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.
The 43-minute long Episode 3: The Hopes, Fools, Romantics was another strong episode. I really like how this season's progressing. Characters, old and new, are really interesting. I like most of the characters although I'm still not sure how I feel about Val. It's clear that this season's exploring different types of relationships. I like the new couples. I'm still Team Ben X Jim so I don't want Roy and Val to mess things up between them. But what I especially don't like is for Roy to get hurt. I don't want Roy to end up with Ben but I'd love for him to be happy with someone else in the end. For sure, this season is more daring. This episode had lots of shirtless scenes (the best of course were Royce's scenes, lol) and a couple of love scenes, including an orgy scene (don't worry, everything's tastefully done, lol). Screenplay was still quite good. Acting was on point. Audio-visuals were solid. It's just refreshing to watch a Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series with scenes shot in different locations. I'm so looking forward to next week's episode!
Episode 2: Makeover was mostly ok. This episode provided some insights into the main characters' childhood trauma with regards to their sexual orientation and gender identity expression (SOGIE). While it's entitled "makeover," this episode didn't really belabor the makeover of Elmo, which is good. Screenplay was alright. Acting still needs work. Production technicals were largely fine. So far, there are no evident hiccups in presenting Elmo and Sarah in one frame. All in all, this episode was ok.
On the whole, Episode 12: Huling Sandali (Last Moments) was ok. King's father bought the boarding house so the main problem was solved. Unfortunately, King had to leave which derailed (hopefully only temporarily) the King-Spencer ship. But at least Carlo and Paul are together. Screenplay was generally fine. There were some good comedic lines although the dramatic dialogues were quite dry. Acting by the lead cast members were largely alright. I don't get the need to feature the extras. Audio was kinda bad although the outdoor resort visuals were nice. Overall, the finale was mostly ok.
I enjoyed Episode 2: The Jim Missing Ben. All the characters have stories to tell and all the scenes were purposive enough to tell part of their stories. Their personal stories were also intertwined with relevant social issues like cancel culture, catfishing, effects of the pandemic on family relationships, gender transitioning, sexual orientation and gender identity expression (SOGIE) equality bill campaign, etc. I still can't decide which among the couples I like most but I'm quite sure I like Olan and Yana who I hope will not end up as a couple. It's also good that a lot were revealed about what happened to Ben and Jim in the past. Of course, Roy's appearance was the best part of this episode, lol! Script remained realistic and relatable. Acting by the entire cast was really good. And production technicals were solid. All in all, I liked this episode.
If indeed it's the finale (it doesn't seemed like it's the finale), Episode 8: Hanggang sa Muli (Till We Meet Again) was a bit underwhelming. While there was an adequate explanation for why Ditas acted the way she did, there weren't enough good closing scenes for Bulan/Caloy and John. Even the kissing scene was bland. Script was mostly alright although there were long and whiny lines delivered by Ditas. Acting was a bit dry. Production technicals had weaknesses especially in terms of editing, flow, and pace. Overall, it was still a decent series.
The pilot episode, Episode 1: Torment, was just ok. The plot/storyline was clearly laid out on this episode. Character background for Damon was provided. But a lot of scenes made me uncomfortable. I don't think watching the different ways to kill oneself is a good viewing experience. Script had long lines and over poetic monologues that became cringy and dragging after some time. There were also misinformed and problematic lines [e.g. "HIV has cure" (HIV can be managed but technically there's no cure yet)]. Acting was good. I was pleasantly surprised with newbie actor Kaleb who was able to do his scenes well. Audio-visuals were uneven. In some scenes, sound wasn't clear and crisp. While there were good camera shots, there were also bad ones (e.g. part of a curtain that was distractingly moving was caught in the frame). All in all, while there were issues, this premiere episode was fairly decent.
It was revealed on Episode 6 that Kyle was the one who helped Roi (via phone) when he was distressed during the pilot episode. Screenplay was mostly ok. Acting still needs improvement. Production technicals were much like previous episodes. Editing, especially with regard to scene transitions, needs work. Let's see how this series end next episode.
Episode 8: Ichigo Ichie wasn't as solid as previous episodes but it was nevertheless still quite good. Plot/storyline only made little progress on this episode. Being the penultimate episode, this episode, including its cliffhanger, set-up next week's finale. Screenplay was alright. Acting was fine. Audio had some distracting background noise but visuals were as strong as always. I'm really looking forward to next week's finale. I hope this series finish strong.
While Episode 15: The Final Test: Define Love ended ok, the scenes leading to the end weren't. This finale was stretched and yet it felt lacking. Some scenes were long and unnecessary. It's not clear what happened to the main antagonists on this series. Albeit unrealistic, at least this series had a happy ending. Screenplay was repetitive at times. Although mostly overdramatic, acting was generally fine. Audio-visuals were largely uneven. Dubbing wasn't good and volume fluctuated. There were scenes that were too dark. Overall, I'm just glad this series is finished.
Episode 1: Homecoming was at least watchable. The plot/storyline seemed shallow but it's too early to judge. Script was generally conversational. Acting needs refinement. It's not nuanced enough to clearly differentiate between Elmo and Sarah. Audio-visuals were just ok. Overall, it's passable. Hopefully the next episode is better.
Episode 27: Greatest Love is among the most disappointing and weakest finales for a Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series that I've seen. Amore just ran out of steam. The plot/storyline ended flat. Screenplay was cringy till the end. Acting was overdramatic which didn't do justice to the talents of Drei, Erwin, and Petite. Most of the cast members were not even part of the finale (I miss Jules!). And audio-visuals were totally lackluster. The production company said that this episode is the "end of Book 1." With such a finale, I don't think this series deserves a Book 2.
[Note: It's weird that the 2 series reviews featured on this profile are named after the former director (John Ray Garcia) and former assistant director (Sherwin Viray). Did they review their own series?]
While there's relationship development for Kyle and Roi on Episode 5, at times it felt like there's no clear direction because of lack of focus. There were numerous side characters with no clear purpose that made the plot/storyline a bit convoluted. Script was nevertheless tolerable. Acting still needs improvement. And audio-visuals were still uneven. But even with these issues, this episode was nonetheless passable.
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!
[Note: It's weird that the 2 series reviews featured on this profile are named after the former director (John Ray Garcia) and former assistant director (Sherwin Viray). Did they review their own series?]