MediaCorp is giving it another go.

Producing an English drama serial, that is.

Come Apr 14, Singapore will be treated to a thrice-weekly, 40-episode drama series featuring the themes of betrayal, deception and revenge. Red Thread features a promising mix of seasoned and upcoming talents such as Adrian Pang, Celest Cheong, Patrick Teoh, Eunice Olsen and Julian Hee, just to name a few.

The creators of this series seem to be aiming high. Not only do they try to get a multi-layered plot across to the audience, but also tell the story of each character, revealing their personalities and innermost secrets as the plot progresses. All these, while they attempt to maintain the intrigue and keep the audience’s interest.

The drama focuses on the concepts of revenge and forgiveness, empathy… With a good dose of “deception, murder, lies and sex.”

Cliffhangers abound throughout the whole 40-episode series, which has been inspired by western cop shows and Korean dramas, and feature the choices a person has to make and the internal conflict he/she has to go through when caught in a very gray area.

For those who sniff at another attempt by MediaCorp to produce a successful English drama, reserve judgement. With 40-episodes and a good mixture of experienced and newly scouted actors, Red Thread can do nothing but improve from the beginning till the end of its run.

According to the producers, “If anything, watch Red Thread for the story, for the characters, and most definitely the surprises.”

I agree. If the first 2 episodes were of any indication, while a little rough around the edges, there is something in Red Thread that will compel you to continue watching.