Pinoy BL Series

It was revealed on Episode 4: Love Is Not Self-Seeking that Vlad and Lemuel know each other. Four episodes in and chemistry among the couples is still wanting. Also, the prolonged scenes are getting annoying. But at least, script was less cringy on this episode. Acting was also better. Production technicals were alright. I'm hoping for a faster pacing on succeeding episodes.

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.

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.

There were disagreeable parts (e.g. Jill ogling too much over Jack), but Episode 1 was at least bearable. The plot/storyline seemed simple but passable. Screenplay had cheesy lines but it was generally tolerable. Audio-visuals were mostly weak. There were dubbing issues and video quality wasn't good. The soundtrack "Tayo Lang Dalawa" (Only the Two of Us) by Ken Manquiat and Donn Carsula was fine. Overall, while there were weaknesses, this short pilot episode was watchable for the most part.

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.

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."

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.

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.

Episode 1: Love Is Patient introduced Vladimir and the Santiago brothers, Epoy and Omeng. The plot/storyline, which revolves around boys from different socio-economic backgrounds, seemed alright. There were cringy scenes but for the most part, this pilot episode was fine. While generally conversational, screenplay had a few cheesy lines. Acting was good. Both David and Kaleb are experienced actors. Audio-visuals weren't exceptional but they were ok. All in all, this was a solid premiere episode.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.