Pinoy BL Series
Thailand
This review may contain spoilers
Unguarded (2020): A Dark Pinoy BL Miniseries
“Unguarded” was the third related Filipino (Pinoy) boys’ love (BL) series from J.ACE (production company) that revolved around Mark Lee’s story. From a cute Pinoy BL miniseries in “Very Truly Yours” to a daring Pinoy BL series in “Hook Up,” J.ACE turned “Unguarded” into a dark Pinoy BL miniseries. While J.ACE should be commended for doing something different for each of these Pinoy BL series, the results weren’t always positive in terms of plot/storyline. Acting performance and production value did show continuous improvement.
With only four episodes, the plot/storyline of “Unguarded” heavily hinged on its characterizations. Unfortunately, both Lukas and Mark Lee had poor characterizations. While it was already hinted on “Hook Up” and clearly established on “Unguarded” that Lukas needs professional psychiatric help, his character background wasn’t fully developed. What were the root causes of his jealousy, possessiveness, and violence? Basically, what were the factors that made him into a monster? As for Mark Lee, he lacked character development. After “Very Truly Yours” and “Hook Up,” I expected some growth. But Mark Lee’s still insecure, volatile, and whiny on “Unguarded.” And for Mark Lee to end up the way he did (dead, or was he?), it’s frustrating. I’ve invested on Mark Lee and the way he was treated on “Unguarded” was super upsetting.
Screenplay had corny dialogues and repetitive lines. While still generally fine, script got lazy and lousy towards the end.
Acting performance, especially by Niko, was good. Gorgeous Niko was quite scary. Notwithstanding the weak characterization of Mark Lee, adorable Marky continued to improve as an actor on this series.
Compared to “Truly Very Yours” and “Hook Up,” audio-visuals of “Unguarded” were better. I liked the outdoor scenes. I didn’t like that J.ACE didn’t even bother to have a new song. “Unguarded” had the same soundtrack as “Hook Up.”
All in all, I would only recommend rewatching “Unguarded” if you’re into dark Pinoy BL miniseries. If you’re interested in Mark Lee’s story, maybe there’s a better ending for him if misFit Talent Management (formerly J.ACE) pushes through with “One Night Stand บางกอก (Bangkok).” Let’s cross our fingers!
With only four episodes, the plot/storyline of “Unguarded” heavily hinged on its characterizations. Unfortunately, both Lukas and Mark Lee had poor characterizations. While it was already hinted on “Hook Up” and clearly established on “Unguarded” that Lukas needs professional psychiatric help, his character background wasn’t fully developed. What were the root causes of his jealousy, possessiveness, and violence? Basically, what were the factors that made him into a monster? As for Mark Lee, he lacked character development. After “Very Truly Yours” and “Hook Up,” I expected some growth. But Mark Lee’s still insecure, volatile, and whiny on “Unguarded.” And for Mark Lee to end up the way he did (dead, or was he?), it’s frustrating. I’ve invested on Mark Lee and the way he was treated on “Unguarded” was super upsetting.
Screenplay had corny dialogues and repetitive lines. While still generally fine, script got lazy and lousy towards the end.
Acting performance, especially by Niko, was good. Gorgeous Niko was quite scary. Notwithstanding the weak characterization of Mark Lee, adorable Marky continued to improve as an actor on this series.
Compared to “Truly Very Yours” and “Hook Up,” audio-visuals of “Unguarded” were better. I liked the outdoor scenes. I didn’t like that J.ACE didn’t even bother to have a new song. “Unguarded” had the same soundtrack as “Hook Up.”
All in all, I would only recommend rewatching “Unguarded” if you’re into dark Pinoy BL miniseries. If you’re interested in Mark Lee’s story, maybe there’s a better ending for him if misFit Talent Management (formerly J.ACE) pushes through with “One Night Stand บางกอก (Bangkok).” Let’s cross our fingers!
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