Given that the series is a co-production between HBO Asia and others, what a shame that HBO Asia's very own synopsis writer clearly needs some lessons in history: "The world is changing, the global balance of power is shifting . . ." This ignores the fact that the early to mid-sixties was the height of the Cold War - a tense stand off between the West and the Communist Bloc. Only one year before this series is set the world had been taken to the brink of global nuclear warfare in the Cuban Missile Crisis. Power wasn't shifting, rather an irresistible force had gone up against an immovable object."The colonial rule of the British has finally come to an end and independence is on the horizon." Actually, Singaporean independence wasn't on the horizon - quite the opposite. Starting as early as 1955, as a result of post war austerity the British had been handing over power to Singapore in an orderly and gradual withdrawal. Far from seeking independence, by 1964, when the series is set, Singapore, fearing the loss of British protection, had become firmly entrenched as part of the Malaysian Federation."It's an exciting time where the island state can finally forge its own identity." Again, untrue. In 1965 Singapore was, very much against its wishes, expelled from the Malaysian Federation. Singapore had independence thrust upon it, independence it had not sought. Singaporeans had not led some brave freedom fighting campaign in a bid to rid itself of evil oppressors, it had been stood up - twice.Perhaps it might be more prudent in future for HBO Asia to employ an historian to write its historical synopses rather than a Stepford Wife.

Worth watching but will need rejuvenating to be worth a second series. As a version of a detective series, not bad at all. Don Hany seems to carry the show as the suitably stubbled cool expat Australian ex-military man. At least that's what I thought until in one episode he is seen as a client in an opium den. Then I thought... "so he's not so much meant to be cool, as much as being a sort of deadbeat who gets the job done", like many central characters in detective novels. Would be good if he could be seen looking roughly normal and shaved for say 5 minutes in one or two episodes. Some value for it's portrayal of colonial Singapore in transition, but perhaps not trying to be authentic. Joan Chen is beautiful when smiling, but has a profoundly down-turned mouth often which makes her look strange rather than composed - is this too much surgery? Pamelyn Chee is a novel character with her ??English accent. The bad guy dragon gang leader who looks like Bruce Lee is very good.

Find a way to watch this one if you can. If you are tired of the ordinary, then this is a great start. With the Australian Broadcasting Company, and HBO Asia together they have a chance to bring together some of the worlds greatest talents for western audiences to finally see, or see more of. The great Joan Chen still looking as regal as she did playing cyborgs in the 90's, and Don Hany as the only man who is aloud to go into the darker places along Serangoon Rd. is a good strong lead that I hope we see more of. The main feeling of the show is a lot like many of today's period pieces, but with a bit tamer less American ham fistedness about it. If you remember Tropical Heat (Sweating Bullets) this feels a lot like that, only on a set much like the China as represented in Smallville. The episodes have been aired out of sequence somewhat , as something has subtly changed from the 5th, to the 7th episodes that is not there in episode 1. If you are looking for something new, and you like to imagine life in other times worlds away, then you will Enjoy this show a lot. I'll keep with it as long as they keep making them.

As a Singaporean, coming across an English drama series that defines an era of change is hard to come by both in terms of depth and originality. My review may seem biased as i've only watched an episode (half an episode to be honest) but unlike those slapstick nonsensical series which have plague local airwaves with their superficial story lines and amateurish acting, this is something entirely different. It is a mind boggling piece of art that has long been overdue. I personally love its historical references of my home country and the appearances a local cast of actors makes it that little more intrinsic. The settings and environments bring a sense of nostalgia with props and costumes of that era. I would recommended it to anyone.