Pinoy BL Series
Thailand
Episode 2 was alright. The massage scenes were fine. Some background information about Kiko was provided on this episode. There's also some relationship development with Mark offering Kiko a job as his personal assistant. Screenplay was generally conversational. Acting was good. Production technicals were mostly ok. Based on the preview for the next episode, looks like Mark is a bit possessive of Kiko. Let's see how they handle the tension.
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I love supernatural stuff. That's probably one of the reasons why Cheat continues to fascinate and intrigue me. Episode 2: The Guilty and the Beguiled was good. The effect of Vee on two (Dong and Jennifer) of the three siblings was shown on this episode. Allen was also introduced on this episode. There were a number of steamy (and weird!) scenes that were nevertheless in line with the plot/storyline. The scenes were done tastefully. Screenplay was realistic enough although there were pauses and silences that could have been edited out for better pace. Acting was mostly ok. Audio-visuals maintained the occult tone. Given all these, I quite liked this episode.
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Aptly titled Episode 5: Jealous Moments, there were a lot of jealous moments on this 40+-minute episode. The good thing about these moments, towards the end, they somehow forced Jim to express his love for Ben ("...I love you too... not just as a friend. I love you, Ben."). By the way, Jim sounded a bit possessive ("Don't look at others. You're mine."). The not-so-good thing about these moments, I just feel bad for charming Olan (go #TeamStars!) and even for obnoxious Yana. It would be a terrible idea if in the end, Olan and Yana end up together. As for Flo, I didn't quite like how she kept putting Ben in uncomfortable situations. In any case, screenplay was largely realistic. Acting was good. Jerome shined on this episode. Audio-visuals were mostly ok. With two episodes left, I'm looking forward on how they will wrap up this series.
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Another solid episode from Oh, Mando! In just under 25 minutes, Episode 2 was able to provide so many details that moved the plot/storyline forward. Character backgrounds for Mando (who has a lesbian mother who left him and his father for a lesbian lover) and Krisha (who is sister to Barry) were adequately presented. And Mando and Krisha are boyfriend-girlfriend now! The script's still funny especially the fantasy sequences with gay Rapunzel and Paps Charming. Acting, especially by Kokoy, was excellent. Kokoy's really shining bright on this series. Production design was quite authentic. Camera shots (e.g. Mando street walking while singing, Mando and Krisha rehearsing Romeo and Juliet on the staircase, Mando and Krisha walking out a church, etc.) were simple yet technically sound. My only issue with this episode was the background noise during Mando's scene with his mother. Yes, it was more natural but it was also distracting. But overall, it was a very good episode!
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Both Ben and Jim are flawed characters. So far, they're not so likeable. On Episode 2: Banter, Banter, Ben took and uploaded a video of Jim without consent. He also came across as self-righteous. On the other hand, Jim wasn't so politically correct especially when he referred to Ben as "wifey" during the confrontation scene with Ben's abusive and manipulative ex-boyfriend Leo. By the way, the confrontation scene was oozing with machismo! It was quite annoying. Luckily, I generally like flawed characters as long as there's character development and redemption involved. Characters are more realistic that way. I hope both Ben and Jim are called out for their character flaws in succeeding episodes. Script was still relatable. Acting was good. Gorgeous guys Teejay, Jerome, and Johannes were all largely on point. This was the first time I've seen Johannes act so I was pleasantly surprised with his performance on this episode. He wasn't perfect but he did well. Production technicals were mostly fine. All in all, even with the irritating characters, I still liked this episode.
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Hello Stranger Episode 6
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While I can understand the disappointments and frustrations over Mico and Xavier's reactions, I still found the Episode 6: Hello Heartbreak good because it highlighted the friendship among the Young Padawans which is probably what I most liked in this series. I also fear how the series will treat Crystal in the next episodes. But unlike others, I didn't expect much with regards to the plot/storyline of this series. It's a simple plot/storyline and if they're able to execute it well then I'm generally ok with it. In terms of production, it has so far been good. While they will not get recognized for their acting performance, all the actors were fairly decent. By the way, I love that they featured Roland Barthes but Mico and Xavier should have learned from him in reading signs so they didn't have to self-sabotage. So I'm just excited how they'll end this series. With two episodes left, I don't think there's really much more that will happen other than try to tie loose ends and resolve the main conflict of this series. I just hope it's a happy ending for all.
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After disclosing what they really feel for each other, Kiko and Roy got intimate on Episode 5, which was disrupted by their discussion about safe sex. They decided to get tested and Kiko received the sad news that he's human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive. Kiko's situation seemed to drive a wedge between them. Script was generally alright on this episode. Acting was largely on point. And audio-visuals were mostly ok. All in all, this was a good episode.
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B X J Forever Episode 1
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Episode 1: Finding Blue was a solid pilot for B X J Forever. Ben's missing and Jim now works in a coffee shop. While it had sad vibes, the plot/storyline's seemed more compelling than Ben X Jim. New characters were introduced and most of them are endearing. Dante's cute, Francia's beautiful, fierce, and no-nonsense, and Bogs' gorgeous. I'm not yet sure how I feel about Val. I especially liked the chemistry of Olan and Yana. New pairings Dante and Flo and Bogs and Francia intrigue me. Screenplay was realistic and relatable. Acting was quite good. Thankfully, all the cast members can really act! Jerome was excellent. Audio-visuals was strong. I'm excited for next week's episode. The preview for next week's episode featured Royce, so I'm happy, lol!
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While the plot/storyline progressed on Episode 3: Love Is Not Proud, with Vlad and Epoy getting closer and Shake and Inton videocalling in masks, there were unnecessarily prolonged scenes that needed editing. Screenplay still needs to be more conversational. Kaleb, David, and Axl were good but acting by the rest of the cast needs to be more natural. Audio-visuals were alright. On the whole, this episode was fine.
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The pacing seemed quite slow on Episode 2: Love Is Kind. Aside from the introduction of some of the other characters, nothing much happened on this episode. I'm a bit wary of the portrayal of effeminate queer characters on this episode but I'll suspend my judgement until I see more episodes. Although there were corny lines, the script was generally alright. Acting by the actors not named David and Kaleb needs work. These actors tended to overact and telegraph their acting. Given the limited budget, production technicals were mostly fine. All in all, this episode was ok.
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Unchanged Melody Episode 4
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Episode 4 was senseless. The plot/storyline, screenplay, acting performance, and production technicals of this series were really bad. This series is definitely among the worst Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series I've watched. I'm just glad it's finished.
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Worth the Wait Episode 13
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Aside from the closing scene not making any sense, the introduction of the characters of Pepps TV's next Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series "Forever Yours" through Episode 13 ruined "Worth the Wait" for me. They could have done a better job of incorporating these characters without relegating the entire "My Toxic Lover/Worth the Wait" plot/storyline into a mere dream or fantasy. It was totally unimaginative. Episode 13 was such a downer. Script, acting, and production technicals for this finale weren't exciting or interesting. In any case, overall, I'll still rate "Worth the Wait" slightly above "My Toxic Lover" and definitely below "My Day."
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Worth the Wait Episode 12
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While Episode 12 tried to resolve some of the lingering issues to set-up the finale, it was generally a weak episode because of the treatment of the antagonists Dane and Royce. The reason provided for Royce's treachery was stupidly classist and elitist. It's as if this series was saying, if you're poor, you're bound to do bad stuff. Dane's characterization was worse. She did all those evil shenanigans just because she's in love. And then, after almost an eternity of being wicked, all of a sudden, she had a change of heart. Screenplay was tolerable and acting was watchable. Audio-visuals were alright. But overall, this penultimate episode was frustrating because of the poor characterizations of the villains.
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Love Beneath the Stars Episode 3
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10 out of 10. I super loved Episode 3. It had the right mix of comedic and dramatic scenes. Nothing was overdone. Luke's mom was amazing on this episode. Screenplay was just about right. It was realistic and relatable. Acting was on point. Audio-visuals were solid. Overall, this was a great episode.
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Worth the Wait Episode 11
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At the awards night, Ethon shares with the public the status of his relationship with Martin. Even though the script was cheesy, Episode 11 was generally alright because of the progress with Ethon and Martin's relationship. Acting was mostly fine. Production design was underwhelming though. But all in all, this episode was ok.
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