Pinoy BL Series

Episode 1 had a number of issues that I hope will be addressed on succeeding episodes. Not much was provided in terms of plot/storyline. This episode simply introduced the main and supporting characters. Sadly, there were already red flags on this pilot episode. There were stereotypical portrayals of vain women and comic relief effeminate queers. Screenplay had corny lines. Dialogues that were intended to be funny didn't quite hit the mark. Acting by the main cast members was at least watchable. It's also good that both lead actors, especially Josh, are charming in their own ways. I also sense some potential with regard to their chemistry. Audio-visuals were weak. There were bothersome background noises and blurry and grainy camera shots. The actors’ make-up distracted more than enhanced the visuals of this series. Make-up should make the characters appear more natural. Soundtracks "Piso" (Peso) and "Kailanpaman" (Ever Again) by Boys of Six were just ok. All in all, this series needs to be better in the next episodes.

While Filipino (Pinoy) producers should be lauded for their efforts at producing Pinoy boys' love (BL) series, they should also be constantly asked to produce better content. Most of the recent offerings have been weak and if "Overlooked Love" doesn't improve, it will remain as a low-tier Pinoy BL series. Episode 1: Kulbaan (Unease) was a poor pilot episode. Plot/storyline appeared superficial. Also, there was an obvious issue of lack of consent when Rafael kissed Miguel, someone he barely knew, while the latter was sleeping. Screenplay wasn't conversational enough. Acting needs major refinements. The actors' performances felt really scripted. They need to be more natural with their acting. The kissing scene was the only part with a modicum of believability. Production technicals also require considerable polishing. The setting was obviously not a house, it's a hostel, so why misrepresent it? Editing, especially scene transitions, needs work. Overall, this premiere episode wasn't a good way to start this series. It's understandable, it's from a new production company. But I sincerely hope this series improves in its succeeding episodes because it would really be a waste if it doesn't.

It's nice to see Kelly back with a new Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series. In a lot of ways, "Pisces the Series" is an improvement of "Even After." While both are do-it-yourself (DIY) series, the plot/storyline of "Pisces the Series" appeared more complex than "Even After." "Pisces the Series" has more characters but with each episode focused on Pisces' relationship with one character, this new series seemed more focused. Episode 1: Capricorn was about Pisces and his boyfriend Capricorn. Some character backgrounds that relate to their relationship and their studies were provided. Screenplay had cheesy lines but for the most part, it was natural and realistic. In terms of acting, although he's already better than most DIY series actors, Patrick still needs improvement. Kelly's more comfortable now with his performance. Audio-visuals can be made better. While the soundtracks "The One for Me" and "Perfect Sign" by Bianca Nicole Millare were ok, some background noises were distracting. It might be style but the grainy camera shots didn't quite provide the desired effects. But even with these issues, this pilot episode was still a decent start for this series.

After a long hiatus, Episode 4: Finale (Part 1) was finally released. Unfortunately, the break didn't help solve the problems of this series. The plot/storyline was still shallow. None of the characters were endearing enough. Script was still bad. Acting was still poor. Overacting was a staple on most scenes. Charles and Yaan failed to connect with the viewers and with each other. There's no chemistry between them. While audio-visuals were better than previous episodes, they were nevertheless still substandard. Last episode up next!

Episode 3: Pagkabigo (Failure) was another weak episode. The real Yuhan arrived and the reactions of Drake, Marcus, and Yuhan weren't realistic. Screenplay was bad. Acting was still poor. Because of substandard direction, lead actors mistook shouting as acting. Production technicals especially editing were unsatisfactory. Last two episodes!

Episode 2: Nakaraan (The Past) revealed Drake and Gabby's scheme to trick and hurt Marcus. At least it was surprising twist in the plot/storyline. Script wasn't natural. There were repetitive lines and corny dialogues. Acting was still bad. Some of the cast members overacted. Audio-visuals were uneven. All in all, it was largely a weak episode.

Episode 1: Unang Tagpo (First Meeting)/Biglaang Paglaho (Sudden Disappearance) wasn't a good pilot episode. The plot/storyline seemed quite shallow. I did appreciate that Filipinos in a provincial and rural setting were represented on this series. While the use of Filipino Ilocano was much appreciated, screenplay, in general, wasn't conversational enough. Acting was amateurish. It was pretty evident that the actors were just reciting lines from the script they memorized. There were lots of unnecessary movements especially distracting hand gestures. Production technicals were mostly weak. Scene transitions weren't smooth. Original soundtracks "Himig ng Pag-ibig" (Sound of Love) by Dhar Rebellon and Symon John Reyes and "Pangako" (Promise) by Vernix Magayano and Amherstia Magayano were just ok. I hope succeeding episodes are better.

That would seemed to be the case. I've never liked the idea of pairing Olan with Yana. But I think Olan's closeness to Yana confuses him. And I must admit, they do have chemistry together.

Surprise, surprise: back-to-back episodes! I got confused. I didn't realize I was already watching the fourth episode, lol! Episode 4: The Valor doubled down on the dragging aspects of the previous episode. Scenes were just too long with extra corny and preachy screenplay. Acting was limited to reading lines to each other. Even Angelo's beautiful hug didn't have much impact because the entire scene was prolonged. Production technicals were the same as previous episodes. I can't believe this series is halfway through and yet nothing much has happened. I hope the remaining episodes are better.

I barely got through Episode 3: Good Morning Angel. There wasn't much progress in terms of plot/storyline on this episode. There were unnecessarily long scenes like the toilet scene. Script was a bit cheesy. There were a few cute lines but it also had preachy dialogues. Because of this episode's poor screenplay, Enzo and Kaleb 's acting suffered. It was difficult to empathize and symphatize with their characters because of the cringy dialogues. Audio-visuals were still uneven. Five more episodes!

Star Image Digital Network's Youtube channel is back!

Episode 4: Strangled was 50-minute long. I enjoyed this episode very much. I liked how personal and social issues were seamlessly weaved together on this episode. The stories of all the couples progressed on this episode. The dynamics of the Yana, Olan, Burn, and Amber relationships were interesting. I honestly don't know which pair to root for. Dante and Flo were cute. I can relate to the issue of age difference. It didn't work for me. I hope it works for them, lol. I also sympathize with Flo. I can only imagine all the stresses experienced by health workers. I like Bogs and Francia. I fully support their pairing! But Jim and Val, that's a couple I'm not fond of. But at least there was no drunk sex. While I don't like Ben and Roy to end up together, they had good naughty banter that made me laugh. Script was alright. Acting was fine. Miko is proof what good directing can do. He's just way better in this series than in his previous series. Production technicals were still good. Given the preview for next week's episode, I'm really looking forward to finding out what happens next.

While Episode 10: Wakas na Pasasalamat (Final Thanks) tried to address last episode's sad (and bad) ending, everything felt rushed in the service of a happy ending. There were no build-ups. Acceptance and finding your love and romance were made so easy which made the ending quite unrealistic. Script was still unexciting. Acting was still dry. Production technicals, especially editing, particularly scene transitions, weren't good. The last scene with Caloy/Bulan and John kissing with the landscape background was nice though. Overall, this episode's still a better finale than last week's episode.

Star Image Digital Network's Youtube channel was hacked and the production company said they're working on it: https://www.facebook.com/StarImageArtist/photos/a.405194879649114/1821784701323451/

While there were some weaknesses especially in terms of acting, Episode 1: Sino (Who) nevertheless looked promising. While it employed the overused enemies to lovers trope, rich and poor characters falling in love with each other trope, and daddy issues trope, it seemed very much contextualized in various Philippine social issues. The challenge for this series is to avoid being preachy, introduce something new, and at the same time, show realism and relatability. Screenplay was conversational enough but the delivery of lines sounded scripted. Acting, especially by the supporting cast members, needs to improve. Ian and John had both good and bad acting moments on this episode. Both have potential but they need to let loose and be more natural in their acting. I especially like Ian. He has a very expressive face. He just needs to harmonize his vocal, physical, and emotional choices in acting. Audio-visuals were quite decent. Sound was clear enough and scenes had good camera shots. I liked the soundtrack “Mahalaga” (Important) by Lester Flores featuring Rojene Ortega. All in all, it's a good start for this series.

Burdened by its shallow plot/storyline, Episode 3: Love on Top didn't really have much to show for other than how Sarah and Elmo implemented their scheme. Out of the three episodes, this was the weakest. Script was largely alright though. Lines were conversational enough. But in terms of acting, there were still no improvements. Audio-visuals weren't that good as well. Some dialogues weren't clear and some scenes were blurry. The camera shot of Elmo and Sarah exchanging rooms was unimaginative. Overall, this series needs to improve.

Episode 9: Wakas ng Paglaya (End of Freedom) was the finale episode of Lakan. Nay (Mother) Zeny died and Bulan/Caloy and John had to separate in the end. Needless to say, it was a bad ending. To be honest, the steamy love making scene was the only part that I liked on this episode, lol. Screenplay was a bit dull while acting was just tolerable. Audio-visuals were still uneven. All in all, this finale was quite underwhelming.

While the plot/storyline progressed a bit on Episode 2: Acquaintance, this series was still bogged down by its dull screenplay. Some of the lines were just long and whiny. Efforts at being cute and funny didn't quite hit the mark. Thank heavens Kaleb, Enzo, and Gio can act! Their acting saved this episode for me. Production technicals were still uneven but they were better than last week's episode. I hope this series improves in the coming weeks.

During the orgy, he did, but let's see what happens next.

Although the long recap and repetitive scenes drove me insane, all in all, Episode 7 wasn't a total disaster. At least it was able to wrap up its simple plot/storyline. Script was generally cheesy but there were also some cute lines. In terms of acting, all the cast members have a long way to go but they were watchable enough. Audio-visuals weren't exceptional but they were tolerable. Overall, "One Day Pag-ibig" had lots of weakness but it was still ok.