BERMO and BOSCOLIE

October 30, 2009

Beyond the Realm of Conscience (Ep. 1-10)

Well, this is one of TVB 42nd Anniversary's series. Set in one of China's dynasties, the series is based on different people who are hungry for power. Some work their way up to obtain power. Others are willing to do anything to gain power.

The story starts off when little Charmaine Sheh, her mother Crystal Tin, and their little servant Tavia Yeung tries to hide to avoid getting captured. However, they still end up getting caught.

They enter the kingdom. Four departments take care of all the duties in the kingdom. They are: the Food Department (head by Kara Hui), the Jewelery Department (first head by Cecilia Fong and then Susanna Kwan), the Clothing Department (head by Michelle Yim), and the Arrangement Department (head by Rosanne Lui). And Ching Hor Wai is the head of all four departments. Then, Susan Tse is in charge of the overall.

Before the end of the 1st episode, Crystal passes away after numerous beatings as a result of a misunderstanding that is known only between Tavia and her. Halfway through the 2nd epiosode, it fast fowards 20 years later.

Moses Chan and his mother (Mary Hon) are bullied by Susan Tse because Susan is the mother of the present king (Eric Li). And Mary Hon used to be a servant who washed others' feet. To avoid seeming like a possible threat to Susan, Susanna thinks of a plan to save both Mary and Moses from any danger. Moses would pretend he has brain damage. He would stay with an IQ of a ten year old forever. He leaves for 20 years and comes back in the 2nd episode as a fully grown man.

Before Moses had left the kingdom, he had already met Charmaine when her mom is on her deathbed.

When Moses come back, Edwin Siu is the king and his beloved "wife" is the Tracy Ip, a woman who is willing to plot schemes to rise to power.

Charmaine, on the other hand stays with the "three goods" (say good things, do good things, and have a good heart). Although Charmaine and Tavia are in different departments, they do remain good friends. Later, Charmaine even heads Tavia in the same department.

Kevin Cheng is a board game player. He tied with a Japanese board game player, while others could not.

Ram Chiang is a friend of Charmaine, Susanna, and Michelle. He is caring and affectionate towards Charmaine.

Mandy Cho appears briefly as a woman who has been in the kingdom for 7 years and has not seen the King once. She becomes one of the 'wives' when Charmaine and Tavia make her a head accessory that catches Edwin's eye. She dies tragically when 李國麟 plots a terrible scheme against her: accusing her of killing the King.

Kevin and Charmaine have feelings for one another, but because they are in the kingdom, they are not allowed to have a love relationship.

Tavia plays an evil role, and I see how she came to be. First, June stole her design. Susanna had to slap her mouth several times for saying the wrong things in front of everyone. One of Susan's servant, almost sewed Tavia's mouth. Second, Charmaine unintensionally takes her awaited position as 2nd head of the Jewelery Department. Tavia's evil comes from her hunger for revenge.

Moses becomes the King when Edwin dies at Ep. 10 and everything in the Kingdom becomes a mess due to 李國麟. He still pretends he's retarded so that Susan won't suspect him.

So, far this series is filled with suspense, revenge, and desire for more power.