The main cast of the popular crime drama, Viewers’ Verdict (literal translation, or an established English title if one exists), gathered today, February 15th, to promote the series finale week, marking the successful conclusion of lead actor Joe Ma’s final production before his departure from the network. Actors Ma Tak Chung (Joe Ma), Alice Chan Wai, Hera Chan Hiu-wah, Winki Lai Wai-ling, Arnold Ng Wai-ho, Danny Cheung Chi-hou, and Harriet Tsang Yuen-ting attended the celebratory event, engaging in lighthearted games, including Chinese calligraphy contests, and performing the show’s theme song to fanfare as the drama heads into its highly anticipated conclusion.
High Praise Follows Series Finale Buzz
Joe Ma expressed significant gratitude for the overwhelmingly positive viewer response to the series. Achieving strong results with his last broadcast work under his previous management has been a rewarding experience, he noted, promising that the final week’s episodes will feature even more dramatic plot twists. Alice Chan, who plays a key role opposite Ma, lauded their natural working chemistry, recalling a playful promise made during promotion—that she would wear a revealing swimsuit and participate in a dramatic “flogging the king” scene if ratings performed well. While that promise remains unfulfilled for now, Ma suggested that Chan would instead save the dramatic gesture for his upcoming concert in Guangzhou, to which Chan humorously replied, “The best is yet to come.”
The pair dismissed concerns about fewer future collaborations due to Ma’s change in work status. “Not at all, we can always sing together!” Ma affirmed, highlighting their “seamless collaboration” despite different contractual paths. Ma confirmed his Guangzhou concert has been rescheduled to April to better accommodate Chan’s availability as a special guest.
Addressing online comments regarding ticket prices—which range from 188 to 488 RMB—Ma defended the cost. “Are you serious? My tickets are very affordable and accessible,” he remarked, noting the VIP package even includes a photo opportunity, though he reiterated the “flogging” scene would not be staged there. Ma confirmed the show will feature a mix of musical styles, joking that the heavy lifting regarding dance routines will fall to Chan.
Dual Career Strategy and Domestic Success
Ma’s recent career transition has coincided with significant success on the mainland. His Chinese drama, Goddess Blindfolded, co-starring Isabella Leong and Venice Film Festival winner Xin Zhilei, garnered widespread acclaim, leading to increased follower counts on his mainland social media platforms. When asked if he noticed the boost, Ma remained modest. “I haven’t been checking fan numbers, but I have seen the comments, and I thank everyone for their support.”
Regarding his future work balance, Ma stated that he has always maintained projects on both sides of the border. “Of course, making dramas with my familiar partners here [in Hong Kong] is a different kind of joy.”
Co-star Winki Lai emphasized that there were no feelings of sadness regarding Ma’s departure. “We will always cross paths in the industry,” she stated. Lai also confirmed she and Hera Chan are planning to gather to watch the finale together, confirming the final week will feature a major escalation in the storyline. Chan, who plays a character involved in a disturbing incident, addressed a preview clip showing her character being violated by a foreign actor. She clarified the scene specifically involved her clothing being displaced. “That was the first time in my acting career I had a scene where my top was pulled open. It was a challenging scene, but I remained calm because my character was unconscious. I had my eyes closed and only realized what happened when the scene finished.”
Rumours of Other Departures Debunked
Lai also quashed speculation that fellow “SIXTERS” member Sisley Choi had altered her social media management in preparation for leaving the network. “I saw her just a few days ago for a belated birthday dinner,” Lai explained. “She is in great spirits. It seems to be a misunderstanding stemming from a page redesign.”
Meanwhile, Harriet Tsang, whose performance in Viewers’ Verdict earned significant praise from online audiences, admitted she feared the series would be her “farewell piece” due to negative fan reactions. Tsang expressed relief and joy that her character was well-received, noting her seven-year career milestone and her continuing aspiration to become a respected actress.
