Pinoy BL Series
Thailand
Man & Mine Alone Episode 2
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Episode 2: The Meet Up didn't really improve on the pilot episode. While some character backgrounds were provided on this episode, there was little progress made in terms of overall plot/storyline. Script was still bad. Acting was oftentimes cringy. Audio-visuals were mostly unimaginative. Yes, the love and sex scenes were largely ok but because they weren't seamlessly incorporated on this episode, at times, they felt exploitable and sensationalized. I heard Aki is no longer part of this Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series so I don't know what will happen next to this series.
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Man & Mine Alone Episode 1
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There were lots of things to dislike about Episode 1: The Meet Up. The plot/storyline seemed shallow. Screenplay wasn't conversational enough. There were corny lines and senseless dialogues and monologues. Acting, especially by the supporting cast members, was bad. Their acting felt scripted and they made too many unnecessary movements. At times their reactions were unbelievable and unnatural. For example, the reactions of Renzo's father was parasitic and weird. As for the lead cast, Aki was at least watchable. Martin didn't have enough scenes for me to assess but he nevertheless has appeal. While the production technicals were better than most Filipino (Pinoy) do-it-yourself (DIY) series, they were still substandard. There were distracting sound effects and irritating repetitive background music. Editing, especially scene transitions, was amateurish. I hope this series improves in succeeding episodes.0
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Strange Heart Episode 4
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Episode 4 was extra campy. Plot/storyline moved along on this episode. Joshua met Kristof as the latter was preparing to get married. Joshua's ex-boyfriend's back in his life. And Abraham found out the truth about Jonathan. Script still had funny lines. In terms of acting, the actors didn't always hit the mark but they were generally alright during comedic scenes. Production technicals were still uneven. It's been more than two months since this episode was released. I wonder when the next episode will be shown.
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Strange Heart Episode 3
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Episode 3 had a time jump. Karla and Kristof haven't returned to the island and their father Carlito has already came out as gay. Because his son is coming over, Abraham asked his best friend Carlito to be a "professional pretender" and act as the lover of his boyfriend Jonathan to hide the truth from his son who turned out to be Joshua. Father and son confessed to each other that they're gay. Joshua also accepts Abraham and Jonathan's relationship. It's bonkers. It's campy but also funny. Screenplay had hilarious lines. Acting was tolerable. Audio-visuals were uneven but they were better than previous episodes. All in all, although this episode was silly, it did make me laugh.
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B X J Forever Episode 5
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While the circumstances leading to Ben and Jim's meeting were made complicated by the presence of Roy and Val on their lives, at least Episode 5: Just Us... Again didn't drag them out. There are still three episodes left to wrap up all the issues this season. But at least one issue was settled on this episode. Bogs and Francia are finally lovers! I love those two. They're probably my most liked couple this season. I hope the other pairings, including Ben and Jim, show relationship development soon. Screenplay was still alright. Acting was also fine. And audio-visuals were solid. As previewed, there are tensions on next week's episode. I'm excited!
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Happenstance Episode 9
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Episode 9: Happenstance wasn't the finale I had hoped for. While it's open-ended, it's still a bit sad that the audience didn't get a clearer happy ending with Jose Manuel and Wade living their best lives and loving each other. The story of Sidapa and Libulan and the images of youthful Jose Manuel and Wade together after credits weren't seamlessly incorporated on this episode. At times, all these felt disjointed. But even with all these issues, I can still say that it's a well-made episode. Script was alright. Acting was generally fine. Production technicals were solid. I liked that the Bantayog ng mga Bayani (Monument of Heroes) was featured on this episode. The Monument of Heroes honors the heroes and martyrs of the struggle against the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos. I've been there a couple of times so it's just nice to see it on a Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series. It's not only a monument with a wall of remembrance, it's also a historical research center and museum. Overall, while I have qualms about this finale, I'd still consider this series a top-tier Pinoy BL series.
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Substantially, "Padayon" has been relatively good. It's on the production technicalities where this series need to improve. Plot/storyline progressed on Episode 2: Nakaw (Stoten). Social inequalities and injustices were sensibly tackled on this episode -- so far, not in a preachy manner; hopefully it stays that way. Some character backgrounds were also presented. Script was generally conversational. Acting by the lead actors was alright. But audio-visuals were uneven. There were some distracting volume fluctuations. Scene transitions can also be made smoother. I liked the soundtrack "Himig ng Elehiya" (Sound of Elegy) by Lester Flores and performed by John. Overall, this was a good episode.
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Episode 1 had a number of issues that I hope will be addressed on succeeding episodes. Not much was provided in terms of plot/storyline. This episode simply introduced the main and supporting characters. Sadly, there were already red flags on this pilot episode. There were stereotypical portrayals of vain women and comic relief effeminate queers. Screenplay had corny lines. Dialogues that were intended to be funny didn't quite hit the mark. Acting by the main cast members was at least watchable. It's also good that both lead actors, especially Josh, are charming in their own ways. I also sense some potential with regard to their chemistry. Audio-visuals were weak. There were bothersome background noises and blurry and grainy camera shots. The actors’ make-up distracted more than enhanced the visuals of this series. Make-up should make the characters appear more natural. Soundtracks "Piso" (Peso) and "Kailanpaman" (Ever Again) by Boys of Six were just ok. All in all, this series needs to be better in the next episodes.
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Overlooked Love Episode 1
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While Filipino (Pinoy) producers should be lauded for their efforts at producing Pinoy boys' love (BL) series, they should also be constantly asked to produce better content. Most of the recent offerings have been weak and if "Overlooked Love" doesn't improve, it will remain as a low-tier Pinoy BL series. Episode 1: Kulbaan (Unease) was a poor pilot episode. Plot/storyline appeared superficial. Also, there was an obvious issue of lack of consent when Rafael kissed Miguel, someone he barely knew, while the latter was sleeping. Screenplay wasn't conversational enough. Acting needs major refinements. The actors' performances felt really scripted. They need to be more natural with their acting. The kissing scene was the only part with a modicum of believability. Production technicals also require considerable polishing. The setting was obviously not a house, it's a hostel, so why misrepresent it? Editing, especially scene transitions, needs work. Overall, this premiere episode wasn't a good way to start this series. It's understandable, it's from a new production company. But I sincerely hope this series improves in its succeeding episodes because it would really be a waste if it doesn't.
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It's nice to see Kelly back with a new Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series. In a lot of ways, "Pisces the Series" is an improvement of "Even After." While both are do-it-yourself (DIY) series, the plot/storyline of "Pisces the Series" appeared more complex than "Even After." "Pisces the Series" has more characters but with each episode focused on Pisces' relationship with one character, this new series seemed more focused. Episode 1: Capricorn was about Pisces and his boyfriend Capricorn. Some character backgrounds that relate to their relationship and their studies were provided. Screenplay had cheesy lines but for the most part, it was natural and realistic. In terms of acting, although he's already better than most DIY series actors, Patrick still needs improvement. Kelly's more comfortable now with his performance. Audio-visuals can be made better. While the soundtracks "The One for Me" and "Perfect Sign" by Bianca Nicole Millare were ok, some background noises were distracting. It might be style but the grainy camera shots didn't quite provide the desired effects. But even with these issues, this pilot episode was still a decent start for this series.
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After a long hiatus, Episode 4: Finale (Part 1) was finally released. Unfortunately, the break didn't help solve the problems of this series. The plot/storyline was still shallow. None of the characters were endearing enough. Script was still bad. Acting was still poor. Overacting was a staple on most scenes. Charles and Yaan failed to connect with the viewers and with each other. There's no chemistry between them. While audio-visuals were better than previous episodes, they were nevertheless still substandard. Last episode up next!
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Episode 3: Pagkabigo (Failure) was another weak episode. The real Yuhan arrived and the reactions of Drake, Marcus, and Yuhan weren't realistic. Screenplay was bad. Acting was still poor. Because of substandard direction, lead actors mistook shouting as acting. Production technicals especially editing were unsatisfactory. Last two episodes!
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Episode 2: Nakaraan (The Past) revealed Drake and Gabby's scheme to trick and hurt Marcus. At least it was surprising twist in the plot/storyline. Script wasn't natural. There were repetitive lines and corny dialogues. Acting was still bad. Some of the cast members overacted. Audio-visuals were uneven. All in all, it was largely a weak episode.
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Episode 1: Unang Tagpo (First Meeting)/Biglaang Paglaho (Sudden Disappearance) wasn't a good pilot episode. The plot/storyline seemed quite shallow. I did appreciate that Filipinos in a provincial and rural setting were represented on this series. While the use of Filipino Ilocano was much appreciated, screenplay, in general, wasn't conversational enough. Acting was amateurish. It was pretty evident that the actors were just reciting lines from the script they memorized. There were lots of unnecessary movements especially distracting hand gestures. Production technicals were mostly weak. Scene transitions weren't smooth. Original soundtracks "Himig ng Pag-ibig" (Sound of Love) by Dhar Rebellon and Symon John Reyes and "Pangako" (Promise) by Vernix Magayano and Amherstia Magayano were just ok. I hope succeeding episodes are better.
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Meet My Angel Episode 4
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Surprise, surprise: back-to-back episodes! I got confused. I didn't realize I was already watching the fourth episode, lol! Episode 4: The Valor doubled down on the dragging aspects of the previous episode. Scenes were just too long with extra corny and preachy screenplay. Acting was limited to reading lines to each other. Even Angelo's beautiful hug didn't have much impact because the entire scene was prolonged. Production technicals were the same as previous episodes. I can't believe this series is halfway through and yet nothing much has happened. I hope the remaining episodes are better.
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