Wars of In Laws 2

The term break came and went and the only note-worthy thing that I did was: complete the series of War of In Laws 2 on Crunchyroll & Youtube.

Well...it was meant to be a comedy so I should cut the scriptwriter some slack. However I'm really dissatisfied with some parts of the story and I have to say it out.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead!


1. Kyle & Man

I don't understand why Man (Myolie Wu) would so readily forgave Kyle (Bosco Wong). Considering what she said to Kyle when he bought her supper (something about Kyle being indecisive and unable to provide with sense of security,etc), I didn't expect her to look up Kyle immediately after knowing that he broke up with Athena.

Doesn't really make sense because what she said at the office still hold true. Somemore Kyle lied to her so many times. Kinda expected Kyle to do something dramatic to 感动 Man but wouldn't it be better if he was around when Man had to bear the responsibility for the collapse of Elva? I just don't get it here.

2. O-jie's scheme

From what I gathered, it was O-jie who instructed Coco to go to Athena. Hence copying Eugene's clothes was definitely her idea as well. O-jie showed her Machiavellian streak here; she knew that this action would crush her dau-in-law but she did it anyway to prevent Elva from being sold to Loretta. Elva's reputation was damaged because of the incident. Yet Man and co. saw her as the heroine. WEIRD...

3. O-jie's change

She always been against her son's interest in investing but at the end she let Fan to invest all her assets. Quite an irony and dramatic change here. Not exactly a good role model because impressionable viewers could think that there were really finance geniuses around.

Ok... I should relax right... This is just a drama anyway. Although it's not exactly satisfying, some parts are really funny and there are parts which are quite sweet. The 无间道-esque twist towards the end is kinda unexpected for me; although I knew the good would triumph, only HK dramas can come up with such storyline.

The on-screen chemistry made Bosco and Myolie really cute couple. Wonder how true are all the reports about they two dating. If they are really a couple, hopefully their relationship can withstand the pressure of paparazzi.

Nationalism & Patriotism

During one of my Rise & Fall of Great Powers meeting, the topic of nationalism and patriotism came up.

My project mate Jeremy asked me what I felt about nationalism. Well I think that nationalism is often (mis)used by politicians to divert the attention on a country's domestic problems. However nationalism is not an absolute evil; at least it helps to foster patriotism.

Compared to other countries, Singapore seems to have a problem with patriotism among its citizens. A recent study shows that many Singaporeans neither know the meaning behind the national flag nor how to recite the national pledge. So much so for all the national education.

I've seen extreme cases; Singapore is like Hell to them and they can't wait to leave. Sounds like biting the hand which feed them. Frankly speaking, most of the foreigners whom I met so far are all much more patriotic. Even the Malaysian Chinese, despite the discrimination, do love their country.

My Thai teacher did not give up her Thai citizenship despite staying decades here; most of the Indians (even those who become naturalized) would tell you that India is the greatest country in the world. Similarly the Chinese national said the same thing.

So what went wrong? I don't know. Singaporeans based overseas seem to be more patriotic. Absence makes the heart fonder indeed.