HONG KONG — Two of TVB’s most recognized stars, Joe Ma Tak-chung and Alice Chan Wai, leveraged a high-profile industry gathering on Monday to spotlight their upcoming collaboration, the legal thriller The Oddball Prosecutor. The pair attended the annual TVB Staff and Artistes Spring Poon Choi Banquet and used the platform to generate excitement for the series, which is slated to premiere on January 19.
Ma, who plays the titular prosecutor, expressed palpable relief that the drama, filmed more than two years ago, is finally scheduled for broadcast. He likened the delay to an agonizing wait in a strategic game, joking that the show was “on the brink” of airing before finally making its debut. The actor described The Oddball Prosecutor as a distinctive series centered on a string of unusual criminal cases. Both Ma and Chan portray former romantic partners—a prosecuting attorney and a defense lawyer, respectively—who constantly clash professionally. Ma noted that even during filming, the cast felt strongly that the show had significant potential to resonate with audiences.
Chan, assuming the role of the seasoned defense counsel, echoed Ma’s confidence, asserting that legal dramas focused on peculiar and intriguing crimes historically achieve high viewership ratings. Addressing the timing of the premiere in early January, both actors dismissed concerns that the show might be overlooked during the annual year-end awards season. Instead, they framed their promotional efforts at the banquet as strategic campaigning. In a lighthearted boast, Ma claimed pre-emptive victory, stating, “This drama should be the highest-rated program of the year so far—without competition, we win the first spot! We’ll worry about the awards later.”
Industry Figures Address Management Transition
The pair also offered brief insights regarding the recent resignation of Eric Tsang Chi-wai as General Manager of TVB. Chan disclosed that she had heard rumors regarding the transition and was therefore not entirely surprised by the news. She expressed gratitude that Tsang will remain affiliated with the network in an advisory capacity.
“He is a senior figure in the industry,” Chan stated. “If anyone has an issue, they know they can go to him for advice.”
Ma maintained a respectful distance, jokingly stating he wouldn’t presume to invite Tsang for a round of golf, acknowledging the former general manager’s extensive network and demanding schedule. However, he expressed pleasure when encountering Tsang at industry events. With speculation growing about Tsang’s potential return to filmmaking, Ma voiced hope that the veteran entertainer would utilize his considerable experience to provide support for his contemporaries in the broader entertainment sector.
The appearance at the Poon Choi banquet serves as an auspicious launch for The Oddball Prosecutor, positioning it as a highly anticipated entry in TVB’s 2026 programming slate and demonstrating the actors’ proactive approach to promoting their work well ahead of the premiere date.
