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On the First Beat
On the First Beat
from Wikipedia
On the First Beat
Official poster
Also known asThe Academy 2
學警出更
GenreModern Action
StarringRon Ng
Sammul Chan
Michael Tao
Sonija Kwok
Joey Yung
Kate Tsui
Kenny Kwan
Chin Kar-lok
Opening theme"邁向夢想的天空" by
Ron Ng, Deep Ng, & Kenny Kwan
Ending theme"密友"
Joey Yung
Country of originHong Kong
Original languageCantonese
No. of episodes30
Production
Running time45 minutes (approx.)
Original release
NetworkTVB
ReleaseJune 4 (2007-06-04) –
July 13, 2007 (2007-07-13)
Related
The Academy (2005)
E.U. (2009)

On the First Beat (Traditional Chinese: 學警出更) is a TVB modern action series broadcast in June 2007.

The series is a direct sequel to 2005's The Academy (學警雄心). The main cast features Ron Ng, Sammul Chan and Chin Ka Lok from the original series and new cast including Michael Tao, Sonija Kwok, Joey Yung, Kenny Kwan and Kate Tsui. The story continues on with the two male leads in the series with their growth as young police officers with personal conflicts in their bonds as friends and romantic relationships. The drama is about the life of a group of Hong Kong police officers and cadets inside and outside of work.

A direct sequel, E.U. (學警狙擊) was produced and aired in 2009 continued with Ron Ng and Sammul Chan, alongside Michael Miu, Kathy Chow, Elanne Kwong, and Michael Tse.

Plot summary

[edit]

After going through the excruciating training of the academy, Chung Lap Man (Ron Ng) and Lee Pak Kiu (Sammul Chan) finally become official police officers and are assigned into the same branch. One operation causes Kiu's girlfriend to die a violent death, and Kiu and Man separate from one another. Newly appointed police Sergeant Cheung Ging Fung (Michael Tao Dai Yue) turns out to be the crime leader of that operation. Kiu further discovers that there's an inside story to his girlfriend's death...

The feelings between Man and his colleague Cheung Nim Yan (Joey Yung Jo Yi) gradually develop. However, his cousin Man Jing (Kate Tsui), like before, pursues him. On the other hand, Kiu loves Fung's ex-wife, Yuen Wai Nei (Sonija Kwok Sin Nei). However, the old feelings between Fung and Nei still hasn't ended. Facing the impacts of career, friendship, and love, how will the two new officers deal with it all?"

Synopsis

[edit]

Chung Lap-Man (Ron Ng) and Lee Pak-Kiu (Sammul Chan) patrolling the streets of Hong Kong with fellow senior constables. During one patrolling shift, Pak Kiu messes with the wrong group of gangs, Cheng Chi-Keung (Wai Ka Hung) and Cheung King-Fung (Michael Tao).

After realizing that Pak-Kiu was manipulated by Chi-Keung, Fiona Ma Oi-Lam (Fiona Sit) tries to clear Pak-Kiu's name from the complaint by Chi Keung. Fiona and Lap-Man finds Chi-Keung and King-Fung dealing drugs in a parking lot and tries to photograph their drugs-transaction. Fiona accidentally sets off a car alarm and is discovered by Chi-Keung and King-Fung, holding her hostage. Pak-Kiu tries to rescue Fiona, instead he gets shot in the side of his head by Chi-Keung and subsequently Chi-Keung shoots Fiona in the stomach, consequently she dies. Pak Kiu then wakes up in the hospital and finds out that Fiona is dead and blames it all on Lap-Man. Throughout the whole series, conflict and extreme hatred for each other is constantly shown between them.

Half a year later, Lap-Man and Pak-Kiu are introduced to their new sergeant, King-Fung. Turns out King Fung was an undercover police officer responsible for the arrest of Chi-Keung earlier. Lap-Man and Pak-Kiu both develop a sense of hatred towards King-Fung. Lap Man gets angry and files a fake complaint letter on King Fung. King Fung's sister, Cheung Nim-Yan (Joey Yung), who is an investigation constable, discover the fake letter prank.

Lap-Man and Pak-Kiu then meets Kuk Ming-Cheung (Chin Ka Lok), who tells him about Pak-Kiu's father, Lee Man-Shing, (Michael Miu). Apparently Pak Kiu's father and King Fung had a bitter past. During this time, Pak Kiu tries to take some psychology classes to try to build up a better resume when he applies for an inspector position within the police department. Yuen Wai-Nei (Sonija Kwok) joins Pak Kiu's classes as she thinks its beneficial to police officers.

Man Ching (Kate Tsui) comes to Hong Kong from the United States in hopes of finding her mother, who turned out to be Lap Man's aunt. Man Ching then develop feelings for Lap-Man, even though she is aware of his girlfriend. Trying to get Man Ching off of his back, Lap Man challenges her to be a police officer at the Police Training School (PTS). Man Ching accepts the challenge. Yuen Ka-Fu (Kenny Kwan), Yuen Wai-Nei's brother, coincidentally just came to Hong Kong from Canada. He was expelled from a Canadian university, and applies to be a police officer. He meets Man Ching in the training.

King-Fung, Ming-Cheung, and a few other sergeants receive a letter that tells them they will be training for the Police Tactical Unit (PTU). During the time at the training camp, Ming-Cheung tries to screw King-Fung over. During the training Pak-Kiu and Lap-Man always get into arguments, their behaviour then noticed by King-Fung, Ming-Cheung. One day Lap-Man tells Ming-Cheung that King-Fung no longer holds a grudge against Man-Shing and that everything is back to normal, Ming-Cheung then becomes all friendly to King-Fung.

At this time, Wai-Nei is still angry over the fact that her ex-husband, King-Fung had "slept" with another woman and that she doesn't forgive him. One day King Fung goes to make this glass vase as it has sentimental value to both him and Wai Nei, he gives it to her and they are back together.

Lap-Man and Nim-Yan slowly starts to get closer and develop feelings for each other. But knowing that Lap Man has a girlfriend, Ho Fa (Tavia Yeung) and Man Ching has a crush on him, Nim Yan backs off. Wai Nei and King Fung's relationship grows and plans to get married. At this time, King Fung encounters Yip Ling-Fung (Selena Li). Ling-Fung runs into some financial problems and King-Fung helps her. On the day of Wai-Nei and King-Fung's wedding, Ling-Fung tries to draw King-Fung's attention by attempting to commit suicide. King-Fung tries to get Ling-Fung to cooperate, but she ignores him, eventually King-Fung has to go with her to the hospital and becomes extremely late for his wedding. As soon as he gets to his wedding, Wai-Nei calls off the wedding and vows that she will no longer be friends or anything with King-Fung. At this time Wai-Nei finds out that she is pregnant with King-Fung's baby.

Wai-Nei soon discovers that Pak-Kiu has developed feelings for her and is willing to be the baby's father. But yet, Pak-Kiu constantly gets nightmares of Fiona getting killed by Chi-Keung. He seeks help from a psychologist, who tells him that he actually still loves and misses Fiona. Pak-Kiu is also clear that Wai-Nei still has feelings for King-Fung.

King-Fung, who is unaware Wai-Nei is carrying his baby, heard from his grandmother than Wai-Nei wants to piece back the broken glass vase. He decides to make a new one for her. Wai-Nei receives the glass vase and decides to reconcile with King-Fung. She heads to find King-Fung in Ling-Fung's home, but ends up being held hostage by Chi-Keung.

Wai-Nei ends up hospitalised and severely injured, and Chi-Keung heads to the hospital to deal with King-Fung. Chi-Keung escapes injured, but was caught and shot by Ka-Fu who revenged his sister. Later on, Wai-Nei's condition suffers complications and she is forced to deliver her baby only after a 5-month gestation period.

After delivering her baby, Wai-Nei wakes up and sees King-Fung asleep by her bed. Yet she died later on, leaving King-Fung and her family members heartbroken. For the sake of Wai-Nei, King-Fung decides to lead life happily and take good care of their son, Kai-On.

Lap-Man also ends up with Nim-Yan in the end.

Cast

[edit]

Main cast

[edit]
Cast Role Description
Ron Ng Chung Lap-Man
鍾立文
PC66336 Police Constable
Part of Yau Ma Tei Police Station.
Part of Kowloon Police Tactical Unit (PTU).
Ho fa's ex-boyfriend.
Likes Cheung Nim-Yan
Sammul Chan Lee Pak-Kiu
李柏翹
PC66341 Police Constable
Part of Yau Ma Tei Police Station.
Part of Kowloon Police Tactical Unit (PTU).
Ma Oi-Lam's ex-boyfriend because Ma Oi-Lam died.
Michael Tao Cheung King-Fung
張景峰
SGT39270 Police Sergeant
Part of Yau Ma Tei Police Station.
Part of Kowloon Police Tactical Unit (PTU) as Platoon A Command.
Yuen Wai-Nei's ex-husband.
Cheung Nim-Yan's older brother.
Sonija Kwok Yuen Wai-Nei (Winnie)
袁慧妮
WIP38121 Inspector of Police
Yau Ma Tei Police Station Head of Internal Investigation Branch.
Cheung King-Fung's ex-wife.
Dies in the last episode
Joey Yung Cheung Nim-Yan
張念恩
WPC66531 Police Constable
Yau Ma Tei Police Station Internal Investigation Branch.
Cheung King-Fung's younger sister.
Florence Kwok Tong Ching-Nga
湯靜雅
WSGT39213 Police Sergeant
Part of Yau Ma Tei Police Station.
Part of Kowloon Police Tactical Unit (PTU) as Platoon B Second in command.
Chin Ka Lok Kuk Ming-Cheung (Ken)
曲明昌
SGT38269 Police Sergeant
Part of Shum Shui Bo Police Station.
Part of Kowloon Police Tactical Unit (PTU) as Platoon A Second in command.
Kate Tsui Man Ching
文靜
WPC66865 Police Constable
Part of Yau Ma Tei Police Station.
Chung Lap-Man's cousin.
Kenny Kwan Yuen Ka-Fu
袁家富
PC66823 Police Constable
Part of Shum Shui Bo Police Station.
Yuen Wai-Nei's younger brother.

Guest starring

[edit]
Cast Role Description
Tavia Yeung Ho Fa
何花
Interior Design Student
Chung Lap-Man's ex-girlfriend.
Fiona Sit Ma Oi-Lam (Fiona)
馬靄琳
WPC66343 Police Constable (Deceased)
Part of Tsim Sa Tsui Police Station.
Lee Pak-Kiu's deceased girlfriend.
Michael Miu Lee Man-Sing (Sunny)
李文昇
Deceased Police Sergeant
Lee Pak-Kiu's father.
Michelle Yim Chan Yin-Ting
陳燕婷
Chung Lap-Man and Chung Ka-Lai's mother.
Chan Yin-Han's younger sister.
Rachel Poon (潘曉彤) Chung Ka-Lai
鍾家麗
Chung Lap-Man's younger sister.
Kenny Wong (黃德斌) Hon Chin-Kuen
韓展權
Lee Man-Sing and Chung King-Fung's friend.
Matthew Ko Lo Yan-Jaak
路仁澤
Cheung Nim-Yan's high school classmate.
Selena Li Yip Ling-Fung
葉玲鳳
Beer Girl
Deep Ng Ho Ming
何明
Ex-Convict
Ho Fa's older brother.
Astrid Chan (陳芷菁) Karen Psychiatrist

Other cast

[edit]
Cast Role Description
Li Ka Sing (李家聲) Lam Suk-Chuen
林叔泉
PC66340 Police Officer
Part of Yau Ma Tei Police Station.
Part of Kowloon Police Tactical Unit (PTU).
Casper Chan (陳凱怡) To Ling-Ling (Ling)
姚玲玲
WPC66540 Police Officer
Part of Yau Ma Tei Police Station.
Part of Kowloon Police Tactical Unit (PTU). Wife of Bong siu ye
Ben Wong Po Lik Chi
布力治
Superintendent
Head of Kowloon Police Tactical Unit (PTU).
Yan Ng Kam Siu-Bo
甘小寶
PC66415 Police Officer
Part of Yau Ma Tei Police Station.
Part of Kowloon Police Tactical Unit (PTU).
Patrick Dunn Tam Jo-Ming
譚祖銘
Senior Inspector Police
Part of Tsim Sa Tsui Police Station.
Second in command of Kowloon Police Tactical Unit (PTU).
Power Chan Lai Chi-Kin
黎志堅
SGT39232 Police Sergeant
Part of Tsim Sa Tsui Police Station.
Part of Kowloon Police Tactical Unit (PTU) as Platoon B Command.
Zac Kao (高皓正) On Chi-Ho
安子豪
PC66366 Police Officer
Part of Tsim Sa Tsui Police Station.
Part of Kowloon Police Tactical Unit (PTU).
Ellesmere Choi Kwok Kai-Chiu
郭啟超
Senior Inspector of Police
Part of Yau Ma Tei Police Station.
Dominic Lam Wu Cheuk-Yan
胡卓仁
SP39384 Superintendent of Police
Head of CID, Kowloon Police Region
Law Koon Lan (羅冠蘭) Chan Yin-Han (Queenie)
陳燕蘭
Chan Yin-Ting's older sister.
Man Ching's mother.
Chung Lap-Man's aunt.
Gordon Liu Yuen Moon
袁滿
Moon Gei (滿記)Cafe Owner
Wong Suk-Yin's husband.
Yuen Wai-Nei and Yuen Ka-Fu's father.
Kara Hui Wong Suk-Yin
黃淑賢
Yuen Moon's wife.
Yuen Wai-Nei and Yuen Ka-Fu's mother.
Wong Cho Lam Ah Shui
阿水
Moon Gei (滿記) Cafe Clerk
Wai Ka Hung (韋家雄) Cheng Chi-Keung
鄭子強
Ma Oi-Lam's murderer.

Critical response

[edit]

Fans of the show didn't like how Fiona Sit was so easily removed from the show very early in the series just as Joey Yung entered the story line. There was speculation that she couldn't commit a schedule to finish the series and so like many stars who previously worked on a continued TVB series and couldn't fully commit, they were simply "killed" or excused off to move along the plot. Several of the previous characters had unresolved plot lines, but the actors had different committed projects and so they were never re-visited or had brief returns. It further pushes the television trope of women being disposable in TVB dramas considering that actresses are often replaced with new actresses in a franchise, which is especially apparent in this sequel.

Various relationships were discontinued while other characters were re-cycled or actors repackaged as "new characters". TVB is most notorious for defying canon logic by continuing a series and reintroducing characters that had completely different roles compared to the last series.

One of the biggest criticisms came about Sonija Kwok's character Winnie's violent death. While badly injured, she had surgery and wasn't placed in the Intensive Care Unit or rigged to any medical electronics to monitor her poor progress. She merely woke up and died in the morning without any nurses or medical alarms. Fans joked she was placed in the worst hospital for medical care.

Viewership ratings

[edit]
Week Episode Average Points Peaking Points References
1
June 4, 2007 - June 8, 2007 1 — 5
30
33
[1]
2
June 11, 2007 - June 15, 2007 6 — 10
28
[2]
3
June 18, 2007 - June 22, 2007 11 — 15
30
32
[3]
4
June 25, 2007 - June 29, 2007 16 — 20
32
33
[4]
5
July 2, 2007 - July 6, 2007 21 — 25
32
34
[5]
6
July 9, 2007 - July 13, 2007 26 — 30
35
39
[6]

Awards and nominations

[edit]

40th TVB Anniversary Awards (2007) - Nominations

  • "Best Drama"
  • "Best Actor in a Leading Role" (Michael Tao - Cheung King-Fung)
  • "Best Actor in a Leading Role" (Ron Ng - Chung Lap-Man)
  • "Best Actor in a Leading Role" (Sammul Chan - Lee Pak-Kiu)
  • "Best Actress in a Leading Role" (Sonija Kwok - Winnie Yuen Wai-Nei)
  • "Best Actress in a Supporting Role" (Florence Kwok - Tong Ching-Nga)
  • "My Favourite Male Character Role" (Ron Ng - Chung Lap-Man)
  • "My Favourite Male Character Role" (Sammul Chan - Lee Pak-Kiu)
  • "My Favourite Female Character Role" (Sonija Kwok - Winnie Yuen Wai-Nei)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
On the First Beat (Chinese: 學警出更) is a 30-episode action drama television series produced by , which aired on from June 4 to July 13, 2007. The series serves as a direct sequel to the 2005 TVB production The Academy, shifting focus from police cadet training to the professional and personal lives of newly graduated officers in the Police Tactical Unit (PTU). It explores themes of friendship, romance, and duty through the experiences of young officers navigating high-stakes operations and interpersonal conflicts within the . The plot centers on protagonists Chung Lap-Man (played by Ron Ng) and Lee Pak-Kiu (Sammul Chan), who, after completing their training, join the same but face strained relations following a tragic operation that results in Pak-Kiu's girlfriend's death. This incident implicates Sergeant Cheung King-Fung (Michael Tao), leading to tensions that intertwine with romantic subplots, including Lap-Man's relationship with Cheung Nim-Yan (Joey Yung) and Pak-Kiu's involvement with Yuen Wai-Ni (Sonija Kwok), King-Fung's ex-wife. Key supporting cast members include Kate Tsui as Man Ching, Kenny Kwan as Yuen Ka-Fu, and Chin Ka Lok as Kuk Ming-Cheung, portraying a ensemble of officers dealing with the rigors of PTU duties. Produced in with a runtime of approximately 45 minutes per episode, the series achieved notable viewership, peaking at 39 points during its final episodes from July 9 to 13, 2007. It features theme music with an opening song performed by , , and , and an ending song by , enhancing its appeal as a modern . A further , E.U., was released in 2009, continuing the narrative arc of these characters.

Series Overview

Premise

On the First Beat is a television drama series that centers on a group of recent graduates as they transition into within the , confronting the complexities of law enforcement in a high-pressure urban environment. The core storyline follows these young officers, including protagonists Chung Lap-man and Lee Pak-kiu, as they are assigned to the same station and begin handling real-world cases, from routine patrols to intense tactical operations. This narrative arc introduces their evolving relationships with colleagues and superiors, highlighting the initial phases of their professional lives marked by rigorous on-the-job training and the forging of team dynamics essential for survival in the force. The series delves into key thematic elements such as the unyielding demands of police duty, which often clash with personal aspirations and emotional well-being, underscoring the challenges of maintaining work-life balance amid grueling shifts and ethical quandaries. Central to the premise is the exploration of deep friendships among the officers, tested by high-stakes scenarios like high-speed chases, undercover investigations, and confrontations with criminal networks, all while navigating budding romances that add layers of vulnerability to their hardened exteriors. Moral dilemmas arise prominently through encounters with internal corruption and political maneuvering within the police hierarchy, forcing characters to grapple with loyalty to the badge versus personal integrity. Overarching conflicts weave together external threats from and internal tensions from departmental politics, providing a backdrop for the officers' personal growth as they mature from idealistic cadets into seasoned professionals capable of making split-second decisions that impact lives. As a direct sequel to the 2005 series The Academy, it builds on the foundational training depicted there, shifting focus to the practical application of those skills in everyday policing. Through these elements, the series portrays the transformative journey of its protagonists, emphasizing resilience, camaraderie, and the human cost of upholding justice in Hong Kong's dynamic society.

Franchise Context

On the First Beat is the second entry in TVB's police training franchise, serving as a direct sequel to the 2005 series The Academy and preceding the 2009 installment E.U.. The franchise chronicles the journeys of young police recruits through training and early career challenges in the , with each series building on the previous one's foundation to explore different phases of professional development. Key continuities include the return of central characters from The Academy, such as Chung Lap Man (played by ) and Lee Pak Kiu (played by ), who transition from cadets to probationary inspectors, alongside supporting figures like Kuk Ming-Cheung (). Additional ensemble members, including Ho Ming (), expand the while maintaining rivalries and personal growth arcs, such as promotions and evolving interpersonal dynamics. Unlike the academy-focused training and youthful idealism of the first series, On the First Beat evolves the narrative to emphasize post-graduation fieldwork in the Police Tactical Unit, delving into more mature themes including family obligations, workplace ethics, and moral dilemmas faced by junior officers. This shift highlights the realities of operational duties and personal sacrifices, marking a progression in the franchise's portrayal of police life. The series lays groundwork for E.U. by leaving several character arcs open, such as ongoing romantic tensions and career advancements for protagonists like Chung Lap Man and Lee Pak Kiu, which carry over into the sequel's focus on specialized tactical operations. These unresolved elements ensure narrative cohesion across the saga, influencing the depiction of long-term professional and relational trajectories in subsequent entries.

Cast and Characters

Main Cast

Ron Ng portrays Chung Lap-Man, a determined and ambitious constable stationed at who graduated from the police academy alongside his close friend Lee Pak-Kiu, having first appeared as a in the prequel series The Academy. His character grapples with personal losses, including a rift in his friendship caused by a botched operation that results in Pak-Kiu's girlfriend's death, while developing romantic feelings for fellow officer Cheung Nim-Yan; Lap-Man also takes on a role toward newer recruits, emphasizing themes of and professional growth. Ng's performance captures Lap-Man's evolution from an impulsive rookie to a reliable leader, notably in pivotal scenes of reconciliation and high-stakes PTU operations that underscore the emotional toll of police work. Sammul Chan plays Lee Pak-Kiu, an idealistic and skilled constable who, like Lap-Man, joins the Police Tactical Unit (PTU) after academy training, driven by a sense of but burdened by family pressures to succeed in a demanding career. Pak-Kiu's backstory involves deep camaraderie forged in The Academy, complicated by grief over his girlfriend Fiona's death during a joint mission with Lap-Man, leading to conflicts that test his resilience and aspirations for promotion to inspector. Chan's depiction highlights the character's internal struggles and redemptive arc, particularly through intense sequences depicting his pursuit of and budding romance with Yuen Wai-Ni, contributing to the series' exploration of friendship and sacrifice. Michael Tao portrays Cheung King-Fung, a seasoned sergeant and PTU Platoon A commander at Yau Ma Tei Police Station, whose leadership is tested by the tragic operation implicating him in Fiona's death, straining relations with the young officers. As the ex-husband of Yuen Wai-Ni and brother to Cheung Nim-Yan, his character navigates professional duties alongside family tensions and personal redemption. Joey Yung plays Cheung Nim-Yan, a in the Internal Investigation Branch who forms a romantic connection with Lap-Man amid the challenges of police work, while dealing with her brother's protective oversight. Her role emphasizes resilience and emotional support within the team. embodies Yuen Wai-Ni (Winnie), an inspector heading the Internal Investigation Branch and King-Fung's ex-wife, whose involvement with Pak-Kiu adds romantic complexity; she faces career-ending risks in the series' climax. Kwok's performance highlights themes of duty and second chances. Kate Tsui embodies Man Ching, a tough and resourceful female with a hidden vulnerable side, who returns from studies to join the station and immerses herself in the rigors of police life. As Lap-Man's cousin, her backstory includes familial ties that fuel unrequited romantic pursuits and personal doubts about her career choice, adding layers of emotional depth through conflicts with authority and self-discovery. Tsui's portrayal emphasizes Man Ching's growth from an outsider adapting to the force's demands to a committed officer, with key moments revealing her softer vulnerabilities in interactions that strengthen the main ensemble's bonds. Chin Ka Lok as Kuk Ming-Cheung (Ken), a PTU providing and tactical expertise in high-stakes operations. Kenny Kwan as Yuen Ka-Fu, Wai-Ni's younger brother and a fellow officer, contributing to family dynamics and team camaraderie.

Supporting Cast

Lam Chi Ho plays Steve Ho Fung, a character whose involvement in team dynamics and occasional mishaps illustrate the rigors and errors of police work. Supporting family members from the Chung and Lee families heighten the personal stakes for the protagonists. as Lee Man Sing in the Lee family influences arcs centered on parental pressures and legacy in law enforcement for Lee Pak-Kiu. portrays Ma Oi-Lam (Fiona), Pak-Kiu's girlfriend whose death in a shootout drives central conflicts. as Ho Fa, Lap-Man's ex-girlfriend and an student, appearing in subplots exploring past relationships. These characters integrate into subplots that explore family pressures on officers and minor investigations linking to broader themes of versus , such as mishaps underscoring vulnerabilities during group operations. Guest stars provide pivotal mentorship in key episodes, exemplified by as Wong Shuk Yin, a veteran officer offering guidance to the young team amid high-stakes scenarios. as Kwok Pui similarly appears in recurring capacity to bolster world-building through authoritative cameos.

Production

Development and Writing

On the First Beat was commissioned by as a direct sequel to the 2005 series The Academy, capitalizing on its popularity to further develop the police procedural genre within the franchise. The series was directed and produced by Wong Wai Sing. It expands on the original's foundation by shifting focus from training to the practical challenges of frontline policing, maintaining continuity with key characters while introducing new dynamics in a 30-episode structure that integrates action sequences, dramatic tension, and romantic subplots. The writing balanced franchise continuity—such as evolving the arcs of protagonists Chung Lap-man and Lee Pak-kiu—with fresh storylines that highlight the post-academy realities of police work. Thematic decisions emphasized the transition from idealistic training to the gritty demands of daily patrols, exploring themes of versus and ethical dilemmas in high-stakes environments. Specific script revisions were made to deepen character development, particularly in addressing emotional tolls like and relationship strains, allowing for more nuanced portrayals beyond procedural action.

Filming and Locations

Principal photography for On the First Beat took place primarily in from 2006 to early 2007, spanning several months to capture the series' 30 episodes. The production emphasized realism by utilizing authentic locations associated with . Key exterior shoots occurred in urban areas of , particularly , where street scenes were filmed to portray patrol duties and daily police work. On July 23, 2006, actors and shot outdoor sequences in while dressed in police uniforms, leveraging the district's bustling environment for dynamic authenticity. The historic Yau Ma Tei Police Station, with its , also served as a primary location for interior and exterior shots depicting station operations. Filming presented logistical challenges, especially in densely populated areas like , , and , where coordinating stunts required careful planning to ensure public safety amid high pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Hong Kong's humid summer climate exacerbated difficulties, as actors endured sweat-soaked uniforms that dried and re-wet repeatedly during long shoots; limited uniform availability further complicated hygiene, prompting measures like wearing undershirts. Restrictions on eating or drinking while in uniform added to the physical demands, maintaining the professional image of police characters. The series integrated practical action choreography, with fight sequences and pursuits executed on location to convey the intensity of urban policing. These elements relied on real-time coordination rather than extensive CGI, aligning with TVB's approach to grounded, effects-light productions for dramatic realism.

Broadcast and Release

Original Airing

On the First Beat premiered on Hong Kong's channel on June 4, 2007, and concluded its initial run on July 13, 2007. The series aired Monday through Friday at 9:30 PM , comprising 30 episodes each lasting approximately 45 minutes. As the direct sequel to the 2005 TVB series The Academy, it formed part of Television Broadcasts Limited's (TVB) prime-time summer lineup for 2007, positioned in the channel's weekday evening slot following high-profile dramas like . Promotion emphasized its continuation of the police training theme, with cast appearances at public events to build anticipation ahead of the broadcast. The episodes adhered to TVB's standard dramatic structure, ending on cliffhangers to encourage ongoing viewership across the weekday schedule. No scheduling changes were made during its run. International broadcasts began in 2007 in regions including . As of 2025, the series is available for streaming on platforms such as Anywhere and .

Viewership Ratings

On the First Beat achieved an average viewership rating of 31 points across its 30-episode run on in , drawing approximately 2.03 million viewers per episode on average. This placed it fifth among dramas for 2007, reflecting solid performance in a competitive landscape. The series outperformed some contemporaries but fell short of its predecessor The Academy, which averaged 34 points with a peak of 37, though On the First Beat demonstrated sustained interest despite a slightly lower overall average. The premiere episode on June 4, 2007, opened strongly with 33 points, equivalent to about 2.14 million viewers, capitalizing on anticipation as a to The Academy. Ratings experienced mid-season dips, with consecutive declines attributed to external factors such as a high-profile cast scandal involving actress Guo Xianni, leading to frustration in audience numbers. Recovery occurred in later episodes, particularly with intensified romantic and dramatic arcs, culminating in the finale's peak of 39 points—surpassing The Academy's high and attracting around 2.53 million viewers during Guo Xianni's dramatic death scene. Several factors influenced the series' popularity. Promotional efforts included cast-led events like the "Ultimate Test" on May 25, 2007, where actors , , , and others participated in police-themed challenges to build excitement and highlight the show's authentic portrayal of training. Fan engagement was further driven by the cultural resonance of police themes in 2007 , where depictions of tactical units and cadet life tapped into public fascination with real-world policing amid ongoing societal discussions on security and discipline. These elements contributed to steady viewership trends despite fluctuations.

Reception

Critical Response

Upon its release in 2007, On the First Beat garnered mixed critical reception from media, with praise centered on its strong ensemble chemistry and realistic depictions of police procedures. Reviewers appreciated the emotional depth in the character arcs, particularly the growth of young officers navigating personal and professional challenges, which added layers to the franchise's exploration of life. Critics, however, faulted the series for formulaic plots that relied on familiar tropes from predecessors like The Academy, resulting in pacing issues that slowed momentum in later episodes. Newer actors were sometimes critiqued for uneven performances, contributing to perceptions of melodrama over substance. The show's strong viewership reflected broad audience appreciation for its accessible blend of action and .

Awards and Nominations

On the First Beat received notable recognition at the 40th in 2007, where it garnered nominations for Best Drama, Best Actor for Ron Ng's portrayal of Chung Lap-Man, and for Michael Tao's portrayal of Cheung King-Fung. Kate Tsui was honored with the Most Improved Female Artiste award at the same ceremony for her breakthrough performance as Man Ching. The series also received several nominations at the Astro Wah Lai Toi Drama Awards in 2008, including Favorite Series, Favorite Leading Actor for and , Favorite Leading Actress for , and Favorite On-screen Couple for and . Overall, On the First Beat secured 3 nominations and 1 win at the , primarily in acting categories, which helped elevate the visibility of the cast and the Beat franchise.
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