The new gala combines music and comedy, aiming to create a lively atmosphere for the new year. The program reviews various snippets and events from the past year from a lighthearted perspective, rather than offering satirical humor like "Kitchen Gods".
Aired on new year's eve, the time slot "Kitchen Gods" occupied for over 20 years, many viewers had high expectations and compared Spring Square to the old program. Additionally, some familiar faces from "Kitchen Gods", such as Tien Minh, Thai Son, Duy Nam, and Trung Ruoi, also appeared in short skits adapted from folk tales. This gave viewers a basis for comparison. However, these performances were limited to brief comedic segments, serving more as reminders rather than developing a continuous storyline like "Kitchen Gods".
On many social media forums, viewers opined that Spring Square's script lacked depth. The comedic elements were merely superficial touches, not delving into issues thoroughly. The program also lacked unique dialogue, a "specialty" of "Kitchen Gods". When structured as a variety show, the constant transition from skits to musical performances also disrupted the emotional flow.
Moreover, many viewers commented that the program overtly integrated advertisements. Characters spent significant time mentioning and praising products, which diminished the script's natural feel. At the end of the show, the organizers mistakenly displayed a New Year greeting for 2025, surprising viewers.
Before new year's eve, search trends for "Kitchen Gods"-related keywords surged, according to Google. Many viewers stated they rewatched old episodes of the program.
Nevertheless, over nearly three hours, Spring Square attempted to deliver humor. Artists Tien Minh (as Thien Loi) and Duy Nam (as Tao Dau - a character combining Bac Dau and Nam Tao) appeared in the initial segment, discussing why the Kitchen Gods would not be reporting to the Jade Emperor this year. The two characters talked about pickleball, the sport that gained popularity last year, and the installation of AI cameras. The voice of Ngoc Hoang Quoc Khanh was heard via a recording, introducing a new celestial invention: the "cay loc" (wish tree), a communication channel with the public. The Jade Emperor stated he could read messages sent through the tree.
The trio of Luu Huyen Trang, Thai Son, and Trung Ruoi played the roles of the two Male and Female Kitchen Gods. The three characters reviewed rising gold and land prices, online sales trends, and affiliate marketing. The Kitchen Gods also touched upon organizational streamlining and mergers.
The Spring Square security team, hailing from various regions, comprised individuals who had previously worked in labor-intensive jobs. They conversed with actor Thanh Tu in a segment about the cultural industry and the boom in concerts. The characters also recalled the heightened patriotism among the younger generation during events like A50 and A80.
In the final segment, artists Chi Trung and Hong Van created a poignant moment by reenacting the love story of two soldiers separated by war. In their twilight years, they unexpectedly reunited. Besides the skits, various characters participated in singing and dancing. Singers such as Isaac and Hoang Yen Chibi performed in the program. Editors Tuan Duong, Hanh Phuc, Phi Linh, Thuy Hang, and Bao Chau took part in a musical segment and served as connectors between different parts.
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Duy Nam (as Tao Dau) and Tien Minh (as Thien Loi) in the program. Photo: VTV |
Previously, on 7/1, the Culture and Entertainment Board of Vietnam Television confirmed the cessation of "Kitchen Gods" production. They stated that a new program, Spring Square, would be developed with modern, youthful content, incorporating comedic elements.
This news disappointed many viewers because for years, "Kitchen Gods" had been a cherished spiritual staple, associated with the new year's eve moment for millions of families. Having accompanied audiences for 22 years, the series underwent many changes, capturing the zeitgeist through a humorous lens.
Ha Thu
