Getting back to TVB groove... to watch my ship sink royally.
So TVB recently made a sequel to one of my all-time favourites, Triumph in the Skies. 10 years later. FINALLY.
But they decided to kill off the female to my favourite pairing/ship even before the sequel started. I got so worked up about this one day I just decided to type out a huge post about them. The pairing just holds so much significance towards the way I judge other pairings and the enjoyment I got out of the series... and 2/3 way into Triumph in the Skies II, I still cannot empathize why they did what they did with Sam and Zoe.
So yeah, as a way of venting, I just wrote. I needed to remind myself why they were perfect and always will be.
The points are a little repetitive, so I apologize. HAHA.
Sam & Zoe is one of those pairing I used to not like talking about too much, even amongst Triumph in the Skies fans. People had very strong negative opinions about this pair even from the start, and I admit I wasn't one to jump on the idea as well. In the beginning, it was really through the process of elimination of what I wanted and didn't want to see. I didn't like Belle with Sam, nor did I really dig Belle with Vincent. The whole Issac & Donald thing with Zita was just bullshit. Then there was Zoe, who seemed to have a thing for Sam... and it seemed intriguing. How was this meddlesome little girl going to convince this mature emotionless bloke into even just looking at her? I mean, can they even be friends? How the hell are they even going to interact if they were together?
Francis Ng and Myolie Wu voiced some of these difficulties well too. I remember watching the behind-the-scenes video/interview of Triumph in the Skies with the cast. This one part with Francis & Myolie, they joked about how Sam might come off more as an uncle-figure than a lover, and it sounded certain they were somewhat anxious as well.
It's this anxiety of a potentially poor execution that seemed to drive the series' focus on these two. You can tell how much effort was put into verifying both Sam and Zoe truly was in love with each other. Knowing TVB, they could have easily made a half-ass attempt just simply slapping Sam and Zoe together, kept them together ambiguously in hindsight, then ask the audiences to just accept that they're a couple. But TVB actually went the extra mile to have Sam verify that he truly did not like Belle (through Vincent's death in ep30 which acted as a catalyst to Belle realizing she loved Vincent and Belle/Sam's kiss scene in Rome, ep35), and Zoe verifying the only man she could not live without was Sam (the most obvious scene being that false bomb threat around ep38 & 39).
Beyond the effort and exposure, the smooth gradual transition from mere strangers to lovers is something I applaud this series for. Like I said before, TVB could have easily made Sam and Zoe happen with a snap of a finger - but they didn't. Everything that happened between them was in my mind, very believeable. This is how I personally see this relationship: Sam started off the series infatuated with Belle, and quite clearly so when he met Belle again as his best friend's girlfriend. He needed to move on, even though he heart ached... and out came a girl who seems to idolize Sam, but at the same time, seems like she wanted something more. It is the perfect set up, and TVB did not push the romance. Instead, they carefully placed Zoe more and more into Sam's life - and they began to slowly dance around each other. Zoe became more attracted to Sam, and Sam did not oppose to her being around. In fact, the idea of having Zoe around him was better than having his best friend's little sister (Coco), whom he likes as a sister, crushing on him. I believe the existence of Coco and her schoolgirl crush was Sam's first mini trigger for Zoe. While he still saw Zoe has a little girl physically, compared to Coco, Zoe was mentally more mature.
And then, Zoe takes advantage of Sam witnessing her illness relapse to be at her side. They spend more time together willingly. And the real dance begins. Zoe pulls back after she was well enough to walk, but at this point, Sam began to acknowledge her more. When they were at a standstill once again, Sam is told he cannot fly due to problems with his eye. Zoe repays Sam's kindness by wedging her way through his coldness to be with him, and to her surprise, he finally accepts her as a lover... or at least, something "more".
Of course, the dance continues. Sam needed to find out Zoe wasn't just another little girl who idolized him as a pilot, she truly loved him for who he was as a person. Zoe needed to dispell not only Sam's reluctance for her, but her own insecurities towards Belle and Sam's past. She also needed to come in terms of her illness relapsing, and the possibility of Sam being with her out of pity (vice versa when Sam's eyes prevented him from flying). All of this was executed so well. Not once did I get the feel that the relationship was rushed nor did I feel the relationship didn't make any sense.
Another reason Sam and Zoe worked so well was their personalities. They were opposites in many ways, but similar in just as many. Zoe was outgoing, happy-go-lucky, loving (borderlining meddlesome) and always wore her heart on her sleeve. Meanwhile, Sam was quiet, dull, traditional and seems heartless from his exterior. Zoe compliments Sam, and vice versa. Most importantly, it's Zoe's outgoing and approachable personality that allowed Sam to (forcefully) open up to her and allow her into his life, letting their relationship slowly blossom.
While it's not always obvious, Sam and Zoe share just as many similarity. Zoe is just as mature as Sam is childish. Zoe is sympathetic towards others, knows how to think for herself and is sensitive towards others despite her meddling. She never complains about her situation, and always holds a positive outlook in life. Sam on the other hand, has many childish instances during the course of 40 episodes - especially when he's with Zoe. For example, that time when they went to Ocean Park with Belle & Vincent. When he was scrutinized for his formal wear for aging him, he ended up wearing a pink t-shirt and ripped jeans. When Zoe got mad at him during the date, he acted more or less like a 6-year-old with candy! It was super adorable. :)
Another childish moment I really loved between Sam/Zoe happened when they were attempting to convince Cammy to return to Hong Kong. Zoe runs into the kitchen where Cammy was, exclaiming that Sam was making nonconstructive criticism on her artwork. Sam follows behind her pouting like a 6-year-old and tells Zoe she shouldn't be tattle-tailing on him with his mom.
In some ways, Sam might act more childish to patch up the age gap between him and Zoe, but I don't think that's the case at all. Sam has the same childish side when he's around his family as well. He pulls out more jokes and throws more weird expressions during his scenes with Issac, Cammy, and/or especially Philip. It leads me to believe that Sam isn't normally expressionless and strict; he does it out of necessity and professionalism. He only reveals his "warmer" side to people he's most comfortable with - people like his family. For Zoe to be able to easily interact and witness that side of Sam is something I think is unique, and what makes this couple so genuine and special.
Of course, we can't just talk about the success of this couple without talking about the actor and actress behind Sam & Zoe. If you ask me, this is definitely more about Sam & Zoe - not Francis & Myolie. I can't even begin to imagine shipping Francis & Myolie, tbqh lol, but it is still Francis & Myolie who brought Sam & Zoe to life. I can't imagine any other actor or actress who can take their place to bring out the Sam & Zoe they brought forth.
Another reason I just love Sam/Zoe so much is because I love both of these characters individually. Sam is one of the most complex and real characters I've ever seen in TVB series history. He's also extremely irresistible and attractive, even though he's not the most chipper or outgoing - but he can just mysteriously draw you in. Zoe on the other hand does start off annoying, but when you understand her background and what she's been through in life, you start to accept and appreciate why she does what she does. Even though she's physically weak, her mentality makes up for it. And as Sam puts it in one of the most recent episodes of Triumph in the Skies II (episode 26) - everything Zoe does starts off under good intentions, but sometimes she goes overboard and messes things up instead. Both Sam and Zoe draws you in just as much as they're drawn to each other, and that's what makes this pairing so magical for me.
And they just have SO MANY praise-worthy moments together. From the smallest details (like Sam leaning on Zoe's shoulder when he's listening to others around him talk, or the agony and pained look he sported when Zoe was on the verge of losing her life), to bigger scenes (like watching the sunrise, or their trip to Rome)... everything just hits straight home. I can't even begin to describe it, really. They just compliment each other so well with their weakness and strengths. I just love watching couples grow with each other and take on bits and pieces of each other's traits and qualities. And also attempt to be each other's pillar of strength.
It's really a shame TVB didn't let us see Sam & Zoe live happily ever after, because this is one of the very few on-screen couples where given the chance, they would actually live, happily ever after.
But now, at least Zoe can fulfill her task as Sam's guardian angel... as she always has and will be.
RIP, Zoe... :(
Most of this was typed around the time episode 15 was aired, so there's a lot of Sam/Zoe flashback points I didn't add. Besides, it's just too depressing to think about anyway......
But they decided to kill off the female to my favourite pairing/ship even before the sequel started. I got so worked up about this one day I just decided to type out a huge post about them. The pairing just holds so much significance towards the way I judge other pairings and the enjoyment I got out of the series... and 2/3 way into Triumph in the Skies II, I still cannot empathize why they did what they did with Sam and Zoe.
So yeah, as a way of venting, I just wrote. I needed to remind myself why they were perfect and always will be.
The points are a little repetitive, so I apologize. HAHA.
Sam & Zoe is one of those pairing I used to not like talking about too much, even amongst Triumph in the Skies fans. People had very strong negative opinions about this pair even from the start, and I admit I wasn't one to jump on the idea as well. In the beginning, it was really through the process of elimination of what I wanted and didn't want to see. I didn't like Belle with Sam, nor did I really dig Belle with Vincent. The whole Issac & Donald thing with Zita was just bullshit. Then there was Zoe, who seemed to have a thing for Sam... and it seemed intriguing. How was this meddlesome little girl going to convince this mature emotionless bloke into even just looking at her? I mean, can they even be friends? How the hell are they even going to interact if they were together?
Francis Ng and Myolie Wu voiced some of these difficulties well too. I remember watching the behind-the-scenes video/interview of Triumph in the Skies with the cast. This one part with Francis & Myolie, they joked about how Sam might come off more as an uncle-figure than a lover, and it sounded certain they were somewhat anxious as well.
It's this anxiety of a potentially poor execution that seemed to drive the series' focus on these two. You can tell how much effort was put into verifying both Sam and Zoe truly was in love with each other. Knowing TVB, they could have easily made a half-ass attempt just simply slapping Sam and Zoe together, kept them together ambiguously in hindsight, then ask the audiences to just accept that they're a couple. But TVB actually went the extra mile to have Sam verify that he truly did not like Belle (through Vincent's death in ep30 which acted as a catalyst to Belle realizing she loved Vincent and Belle/Sam's kiss scene in Rome, ep35), and Zoe verifying the only man she could not live without was Sam (the most obvious scene being that false bomb threat around ep38 & 39).
Beyond the effort and exposure, the smooth gradual transition from mere strangers to lovers is something I applaud this series for. Like I said before, TVB could have easily made Sam and Zoe happen with a snap of a finger - but they didn't. Everything that happened between them was in my mind, very believeable. This is how I personally see this relationship: Sam started off the series infatuated with Belle, and quite clearly so when he met Belle again as his best friend's girlfriend. He needed to move on, even though he heart ached... and out came a girl who seems to idolize Sam, but at the same time, seems like she wanted something more. It is the perfect set up, and TVB did not push the romance. Instead, they carefully placed Zoe more and more into Sam's life - and they began to slowly dance around each other. Zoe became more attracted to Sam, and Sam did not oppose to her being around. In fact, the idea of having Zoe around him was better than having his best friend's little sister (Coco), whom he likes as a sister, crushing on him. I believe the existence of Coco and her schoolgirl crush was Sam's first mini trigger for Zoe. While he still saw Zoe has a little girl physically, compared to Coco, Zoe was mentally more mature.
And then, Zoe takes advantage of Sam witnessing her illness relapse to be at her side. They spend more time together willingly. And the real dance begins. Zoe pulls back after she was well enough to walk, but at this point, Sam began to acknowledge her more. When they were at a standstill once again, Sam is told he cannot fly due to problems with his eye. Zoe repays Sam's kindness by wedging her way through his coldness to be with him, and to her surprise, he finally accepts her as a lover... or at least, something "more".
Of course, the dance continues. Sam needed to find out Zoe wasn't just another little girl who idolized him as a pilot, she truly loved him for who he was as a person. Zoe needed to dispell not only Sam's reluctance for her, but her own insecurities towards Belle and Sam's past. She also needed to come in terms of her illness relapsing, and the possibility of Sam being with her out of pity (vice versa when Sam's eyes prevented him from flying). All of this was executed so well. Not once did I get the feel that the relationship was rushed nor did I feel the relationship didn't make any sense.
Another reason Sam and Zoe worked so well was their personalities. They were opposites in many ways, but similar in just as many. Zoe was outgoing, happy-go-lucky, loving (borderlining meddlesome) and always wore her heart on her sleeve. Meanwhile, Sam was quiet, dull, traditional and seems heartless from his exterior. Zoe compliments Sam, and vice versa. Most importantly, it's Zoe's outgoing and approachable personality that allowed Sam to (forcefully) open up to her and allow her into his life, letting their relationship slowly blossom.
While it's not always obvious, Sam and Zoe share just as many similarity. Zoe is just as mature as Sam is childish. Zoe is sympathetic towards others, knows how to think for herself and is sensitive towards others despite her meddling. She never complains about her situation, and always holds a positive outlook in life. Sam on the other hand, has many childish instances during the course of 40 episodes - especially when he's with Zoe. For example, that time when they went to Ocean Park with Belle & Vincent. When he was scrutinized for his formal wear for aging him, he ended up wearing a pink t-shirt and ripped jeans. When Zoe got mad at him during the date, he acted more or less like a 6-year-old with candy! It was super adorable. :)
Another childish moment I really loved between Sam/Zoe happened when they were attempting to convince Cammy to return to Hong Kong. Zoe runs into the kitchen where Cammy was, exclaiming that Sam was making nonconstructive criticism on her artwork. Sam follows behind her pouting like a 6-year-old and tells Zoe she shouldn't be tattle-tailing on him with his mom.
In some ways, Sam might act more childish to patch up the age gap between him and Zoe, but I don't think that's the case at all. Sam has the same childish side when he's around his family as well. He pulls out more jokes and throws more weird expressions during his scenes with Issac, Cammy, and/or especially Philip. It leads me to believe that Sam isn't normally expressionless and strict; he does it out of necessity and professionalism. He only reveals his "warmer" side to people he's most comfortable with - people like his family. For Zoe to be able to easily interact and witness that side of Sam is something I think is unique, and what makes this couple so genuine and special.
Of course, we can't just talk about the success of this couple without talking about the actor and actress behind Sam & Zoe. If you ask me, this is definitely more about Sam & Zoe - not Francis & Myolie. I can't even begin to imagine shipping Francis & Myolie, tbqh lol, but it is still Francis & Myolie who brought Sam & Zoe to life. I can't imagine any other actor or actress who can take their place to bring out the Sam & Zoe they brought forth.
Another reason I just love Sam/Zoe so much is because I love both of these characters individually. Sam is one of the most complex and real characters I've ever seen in TVB series history. He's also extremely irresistible and attractive, even though he's not the most chipper or outgoing - but he can just mysteriously draw you in. Zoe on the other hand does start off annoying, but when you understand her background and what she's been through in life, you start to accept and appreciate why she does what she does. Even though she's physically weak, her mentality makes up for it. And as Sam puts it in one of the most recent episodes of Triumph in the Skies II (episode 26) - everything Zoe does starts off under good intentions, but sometimes she goes overboard and messes things up instead. Both Sam and Zoe draws you in just as much as they're drawn to each other, and that's what makes this pairing so magical for me.
And they just have SO MANY praise-worthy moments together. From the smallest details (like Sam leaning on Zoe's shoulder when he's listening to others around him talk, or the agony and pained look he sported when Zoe was on the verge of losing her life), to bigger scenes (like watching the sunrise, or their trip to Rome)... everything just hits straight home. I can't even begin to describe it, really. They just compliment each other so well with their weakness and strengths. I just love watching couples grow with each other and take on bits and pieces of each other's traits and qualities. And also attempt to be each other's pillar of strength.
It's really a shame TVB didn't let us see Sam & Zoe live happily ever after, because this is one of the very few on-screen couples where given the chance, they would actually live, happily ever after.
But now, at least Zoe can fulfill her task as Sam's guardian angel... as she always has and will be.
RIP, Zoe... :(
Most of this was typed around the time episode 15 was aired, so there's a lot of Sam/Zoe flashback points I didn't add. Besides, it's just too depressing to think about anyway......