Hong Kong television viewers are set for a nostalgic trip back to the Warring States period as TVB confirms the highly anticipated re-airing of the classic 2001 historical sci-fi drama, A Step into the Past. The series, a groundbreaking adaptation of the novel by the late author Raymond Wong, is scheduled to begin its repeat run on Monday, February 17 (the Lunar New Year), airing on the Jade Channel at 11:55 p.m.
The broadcast schedule holds a special treat for fans: from Lunar New Year’s Day through the fourth day (February 20), two episodes will air back-to-back nightly. From February 23 (the seventh day of the new year), the broadcast reverts to a single-episode transmission weekly, Monday through Friday.
The news comes following a recent surge in public demand galvanized by the release of the long-awaited film adaptation. Starring Louis Koo, Jessica Hsuan, Raymond Lam, and an ensemble cast including Kong Wah and Sonija Kwok, the show originally garnered high ratings and critical acclaim upon its debut, cementing Koo’s status as a leading actor with his second major award win.
The Hero’s Journey to Antiquity
A Step into the Past centers on the extraordinary adventures of Hiu Siu-lung (Louis Koo), an elite special forces operative from the 21st century. Through a malfunctioning time-travel experiment, Hiu is inadvertently transported over two millennia back to ancient China amidst the chaos of the late Warring States period.
Leveraging his modern knowledge of science, tactics, and combat training, Hiu navigates the complex social and political landscape of the era. His journey involves key relationships with figures like the spirited warrior Shun Yau (Tavia Yeung) and the intellectual beauty Chun Ching (Sonija Kwok). Crucially, Hiu becomes deeply entangled in the fate of the fledgling Qin state. He famously arranges for the underprivileged young Zhao Pan (Raymond Lam) to replace the recently deceased Prince Ying Zheng, inadvertently setting in motion the complex sequence of historical events that define the unification of China.
Debating the Warring States’ Greatest Fighters
Beyond the intricate political maneuvering and romantic subplots, the series is celebrated for its thrilling martial arts choreography. The announcement of the re-broadcast has reignited online discussions among netizens eager to rank the show’s most formidable combatants.
Based on recurring fan analyses, several characters stand out for their exceptional skills, demonstrating a blend of ancient mastery and modern ingenuity.
Hiu Siu-lung (Louis Koo) is often cited as the top fighter. His background in diverse modern fighting systems, including kickboxing and judo, combined with his later mastery of the ancient Mohist Sword Technique, makes him a versatile and cunning opponent. His “protagonist halo” often sees him triumph against overwhelming odds, eventually leading to his involvement in the defeat of the near-invincible “Sword Saint,” Cho Chow-to (Lau Kar-fai). Cho, the dual-identity leader of an assassin guild, was formidable in one-on-one combat but was ultimately undone by treachery and teamwork.
Other key figures in the martial hierarchy include:
- Lien Chun (Kong Wah): A character defined by ambition and treachery, Lien loses his initial title as the top swordsman of Zhao to Hiu. He later secures the deadly Left-Handed Sword Technique from the reclusive master Lo Oi (Chan Wing-chun) through morally abhorrent means, showcasing ruthlessness over true honor.
- Wong Chin (Kwok Jing-hung): Initially Hiu’s rival, the eventual Grand General Wong Chin demonstrates immense battlefield prowess and strategic genius. He later repays Hiu’s earlier patronage by covertly allowing him and his family to escape when ordered to pursue them by the Emperor.
- Yuen Chung (Yuen Wah): The true grandmaster of the Mohist Sword Technique, Yuen Chung is perhaps the strongest pure swordsman, though his age and lineage ultimately lead to his demise by betrayal.
The re-airing provides fans both old and new a deep dive into the historical fiction landscape, offering a refreshing look at how one man’s modern mindset dramatically shaped the course of ancient Chinese history. This collective trip down memory lane highlights the enduring legacy of TVB’s inventive storytelling.
