Pinoy BL Series
Thailand
I just watched Episode 1: Sex and Magic and I'm actually intrigued with the plot/storyline. Some may ask, is Cheat even a boys' love (BL) series? I'm way passed that debate by now. It self-identifies as BL so I respect how they view themselves. Vee, Jennifer, Jay, Dong, Mother, and the Mistress were introduced on this episode. Screenplay was natural and realistic enough. This episode was generally well-acted. Allora, Daryll, Migo, and Tuesday seemed fit for their roles. Audio-visuals were good. Sound effects really gave this episode a supernatural vibe. There were interesting camera shots as well. All in all, I liked the pilot. It's promising.
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It was revealed on Episode 4: Love Is Not Self-Seeking that Vlad and Lemuel know each other. Four episodes in and chemistry among the couples is still wanting. Also, the prolonged scenes are getting annoying. But at least, script was less cringy on this episode. Acting was also better. Production technicals were alright. I'm hoping for a faster pacing on succeeding episodes.
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There were disagreeable parts (e.g. Jill ogling too much over Jack), but Episode 1 was at least bearable. The plot/storyline seemed simple but passable. Screenplay had cheesy lines but it was generally tolerable. Audio-visuals were mostly weak. There were dubbing issues and video quality wasn't good. The soundtrack "Tayo Lang Dalawa" (Only the Two of Us) by Ken Manquiat and Donn Carsula was fine. Overall, while there were weaknesses, this short pilot episode was watchable for the most part.
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Episode 1: Love Is Patient introduced Vladimir and the Santiago brothers, Epoy and Omeng. The plot/storyline, which revolves around boys from different socio-economic backgrounds, seemed alright. There were cringy scenes but for the most part, this pilot episode was fine. While generally conversational, screenplay had a few cheesy lines. Acting was good. Both David and Kaleb are experienced actors. Audio-visuals weren't exceptional but they were ok. All in all, this was a solid premiere episode.
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Why Love Why Season 2 Episode 1
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While Episode 1 was still rough around the edges, in terms of tone, this season seemed better than the previous season. It's less campy and less theatrical. Sure, the narrative techniques used to connect the previous season to the current one (flashbacks and voice-overs) weren't really creative but they accomplished what they intended to do which was to situate the new plot/storyline. And I like this season's post-initial romance plot/storyline. Benjo and Emil's domestic issues were relatable. I only hope social issues are also tackled on succeeding episodes. The sexy and steamy scenes on this episode were tastefully done. They were actually funny. I'm just not sure about the maid. I'm tired of women being made the antagonist on boys' love (BL) series. In any case, this is only the pilot episode so maybe there's still hope for Chloe. While screenplay had cheesy and preachy lines, it was ok for the most part. Acting was fine too. Carl and Johnrey came across as more comfortable on-screen this time around. Audio-visuals were quite uneven though. Sound was somewhat clear. Camera shots, angles, and movements were alright. But there were poorly edited photos (during the flashbacks), inharmonious dubbing (scene with Emil and his staff), and incorrect subtitles (e.g. business friends instead of business trends). Johnrey sounded great singing the soundtracks "Tayo'y Kasal" (We're Married), "Gawin Mo 'Kong Boyfriend" (Make Me Your Boyfriend), and "Tama Ba Ito" (Is this Right) by Pipo Cifra and Vince Tanada. I wasn't excited about the songs but at least Johnrey sang them beautifully. Overall, I still think this was a solid premiere episode.
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Love by Fehler Episode 1
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Episode 1: Pagkukumpara (Comparison) wasn't a good pilot episode but it was tolerable compared to most do-it-yourself (DIY) Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series. At least the plot/storyline wasn't that shallow given Kirk's sickness. But screenplay wasn't conversational enough. There were preachy lines uttered by the professors. And while I don't like commenting on the English grammar, there were just too many errors which I hope are avoided on the next episodes. Acting by Elijah and James were mostly ok though. But some of the supporting cast members overacted on this episode. Audio-visuals were generally poor. There were distracting background noises and poor camera shots. There were numerous blurred frames. Overall, this was a weak premiere episode.
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Worth the Wait Episode 4
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Despite the annoying fillers and secondary cast scenes, Episode 4 was far better than previous episodes. As the 14-day challenge ended, there was obvious character development and relationship development for Ethon and Martin. Sure there wasn't adequate set-up for the changes but at least there's clear progress. Ethon and Martin's lines were realistic enough. Acting was good. It's nice to see Aki not overacting with his dramatic scenes. Solo's acting seemed natural. Production technicals were mostly ok but I didn't like the echoes during the flashbacks. But all in all, this was a good episode.
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I liked Episode 5, not only because it's another shirtless galore episode, lol, but more so because the scenes were purposive. The arrival of Derrick added a bit more complication to the plot/storyline. The incorporation of traditional Filipino (Pinoy) children's game patintero on this episode was a nice touch. Screenplay was ok for the most part. Acting was largely fine. Audio-visuals were generally alright. Overall, this was a good episode.
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Episode 3 was just fine. It was suggested that Alex is an introvert (or maybe ambivert as put forward by his friend). He and Gino had shirtless scenes, lol. But aside from these, this episode wasn't that interesting. Screenplay was alright but not all the jokes landed (e.g. finalizing eyes vs. tantalizing eyes). Acting was mostly good. Audio volume had some issues. Overall, this was just an ok episode.
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Stuck on You Episode 1
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Our Twitter account has a significant number of Alter accounts as followers/mutuals. Since they follow our account, we often wonder if their experiences are appropriately represented in Filipino (Pinoy) boys’ love (BL) series. There have been a couple of good productions like AL+ER (short film) & Alt Gameboys (special episode) but these weren’t full-length series. Given this, we feel that Stuck On You is a sensible take on the stories of people with Alter accounts especially during this pandemic. Episode 1: Mask for Mask was a solid pilot episode. Character contrasts were shown on this episode. Screenplay was conversational enough with relatable lines. Acting was mostly on point. Both Yves and Iyo depicted their roles well. Audio-visuals weren’t spectacular but they were clean and clear. This series has a Spotify playlist for its official soundtrack. We especially liked "Kargo" (Cargo) by Eevee, "Nagmamahal Din Lang" (Since You Love Anyway) by Karl Zarte, and "Bakit Hindi" (Why Not) by Lirah. Overall, this was a very good premiere episode.
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Worth the Wait Episode 1
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As announced by the production company Pepps TV, the fourth part of this pilot episode had technical issues and will just be added to the second episode. While I feel that Aki and Solo have better chemistry than Aki and Kevin, Episode 1, notwithstanding the missing concluding part, was a bit all over the place for me. Martin had mostly incoherent characterization. The scenes were disjointed with no clear direction. There were also too many flashbacks on this episode. Screenplay had repetitive lines and unnecessary dialogues. Acting wasn't on point at times. Even the audio-visuals regressed when compared to My Toxic Lover. I just hope this series somehow improves on succeeding episodes.
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With the main cast members just looking at the camera (supposedly watching 90 Days The Series) and having internal monologues, Episode 4: Friendship was definitely one of the least creative Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series episodes that I've seen. Honestly, I don't know what's happening with this series. Maybe because the director is now busy with another series (cf. Saan, Sana Tayo sa Himig ng Musika) that's why this series is being neglected? Anyway, aside from the internal monologues about how they view their friendships and relationships, not much happened on this episode. Script was too poetic for my taste. Given the scenes, not a lot of acting was required. Audio-visuals were the same as previous episodes. For succeeding episodes, I just want this series to be better.
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Episode 5 was another insipid episode. The couples were becoming really wearisome. There's not much excitement and romance on this episode. There were also senseless scenes (e.g. parking lot scene with Art and his friends). Screenplay was largely uninspired. Acting was the same as past episodes. The dance practice lacked rhythm. The actors were stiff. But at least make-up wasn't as bad compared to previous episodes. Audio-visuals remained weak. How will I survive ten more episodes of this series?
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I was pleasantly surprised with Episode 1: Hidden Desire. The plot/storyline, about love, friendship, and betrayal, was a bit shallow but the screenplay was conversational enough and acting was quite good. Kaleb, Jao, and Mitch were all natural with their performances. I've watched Kaleb ("Meet My Angel," "Alter") and Mitch ("Amore," "L.A.F.S") before so I know they can act but this is the first time I've seen Jao. He has potential. I hope he's given proper direction on this series. Audio-visuals were ok but editing needs work. The scene with Chona was a bit long. The soundtrack "Di Pwede" (Can't Be/Not Possible) by Lady Martin was ok. Overall, this was a good premiere for this series.
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Episode 1: CUPID the Vloggers was a solid pilot episode. This episode gave a peak into Curt and Sid's lives including Sid's coming out story through the pair's first vlog. While there were serious dialogues about coming out, lookism, etc., screenplay avoided being preachy. In terms of acting, Aejhay and James Andrew were alright. Audio-visuals were fine. Soundtrack "Sa 'Yo Lang Walang Iba" (Only for You, No One Else) by Liezel Vasquez was ok. For the next episodes, I hope this series becomes more interesting.
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