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On the First Beat

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 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 and , 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 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 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 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 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 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 , 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 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 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 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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