The Fierce Wife (犀利人妻), a popular TV soap opera about infidelity, came to an end on Friday night after the 23-episode drama drew high ratings and triggered heated debate.
“Women have both dreams and hatred, and what women want the most is to fulfill their dreams and banish their hatred,” said Wang Pei-hua (王珮華), producer of the series.
At the end of the story, the female protagonist decides to leave “the old her” behind and build a new life by ditching the husband who had cheated on her.
In view of the current social atmosphere and integrating the opinions of netizens and friends, Wang said she was determined to think outside of the box by giving up the conventional “family-centered” concept and adopting a feminism-oriented approach to the open-ended story.
“A mature woman knows that she cannot afford to lose herself and that she must love herself a bit more and let her man learn a lesson,” she said.
Wang said the drama was based on a true story. Although in real life, the woman’s adulterous husband hoped to reconcile with her and a male friend was willing to take care of her, she eventually decided “to be herself, but happily alone.”
“This is the message that I have always wanted to send out,” she said.
As to the heated discussions sparked by the drama, Wang said she believed this would have a positive effect and would help women suffering in miserable relationships to regain their strength.
The soap was successful because it challenged traditional moral ethics, Huafan University professor Hung Chien-jih said.
In the past, a third person involved in a couple’s marriage was usually in a disadvantageous position, but the character in the show was brave enough and steadfast enough to fight for her love, which might push some people to reflect on whether they should remain in a broken relationship, he said.
Because of the widespread popularity of the show, the two broadcasters who aired it earned about NT$140 million (US$4.48 million) in advertising revenues, making it one of the most lucrative hits of recent years.
The TV drama was so successful that it also created business opportunities for private investigators who investigate suspected adultery, as well as fortunetellers and cosmetic surgeons.
Some private investigation firms have said that their business increased by at least 20 percent, while fengshui masters said many customers have contacted them seeking adjustments in their bedrooms.
Various investors based in Beijing have also shown interest in remaking the popular drama in China.
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