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Under The Canopy of Love (20 Episodes)

* Reviewed by TVB Square

Main Characters
Kevin Cheung, Niki Chow, Bosco Wong, Natalie Tong, Claire Yiu, Angela Tong

What, when, where and who
A love story, involving a Prince Charming, a lucky Princess and a Guardian Angel. Under the canopy of the mall, two childhood friends, Niki Chow and Kevin Cheung reunited. Their love story began. At the same time, they met their best friend Bosco Wong, who is very loyal and devoted to friends. Together, the three of them creating one simple story, in the city, within the mall, under the canopy...

More Information
(1) Episode Summaries
(2) Funny Moments/Romantic Moments *Spoilers*
(3) Character Intros

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THE FACTORS
- Love Factor
Bosco Wong
Bosco plays a very funny character, who is devoted to his friends and family. He has a simple mind, and he is willing to sacrifice anything in order to make the others happy. Without him, the entire series will be empty. With him, I was able to finish all 20 episodes of the series, even though the storyline was boring. Bosco also delivers one of his best performances, especially in episode 20, if you want to skip the series, do not skip episode 20, Bosco's crying scenes will break your heart entirely.

Kevin Cheung's Narrating
I can't say I agree with every single point of view from Kevin. However, he talked lots of real world situations, such as the differences between rich and poor, the relationships between friends and coworkers, the complicated work environment, etc. Lots of these issues are the ones we face in our everyday life. It's very interesting to hear the narrating parts, which is kind of unique.

- You Decide Factor
A Typical Love Story
I don't know if I want to put this factor as a love factor or a dislike factor, it's up to you to decide:

The entire story is a love story. From the beginning to the end, you can say, it's one single love story. This love story contains all the elements, which can make you keep watching the series or regret watching the series. This elements include: The childhood story, the tarot cards, the reunion, the violin, the wishing stars, the third factors, the change of social status, the argument, the break up, the CD, the make up, the selfishness, the sacrifice, and finally the canopy.

- Dislike Factor
Claire Yiu
For some strange reason, I just don't like her, especially when she is playing a "high-class" role. In this series, I hate her, just because of one single lie, she told Bosco that Kevin was dating her. That was a horrible lie. I will never forgive her for that.

Niki's big sister
DO NOT listen to whatever she says about love. Don't believe in her, don't pay attention to any of her "strategies". The thing I dislike her the most was when she wants to "hunt" a guy with lots of money, even though she already got a boyfriend. I can never understand how her boyfriend forgave her.

Rumors, rumors, the speed of spreading rumors
From the beginning to the end, you will see a group of girls who love to spread rumors. At first, I thought it's funny to see how fast they spread the rumors, and how stupid the rumors can be. However, after a while, I got tired of the way the girls are spreading rumors.

- How Come Factor
Natalie Tong and her unborn child
Natalie's character is very cute, very innocent young girl, who had a good chemistry with Charles Szeto. He is also the innocent, young type. I can NEVER understand why Natalie had to get pregnant? That TOTALLY destroys the innocent images of both Natalie and Charles. OK, maybe I am the traditional kind, but this whole pregnant before marriage thing is driving me nuts. Is TVB promoting this or what?!?! How come lots of TVB series will feature an unborn child before you see an actual wedding ceremony?

- Chemistry Factor
Kevin & Niki
I am a BIG fan of their chemistry in "Hard Fate", so I am not going to support their chemistry "under the canopy". Number one reason: it's kind of boring. Number two reason: it's forgettable. Number three reason: it's just a typical relationship, with a short reunion, a predictable memory, an unreasonable break up and a quick make up. The thing I hate the most about their chemistry is that: they hurt poor Bosco. After Niki read the heart-broken letter from Bosco, she just ran off, not looking for Bosco, but looking for Kevin. What kind of relationship is this? I was totally lost when I saw Niki and Kevin back together.

Bosco & Niki
100% match-able, however, Niki only loves Kevin. It's a pity that Bosco can never win Niki's heart. However, I enjoyed watching Bosco and Niki together much more. Bosco was willing to die for her, even Kevin said, Bosco will not able to live without Niki. However, poor Bosco has his strong instinct. He sacrificed so much, mentally, physically, emotionally. It's sad that we will never know who is going to fix Bosco's broken heart...

Kevin & Bosco
"Big Brother!", that is what Bosco likes to call Kevin. As the big brother, Kevin never wants to hurt Bosco, you know that because Kevin gave up the swiming contest, he was willing to give up Niki. As for Bosco, he is devoted to Kevin, he worries about Kevin's career, he worries about Kevin and Niki's relationship, he never wants to hurt Kevin either, that's why he allowed himself to be selfish but also withdraw from the wedding to make Kevin and Niki happily ever after...

THE COMMENTS
- The Performances
Without a doubt, Bosco gets the BEST ACTOR award for this series. You get to see his funny and heart-broken side. Episode 20 is a must see for everyone, especially the hospital scene. One of scene you will not forget easily. Niki still needs to improve even though she already got the Most Improved award, I just don't like the way she yells. Kevin was pretty good, but his role was too simple.

- The Story
If you only watched the first 4-5 episodes, adding the last 4-5 episodes, you will get the most of the story. There are dragging parts, or delete-able parts. However, some of you might like those, because the entire story taught us a lot about relationships and family.

- Worth Watching?
If you want to watch this series just for Bosco, this is the series for you. If you are expecting a great romantic series, you might enjoy it as well. For me, the storyline wasn't too special, but it was still worth watching.