...
as Po-chai (布齊) — Dor-po's superior.
- Jack WuJack WuJack Wu is a television actor, and host from Hong Kong, working for TVB.-TV series:-External links:*...
as Ha-seen (哈善) — Kwai-lun's older cousin who is also an imperial bodyguard. He personally works for Fuk-tsuen.
- Tsui WingTsui WingTsui Wing is a Hong Kong actor from TVB.-Television series:-Reference:...
as Sheung-ning, the Fifth Imperial Prince (五皇爺常寧) — officially Prince Kung (恭親王), Sheung-ning is Shun-chi's fifth son.
- Grace WongGrace WongGrace Wong Kwan-hing is a Chinese American actress from Hong Kong. She was the 1st runner up at the Miss Hong Kong 2007 beauty pageant...
as Ngan Yeung-suet (顔映雪), officially Consort Wai (惠妃) — Hong-hei's consort.
- Christine KuoChristine KuoChristine Kuo is a Chinese Canadian actress from Hong Kong. She was the winner of the Miss Chinese Toronto Pageant 2008 and Miss Chinese International Pageant 2009.-Biography:...
as Kin-ching (建澄), Fifth Princess Consort (五福晉) — Sheung-ning's wife.
- Stephen WongStephen Wong Ka-lokStephen Wong Ka-Lok is a Hong Kong actor currently working for TVB.-Biography:Prior to joining TVB, Wong originally wanted to be a customs officer, which at that point of time due to economical recession, was considered a very stable and well-paid position....
as Nap-lan Sing-takNalan XingdeNalan Xingde was a Chinese poet active during the Qing Dynasty, famous for his ci poetry. He was actually born Nalan Chengde , but had to change his name when the Kangxi Emperor named Yinreng, whose birth name also had the character cheng , the crown prince...
(納蘭性德) — Hong-hei's personal adviser and bodyguard.
- Katy Kung as Fung Sheung-hei (馮雙喜) — Dor-po's younger cousin.
- Fred ChengFred ChengIn 2001, Fred Cheng , entered the TVB New Talent Singing Awards in which he won second place, following in many notable Hong Kong personalities footsteps such as fellow TVB actors Joyce Tang, Cindy Au and Patrick Tang. Soon after becoming noticed from the competition, he was offered a role in the...
as Yan-chak (恩澤) — an imperial bodyguard and Dor-po's good friend.
- Rosanne Lui as Consort Sau (秀妃) — Shun-chi's consort and mother of Sheung-ning.
- Yvonne Ho portrays young Consort Sau.
- Sameul Kwok and Helen Ma as Nip Koon-yat (聶貫一) and Ko Choi-king (高彩瓊) respectively, Dor-po's foster parents.
- Sunny ChanSunny ChanSunny Chan Kam-Hung is a Hong Kong television and film actor. His breakout film role was in the internationally multi-award-winning 1998 Hong Kong film Hold You Tight, for which he won the coveted Silver Screen Award for Best Actor at the Singapore International Film Festival in...
makes a two-episode guest starring appearance as the Shun-chi EmperorShunzhi EmperorThe Shunzhi Emperor was the third emperor of the Manchu-led Qing dynasty, and the first Qing emperor to rule over China, which he did from 1644 to 1661. "Shunzhi" was the name of his reign period...
(順治帝), Kangxi's father and predecessor. Oceane ZhuOceane ZhuOceane Zhu Guang-Xuan, is a Chinese-born actress from Hong Kong. In 2008, Zhu represented Paris to participate in Miss Chinese International Pageant and got first in place in the contest. In the same year, she gained the Hong Kong residential identity and started to practice Cantonese...
stars as Consort Tung-ngok (董鄂妃), Shunzhi's favourite consort. Upset with his reign and devastated by the death of Tung-ngok, Shunzhi decided to become a Buddhist monkBhikkhuA Bhikkhu or Bhikṣu is an ordained male Buddhist monastic. A female monastic is called a Bhikkhuni Nepali: ). The life of Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis is governed by a set of rules called the patimokkha within the vinaya's framework of monastic discipline...
.
- Ben WongBen WongBen Wong Chi-yin is a Hong Kong actor best known for his role as Yung Heung-hoi in the long-running drama series A Kindred Spirit.-Film:-Television dramas:-Hosting gigs:*1989: 陽光節拍一小時*1991: Flash Fax...
stars as Kei To-ting (祈道廷) — Shunzhi's personal bodyguard.
- Felix Lok stars as Kei Man-cheong (祈萬昌) — Dor-po's father. Lai Lok-yi makes a one episode guest starring appearance as the young Kei Man-cheong.
Analysis
Analysis of The Life and Times of a SentinelThe Life and Times of a Sentinel is a 26 episode Hong Kong TV drama series based on historical fiction taking place in the Forbidden City of China during the late 17th century. In the early years of the Qing Dynasty, ethnic strife plagued the kingdom. Manchu and Han were ordered to live apart so that each race could "live in peace." To win Han acquiescence, the Hong-hei Emperor resurrected the 1647 decree that “Manchu and Han are one family.” Using this as its background, the drama examines the possibility of peaceful coexistence between Manchu and Han. Alongside this theme rises the fictional question: Who is the rightful heir to the Emperor Shun-chi's throne? Does it belong to the Emperor Hong-hei, the incumbent ruler for the last 25 years, or his elder brother, Fuk-tsuen, Prince Yu? Facing the threat of civil war, royal family members and imperial court officials are summoned to unravel the mystery of the Emperor Shun-chi's sudden death and to which son did he really leave his legacy. The story unfolds with a flashback to the final days of Shun-chi’s reign while treachery, misguidance, revenge, incest and moral corruption stimulate the tragedy of this series. Ostensibly, the story is about a power struggle between the Grand Empress Dowager and her grandson, Fuk-tsuen, but the real plot is a tragic coming of age story for all the key players in the series and the nation under Qing governance as it comes to terms with foreign rule and peaceful life void of ethnic inequality.
Fuk-tsuen as the Tragic Antagonist
Fuk-tsuen, Prince Yu, is arguably the most complex character in the series. He is the Shun-chi Emperor's intended heir, but he is not the emperor. Physically, he is a warrior and possesses excellent martial skills. Intellectually, he is a man of culture and intelligence demonstrated by his talent for playing a rare Mongolian horse-head instrument, his ability to write beautiful calligraphy for the Hong-hei Dictionary and his skill in chess-playing. At home he is both an endearing father to his infant son (episode 1) and a devoted husband to his wife, Kwai-lun. Although his marital relation to her appears tepid, they are described as a loving couple by others (episode 15). Through his Machiavellian rise to power, it is indisputable that Fuk-tsuen is cunning and self-serving. Politically, Fuk-tsuen favors neither Manchu nor Han. He strikes a Manchu youth for racial insolence and he is Dor-po’s friend, but he also allies himself with many Manchu officials to stir civil unrest (episode 12). Being expedient, he knows how to manipulate others to his advantage. When he devises murders and engages in subversive acts, he is pragmatic about his actions, justifying the means with the end. Fuk-tsuen is fearless and openly admits to being so. Power and glory are of utmost importance to him. To attain authority in court, he takes great risks: he ventures his own life to earn the implicit trust of the emperor, his brother (episode 4), and the Grand Empress Dowager, his grandmother (episode 12).
The Grand Empress Dowager describes him as being reckless, bloodthirsty and overly ambitious. Contrary to her impression of him, Fuk-tsuen is not simply ruthless. Nor is he compelled by ambition alone. He is really driven by his father’s promise to leave him the legacy of the Qing Dynasty as his successor (episode 1). From his perspective, he is the victim of another's treachery; he is only reacting to Xuanye's crimes against him because he truly believes that Xuanye usurped the throne and stole Man-kwan's love from him (episode 24). Disillusioned, he strives to dethrone Xuanye and wants his romance with Man-kwan restored. These actions do not make him evil. Rather, his deranged desire to usurp the throne and his devotion to Man-kwan render him more tragic than before. As a human being, he is vulnerable to feelings of sorrow, loyalty and remorse; he sheds tears of grief over Man-kwan’s unexpected suicide, he falters in his decision to gain the throne via an anti-Qing attempt at sabotage while he introspects his own loyalty to his brother. He is similarly afflicted by his friendship with Dor-po when he reflects sadly on their fraternity before dispatching Ha-seen to terminate him on the grounds of betrayal and when he later mourns his death as he regrets their severed relationship. Even to Kwai-lun, the wife he does not truly love but marries out of convenience, he exhibits trace emotions of pity when he acknowledges her unworthy consideration of him (episode 20). His emotions do him credit and reveal a character that is more than a simple villain but an individual deserving more than what fortune has allotted him.
Fuk-tsuen's inability to accept reality is what leads him to a tragic end. When he realizes that he has completely lost his claim to the throne, Fuk-tsuen decides to kill himself, preferring death over an ignominious defeat. Unable to accept the reality of failure and his outrageous fortune, he loses his sanity and retreats into an imaginary world where he has succeeded in becoming the emperor, basking in the love of his beloved Man-kwan, when Kwai-lun is really the one accompanying him in exile. These events do not depict a man that is evil beyond redemption. After all, he is haplessly misguided by a promise that he whole-heartedly believes; therefore, Fuk-tsuen can only be a tragic figure of gross misfortune.
Nip Dor-po as the Tragic Hero
The Life and Times of a Sentinel is essentially the tragedy of Nip Dor-po. His tragedy is a result of free will that falls short of insight, one that is easily disturbed by injustice. As a hero of tragedy, Dor-po must be fundamentally good, so his character is introduced as an upright citizen of Han ethnicity. He is the foster son of middle-class restaurant owners, assisting his parents as a hospitable host to patrons and a bouncer to unruly guests at their restaurant. Youthful and impetuous, he enjoys a good fight and uses his martial skills to curb ethnic injustice. He openly criticizes inequity between Manchu and Han and denounces the corruption and political liaisons of court officials. He is affable and considerate of friends and strangers alike (episodes 1, 2).
To attest the proposed standards of ethnic equality, Dor-po enrolls himself as a Sentinel. Successfully admitted after many trials and tribulations, he hopes to use his political influence for the benefit of others, but he quickly witnesses corruption amongst his superiors and peers. Dor-po is courageous and loyal beyond question; he puts the life of his commander and king above all, risking his own life for the safety of theirs (episode 8 & 18). These characteristics make Dor-po the ideal sentinel, a heroic figure, but as a hero of tragedy, he suffers limitations; he is easily moved by passion. It is the anger of injustice that sprouts Dor-po's tragedy. His desire to avenge his father's and grandfather's deaths obfuscates his faculty for reason, so he acts uncertainly and irrationally. During his alliance with Fuk-tsuen, he commits treason against the emperor, even though, he knows that the emperor is a righteous monarch. At times, he finds fault in Fuk-tsuen's actions, debating the necessity to denigrate the emperor's good intentions and to further betray Hong-hei's trust (episode 23). Even his mentor, the monk, warns him of Fuk-tsuen's motives (episode 21). Nap-lan Sing-tak implores him to question Fuk-tsuen's intent (episode 24). Yet, he lacks the will to oppose Fuk-tsuen and persists for no other reason than to have his revenge. Finally, too many innocent lives are consumed by this ploy to disgrace the Grand Empress Dowager. Dor-po's foster parents commit suicide; the midwife is murdered; the fifth princess consort is poisoned; Consort Wai is assassinated; Tai-Sek is stabbed to death. Inherently virtuous, Dor-po finds these deaths senseless and realizes that his vengeance has in effect led to all of these deaths. At the climax of the series, he admits to himself that the tragedy is his, a consequence of his own choice (episode 24).
Even though Dor-po acknowledges his part in the tragedy, he does so too late to belay its full effects and consequently loses everything. In fact, he loses all that does matter to him and gains an identity that he has no interest for. His foster parents commit suicide to protect him. He falls in love with Cheuk Chi-ying/Princess Duen-man, but as the Shun-chi Emperor's fourth son, Prince Rong, he is Duen-man's half-brother by blood. Hence, a romantic relationship with her notwithstanding the magnitude of emotion shared between them is impossible. His friends at home sacrifice themselves to deter Po-chai and his troops from arresting him. His friendship with Fuk-tsuen deteriorates over a worthless power struggle. In exchange, he gains a grandmother, who has denied him his birthright as Prince Rong and the inalienable right to live. He discovers a new brother in the Hong-hei Emperor, but as Prince Rong, Shun-chi's heir apparent, their fraternity cannot flourish because he remains a contender to the throne. The threat of usurpation will always lie between them. Only as Nip Dor-po, the loyal sentinel, can they share a trustworthy relationship. In response to his tragedy, Dor-po muses with detachment, “truth does not matter; nothing matters very much and very little should matter at all” (episode 26). His endurance of his own tragedy is what makes him a hero.
The Grand Empress Dowager as the Villainess
Although it is not readily obvious, the Grand Empress Dowager is the true villainess of the series. By conspiring to murder her fourth grandson, Prince Rong, she sets the whole tragedy in motion. The assumed death of the infant prince is the impetus for a continuous chain of tragic events culminating in the finale. The Grand Empress Dowager's entire life consists of an endless power struggle, a life of power politics deeply imbued with moral corruption. Throughout the series, she claims to be clairvoyant when assessing her grandchildren, but it is really her bias for Xuanye that influences her decisions. In order for Xuanye to properly inherit the throne, she orders a sentinel to murder her fourth grandson and she later forges Shun-chi’s will, just to preclude the Princes Rong and Yu from ascending the throne as the chosen heir(s). In the finale, she asserts that Hong-hei is “the only righteous monarch.” But, what of Prince Rong, Nip Dor-po, is he any less righteous than Hong-hei? Despite the obvious choice, she lacks the munificence to offer Dor-po the throne, which is his prerogative. She even finds it fitting to commend Dor-po for coming to Hong-hei's aid during his time of distress, implying that his right to the throne is as unwarranted as Fuk-tsuen’s claim. In reality she cares very little for her other grandchildren as described by her fifth grandson, Sheung-ning, Prince Kung (episode 17). Even when she finally confirms Dor-po's identity as Prince Rong, she lacks the tact to admit that he resembles his father, the Shun-chi Emperor. Instead, she weakly describes him as bearing close similarities to his mother, the Tung-ngok Consort of Shun-chi.
The Grand Empress Dowager claims to be a virtuous sovereign, criticizing Fuk-tsuen for his perfidious nature. But, she is no different from Fuk-tsuen; they are mirror images of each other in both treachery and rage. Displaying little human compassion and generosity, she deems the lives of subordinates highly dispensable. Her authoritative position as the Grand Empress Dowager allows her to demand obsequious conduct from any subordinate. Any error on their part would constitute death to them and/or their families. Her actions are often insidious; she threatens Sentinel Kei To-ting with the safety and prosperity of his family, yet she reneges on her promise to spare their lives, ordering the arrest and imprisonment of his family immediately after his suicide. Likewise, she commands troops to pursue Kei Man-cheong and Dor-po, ceasing only after the former falls to his death. Even Po-chai, a loyal agent of hers, cannot be pardoned for his failure (episode 3). Consequently, she is the only character in this series to have neither genuine friends nor reliable allies. Equally ruthless and cruel to family members, the Grand Empress Dowager tries to persuade Hong-hei into sentencing Princess Duen-man to death on the grounds of suspicious involvement with anti-Qing rebels. When Hong-hei offers the princess full absolution, the Grand Empress Dowager forces Duen-man to witness her foster father's execution as proof of her allegiance to the Qing Dynasty. To keep Prince Gong in check, she retains his mother and his wife, Kin-ching, in the palace under close guard despite his request to be reunited with them at home. To maintain the upper hand in the final power struggle, she holds Kwai-lun and Bao-thai hostage while they await Fuk-tsuen's obedient response to relinquish his plan to usurp the throne.
Her decisions and actions can only describe a truly amoral individual. Although she concedes to some of her crimes, she does not accept full responsibility for the tragedy in the finale. Without realizing how her favoritism has impacted and changed the lives of each of her grandchildren, she only admits to her wrongful acts against the Kei family, the Tung-ngok Consort of Shun-chi and the Shun-chi Emperor. To her advantage, Fuk-tsuen's flamboyant attempt at usurpation eclipses her immoral acts and grants her reprieve from immediate punishment. Only a diminishing conscience lingers within her to torture her until the end of her days. By staging her own misery in the very beginning, she is a victim of her own success and the true villainess in this drama series.
The Emperor Hong-hei as the Righteous Monarch
According to history, Xuanye, the Emperor Hong-hei, is the greatest and most accomplished ruler of the Qing Dynasty. He suppressed the Revolt of the Three Feudatories, forced the Kingdom of Tungning in Taiwan to submit to Qing rule, blocked Tzarist Russia on the Amur River and expanded the empire in the northwest. He also commissioned literary feats such as the compilation of the Hong-hei Dictionary. During his reign, he ushered in the golden period of peace and prosperity for the dynasty. From the historical narration, he is no doubt a successful ruler. In this series, the Hong-hei Emperor is depicted as a hard-working emperor, managing the affairs of state diligently. He is considerate of his subjects and tries to eliminate ethnic discord between Manchu and Han. He is also notably pious to his grandmother, the Grand Empress Dowager, who installed him on the throne as Shun-chi’s successor. Despite these positive attributes, he seems to lack other crucial traits necessary for effective rulership. In martial prowess, he ranks beneath his brother, Sheung-ning (episode 17). In politics, he is less competent than Fuk-tsuen. Even his aptitude as the head of his household is deficient; he is easily deceived by Consort Wai’s devious plans against the Imperial Noble Consort, Man-kwan, and consequently degrades Man-kwan for wrongful acts that she did not commit. Similarly, he strips Sheung-ning of his military rank without proper reasons, fearing revolt from him. During his development into a ruler by virtue, his actions are ambiguous and he vacillates between magnanimity and petty behavior. He pardons Princess Duen-man for her crime against him, yet he resents Fuk-tsuen for loving Man-kwan. To spite Fuk-tsuen, he crowns Man-kwan as his third Empress without regarding her physical paralysis and inability to manage the affairs of the inner court. By doing so, he opposes the Grand Empress Dowager and ostracizes all the court officials. Nonetheless, he learns as great leaders always do. In the conclusion, he demonstrates genuine nobility by heeding Dor-po’s appeal to spare Fuk-tsuen’s life. He even forgives all of Fuk-tsuen’s rebel alliances, asking only for demotions in return. In the beginning of the series, Xuanye is not the capable Hong-hei Emperor that both the narrator describes and history records. However, he matures effectively and learns to rule his empire with justice tempered with mercy, thereby transforming him into the “righteous” ruler that history has documented.
Man-kwan as the Ideal Woman
The Imperial Noble Consort, Man-kwan, represents the perfection of feminine beauty and grace. In this drama series, she is the idealized woman; she is neglected by her husband, the emperor, but does not protest and she is constantly being slandered by Consort Wai but shows no animosity for her in return (episode 8). Having a genuinely noble personality, she is forgiving when she sympathizes with Consort Wai (episode 23) and altruistic when she faults herself for Kwai-lun’s emotional scarring (episode 24). Her virtues are further contrasted by her female counterparts in the series. Unlike her cousin, Kwai-lun, she is passive and not cantankerous. Likewise, she is the opposite of the fifth princess consort, Kin-ching, demonstrating exceptional skills in music and embroidery. For these reasons, Fuk-tsuen adores her and the Hong-hei Emperor becomes enamored with her in later episodes. The Grand Empress Dowager considers her an excellent candidate for the rank of empress. Unfortunately, she is also a victim of tragedy; she shares a mutual affection with Fuk-tsuen that she denies because of her marriage to the emperor. Thus, she is incapable of requiting her husband’s newfound love for her and blames herself for Kwai-lun’s estranged relationship with Fuk-tsuen. Concerned with Fuk-tsuen’s well-being and position in court, she commits suicide to escape emotional turmoil and to dissuade Fuk-tsuen from his proposed usurpation of the throne. Unsuccessful in her attempt at death, she continues to lead a sad posthumous existence, imprisoned in a paralyzed body with hopes of breaking free like the soaring eagles in the sky.
Kwai-lun as the Estranged Wife
Kwai-lun is the second princess consort, the wife of Fuk-tsuen. Although she behaves like an estranged wife, she is far from being so. Motivated by the power of her father’s military banners, Fuk-tsuen marries her and appears to be devoted to her; he shares many leisurely pastimes and exchanges many pleasantries with her, cajoling her on their affinity as spouses and even mocking her affectionately over the prenatal benefits of a soup she prepares for him. Despite the tepid relationship, their love is manifested by their son, Bao-thai, and her husband maintains a polite civility between them. However, Kwai-lun desires more than this; she demands intimate familiarity (episode 7) and intense passion (episode 17) from him. Because he is unable to express such emotions for her, Kwai-lun begins to doubt him and accuses him of being unfaithful to her, but concealing a musical instrument and denying a past romance hardly constitute adultery. She also blames her cousin, Man-kwan, for stealing her husband’s affections, when it is her perpetual nagging and petty jealousy that drives her husband away from her. Her irrational plot to destroy Man-kwan through a miscarriage riles Fuk-tsuen. Though successful in her ploy, Kwai-lun earns her husband’s scorn not love. Out of pity, he invites her to renew their relationship as husband and wife and to forget the unpleasant past, but she ungraciously declines his offer, insisting that he is superficial and false to her. It is her incessant bouts of jealousy and accusations of infidelity that exasperate him and force him to yearn for a more understanding wife like Man-kwan (episode 20). In the end, she realizes that her jealousy has led to Man-kwan’s suicide and consequently remains steadfast in her love for her husband despite the Grand Empress Dowager’s reproach that the recent unfortunate events are entirely Fuk-tsuen’s fault. Maturely, she acknowledges her part in her downfall and becomes reconciled with her tragedy when she follows Fuk-tsuen into exile, silently shedding tears of sorrow over her husband’s insanity.
Cheuk Chi-ying/Duen-man as the “Uncertain” Princess
The role of Cheuk Chi-ying or Princess Duen-man is the least important in the entire series. She serves primarily as a romantic interest for Nip Dor-po. Nothing about her can be fully ascertained: is she royal or common? Manchu or Han? anti-Qing or a loyal subject of the Qing Dynasty? and does she love Dor-po or only exploits him for her anti-Qing plans? Like an endless dichotomy, she constantly fluctuates between two emotional and physical extremes. As the “uncertain” princess, she even dies with a sense of ambiguity, tragically incognizant of the truth about her kinship to Dor-po and the reasons for his detachment.
Conclusion
By the end, The Life and Times of a Sentinel can be nothing else but a tragedy. Every key player in the series has transitioned for better or for worse in this coming of age story. Finally, the question of equality between the conquered Han and the ruling Manchu reappears. The answer is a resounding affirmation that “Manchu and Han are [indeed] one family,” which is fulfilled by the new restaurant owners, a newlywed couple, Fung Sheung-hei, a woman of Han descent, and Yan-chak, a Manchu. The new couple represents the peaceful union between two cultures and provides a spark of hope for the viewer in a drama series that is otherwise intensely tragic.
45th TVB Anniversary Awards 2011
- Nominated: Best Drama
- Nominated: Best Actor (Steven Ma)
- Nominated: Best Actor (Kenneth Ma)
- Nominated: Best Actress (Selena Li)
- Nominated: Best Supporting Actor (Kwok-keung Cheung)
- Nominated: Best Supporting Actress (Hor-wai Ching)
- Nominated: My Favourite Male Character (Steven Ma)
- Nominated: Most Improved Female Artiste (Katy Kung)
Viewership ratings
The following is a table that includes a list of the total ratings points based on television viewershipAudience measurement
Audience measurement measures how many people are in an audience, usually in relation to radio listenership and television viewership, but also in relation to newspaper and magazine readership and, increasingly, web traffic on websites...
. "Viewers in millions" refers to the number of people, derived from TVB Jade
TVB Jade
TVB Jade is a flagship TV channel in Hong Kong, established by Television Broadcasts Limited, and is one of the free-to-air Cantonese language television channels in Hong Kong, the other being its arch-rival ATV Home...
ratings (not including TVB HD Jade), in Hong Kong who watched the episode live. The peak number of viewers are in brackets.
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