The greatest TV moments in Singapore
Local television has come a long way since the days of stiff dialogue, bad sets and local actors with American accents. While there's been some real gaffs like Mr. Kiasu and VR Man (oh, the horror) over the years, there are some real nuggets which many would remember fondly.
CNNGo turns back the clock to get a glimpse of nostalgia.
Masters of the Sea (1994)
The grandfather of local English drama, Masters of the Sea was the first full-length English drama produced in Singapore. It featured Margaret Chan as the family matriarch, in a story about familial deceit, drama and greed. Critics derided the quality of the show with its supposed exaggerated plot and inaccurate references to Singaporean life but which daytime drama isn’t overdrawn?
Fortunately, it clearly paved the way for the future of local English television introducing local viewers to future stars like Wong Li Lin and Ng Chin Han, the latter being cast in Hollywood blockbuster "The Dark Knight" and more recently in Roland Emmerich's "2012" -- read our story here. Unfortunately, we couldn't locate a decent clip of the series, lost as they are in the annals of pre-digital history.
Under One Roof (1994)
"A long time ago, in the southern province of China…"
Those were the words of Moses Lim’s character, Tan Ah Teck, in "Under One Roof" -- Singapore’s first real English sitcom. A popular and critical success, Under One Roof told the story of a typical Singaporean family staying in Bishan. Tagged as “Singapore’s Funniest Family”, it featured a multi-racial cast, familiar HDB settings and light-hearted humor that stroke a chord with audiences who connected with the idiosyncrasies of everyday life as a Singaporean.
Regional success beckoned with consecutive wins at the Asian Television Awards for Best Comedy series and also the inclusion of established Hong Kong star Richard Ng in the latter seasons.
Army Daze (1996)
"Army Daze" may have been a movie (which later got screen time on the television) but this is the exception to the rule for our list. Seeing how it’s a common rite of passage for all male citizens, National Service holds a place in everyone’s hearts. From the men who serve the country to the concerned families and girlfriends of said enlistees, the first step into Basic Military Training (BMT) is always a worrying period. Army Daze managed to capture the true spirit of BMT while peppering it with laughable moments.
All manner of army stereotypes provide a chuckle to those who have gone through the process of BMT - the cliché spewing drill sergeant, the clueless recruits and even the platoon joker were well played by a very diverse cast. Our favourite line? Recruit Malcolm mistaking his sergeant for a room-mate.
"Oh hello. Are you here to share our room? You’re wearing your uniform already. So fast."
Classic.
Growing Up (1996)
Set in the sixties during the birth of Singapore, "Growing Up" took audiences back to a much simpler time. The show follows the Tay family as they cope with the complexities of… growing up. The variety of characters and strong acting provide for great drama with reputable actor, Lim Kay Tong playing the stern and old-fashioned father while having upcoming talent like Andrew Seow shining in his role as the rebellious and short tempered Gary.
Throughout its five seasons, viewers would most likely remember the passing of the affable Mrs Tay, the country weeping with the Tay family as she held on for her life on the hospital bed.
The Unbeatables (双天至尊, 1993)
"The Unbeatables" starred the two biggest stars of Caldecott Hill back in the day -- Zoe Tay and Li Nanxing. Inspired by the slew of Hong Kong movies about the gambling scene, this was Singapore’s answer to the genre. The Unbeatables is still one of the most epic dramas to ever have been produced locally.
Audiences were treated to three seasons of pure unadulterated action and intrigue, with hanging plot twists and over the top card shuffling tricks being the order of the day.
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