Pinoy BL Series
Thailand
There were still some issues, but this series got better on Episode 3: Captive Tale. Character backgrounds for architect Pre, pet photographer So, and pet groomer and model Pablo were provided. Interesting professions at least! Pre made So recount his relationship with Pablo. All throughout his phone conversation with So, Pre was quite judgmental. Because the sexy and steamy scenes were more purposive on this episode, they were mostly ok. Screenplay was largely fine. Acting was a bit underwhelming though. But audio-visuals were alright. All in all, this was a good episode.
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I don't know if it's because of the most recent issue against Buknoy (who was made to apologize and got suspended and penalized by the production company for defaming Vice Ganda, one the the Philippines' foremost queer actor, comedian, and host; Ion Perez, Vice Ganda's boyfriend; and Awra Briguela, award-winning queer actor and comedian), but Episode 8: Finale was rushed with lots of gaps and jumps. Suddenly, Elmo and Sarah were ok with each other. The only issue resolved on this episode was between Elmo and his father. Nobody knows what happened to Jessie and Nathan. And out of nowhere, Elmo has a new boyfriend, Harold. Screenplay was bad. Of the countless more qualified trans people that could have been quoted, the screenwriter parroted conservative Caitlyn Jenner. Horrendous. There were no improvements in terms of acting. Audio-visuals were still weak. Overall, it was a terrible finale. I'm just glad this series is over.
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Episode 6: Padayon (Onward/To Continue) had its good and bad moments. This episode presented the intersectionality of class and gender as it tackled poverty, self-determination, and social identity. While the queers were at least given some character depth and Drixler was shown to be a good best friend, the ex-girlfriend was problematically portrayed as toxic. The confrontation scene at the end lacked fluidity. I can't believe Drixler left Kiko just because Andre asked him to. It would have been better if Kai was the one who asked him to leave. Screenplay had sensible lines but it also had preachy dialogues. There were instances when script was too poetical. Acting was a hit or miss. Ian and Yoyen were mostly ok but John was on the edge at times. Audio-visuals were uneven. Background sound effects were occasionally too loud. And the camera angle for the kiss was bad. Given the unresolved issues and the text exchange between Andre's ex-girlfriend and his father, this finale episode was made to be open-ended with the possibility for a second season. I hope this series gets better if it gets a second season.
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Tensions were quite high on Episode 4. Roy appeared to rape and take advantage of drunk Kiko. After finding out that Kiko met Roy, possessive Mark unleashed violence towards Kiko. Their confrontation reminded me of the ethical issues that haunts their so-called professional relationship -- that of Mark's conflict of interest and Kiko's vulnerability. Screenplay was mostly conversational. Acting was on point. Khel and Victor portrayed their roles well. Rex shined on this episode. He was really good. Production technicals were fine. Overall, this was this series' best episode yet.
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Stranger's Kiss Episode 8
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Episode 8: Save the Best for Last was entertaining at least. This episode was a bit rushed and not all loose ends were resolved. What happened to Julius? How about Vergel? And even Shane? But it seemed that Nico and Prince ended up together so I'm happy. Lol. Screenplay wasn't realistic mainly because of all the abrupt character changes. Acting still needs improvement. I sure hope the actors undergo acting workshops before their next series because they do have potential. Audio-visuals were uneven till the end. Overall, albeit rushed, this was still an ok finale.
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Stranger's Kiss Episode 7
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Episode 7: Revelation, the penultimate episode, was an adequate set-up for the finale episode. There were a couple of revelations. I'm not sure what Miss M's into, I hope it's not child prostitution, but to my surprise, she seemed to be a nice person. Caloy's wrongdoings were also exposed on this episode. And finally, claiming the weirdest of weird, Niko actually got a stranger's kiss from both Julius and Prince! I don't like the idea since the kisses happened when they were all drunk but at least it was unexpected. Screenplay was mostly ok. Acting still needs improvement but was watchable. Production technicals were the same as previous episodes. Finale's next!
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Stranger's Kiss Episode 6
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With only two episodes left, Episode 6: Fight for Love highlighted the tensions between Niko and Prince, Niko and Julius, and Miray and her father. Substantially, this was a good episode but technically, the weaknesses remain. Script was generally alright. Acting was largely fine. Edz shined anew on this episode. Audio-visuals were still uneven. For the next episode, I expect this series to start tying loose ends.
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HeartBreak Mountain Episode 3
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This series is so silly, it's funny. In terms of plot/storyline, Episode 3 was better than the previous episode. At least on this episode, Austin, John, and Rafael were free from the hold of Engkantito. Austin seemed to be betraying John. Screenplay was conversational enough but the delivery of lines was still weak. Acting was mostly uninspired. Audio-visuals remained amateurish. On the whole, this series still needs massive improvements.
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Another week, another weak episode. Yes, there were some clarity with regards to Rich and Teejay's past but overall, Episode 4: Flashback was still slow paced with little progress in advancing its plot/storyline. It seemed like it's also an extended advertisement for Gwapigs Restaurant. Script was dry. Acting was dull. AJ (Morales) and Elijah don't have chemistry together. Production technicals were still problematic with loud background noises and unimaginative camera shots especially during the flashback scene. All in all, this series need to work on a lot of things to improve.
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While the production company (Honesty Films) should be commended for at least concluding this series, it should also be plainly stated just how bad the ending was. Even with Marcus and Yuhan/Drake ending up together, the plot/storyline for its underdeveloped characters, didn't really progress on Episode 5: Finale (Part 2). There was no logic behind most of the reactions of the characters on this episode. Screenplay didn't feel natural. Acting remained atrocious. In general, production technicals were still weak although there were nice camera shots of beautiful sceneries owing to drone videography. Alas, the drone can also be seen on some scenes! Overall, I'm just glad this series is finished.
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Wheel of Love: Weekend to Remember Episode 1
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Aside from being a Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series, "Weekend to Remember" is also a Pinoy family drama, akin to most Pinoy drama series (teleserye). Episode 1: Arina Grande was a strong pilot episode. The plot/storyline revolving around the Asuncion family was clearly laid out on this episode. I liked that each Asuncion sibling has defined characterization. Even the house helper Jenevie has specific characterization. I just hope Jenevie isn't reduced into merely one of the series' comic relief characters. Screenplay was conversational. Acting was on point. Kudos to all the actors! They acted naturally. Enzo, Nico, and Sam were all good-looking! Keijee and John have chemistry together. Gilleth's the perfect mother for the Asuncion siblings. Even the kids Hannah and Sean were ok. Production design, cinematography, sound engineering, musical scoring, and editing were all good. The soundtracks "In Love Ako, In Love Sayo" (I'm in Love, in Love with You) and "Sana Tayo" (I Wish It's Us) by Camille Rose Tarrosa were nice. My only complaint about this premiere episode was that it's too short. Anyway, I'm excited for next week's episode.
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My Toxic Lover Episode 2
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At least the plot/storyline progressed on Episode 2. Ethon and Martin's rivalry was highlighted. Bryce and his friends Royce and Clark, who were portrayed as stereotypical crass guys from the province, moved to Manila. Bryce exhibited his paintings. The dynamics among the different supporting characters were also introduced. And Ethon and Bryce finally met on this episode. Script had cringy lines. The voice over monologues were still annoying. Yes, the cast members, both male and female, were gorgeous, but their acting performances were mostly horrendous. They need better acting direction. Production design and cinematography were largely ok though. Editing, while a step ahead compared to last week's episode, still requires improvement. All in all, this series needs to be better in succeeding episodes.
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Episode 7: Aries started a bit dragging but eventually picked up its pace and ended strong... and sad. Aries died. Script had corny lines and long monologues. Acting was mostly alright. EJ was good with his dramatic scene but his enunciation needs work. Audio-visuals were still uneven. There were distracting background noises. Split-screen needs symmetry. I would have wanted a happy ending but overall, this was an ok episode.
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Stranger's Kiss Episode 5
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Episode 5: New Beginning started weak but ended strong. While there were relationship developments between Niko and Prince and between Niko and Julius, there was also character background for Vergel. Anxiety and attempted suicide were tackled on this episode. Screenplay was mostly ok but the delivery of lines felt scripted at times. In terms of acting, Lj was fine but Ryan and Xerxes need to be more natural. Von Alecx was mostly alright but Jasmine needs improvement. Edz and Vergel were solid with their performances. Production technicals were better than the previous episode but still need refinement. Three episodes left!
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Stranger's Kiss Episode 4
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Technically, this series is weak, but it has a heart that's why I often find myself disregarding the form and focusing on the substance. Plot/storyline progressed on Episode 4: Only Hope. Niko is now working for Julius. And Prince saves him again from a thug. The dynamics among the main characters are clearer and I'm definitely Team Niko-Prince, lol. Even the side stories felt purposive. This episode also discussed serious social issues like child prostitution and queer stereotypes. Script was conversational. Again, acting was uneven. Good intent was there but execution wasn't always fine. Distracting background noises were louder on this episode than previous episodes. Cinematography needs improvement as well. All in all, it was still a good episode.
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