Sunday, November 22, 2009

Who is in the wrong?

Like many others out there, I am now watching (or rather glancing at the TV now and then whenever it is on) the two latest TVB drama series: "Beyond the Realm of Conscience (宫心计)" and "Born Rich (富贵门)". Between the two of them, I prefer the latter due to one of its subplot. In fact, I only watch the TV when this subplot is on. I totally ignore the main plot of the imposter brother.

Source: Pictures above are wallpapers taken from TVB.com

The subplot I am referring to is the relationship between one of the lead characters, Marcus, and his wife, Connie and his ex-girlfriend/mistress, Angie. There are heated debates on this subplot in many of the TV discussion forums but I do not want to join in the debate so I will just talk about it here.

For the benefit of those not watching this series, I will just give some spoilers here up to episode 24 on this subplot alone but if you are planning to watch this drama later, please do not read the words in italic below.

Marcus is married to Connie and they have one daughter and one son. Years ago, when Connie was engaged to be married to Marcus, they had an argument (details about the argument were not mentioned) and she went to UK to be with her parents. In that time that she was away, Marcus dated Angie (it was unclear whether or not Marcus did that because he thought Connie has broken off with him). Then Connie returned and reconciled with Marcus and wanted to proceed with the wedding. At that time Marcus told Angie that he would find the right time to break off with Connie but he kept delaying it until only one day was left before the wedding so Angie couldn't take it anymore and broke off with Marcus. Then Angie left HK and went to UK.

Back to the present, Angie returned to HK and found that she still loves Marcus. She couldn't stop herself from secretly loving him and savouring every moment spent with him. Initially Marcus was faithful to his wife and resisted Angie's advances. Then he was kidnapped and tortured until he wets himself but was rescued by Connie. He was traumatised and his ego suffered when he still wets himself after being rescued. Connie didn't know how to deal with it and pretended that nothing was amissed causing Marcus to feel estranged from her. Meanwhile Angie was there to boost Marcus' ego so Marcus seeks solace in her arms. At the end of episode 24, each on their own, independently, Marcus and Connie came to the decision to divorce each other.

I like to watch this subplot because I can really feel for the two women. How sickly romantic and twisted it is for Angie to secretly love Marcus and to revel in every moment when working together. How happy and sweet Angie felt when Marcus seeks comfort from her.

How painful and heartbreaking it is for Connie at the exact moment when she saw her husband kissing another woman at a time when she least expected it. How stupid, foolish and betrayed she must have felt for not suspecting it. How helpless and powerless she must have felt knowing that there is nothing she can do to salvage her marriage.

I know this is only make believe but I do believe that in real life, these things do happen and there is absolutely nothing the wife can do about it. So who is in the wrong here? Nobody because everyone has a right to seek their own happiness at the expense of others if they are prepared to face the consequences.

However, nobody is wrong does not mean that no one is to be blamed. The only one I can fault here is Marcus. This is because he violated his wedding vows to stay faithful to his wife. Angie has no social obligation to honour Marcus and Connie's marriage vows although she should have a moral conscience not to break up the couple.

Connie has my utmost sympathy because there is absolutely nothing, nothing at all she can do to save her marriage. She can't boost her husband's ego when he was depressed because she was there when he was at his lowest point - wetting himself so IMHO, whenever he sees Connie, he sees himself wetting himself so the only way she could help him feel good about himself is to remove herself from his sight. She triggers his memory of the terrible ordeal (this is my opinion only - the drama does not explicitly explained it this way). I think she is better off not being the one who rescued him.

However, there are a few times where Marcus wanted to really talk to her about their problems but she walked away because she was afraid to face changes. So I guess she too has to bear a bit of responsibility for the total breakdown of her relationship with her husband.

Anyway, this series has not ended yet. There are many more episodes to go. Who knows, in the end, Marcus may still go back to Connie. Many viewers choose sides - they are either for "Marcus and Connie" or "Marcus and Angie" pairing. I on the other hand, don't mind either one. I just like to watch how they handle the situation.

If I were Connie, I would also divorce Marcus because if you love someone and that someone loves someone else, you should set them free, no point holding on to someone who loves somebody else more. But it is easier said than done. I hope I will never be in a situation like Connie but who knows what curve balls life will throw at us, we can never tell in advance. Que Sera Sera.

9 comments:

  1. Wah, you are so fast. I haven't even started watching any of these two dramas though they are already in my HDD. I was actually thinking which one to start first, but after reading your post, I think I just know which one to. Hehe!

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  2. i totally agree with u about connie and your opineion about what you want to do. Although as you said, it's easier said than done but i too would do the exact same thing. I would set that person free because if i hold on, i would not be happy and so would he. So why make each other suffer? Love is strange and unpredictable, but i always believe that if that is true love, nothing can sway you. No? But then again, is there true love?

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  3. Jennifer, quick, go and watch the show. :) Can't wait to read what you think about the love relationship.

    April, what's your definition of true love? I don't know how to define true love so if I do not know that, I wouldn't know what true love is.

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  4. Hey Mun, bet you have watched tonight's episod! *winks* Connie decided to leave for UK without the kids!! My gosh, it must be very very painful for her! The MIL begged her to allow the grandchildren to stay and the MIL chased Marcus out of the house. So sad.. sighs..

    Ah well, a story is a story. Let's wait and see what comes out of this!! Cheers!!

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  5. I will watch it soon:) Now I am chasing 4400. Yah, old series, but it's very gung cheong..

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  6. Gerry, losing her children must be much more painful than losing her man. So which TVB drama do you like more?

    Elizebeth, I hope you will share your thoughts after you have watched it. As for 4400, unfortunately I only managed to watch the first season on Astro. After that, didn't manage to catch the rest of the seasons.

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  7. After reading your comment, I started to watch Born Rich. Just managed 2 episodes yesterday. OMG, even the first episode was filled with so many happenings. So far all I can say is only one thing. No matter rich or poor, we all go through life with obstacles. No human can be free from trouble in life. I will watch more and share my view later.

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  8. Honestly, I have no preference actually. I enjoy watching both actually though I have a tendency to watch Beyond The Realm of Conscience first before I watch Born Rich.


    Let's watch till end of this week and discuss more.. ;p

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  9. to tell u the truth, i myself do not know what is true love... T.T... but according to the woman who rules my house aka my mom, love comes in many forms and no one can define it. And she always says i asked too many questions.. :p...
    Goodness, this show is as complicated as The Little Nyonya show man.... =.='''

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