'CMI and unrealistic script': Mediacorp Home Team micro-drama episode draws flak online
Netizens were quick to mock an episode of the latest Mediacorp TikTok micro-drama Honour & Unity, calling out its implausible scenarios and "down the hill" acting.
Featuring civil defence, police and prison staff characters in fictional behind-the-scenes scenarios, Honour & Unity offers a dramatised look into the work of the different agencies in Singapore's Home Team.
Each episode lasts between one and three minutes.
The fourth installment of the 20-episode series has since gone viral, with netizens labelling the central fight scene as over-the-top, and its portrayal of prison life as far-fetched.
The episode features 62-year-old veteran actor Chen Tianwen as a prisoner who is punched and then stabbed with a toothbrush by another inmate, as prison officers rush to intervene.
Captioned "Drama in the Prison! Things just got a lot more complicated for the investigation," the episode has since garnered over 176,000 views, 2,133 reactions, and 84 comments at press time.
In response to Stomp's queries, a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) spokesperson said that the micro-drama was commissioned by the ministry, while the Home Team agencies were consulted on the scenarios.
The spokesperson added, "We had given the producers (Mediacorp) creative leeway and licence to decide on the cast, and to amend the scenes for dramatic purposes."
Honour & Duty was intended to engage the public and help them better understand how the Home Team works together to keep Singapore safe and secure.
'Funniest thing I have seen this week': Netizen
"Mediacorp is back with its cmi [sic] and unrealistic script," one user commented.
"Actually the officer on duty at yard is equipped w [sic] a big bottle of pepper spray," said another.
Yet another said: "As a former inmate I wanna say no one rushes in to stop the fight in that manner."
"wow [sic] no wonder they can't enforce simple pmd [sic] laws in the real world," one user quipped.
"Didnt [sic] know that rubber toothbrush can cause damage," , while another said dryly: "Prison doctor whr [sic] gt [sic] so good."
"Should get Simonboy, Shaunyeo [sic] to act. More real," one user said, while others suggested influencers and actors such as Tommy Wong, who is known for his portrayal of Ah Beng, or loud and uncouth men, characters.
One did compliment certain actors in the episode: "The 2 officers that cameo-ed [sic] at the first scene should be an actor."
Editor's note: This story has been updated with comments from MHA.
