Pinoy BL Series
Thailand
Worth the Wait Episode 10
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Episode 10 had some issues here and there; nonetheless, this episode was still one of this series' better episodes. Ethon and Martin made love. The love making scene was a bit awkward but it was alright for the most part. Martin's family finally accepted that he's gay. The plot/storyline progressed on this episode. But there were prolonged dialogues (e.g dramatic scene between Martin and his father) that affected acting and lessened the impact of the scenes. Aki and Solo were mostly fine though. Production technicals were largely ok. On the whole, this was a good episode.
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Worth the Wait Episode 9
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Episode 9 was mostly fine. At least Ethon didn't stay mad with Martin for long. The change of scenery was kinda refreshing too. And we get to know more about Martin's background. But the lesbian couple filler seemed out of place. Anyway, script had iffy parts but it was largely tolerable. Acting wasn't perfect with lots of tentativeness but it was still watchable. Audio-visuals were off at times. Scene transitions need improvement. But overall, this episode was ok.
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With Tina's memory back and Algiro and Monsour ending up together after a time jump, Episode 9 closed the book on this series. The plot/storyline was silly. Script was lousy. Acting was horrendous. And audio-visuals were bad. Overall, this was a disappointing series and I'm glad it's over.
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On Episode 8, Monsour finally found out about his family. He was reunited with Algiro and in the process met Dzrey. Charry confessed to Bladimir that she's a hermaphrodite, which the latter accepted. Similar to the previous episode, everything felt abrupt and unnatural on this episode. Screenplay had corny lines and unrealistic dialogues. Exacerbated by poor direction, acting was quite bad on this episode. Production technicals were terrible. Background noise was too distracting. This episode wasn't the finale yet. There's still one more episode.
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Love Beneath the Stars Episode 2
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I love this series. Episode 2 was both heartwarming and hilarious. The opening scene with Dominic and Karen was really good. Script was realistic and relatable. Acting was perfect. It was nice to see veteran actors Agot, Nikki, and Romnick on this episode. Adrian and Keann looked cute together. By the way, congratulations to both of them for being nominated as Best Actor for the movie "The Boy Foretold by the Stars" (2020) at the prestigious Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (Gawad URIAN) (2021) [Elijah Canlas was also nominated as Best Actor for the movie "He Who Is Without Sin" (2020)]. Audio-visuals was mostly fine. I know it was also used in the previous episode but I only realized on this episode how great iDolls' "Hinog na ang Mundo" (The World is Ready) is. Overall, this was a solid episode.
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Even with three episodes in, the boys' love (BL) angle of this series hasn't manifested yet. Anyway, Episode 3: Quarantine was a bit boring. Celso and Mia were now staying in the same room. Celso explained to Mia Bobet's obvious reluctance to make serious commitments. Screenplay was quite bland. Acting was generally uninspired. Audio-visuals had issues. Mia's audio was bad. There were dubbing problems. And some camera shots lacked focus. Overall, I hope these issues are resolved in succeeding episodes.
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Things get complicated on Episode 2: Virus. Precious moved out after tensions with Mia while Bobet was identified as a person under investigation (PUI) after direct contact with someone with COVID-19. Although the plot/storyline progressed on this episode, I'm a bit uncomfortable how women were portrayed on this episode. Script was conversational enough. Acting still needs improvements but it was mostly alright. Production technicals were better than the last episode. On the whole, this episode was still ok.
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Given the interesting plot/storyline, Episode 1: Lockdown was at least promising. I'm just not sure yet if this series qualifies as a boys' love (BL) series. In any case, character connections (including family relations with daddy issues and entangled love affairs) and COVID-19 pandemic contexts (with people out of work and financially struggling), were clearly laid out. Screenplay had corny lines but it was nevertheless ok. Acting was abrupt and tentative at times but it was mostly fine. Audio-visuals were a bit uneven though. There were instances when lip movements didn't match spoken vocals. Scene transitions need to be smoother. But all in all, this was a good start.
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Love Beneath the Stars Episode 1
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Episode 1 was a solid pilot episode. On this episode, there's some clarity regarding Dominic and Luke's relationship. Gio's a bit annoying and Karen's a bit scary though, lol. Anyway, this episode had good pacing. Screenplay was conversational with cute lines and funny dialogues. Both Adrian and Keann delivered fine acting. It was also nice to hear them sing "Ako'y sa Iyo" (I'm Yours). Audio-visuals weren't extravagant but they were mostly alright. All in all, I really enjoyed this premiere episode.
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Stuck on You Episode 8
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Don't be deceived by the title, Episode 8: Rainbows and Butterflies didn't have a fairy tale ending. It was a realistic conclusion to this series with evident character and relationship developments. It wasn't perfect but it was still a wonderful finale for this series. Although the script dragged a bit, it had heartwarming lines and sensitive dialogues. Acting was the strongest asset of this episode. Both Iyo and Yves gave solid performances. Audio-visuals were mostly ok. Soundtrack was perfect. Overall, this was a great series and I hope there's a second season.
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Paano Kaya Kung Tayo Episode 7
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On Episode 7, Andrei helped Sef with his studies. As a show of gratitude after getting high marks, Sef gifted Andrei with a laptop. Prior, Andrei and Sef went on a nice boat ride. There seemed to be some sort of relationship development and yet I don't feel this series is progressing at all. The plot/storyline's moving on a snail's pace. Screenplay was generally ok though. Allen and Ivo were cute together but they were still tentative at times. Most of the supporting cast members were annoying. Production technicals were weak. While there were some nice camera shots (e.g. boat ride shots), editing for the most part was pedestrian. Scene transitions need to be more fluid. On the whole, even with its shortcomings, this episode was still better than the previous episode.
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Saan, Sana Tayo sa Himig ng Musika Episode 7
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Star Image Digital Network is awful at finales. They just don't know how to properly end series. Episode 7: Exchange of Hearts felt rushed and unfinished. Script was boring. Acting was uninspired. But if it's any consolation, audio-visuals were mostly ok. All in all, this wasn't a good finale.
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What a disappointing ending for this series. While I appreciated this series' efforts at being socially conscious, with the COVID-19 pandemic context incorporated in the plot/storyline, I didn't like the use of the outdated bury your gay and queer grief tropes. These tropes reinforce the notion that gays and queers don't deserve to be happy. Representations are good but if gays and queers keep seeing their representations get killed, as art critics and psychologists have pointed out, those representations can also be harmful. On Episode 5: After Life, Cardo died and Nathaniel was left to bury him weeping. The end. That was terrible. Screenplay was generally circuitous. Gino's acting was good but the prolonged dramatic scenes lessened the impact of his performance. Given the weak characterizations, it was also difficult to empathize and sympathize with the characters. Compared to previous episodes, audio-visuals were a bit better though. Overall, this was mostly an upsetting finale for this series.
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Coming from the Star Episode 1
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Similar to most do-it-yourself (DIY) Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series, "Coming from the Star" has poor quality. Episode 1 suffered from an uninteresting plot/storyline. There were a couple of unnecessary scenes. While screenplay was somewhat conversational, it was nevertheless unexciting. There were repetitive lines. Acting was quite weak. Cast members weren't endearing enough. Audio-visuals were mostly substandard. Some scenes didn't even have sound. There were also distracting background noises. Camera shots were largely amateurish. Frankly, I don't know what will happen to this Pinoy BL series. The last Pinoy BL series by the same Director got cancelled so I won't be surprised if this one gets discontinued as well.
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Simply Don't Episode 1
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Similar to "Lust Never Lasts," this Magnifico TV-produced series "Simply Don't" also suffered from a shallow plot/storyline with a regressive message. This series looked at cheating. The depictions of Shasha, an effeminate gay, and Manang, a female maid, were likewise problematic. Screenplay was mostly preaching backward thinking. Sure, acting on this series was slightly better than "Lust Never Lasts" but it was nonetheless still poor. Greyson and Jhay Ar's kissing scene was more exhausting than exciting. Audio-visuals were substandard. Overall, this was a weak pilot episode.
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