HONG KONG — Cast members of the TVB crime anthology “Guilty by Default” gathered in Tsuen Wan on Thursday to promote the series, announcing that its highest-rated episode last week reached 22.6 points, equivalent to approximately 1.46 million viewers. The event featured actors including Alice Chan, Moon Lau, Ho Pui-ka, Roxanne Tam, Tsui Wing, Lam Sau-yi, and Yuen Ho-chung.
Strong Performances and Behind-the-Scenes Dedication
Alice Chan, who plays a character suffering from epileptic seizures, said she was motivated by the strong viewership. To ensure authenticity in a dramatic seizure scene, she consulted her husband—a medical doctor—for professional terminology and symptoms.
“My husband found reference videos for me to study, and I managed to complete the scene in a single take, even the tears were genuine,” Chan said. “I must give special thanks to my husband for his support.”
Actor Tsui Wing revealed the production team is planning a celebration dinner to mark the ratings milestone. Lam Sau-yi joked that the cast had been trying to schedule a gathering for over two years, but conflicting schedules repeatedly delayed it.
Lam’s performance also drew praise from co-stars. Chan and Tsui Wing encouraged her to take on more roles, saying she delivered outstanding work.
Tsui Wing recalled a moment of on-set intensity when he became so immersed in a scene that he hit his head on a table corner, leaving a lump that has not yet subsided. “A scar on a man is no big deal,” he said with a shrug.
Emotional Toll and Growing Friendships
Moon Lau and Ho Pui-ka described their respective episodes as “very heavy,” but noted their on-set camaraderie helped them cope. Lau admitted she has been pressing Ho for updates about Ho’s participation in the dating show “Matchmaking Project 2.”
“A mature, sporty man would suit Pui-ka best,” Lau said. “Making bad puns won’t make her laugh easily.”
Ho agreed, calling herself highly independent and saying she is “extremely afraid of a partner who becomes clingy.”
Related Legal and Personal Fallout
In a separate development, cast member Roxanne Tam has filed a bankruptcy petition against fellow actress Lu Jingjing. Tam, speaking with a trembling voice, acknowledged lending money to Lu and losing the friendship as a result.
“You really have to think twice,” Tam said, offering no further details on the financial dispute.
Broader Implications for Hong Kong Television
The ratings success of “Guilty by Default” reflects a resurgent interest in local TVB productions, which have faced stiff competition from streaming platforms in recent years. Anthology series with rotating casts and high-stakes emotional arcs appear to be resonating with audiences seeking both escapism and genuine acting.
As the cast prepares for a potential celebration dinner, industry observers will watch whether the momentum continues for subsequent episodes. For now, the actors are savoring the validation of hard work—and the unpredictable bonds forged during long shooting days.
