Armed Reaction

TVB’s popular Armed Reaction saga contains four seasons total with its first installment being the most beloved among AR fans. No doubt, the original storyline and wonderful cast endorse this series’ enduring reputation.

Back in the old days, HK policewomen weren’t given much to do regarding male bigotry that females were too incompetent for this particular occupation. Physical-wise, women may be a little puny, but they are not useless – in fact, many are resolute and capable. This is the case of Chan Sam-Yuen (Joyce Tang) whose dream is to become a policewoman despite her widowed mother’s (the funny Chu Mei-Mei) objection. At work, Sam-Yuen makes friends with another policewoman, Chu So-Ngor/Ngor Jie (Esther Kwan) who is a busy-mouthed wife-and-mother. Not until So-Ngor’s husband dumps her does she learn to be independent and committed to her job. Entering the women’s lives is Chan Siu-Sang (Bobby Au-Yeung), Sam-Yuen’s single uncle, and Ching Fung (Marco Ngai), a young but high-ranking cop.

Plot-wise, Armed Reaction is light-hearted and straight-to-the-point. The criminal cases are not quite intense since the majority of time is devoted to the training of Sam-Yuen and So-Ngor; hence the Cantonese title “Tor Cheung Si Tze.” Sam-Yuen’s tomboyish, madcap nature puts her in risk while So-Ngor is sluggish compared to her peers. The two have to overcome hurdle in order to be better cops, and eventually they improve strongly. Though both ladies can’t come off as fearless as Michelle Yeoh or as exciting as Anita Mui, they are appealing in a more homey way (=small screen). In addition to their career, Sam-Yuen and So-Ngor are also involved in relationships, and needless to say, it is fun to see Sam-Yuen’s secret crush on Ching Fung and Siu-Sang’s service to So-Ngor. The main cast is delightful here. Esther Kwan is incredibly winning as So-Ngor and looks compatible with Bobby Au-Yeung who nails his role as Siu-Sang (possibly his most popular character). Joyce Tang fits her role perfectly, and her Sam-Yuen is likable in this installment. Marco Ngai is convincing as the macho Ching Fung and manages to be cute at the same time.

Overall, this first installment doesn’t need dense cases to hook viewers. The series simply gathers the charming presence of the four leads and many familiar faces including the beautiful Akina Hong Wah, and the outcome is admirable. While Armed Reaction III remains my favorite out of the four installments, Armed Reaction is the best one.