Pinoy BL Series
Thailand
If there's an issue I'm uncomfortable about on this series, it's the power relations between the boss (Kian) and his house help (Aron). I know they're also childhood friends but I'm still bothered especially when Kian was throwing jealousy-related tantrums on Episode 4. On the remaining two episodes, I hope this series somehow tackles the issue of power relations. But for this episode, at least, we can confirm that both Kian and Aron have feelings for each other. The previous episodes were mostly about their bromance. This episode presented relationship development. Even with the lack of intimate moments, Chesther and Benedix's chemistry was evident on this episode. Audio-visuals was still good. The cooking scenes made me really hungry, lol! Two episodes left! I don't expect anything grand. I just want a feel good ending to this series.
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Episode 8: Pangako, Paalam (Promise, Farewell) was a sad finale not only because Axel died but also because the series bade farewell without really realizing the promise it laid out during its premiere. I was really hoping for a complex or at least, different handling of the HIV plot/storyline. But instead, with its sad ending (death), it succumbed to the tiresome bury your gay trope in line with the equally wearisome too good for this problematic earth narrative. The entire series was also dragging till Episode 6 only to be rushed in the last two episodes. Screenplay was consistently over dramatic and a bit preachy which also reflected on Aejhay and Brian's acting. Audio-visuals were the same as previous episodes. While the series was replete with weaknesses, I'm reminded that its production company (JTL TV) is composed of student and young filmmakers. For that, I laud their efforts. If they take all the constructive criticisms, I'm confident they'll improve and produce better series. Congratulations, is therefore, still in order.
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Like in the Movies Episode 8
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To be honest, I expected much more from the finale. Episode 8 was more of a set-up episode for Season 2 than a finale episode that resolves most of the issues highlighted in the series. There were still numerous lingering issues. If it's any consolation, this season didn't really have a sad ending; only an incomplete ending. Screenplay was still very good that benefited the acting of the lead actors for this episode. All in all, audio-visuals were still awesome although quality was uneven during the phone conversations. The OSTs were perfect. Overall, while a bit underwhelming, the finale was still a good set-up episode for Season 2 which I'm very much looking forward to.
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I've been too busy lately so I've only gotten to watch Episode 14: Leap of Heart recently. I was surprised Amore's been showing two episode parts back to back. The production company seemed to be rushing to finish this series. Not long ago, they announced that this series will end on January 2021. It was supposed to end by March 2021. Maybe they're already gearing up for their next Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series: The Shore. Anyway, as for this episode, there were some revelations like Princess being Kenji's sister but overall, the plot/storyline didn't really moved much. Screenplay was dragging with its long and repetitive lines. I was also disappointed Nuan didn't tell Joey the truth and Jimmy reverted back to his irritating personality. Acting was just ok. Audio-visuals remained uneven. With the production company rushing to finish this series, I really hope the next episodes have faster pace.
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Too many lies and secrets on Episode 6: Dark Night of the Soul. But guess what? I found this episode really relatable. This episode also complicated the plot/storyline a bit which I like. I'm tired of simple and shallow plots/storylines. I've been watching too much of those lately. There's still one secret I'm really interested in -- Jim's mysterious backstory. They've made references to it on previous episodes and I bet the way Ben's mother reacted on this episode had to do with Jim's backstory. While I would still prefer Ben to end up with Olan, I can also understand wanting Ben to be with his childhood friend Jim. Olan and Yana together is still a bad idea. But Olan's too charming -- you can actually pair him with anyone and it would still be cute. Johannes' Leo was disturbing. Leo seriously needs professional help. I don't know how his story will end on this series. I just hope it's not tragic. Across the board, acting was quite solid. Audio-visuals were still good. All in all, Episode 6 was a pretty good episode.
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Indeed, Oh, Mando! is one of those series that gets a lot of things right. Episode 3 was a testament to that. The plot/storyline moved along fine with character background for Barry. Script was both funny and heartbreaking. There were relevant lines about gender identities, sexual orientations, and sexual expressions that weren't preachy at all. Acting was pretty solid. While not perfect, Alex, did well enough. Kokoy's perfect. The supporting cast members were good. I was also happy I was able to watch Ron in two series tonight, lol! Z's two-timing Kim Bash should have been given some lines, lol! Production value was also good. The OSTs "Ikaw Na Nga" (It's Really You) by Andrew Florentino and "Mabagal" (Slow) by Dan Tañedo and Moira dela Torre were totally in sync with the scenes. Overall, this episode was a 10/10 for me.
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Why Love Why Episode 1
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Episode 1: Emancipation was a fairly good pilot episode. While the rich and poor characters falling in love with each other trope is nothing new, I did find the situation of getting locked down together in a penthouse for a month interesting. This episode started rather hilariously with both characters having morning wood [nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT), lol], as if saying, albeit contrasting rich and poor backdrops, both characters were still somewhat the same. Screenplay was generally ok although there were some exaggerated lines. There were some political statements about misconceptions regarding the origins of COVID-19, perceptions about China, and criticisms of the graft and corruption committed by cronies of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. Interestingly, Beverly Salviejo, who played Emil's mother, is a supporter of the late dictator's son in real life. Theatrical acting was still evident on some scenes. Philstagers Films, the production company, started off as a theater company and most of the actors are theater actors. Transitioning from stage acting to screen acting still needs a bit of work but all in all, acting was mostly ok. Carl and Johnrey had solid performances. Both are really sexy as well. Those shirtless scenes were nice, lol. I especially like Carl. He's quite charming. Production technicals were largely ok. The rich and poor settings were adequately presented. Camera work was technically good. The OST "Tama Ba Ito?" (Is It Right?) by Vince Tanada and Pipo Cifra featuring Johnrey was alright. Overall, this premiere episode was solid and I'm looking forward to next week's episode.
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Better Days is probably like Aron's cooking -- not too sour, not too salty, not too sweet, not too spicy -- it's just about right. And Episode 3 exemplified this with its plot/storyline -- nothing too fancy or over the top, just enough ingredients to make it interesting. It was nice that they finally worked on their restaurant. Screenplay was realistic and acting was relatable. Audio-visuals was fine. I can't believe this series is halfway through already. I expect the last three episodes to focus on how the two leads develop feelings for each other. I'm excited!
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I don't know what to make of Episode 4: Fill in the Blanks. This episode dealt with the aftermath of last week's infamous drunk sex/rape. The handling of the scenes on this episode was awkward to say the least. This episode also introduced Giorgio's mother who's a transgender woman. From a grieving mother on the previous episodes to a domineering woman on this episode who was somehow sexually harassing the security guard, Mama Rhu's character change was just so sudden. The depiction of Aneszhka was still problematic. Script was still cringy at times. Acting was still barely watchable. Audio-visuals were still the same. For next week's episode, I hope to see some improvements.
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Relationships became messier on Episode 12: Will You Stay? While there were no improvements in terms of production and performance, the plot/storyline at least moved forward on this episode. The main conflict of this series was presented when it was shown that Gigi's boyfriend is Panter, one of Terrence's friends. And Gigi found out about Panter's dare for Terrence to make Dave fall in love with him. As a cliffhanger, Gigi's about to share with her best friend Dave what she found out. Let's see how the three remaining episodes resolve this issue.
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Madam Tusha finally found out about Princess and baby Butch on Episode 13: Discovery. The scenes leading to the reveal as well as its aftermath were actually good. A bit over dramatic on Madam Tusha's part but was still generally ok. Yes, I don't condone violence but part of me felt good when Brenda and Jelay gave Gaile what she deserved. What ruined this episode for me was the long conversation between Joey and Kenji. Their dialogues were so long, they messed up the acting. While I would have wanted Kenji to be punished, I'm glad that that conversation's over. I hope we get less and less of Kenji on this series. Audio-visuals continue to be uneven. Editing needs work. Recaps and previews were all mixed up. For the last episodes, post-credits had been missing. For next week's episode, I hope Joey finally discovers what Wil's been doing behind his back.
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Strange Heart Episode 1
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While I commend the production company's efforts to create the first Filipino (Pinoy) Visayan/Cebuano boys' love (BL) series, I also need to point out the weaknesses of Episode 1. This episode didn't even have a BL plot/storyline. Episode 1 was about Karla, a trans girl/woman, and David, a boy/man, so technically it's not a love story between two boys which is the essence of a BL story. Maybe the next episode will feature a BL story but Episode 1 was definitely not about BL. It featured a queer story. I also love Pinoy queer series but those that claim to be Pinoy BL series should have characteristics of a BL story. A lot happened on this episode which started with Karla returning to her family as a trans woman. She fell in love with David. Karla's father rejected her and her relationship with David. In the end, she and her brother Kristof decided to leave their father and David to move somewhere else. Screenplay had comedic and dramatic lines that were generally alright. Unfortunately, there were cringy dialogues that didn't help the actors' performance. Acting was largely amateurish. Audio-visuals need a lot of improvement. For the next episode, I just want a BL story.
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Episode 3: Oral Exam started by demonizing the ex-girlfriend as if she's the only one at fault for her break-up with Gabriel and ended with drunk sex with Giorgio, and regardless if it's a dream sequence or not, with Gabriel raping Giorgio. The kissing and making love scene would have been fine if they took the drunk sex and rape out of the equation. But no, instead they chose that path. And here I thought Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series have gone beyond these problematic tropes that normalize problematic behaviors. Indeed, this episode has gone from bad to worse. Yes, the plot/storyline progressed but it was in a bad way. Screenplay was barely tolerable with lots of cringy lines. Acting was hardly watchable with underwhelming performances from the actors. And still no improvements on the production technicals. All in all, I'm disappointed with this episode.
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I wasn't really happy about Episode 7: End the Stigma. For 90 Days' penultimate episode, it was quite hard to see the point of the entire Axel-Patrick conversation. Both characters were a bit pathetic. Screenplay felt awkward especially the lines addressing the issue of HIV. While its effort to promote HIV awareness was commendable, the dialogues nevertheless felt contrived. Acting wasn't good enough primarily because the scenes were mostly over dramatized. Production technicals remained the same. Next week's the finale of this series. I hope this series somehow finishes strong.
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Boys' Lockdown Episode 4
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Episode 4: One Meter Apart was a really enjoyable episode. Yes, I know Chen was so coño [upper class Filipino (Pinoy) who speaks Taglish--a combination of the English and Filipino Tagalog languages--in a fussy way] but he's adorable. Key was so cute. He was quite funny while he was covering himself with his curtain, lol! Their face-to-face meet-up was sweet. Again, I would have preferred less coño talk but I can live with it. Pinoy coños need representations too, lol. The cast delivered in terms of acting -- not particularly outstanding, but alright. Audio-visuals were fine. Based on the preview, next week's episode seems romantic and sexy! I'm excited!
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