Pinoy BL Series
Thailand
My Extraordinary Episode 7
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I can understand the disappointments and frustrations over Episode 7: Wishing Tree. Lots of people prefer happy endings. Unless there's a surprise plot/storyline twist during the finale, it can now be safely assumed that Shake and Ken are both dead. And that's sad. It's easy to hate Monica and Sandee for what they did but the reality is, in the Philippines, there are lots of Monicas and Sandees. At least their characterizations were realistic. Screenplay was good. Aside from Yayo, kudos to Enzo and Z for their acting. Z's Lawrence is probably the most endearing (alive) character on this series. Production design, cinematography, and editing were satisfactory. The OST "Suspended in Midair" by Vicente DeJesus featuring Kenji Exaltacion made me even sadder. I'm not yet sure if I'm excited for next week's finale. Part of me's dreading how this series will end.
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Boyband Love Episode 6
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Episode 6 was definitely an improvement from the previous episode. The plot/storyline progressed on this episode. It was nice to know about Danny's parents and unconventional family. With Charm knowing about Danny liking Aiden, their dynamics looked more interesting. The kissing and making love scenes on this episode were generally good. Screenplay had less cringy lines. Thai boys' love (BL) references were nice. Acting of the main cast was largely tolerable. But my issues with the production remained. I would have wanted more glamour given that they're supposed to be big celebrities. The OST "Ikaw Na Nga Talaga" (It's Really You) by Jayson Dedal featuring 1:43, while not specifically made for this series, was quite good. I hope this series continues to improve.
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Episode 2 was another solid episode. Pace was good. Character backgrounds were provided and the justification for the revival of the restaurant was given. Script was comedic ("it's a frank!") and dramatic ("you ask every day why were you left behind") at the right time. Acting was satisfactory. Kudos especially to Benedix! Production design, cinematography, and editing were ok. I'm excited to see Aron and Kian work on their restaurant next week!
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Like in the Movies Episode 7
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Another 10/10 episode. Without a doubt, Episode 7 is Gaya Sa Pelikula's best episode so far. The main conflict of this series was brought to the fore on this penultimate episode. While Ate (Older Sister) Judit, Tito (Uncle) Santi, and Anna's meddling (definitely borne our of love, whether we agree with them or not) provided complications, at end of the day, the main issue of this series has always been the effect of Karl and Vlad's conflicting views of their own sexual orientation and gender identity and expression on their feelings for each other. Karl's still in the denial while Vlad's out and proud. I've known a lot of Karls and Vlads in my life so I really found them relatable. Screenplay was realistic. In terms of acting, Ian and Paolo were at their best on this episode. Audio-visuals were solid. The apartment (indoors and outdoors) they used looked quite nice. The OSTs were also good. I can't believe next week's the finale!
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Episode 4: The Third Party was another solid episode. With the arrival of Yana, Jim’s girlfriend and Ben's jealousy, plot/screenplay progressed. I also liked Jim's jealousy of Olan. Since Episode 1, I've been a Ben X Olan shipper so I don't mind if they end up together. Script was consistently relatable. Acting was good. Teejay, Jerome, and Ron capitalized on the scenes given to them with appropriate performances. Production technicals were unfailing. Preview for next week showed Olan asking permission to court Ben -- I'm excited!
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I super love Episode 1! It was an exciting romantic comedy Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series! And I didn't expect that it's also a fantasy series! The dormitory, school, and street settings were very Filipino. I miss fishballs and squidballs, lol! While there were fantasy elements as exemplified by gay Rapunzel and Paps Charming, Episode 1 depicted real-life issues like family relations, gender identities and sexual orientations, and possibly, suicidal experiences. I just hope they're able to develop the characterizations of Mando's girl and effeminate gay friends. Screenplay was really funny. Acting was so good. It didn't matter if it's comedic or dramatic, Kokoy was excellent as always. Alex and Barbie did good as well. The supporting cast members especially veteran actor Joel were all good. I was so happy to see Pinoy BL series actors Migs, Ron, Z, and Sam on this episode! This pilot episode was well-made. Production value was pretty high. The songs, while not specifically made for this series, were appropriate for the premiere. I especially liked "Aray" (Ouch) by Benjamin Carreon featuring Mae Rivera. Overall, I can't wait for the next episode!
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Oh My Sexual Episode 12
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Episode 12: Oh My Pandemic Finale! highlighted the issues of this series -- shallow plot/storyline, wasted performance, and uneven production. Because of too much emphasis on style, substance was disregarded. None of the characters were relatable enough. Screenplay was highly incoherent. There were a lot of long and repetitive lines. In terms of acting, until the end, there were too much exaggerations. It's a pity because the actors can act. Audio-visuals were still uneven. All in all, I'm just glad this series is finally over.
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Episode 11: What’s With Sorry? was an exploration on how Dave and Terrence view love with both of them associating it with trust. I think Dave wanted to confess that he likes Terrence but because of doubts and lack of trust, decided not to go through with it. And I think Terrence was sorry for trying to make Dave fall for him because he's actually starting to develop feelings for him too. I don't know if I'm right but I hope that on the last four episodes, the scenes will be more exciting with improvements on plot/storyline, performance, and production.
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I liked Episode 2: Pagsasamang Loob (Solitude)/Pag-iisang Loob (Unity). There's improvement compared to the pilot episode. Plot/storyline progressed on this episode with Caloy and John adjusting to life in the rural area where they're staying. As they cope with their new environment, they also found themselves feeling differently about each other. At least there's some build-up. The crude characterizations of Ditas, Luningning, and Bighani were extra annoying on this episode. Screenplay was cringy at times but was generally tolerable. Acting was better but was still barely watchable. But I did find John Kennedy and Paul charming. I also liked that they're not super fit; they still have some fats here and there, lol. They looked normal and relatable. Production design was good and I loved the cinematography for the outdoor scenes that used long shots. Editing still needs work. All in all, it's an improvement from last week's episode so I'm satisfied.
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On Episode 12: Forgiveness, more people found out about parts of the secrets that Jimmy, Princess, and Wil were hiding. At least the plot/storyline progressed on this episode. I hope all these secrets are exposed as soon as possible because it's been quite tiresome already. Screenplay and acting were generally fine. Audio-visuals were still uneven. There were scenes with lots of unnecessary noises and scenes with useless shots. Overall, it was just an ok episode.
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Axel has good friends who were introduced on Episode 6: Love, Acceptance & Respect. He needed them to help him process what he went through. I don't agree with everything Axel and his friends said but at least he has friends he can rely on. As for the cliffhanger, why did Axel accept a call from Patrick in the first place? Sometimes, Axel annoys me. Screenplay and acting were better than last week. For this episode, sound was generally ok but there were grainy camera shots during Axel's conversation with his friends. So, when will this series finally discuss about HIV? I'm getting really impatient.
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Boys' Lockdown Episode 3
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Episode 3: Ayuda One? was slightly different in tone from the two previous episodes because it had some dramatic scenes from Chen and Libby. But overall, it was still cute and happy with lots of fan service. I actually liked the Chen and Libby scenes even though I would have preferred it if there were more Filipino words used. I can relate with Libby. It's difficult when you're tasked to take care of someone else especially given the context of the pandemic. What if Chen got sick? She'll be blaming herself for sure. On top of having to worry about Chen, she has other issues. We don't know yet why their Mom left them or why she's taking dydrogesterone (for menopausal hormone therapy). That's why I felt that Teentin's acting was appropriate. The two shirtless boys, Dicky and Whilce were hot. Dicky was cute during the interlude. Whilce checking the temperature of his balls was hilarious. And Laksa was just adorable. Production technicals were fine. With only 3 episodes left, I hope KeyChen gets to meet face-to-face soon. By the way, for those who aren't happy that this series has only 6 episodes, don't worry, I heard there's Season 2.
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My Extraordinary Episode 6
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Either ShaKen are in a coma or they're both dead. Episode 6: The Three Swords was hard to watch because it was a really sad episode. The plot/storyline progressed with the characters trying to deal with the grief, pain, and sorrow brought about by whatever happened to Ken. There was a time jump -- six weeks after the car accident. There were good dialogues especially from Lawrence ["So what if Kuya (older brother) is gay? Will fireballs fall from the sky? Is it the end of the world? If something bad happens to Kuya, I don't think I can ever forgive Mom"] and Heaven ("You were jealous, fine! But you had no right to tell his Mom"). I love Lawrence. The scene with Jayvee seemed to be a set-up or teaser for A Kiss To Remember. I heard that aside from LaVee, other cast members of A Kiss To Remember will appear on Episode 8 of My Extraordinary. Anyway, acting on this episode was outstanding. While both Monica and Sandee were annoying, there's no doubt Yayo and Karissa are both good thespians. I especially like the Monica and Ken scenes. Audio-visuals were good. And hey, another good OST in "Suspended in Midair" by Vicente DeJesus featuring Kenji Exaltacion. Overall, I'm just sad about this episode. I hope I will not feel this way on the last two episodes.
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Boyband Love Episode 5
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A number of character details were provided on Episode 5 that moved the plot/storyline forward. We now know about Aiden's relationship with his girlfriend Charm as well as with his parents. There were also bits of information about Danny and the other characters. While I'm a bit annoyed with both Mika and Rico, I must admit I did find myself smile a little at the ridiculousness of their arrangement. Jaime and Josh's relationship was still slow moving. Screenplay was tolerable. Acting performance of those portraying the parents of Aiden and Rico were poor. The main cast members were generally watchable. Production value was still the same. With only three episodes left, I hope they still get to improve on the areas where the series has shortcomings.
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Consistent with its entire season, Episode 12 was a mess, saved only by Aki and Miko's chemistry. Most plot/storyline loose ends were resolved but in a very rushed manner resulting to abrupt and illogical character changes and improper and irrational character developments. These were especially true for Ace, his father, and Moira (who should have gone to jail!). Screenplay was poor with cringy, long, and repetitive lines. Acting was barely watchable. It was overdramatized. Good thing Aki and Miko's chemistry compensated for the poor acting. Truth be told, I enjoyed the blooper reel more than the actual finale. For a finale, I expected grand production technicals. Alas, they were just average. Given all these, I'll really have to think about how I'll rate this series. It wasn't a bad series, it was still a good series, but it was, nevertheless, a messy series.
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