Skip Beat! Episode 1

Title: 華麗的挑戰 (Skip Beat!/ Hua Li De Tiao Zhan)
Aired: December 18th, 2011 - April 1st, 2012 (FTV, GTV)

Reason for watching this drama: Okay, it was accidental. I avoided this drama everytime I saw it in the shop. Because I just don't relish the fact that they had to dub the guys' voices. Of course, this happens all the time for Mainland China dramas, which is why I watch so little of those. But I was so taken by the characters when I watched part of the first episode on TV, that I though I'd just take the dubbing as one of the necessary evils.


Reason for continuing to watch this drama: Did I just say I love the characters? Ivy Chen really nailed Kyoko for me, for now. I've never watched any of her other dramas, at least I can't remember having done so. And really, after the first few episodes, you tend to forget that Lien is Siwon and Shang is Donghae. And it is a Doze Niu production. 


Episode 1:

What if you came into this world with baggage, an antique chest which within is the darkest element of the human mind - our little demons, or grudges? If these were ever released, you will reveal your dark, mean face to the world. In order to keep the what is pure safe, the chest is secured with many, many locks so as to keep those grudges inside.


A baby is delivered by the stork, slowly we see her growing up and turning into a young girl, bend down, now scrubbing the floor of a fast food joint. She overhears two customers, one boasting of her CD purchase, Bu Puo Shang's latest album. All of the sudden, she's there in front of them, congratulating her on her wise choice, and enthusiastically encourages the other girl to get her own copy.

Before things get out of hand, Gongxi gets called away, told that her shift's over, so she goes to her next job. Stumbling into the locker room, falling into another colleague, pants half down, you can see she's in a rush. But she pauses when again she eavesdrops on a conversation. Her colleague is asking another if she caught a music variety show the night before, Bu Puo Shang was in it. Her friend comments that she didn't know she liked BPS, wasn't she a Dun He Lien fan? But, hey, BPS sings so well. Then she shows off the two super huge posters that came with her two CD purchases. Gongxi is stunned! She did not get any, when she bought two as well.

All is forgotten as she rushes to claim her poster. She practically intimidates the shop people, who have no choice but to send her away with a life-sized cut out.

She arrives at the next workplace, a Japanese style restaurant, an izakaya. They start discussing her lack of grooming, as the okami-san says she spend too much money and time on her expensive flat, whom she never invites anyone over to see. Her colleague, Wanzi wonders if she's hiding something, maybe a man.

On the way home, she's looking at a window display, promoting cosmetics, sighing over the beautiful girl, even imagining she's in her place. Telling herself not to think about this sort of things, she nods to the cut-out - I've got you, that's enough, right? She arrives at the apartment building and notices the light's on. Someone's home!

Bu Puo Shang's sitting on the sofa, seemingly waiting for her. Has he eaten? Yes, it's already after ten, he says. Forget it, and goes into the room. Shang starts packing, while Gongxi happily tries to engage him in a conversation. He's replies her coldly when she asks about his work. Now it's obvious that somethings bothering him. Gongxi decides that she will need to take drastic measures, and rushes out the flat.


She thinks back on how he seemed happier when they first moved to Taipei, but perhaps he  is unhappy now because he does not like to be controlled. After all, the reason why he left home was because of that. 

Turns out that they grew up together because Gongxi's mother left her with the Shang family quite often. Shang's family ran a luxury onsen/ryokan. Since he's the only son, he was set to inherit the place. 

We flashback to her arriving home to a major fight, Shang is fighting with 'Old' Shang, his father who wants him to give up his childish dreams and take up the responsibility of the family business. But he refuses, stating that it will be a lifetime of boredom. His father slaps him and he leaves. Gongxi tagging along hears him mutter that he will never bow down to a life that's been decided for him, especially to marry someone so plain and boring as that. Oh, are you getting married, Shang? He doesn't answer but instead asks her to runaway with him, to Taipei. She's elated. Arriving in Taipei, she has to work 3 jobs to pay for their lifestyle, but she doesn't really mind. As long as he's happy, she's willing to put him first in everything, not minding being kept behind, forgotten.

We return to the present and she gone shopping for sweets? Fruits? Strawberry Pudding? By the time she gets back, Shang is ready to leave. But she stops him in his tracks, with a shake of the sweets box.

Turns out that our singer-songwriter has a sweet tooth, he loves all things strawberry (a weakness he hasn't been able to indulge in since he now wants to maintain his 'cool' image). Especially  mini strawberry puddings, which he has a special way of eating, five at a time. While he eats, Gongxi tells him about her colleague who has 'dumped' Dun He Lien for him. He's happy again, reminding her not to tell anyone about his weakness. 

The TV is left on the whole time, and the presenter now starts to introduce the man that is to be named 'The Man Whom Every Woman Wants to Hug'. It's Dun He Lien, who enters the screen. Shang starts throwing a fit! Gongxi tries to calm him down by saying all sorts of bad things about Lien, but he takes offense when she says he will be even more popular in time. He wants to be even bigger than Dun He Lien, now! He storms out in anger. Gongxi vents her frustration by throwing cake at the TV. At the same time, Lien is answering the interviewer's questions to his ideal mate, the type who's gentle and caring, and intelligent.

Lien's left the life show recording with his manager Mr Du. Gentle and caring, that's such a standard answer, his manager comments. Well, you know, they always asks such uninteresting questions on these programs. They are interrupted by a man, Nangua who gushes about how his entire family are Mr Lien's fans. He's here for an autograph for his daughter. Then another man bursts into the scene, scolding Nangua for leaving his show for this. Lien smiles sweetly, but says that this is so unprofessional of the renowned TV host to leave his work. Still, as it is not his daughter's fault, he signs the photo and bows to leave.

Mr Du is a little shocked and admonishes Lien for purposely antagonising Nangua, they may get blackballed. He understands that Lien sees his work as the most important, unlike other people.

Lien: Did I antagonise him on purpose?
Mr Du: Errr..., not really ...
Lien: Fine, I admit that I spoke a little too much. I'll improve next time.
Mr Du: (a little ..?)


Gongxi is making a call but gets into voice-mail. She's worried that Shang is angry so decides to visit him at a studio recording at the TV station, bearing sweets. She has a hard time getting in, but does eventually.

Shang's have a tantrum, unhappy to how the producers want him to do things differently. His manager pacifies him, then changes the subject, asking if he visting his Happy New Year yesterday. What's that he says, amused. Oh, Gongxi Gongxi (a pun on her name). They discuss his relationship with Gongxi, which Shang brushes off saying that he doesn't really like her. 
Shang: Don't worry. I'm not returning to 'Happy New Year''s place anymore. Living with her is so boring.

Manager: How can you say that? Didn't she earn money to take care of you when you first came to Taipei?

Shang: I had no choice. From young, I only knew how to make music.  I didn't know how to take care of myself, not even do chores. I had to bring her along to do all those other stuff. 

Manager: So you've been treating her like a maid.

Shang: She volunteered. It's been like that since we were kids, no one forced her. Gongxi has been following me around, helping me do this and that. She's willing, so I accepted and got used to it.


So now that he doesn't need her, shouldn't he let her go? It's rather mean of him to keep her working so hard. Shang flirts with her more, saying that she should take care if him instead. Gongxi who has overheard most of the discussion, finally looks in to this:

Well, since the company has given him a hostel, does he still need a maid. He agrees that only Gongxi is fit for that, he would not want his manager to do such menial work. Luckily, he left home, or else he would have had to marry Gongxi. She's his type, not Gongxi who doesn't even know how to dress up, someone who has zero attraction to him.


A box lands on his back. They turn around and finally notice her.
Shang: What are you doing?
Gongxi:So, I'm that plain, boring bumpkin. You brought me along because it would be more convenient for you? Someone to wash your clothes and cook. Taking on 3 jobs to afford your luxury apartment, while you needn't do anything, just concentrate on pursuing your dreams.

She starts crying, and he tells her to leave. Gongxi finally breaks, laughing like she's gone mad. Her grudges are released!

Gongxi: I treat you as my one and only. I was willing to do anything for you. Never thinking that you'll be so selfish,deliberately ruining my life. I want revenge!
Shang: Revenge? How do you plan do that?
Gongxi: I want to send you into hell. I want ...


Security arrives and grabs her. Shang's final words were: See, you can't even touch me. In the future, I'll climb higher and higher, so much that the distance between us will become wider and wider. We'll be in two different worlds. You want revenge? Unless ....
Gongxi: Unless ...
Shang: Unless you join the entertainment industry, then you may have a slim chance for revenge.


But, he says that's not possible for someone who looks like Gongxi. She's dragged away, kicking and screaming revenge! Yes, she'll join the entertainment industry and crush him!


When she's back at the apartment, she starts tearing down posters and memorabilia. She stops at breaking a CD, thinking of how excited they were when it was newly released, but then he starts being cold later on. Her anger takes over and she finally tears through, breaking the CD. She remembers his words, and swears that she'll definitely join the entertainment industry!

She's out shopping next, nothing like a little shopping therapy. Then she heads for the hairdressers for a special haircut! 


We're now at the izakaya, everyone looking rather serious. Wanzi wonders why, could it be the hair? Okami-san says Gongxi wants to quit to join the entertainment industry, so the Taisho's unhappy. It turns out that she is only planning to do so, and has nothing concrete.The Taisho offers her the attic to room, and insists she works there until further notice. Wanzi discuss her plans, and has a suggestion.


Meanwhile, Mr Du wants Lien to speak to the director as he predicts that Nangua's manager will complain about them. But before he can call, the director calls.

 The girls are out at Ximenting, trying to get scouted. Gongxi looks really OTT in her outfit. After several hours, she's tired but gets fired up when she reads about Shang entering university. They nearly get themselves into more trouble, as a man tries to pick them up. 


Gongxi then has an idea to head directly to one of the agencies, just like Shang used to send his demos. She'll join LME, one of the largest entertainment agencies in the country, as part of her revenge - just you wait, Bu Puo Shang, no, not that - from now on, he's Shang Kayong (his real name). But first, she needs a new look.


Thoughts:
It seems that they could not get any male leads to confirm for this drama originally, although Ariel Lin had been said to be casted to play Kyoko. Ivy was only signed on after they casted the guys.
I'm surprised but I like Ivy's Kyoko. She has a small sweet voice which works, even though it needs getting used to. Now, I remember how I never cared much for Ariel's whine. For me, she has nailed Kyoko, down to the craziness of the character.This reminds me of Rainie in The Devil Beside Me. 
The first episode only covered the entire Act 1 of the manga, laying out the characters and plot so that we understand her need for revenge. Hence, we see a gentle but determined Gongxi, who is willing to go to extremes to please the people around her. Dun He Lien who dislikes people who do not respect or take their work seriously, especially acting - he looks like a nice guy, but with underlying steel. 
But, Bu Puo Shang somewhat fails to impress as a 'spoiled prince' - his family is well-to-do, so he has never done anything for himself, coupled together with Gongxi who follows him everywhere to pick up after him. I would have liked the character to be nastier when he's supposed to be cold or mean, especially the scene where he invites her to seek revenge - it lacks disdain. (I'm at this point still not very familiar with Super Junior, but I do get an impression that Siwon is a nice guy and Donghae is kind of softhearted? in real life. ) 
Being like most Taiwan drama, they'll keep closer to the original work, especially at the beginning, albeit making changes to fit into, say the actual setting which is Taiwan. The visual storytelling is so far superb, something which I enjoy. I think that this is one of the signature elements of Taiwan drama, which we could have been borrowed but tweaked to fit their own style. I loved the details like the two women in red, one all dressed up and the other in her uniform. The scene where she rides like mad for the poster, she passes even the tofu car in Initial D, so manga-style.
So far, Ivy Chen has gotten us into believing she's Gongxi, so much so I cringe when I see her with that awful hair. I want her to look pretty - damn it! Of the guys, not much exposure yet. Will they be only eye candy? Let's hope not. I leave you with this: