Editorials 
Episode Title: Love Returns
Ben, a 23 year old guy who lives alone, is supposed to graduate from college after 8 years, but then the pandemic happens. As soon as the lockdown starts, he begins selling online to pay bills and prove his parents, who already reside in the US, that he can make it here alone. Then, he learns from his next door neighbor’s housekeeper that his childhood friend, who he had been harboring deep feelings for, will return to spend the lockdown. Suddenly, memories of old feelings return to him, making him anxious about how it’s going to be between them this time. (Source: Regal Entertainment, Inc. Youtube Channel)
- Aired: October 15, 2020
Ben X Jim Episode 1 Reactions
Though most part of this episode are focus on Ben, but I can already feel the chemistry between the two characters. I think Teejay Marquez did a great job on portraying Ben's character. I can feel his emotions. I can feel how much he really likes Jim, from his eyes, facial expressions and from his smile. This episode give us something a possible conflict that will make story even deeper. This is not just a typical romantic gay love stories.
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The episode 1 was full of kilig. The whole duration of the episode, I was just smiling plus, the soundtrack is giving me more kilig. I just noticed that somehow, may ibang parts lang na nagki-cringe ako especially 'yung sa salamin. Overall, it's a good start for the series. Very promising and I look forward to the succeeding episodes.
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Those who have had a crush on their childhood friend but weren't able to confess their feelings will find this series relatable. Obviously, I can relate, lol! It's refreshing to watch a Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series whose lead characters have history. I know the "childhood friend to possible lover" trope has been done before (e.g. Kumusta Bro?, at least to a certain extent) but oftentimes on Pinoy BL series, lead characters have just met and the series basically explore how their relationship develops. At least, Ben X Jim's different from most Pinoy BL series with its promising plot/storyline. Ben and Jim have history and this series is about confronting their past in order to navigate through their present and their future. Now, for the sake of realism, do I want them to end up together? I'm not sure yet. Ben and Olan might look better together but this series is called Ben X Jim so maybe that's not feasible at all, lol! Screenplay of Episode 1: Love Returns was natural and realistic. I was pleasantly surprised with Teejay's acting. Honestly, I haven't seen any of Teejay's past works so I was really impressed with his performance. He's also gorgeous. He's like a Ken doll, lol! I've watched Jerome and Ron before so I know they can act, especially Jerome. With Ron, this might be his most substantive role yet. Production design, cinematography, musical scoring, and editing were all good. The OST "Stars Align" performed by Swavesound was quite cool but maybe it's better not to overplay it too much. Based on the preview, next week's episode looks very interesting. I'm excited!
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