Most of TVB's adaptations of Jin Yong novels in the 1980's are very popular with fans, and in the 1990's TVB produced a few more Jin Yong-based wuxia series. While not as charming and loveable as the 1980's series, the 1990's series usually stick very closely to the original material; that is, until Heaven Sword Dragon Saber 2000, after which series Jin Yong revoked TVB's license to adapt his novels for the small screen. Among these 1990's series is the 1997 version of Tian Long Ba Bu/Demigods and Semidevils.

Set in eleventh century, Demigods and Semidevils follows the adventures of its three protagonists: Qiao Feng, the Qidanese man raised among the Hans and forever torn between loyalty and heritage; Duan Yu, the good-natured pacifist of a Dali prince; and Xu Zhu, the monk who finds himself thrust back into worldly life. The story has an extensive cast and features characters of various nationalities, most of whom are related to one another.

I won't dwell on the cheap sets and limited number of outdoor locations since they're a given, this being TVB. However, the brisk pacing of the series and the acting as a whole compensate for the lack of atmosphere. Costumes are so-so; fighting scenes rely much on hand-to-hand combat and laser-like special effects.

The first episode might be confusing for those who are not familiar with the story. Characters fight endlessly for about fifteen minutes straight, with little to no explanation of who they are and why they are fighting. The climax of the final episode, Qiao Feng's suicide, is too rushed, leaving viewers surprised but not too moved or touched.

Felix Wong (Qiao Feng)
Felix plays Xu Zhu in the 1982 version, and throughout the 1980's he was mostly cast as an upright and ingenuous hero. Perhaps afraid that Felix still retains some of that naive aura, TVB slaps on a moustache and a beard on his Qiao Feng. While this gives him an added air of dignity, Felix, who doubles as Qiao Feng's father Xiao Yuanshan, looks tense and more restless than Qiao Feng is supposed to be. Nonetheless, he still has the presence of a daxia and acting skills to match.

Benny Chan (Duan Yu)
This is Benny's first role in a TV series - nothing unique in itself, as Jin Yong series are often used to introduce newcomers and hopefully shoot them into stardom. He actually makes Duan Yu more fun to watch than in the novel with his sometimes almost-comical portrayal. He doesn't do as well in sad or tragic scenes, though this doesn't at all mean he is bad in them. His eager-puppy act around Wang Yuyan is either endearing or exasperating, depending on your point of view.

Terry Fan (Xu Zhu)
Xu Zhu, a young Shaolin monk with a kind heart, is introduced more than halfway through the story. After a series of encounters with an unknown girl in the dark, he gradually leaves his sect to lead another. When Xu Zhu is agitated or excited, Terry tends to exaggerate just a little. Otherwise his expressions and acting are par for the course. As he practices martial arts in real life, in fighting scenes Terry's movements are powerful and very much convincing.

Carmen Lee (Wang Yuyan)
Like Felix, Carmen is cast as two characters: Wang Yuyan and her mother, Li Qingluo. Personally, I think she makes a better Li Qingluo, with her stern and commanding attitude. Her Wang Yuyan, on the other hand, is elegant and smart. To Benny's passionate acting, Carmen responds with gravity, subtlety, and sometimes even a touch of humor.

Rain Lau (A Zi)
A Zi is often called evil; Rain makes her seem more like a malicious, extremely self-absorbed child, the type who would pull the wings off a butterfly just for the heck of it. The superfluous bouncing around is probably meant to emphasize A Zi's young age. As for A Zi's unswerving love for Qiao Feng, Rain expresses it very clearly without going overboard.

Jay Lau (A Zhu)
Jay has good chemistry with Felix and carries her role well: she's sweet, intelligent, caring, and yet not above making mischief. However, Ah Zhu leaves the story before it reaches mid-point, which is probably why the script makes as much of her appearance as possible. Thus, we see her mope around more often that she should.

The Fathers
Most of the older male characters in DGSD are fathers, either to sons or daughters, but never both. Duan Yanqing's mane of blond hair is a definite eyesore, a fact that somehow ceases to matter during the heartfelt scene when he finds out that he has a son. Duan Zhengchun isn't attractive or imposing enough to seem like a man who could capture many a woman's heart. Xuanci, despite his average stature, exudes presence and dignity.

The Mothers
Dai Baofeng is beautiful, cold, and regal; Ruan Xingzhu's subtly mischievous glances and body language are delightful to behold; Ye Erniang, who is a bit too glamorous in that bright red dress, is emotional during the Shaolin scene without resorting to histrionics; Kang Min is spiteful and strong-minded, and even A Zi's torture couldn't reduce her to a quivering ball of jelly.

Other Characters
Out of the three Murong Fu actors I've seen, 1997's is the least like the character: he's too old, he's not handsome, and he has little presence and charisma. His two servants are low-grade, unobtrusive comic reliefs, and the actors, strangely enough, have a small yet palpable amount of chemistry with Benny. Tianshan Tonglao, a character who revels in the predicaments of others, is brought out with sufficient memorableness.