Watch No Good Either Way
- 1950
- 1 Season
No Good Either Way is a captivating 21-episode drama series broadcasted by Hong Kong's TVB network in 2012. This riveting and thought-provoking show features a dynamic ensemble cast, led by the talented Ruco Chan and celebrated actors including Kristal Tin, Louis Yuen, Stephen Huynh, Natalie Tong, and Kiki Sheung.
This alluring series broadly paints a picture of the riveting dynamics within the typical Hong Kong business world, elucidating the Byzantine complexities and underlying tensions embedded within the corporate structure while outlining the indomitable spirit and determination of the main characters. Significantly, the show revolves around two childhood friends and their strife, embodied in the characters of Ruco Chan who plays Alex and Stephen Huynh who plays Steve, who find themselves in opposing camps of a corporate feud.
Ruco Chan's character, Alex, is an attention-grabbing focal point of the series. His character, witty and ambitious, starts as an ordinary employee of a large corporation named LT Corporation and is designated under the leadership of a ruthless boss. However, his good performance at work allows him a meteoric rise within the company, even though his relationships with colleagues suffer due to internal politics and cutthroat corporate competition.
Steve, played by Stephen Huynh, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, acting as a rival to Alex and intensifying the drama's allure and unpredictability. Although he originally hails from a more financially secure background, his difficulty in securing stable and satisfying employment fosters continuous tension which contributes significantly to the drama's story arc.
Kristal Tin, playing Zoe, contributes to the conflicted emotions and rivalries in the series. Zoe is Alex's girlfriend who finds herself caught in the shadowy underbelly of the corporate ladder and must deal with her mixed emotions for Alex, juxtaposing her romantic relationships with her professional life. Natalie Tong, playing Joyce, is Alex's close colleague in the company, adding another significant dimension to the relationships and interest in the drama.
The series also gives a glimpse into the corporate world's moral dilemmas, ethical questions, and the price one has to pay for success. It highlights the characters' conflicts between their personal principles and the surrounding pressure of competition and corporate politics, symbolizing the eternal battle between good and evil.
Despite its focus on the corporate world, No Good Either Way doesn't confine itself to office politics. It also sketches out an engaging and layered portrayal of the personal lives of each character— their relationships, family dynamics, and personal quests. It deftly balances the dichotomy of the protagonist's lives at work and home.
The tension, highs and lows, and ethical dilemmas experienced by characters in the series offer not just entertainment but also food for thought. The storyline showcases the consequences of superficial judgments, the worthiness of absolute honesty, and the true meaning of success, imparting several crucial life lessons.
Complemented by expert direction and a compelling script, the stellar cast delivers outstanding performances, from the leads to the supporting characters. Their solid acting skills beautifully personify the ordinary yet unique characters they portray, making them captivating, believable, and easy to relate to.
The show's production quality also deserves a special mention. The cinematography complements the series' tone, with its polished visuals that realistically capture the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong's corporate world. Meanwhile, the compelling original score adds another layer of emotion to storyline.
Presenting an engrossing mix of drama, romance, thrills, and life dilemmas, No Good Either Way is a must-watch for fans of Hong Kong television and those fascinated with the dynamics of the corporate world. In conclusion, the series offers an honest portrayal of office politics, personal relationships, and the struggle between ethics and ambition, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.