Three Kingdoms RPG

Three Kingdoms RPG, also known as "Super Snoops", is a Hong Kong television series produced by TVB, first premiering in 2012. This historical-meets-modern-day drama spans thirty-odd episodes, exhibiting a mix of history, action, fantasy and comedy, and is set during the tumultuous period of the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history.

The series commences with its modern-day protagonist, Vincent Chong (played by Kenneth Ma), a game addict who's obsessed with the storyline of the Three Kingdoms. He is a classic contemporary recluse, a disillusioned individual who barely holds on to his job as an IT professional. His life turns upside down when, during a lightning storm, he is struck and finds himself transported back to the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

When Vincent wakes, he finds himself in the shoes of a high-ranking government official, serving under the then Prime Minister, Cao Cao. As a modern man in a world more than a thousand years in the past, Vincent struggles to adjust to the norms and complexities of this era. He is initially bewildered by his peculiar circumstances and the sudden authority that he wields but soon finds himself embroiled in the intricate politics and power plays of the time.

Vincent does have one relief, his inherent knowledge about the historical period, drawn from the wealth of detail accumulated over hours of gameplay in his favorite strategic role-playing game based on the Three Kingdoms. This knowledge gives him an edge, offering foresight into the potential strategies and machinations of different factions. Bringing in his modern strategic thinking from the gaming world, Vincent aspires to alter history and make his mark in this ancient era while also finding a way back to his own time.

With his unique perspective of the unfolding events of the Three Kingdoms era, the series explores the intrigue and drama that unfold in the period’s complex and volatile dynamics. Among these historical figures, Vincent develops a friendship with Zhao Zilong (played by Raymond Lam), also known as Zhao Yun, who is well-known as one of the most formidable and loyal generals of Liu Bei. The interaction between these two characters, coming from starkly different times, adds a unique dynamic to the show.

Meanwhile, Vincent’s modern perspective not only shapes his understanding of the history he is living in but also influences the people he befriends in this era. His relationships with historical figures, most notably that with Zhao Zilong and Liu Bei (played by Pierre Ngo), further explores the power dynamics, friendships, and alliances in this period, all while introducing notions from his future perspective.

A critical component of the series is the romantic angle, predominantly involving Vincent and the intelligent and kind-hearted Ou Xiang (played by Tavia Yeung). Their relationship, with its cultural and temporal pressures, further complements the show's predominant themes of power struggle, friendship, and manipulation.

The series’ dialogue is characterized by humor and wit. While exploring the complexities of the time, it is not without moments of light-heartedness and humor, added primarily through the character of Vincent. His reactions to this odd predicament, combined with his modern vocabulary, jargon, and references out of sync with the time, add an overlay of comedy to the intense historical drama.

In addition to this, one of the series' most defining features is the juxtaposition of modern and ancient Chinese cultures. Vincent's future insights help alter and streamline administrative practices of the time. His forward-thinking ideas spread to those around him and, in some ways, modernize the era.

In all, Three Kingdoms RPG presents an intriguing blend of history and modernity. It showcases well-researched details of Chinese history from the Three Kingdoms era, well-executed time-travel fantasy, and a refreshingly distinct character in Vincent. The recurring theme of time-travel serving as a catalyst for personal growth and change is well explored, making this series a must-watch for fans of historical drama and time-travel narratives alike.