HONG KONG – TVB’s new drama Game of Couples delivered a mix of tense rivalry and laugh-out-loud moments in its latest episode, with actor Kenneth Ma emerging as the standout performer thanks to his commanding “death stare” technique across two pivotal scenes.
The Wednesday night broadcast featured actors Samantha Ko, Kenneth Ma, and Matthew Ho in a story centered on romantic and professional competition. The show has quickly captured audience attention for its balance of sharp dialogue and physical comedy.
In the first highlight scene, Ho’s character Ryan launches an all-out campaign to win Ko’s character Senna away from Ma’s character Aiden. Ryan, a chef, delivers homemade desserts to Senna’s office as a show of dominance, then takes the rivalry further by inserting himself as a “third wheel” during a dinner between Aiden and Senna. He engages Senna in animated conversation about high school memories, leaving Ma’s character visibly excluded.
The turning point comes when Senna raises a toast to thank Aiden for his past support. Savoring the moment, Ma’s character sips his wine and shoots a bold, challenging glare at Ho’s character—a look that Ho’s character defiantly returns. The scene blends tension with entertainment, showcasing a classic love triangle dynamic.
The second signature moment features Rosita Kwok and Jonathan Cheung explaining to colleagues why Ma’s character targets them. In their narrated flashback, Ma delivers two distinct expressions: a piercing glare that follows his targets everywhere and a dismissive look that treats them as invisible. These comedic beats are amplified by Kwok and Cheung’s exaggerated reactions and a lighthearted soundtrack. In a particularly cartoonish fantasy sequence, Cheung imagines punching Ma’s character, who responds with a wide-eyed, open-mouthed expression of shock.
Behind-the-scenes footage released by TVB reveals Ma’s comedic timing extends beyond the script. The actor appears to have an ongoing struggle with elevators. During one take, Ma failed to notice the elevator door had not yet opened and walked straight into it, prompting crew members to joke that his cool demeanor lasted “only three seconds.” Ma laughed off the mishap.
In another scene featuring actor Ben Wong, the elevator door refused to open on cue, leaving Ma waiting inside. He kept the crew entertained with improvised commentary, quipping, “He’s gone! Goodbye, big brother! He left—there’s no scene to act anymore!”
A domestic chore scene also drew attention. Ma demonstrated surprisingly skilled mopping technique while cleaning. Asked about his real-life habits, he confessed: “I rarely did housework growing up. I was the type who just ate without lifting a finger.” He noted that it wasn’t until he studied abroad and lived with his mother and two sisters that he began sharing tasks like mowing the lawn and shoveling snow. “I started taking on family chores only as I grew older,” he added.
Game of Couples continues to air weeknights on TVB Jade, blending workplace intrigue with domestic comedy. Industry observers note the drama’s success in leveraging veteran actors’ comedic strengths while introducing fresh dynamics. With escalating plotlines and strong viewer engagement, the series is positioned as a contender for TVB’s year-end awards.
