The Emissary (1982)
A gripping Hong Kong crime drama following an idealistic young man who goes deep undercover inside a dangerous drug trafficking empire.
The Emissary - Series Information
- Original Title: 獵鷹
- First Air Year: 1982
- Last Air Year: 1983
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 20
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: CN
- Spoken Languages: Cantonese
- Networks: TVB Jade
- Alternative Titles: Liè Yīng (CN), Lip6 Jing1 (HK)
- Production Companies: TVB
- Production Countries: Hong Kong
The Emissary - Plot
Kong Tai-wai is an idealistic college student who decides to join the police force, and later becomes an undercover detective disguising himself as a chief assistant of a major drug trafficker.
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The Emissary - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Andy Lau
- Paul Chun Pui
- Lau Kong
- Deanie Ip
- Barbara Chan
- Tony Leung Chiu-wai
- Lau Siu-Ming
- Benz Hui Siu-Hung
- Susanna Kwan
- Joseph Lee Kwok-Lun
The Emissary - FAQs
Who plays the undercover detective in The Emissary?
Andy Lau plays Kong Tai-wai, the idealistic college student who becomes an undercover detective. The role was one of Andy Lau's early television appearances, helping launch his career before he became one of Hong Kong's most celebrated film stars and Cantopop icons.
What is The Emissary about?
The Emissary follows Kong Tai-wai, an idealistic college student who joins the Hong Kong police force and is assigned as an undercover detective. He infiltrates a major drug trafficking operation by posing as the chief assistant to a powerful drug lord, navigating constant danger and moral complexity.
Is The Emissary worth watching for fans of crime dramas?
Absolutely, especially for fans of classic Hong Kong television. The Emissary is a compelling early-1980s crime drama featuring a remarkably talented cast — including a young Andy Lau and Tony Leung Chiu-wai — before both became international superstars. Its gritty undercover storyline holds up as gripping, character-driven television.
Where can you watch The Emissary online?
Streaming availability for The Emissary varies by region. As a classic 1982 TVB production, it may be available through Hong Kong-focused streaming platforms or digital archives. Check JustWatch for the most current viewing options available in your area.
Did Tony Leung Chiu-wai appear in The Emissary?
Yes, Tony Leung Chiu-wai appears in The Emissary alongside Andy Lau. Both actors were in the early stages of their careers at the time. Tony Leung would go on to become one of Asian cinema's most acclaimed performers, winning the Best Actor prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2000.
How many episodes does The Emissary have?
The Emissary ran for a single season comprising 20 episodes, each approximately 45 minutes long. It aired on TVB Jade in Hong Kong between 1982 and 1983, making it a compact but complete crime drama that tells its undercover story without overstaying its welcome.
What are some shows similar to The Emissary?
If The Emissary appeals to you, consider exploring Miami Vice, Wiseguy, or 21 Jump Street for classic undercover cop drama. For more contemporary takes on infiltration and crime, The Wire, Undercover, and The Night Manager all deliver similarly tense, character-driven storytelling with strong ensemble casts.
Who composed the music for The Emissary?
The music for The Emissary was composed by Joseph Koo, a legendary Hong Kong composer and songwriter who scored numerous iconic TVB productions throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His work helped define the sonic identity of Hong Kong television drama during that golden era.
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