As Media Corp celebrates 25 years of dramas, there is nothing in particular worth applauding in its 25th (and previous three years or so) anniversary.

Shows now are just BORING. They are trademarked with the following features – these are my observations, not necessarily agreed by everyone.

· The characters are almost always (rather wealthy) middle-class young professionals.

· They often run into relationship issues: for the attached, it is a crisis to maintain their relationship. For the unattached, it is the hungry desire to get attached.

· There is always a sibling who falls into one or more of the following categories: (1) a friend who offers advice over relationship problems; (2) a foe who competes and tries to wreck the other’s happiness for the sake of his/her own.

· Family members are involved in a business. Sometimes the patriarch and matriarch are at the head of the business. Politics and family conflicts ensue.

· A hospital is involved.

· The kid, when he/she makes an appearance, is usually of pre-school to primary age.

· You can recognise artistes not only from their physical features but because they always play the same kind of role under the guise of different names.

I can’t think of anymore off-hand, so I shall stop here. I shall update this spot again if I happen to think of more characteristics.