Episode 1: Broken Hearts, Lost Souls was a solid pilot episode. This episode used a nonlinear narrative to introduce the plot/storyline. How eventually Win, Jaime, and Heart meet was set-up on this premiere episode. While the love triangle trope isn't new, it's still interesting to know how Win, who found Jaime for his broken-hearted friend Heart, develops romance with Jaime. Jaime, who jerked off while listening to Win's podcast, obviously fancies Win. Screenplay was generally realistic and relatable. Acting was quite good for actors with no known films and/or series credited to them. Audio-visuals were largely ok. My only issue was the mic symbol that should show that it's unmute during Win and Heart's virtual conversation. The OSTs "Ako'y Sayo Lamang" (I'm Exclusively Yours) by AJRAVII and "Panggap" (Pretend) by Shania Bajen, while not specifically made for this series, were nonetheless suitable for the scenes. I enjoyed this pilot episode so I'm really looking forward to the next episodes.
If you like light viewing that gives you a few laughs then Got'chu Fam is suitable for you. Episode 4: Linis Bahay (House Cleaning) was fine. Being a situation comedy (sitcom), there's not much to go on with in terms of plot/storyline. The gang continued to prepare for the garage sale which I know will not be able to raise the money (PhP2.5 million in 3-days) they need, lol! The King and Kylie ship seemed to be sailing and I'm fine with it. Spencer's really my favorite character, lol! All other artistic aspects were similar with previous episodes.
So this is basically not going to be available for inter fans, right?
I'm Thailand-based and I was able to access it through Blued Thailand with some guidance and instructions from Blued Philippines. Try to DM Blued Philippines on Twitter.
Episode 1: Reservations was well-made. The plot/storyline seemed interesting. I anticipate I'll be entertained and feel romantic excitement. Screenplay was very natural and realistic. And I love Kaloy and Genesis! Their character portrayals on this series were quite different when compared to In Between's Otep and Boys' Lockdown's Martin which only proves that they can act. Also, there's something about their chemistry that's undeniable. Audio-visuals were clear. There were some cool camera shots. The OSTs "Danger" and "Pavement" by April Hernandez featuring TheSunManager, while not specifically made for this series, were nevertheless nice. Overall, this was a solid premiere. I only have one complaint: It's too short! Good thing this series will run everyday for 6 days!
On Episode 9, Aiden finally made a decision and he chose Danny. Questions like "Will Aiden and Danny publicly reveal their relationship?," "How will Aiden deal with his parents' reaction to his relationship will Danny?," and "Will Jaime and Josh ever meet again?" were some of the lingering issues left unanswered. It wasn't a spectacular finale but it was fairly decent so I'm generally ok with it. Some may take issue with gay Rico ending up with Mika but I know actual real-life couples like them so it's not as if their set-up doesn't happen. It does so I'm mostly fine with it. There were a lot of nice songs on this episode. It would have been better if the songs were spread out all throughout the season. The OST "Same Love" was overplayed. Overall, I think Boyband Love is a lower middle-tier Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series so it's still alright.
For those who got confused because of the dream sequence, Episode 8: Choose the Best Answer isn't the season finale. There are a few more episodes after this one. This episode revealed a bit more about Achilles and Hendrick and Ji-Young and Onyx that made them even more unlikable. I can understand why some may pity Achilles but given his attitude, I can't find it in me to feel for him. Again, the slapstick scene with the guard didn't work for me. Screenplay and acting were the same as previous episodes. Audio-visuals were also the same. No new episode tonight. The next episode will be on December 25.
Kelly's line was not a "rape joke". She was threatening revenge, but with no real intention behind it. You thought…
Yes, I thought she meant it as a joke because she followed it up with a laugh and "hindi, ito na lang" (no, let's just do this instead) and slapped Drake. But regardless if it's joke or threat, I didn't find it appropriate.
Episode 6: Redemption was a good set-up for next week's season finale. The plot/storyline progressed with Benjo apologizing to (ex-)girlfriend Ashley and Emil's mother Edna finding out about her son's relationship with Benjo. While sad, what happened to Kelly happens. It's good she learned her lesson and she has friends like Benjo and Emil who support her. I also liked that the town watcher Purot castigated Drake for what he said about Kelly. Screenplay was silly here and there but was also funny. Although I didn't find the rape joke funny. Acting was generally ok. Audio-visuals were fine. For next week's finale, I expect not only for Emil to reveal to his mother about Benjo's family history but also for him to end his relationship with his girlfriend.
While I like Stigma's plot/storyline, my issue with it is its preachy screenplay. Episode 2: Ang Stigma ni Kian (Kian's Stigma) discussed another relevant social stigma: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) stigma. But because it was presented in a tedious manner, it was really off footing. It would have been better if it was at least informative [e.g. HIV is different from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), HIV and AIDS treatments and support services are 100% free in the Philippines, people with HIV can live a long and normal life, etc.]. The script did get it in one of its lines when Lei said "What kills people is not the disease, but the stigma attached to it." I also appreciated that Kian's friends were very supportive. Acting was still awkward in parts but largely ok. Audio-visuals were mostly fine. Let's see what other issue Stigma tackles in the next episode.
I enjoyed Episode 4: Pagbangon sa Nakaraan (Rising from the Past). After the typhoon interlude, I think this episode was able to put this series back on track. I especially liked how realistic this episode depicted Filipino (Pinoy) rural folks' resiliency after a disaster. Pinoys, especially rural Pinoys, helping out each other in times of need is very common. And Pinoys finding something to laugh about even in the face of misfortunes is very relatable. What's also nice about this episode, it represented the plight of poor farmers and rice growers in the Philippines. I still have a few issues with this episode though. I was still bothered by the queer portrayals of Luningning and Bighani but I must admit I did laugh a little watching their scenes. Ditas was still obnoxious but hopefully the entrance of Christopher, given the gazes when he was introduced, will explain Ditas' attitude. Screenplay and acting still need to be more natural. Audio-visuals were mostly ok. Overall, I liked this episode.
I liked Episode 3: Kwek Kwek (Deep-Fried Orange Covered Hard-Boiled Duck Egg). While the pace was still a bit slow, the plot/storyline moved forward on this episode. Character backgrounds were elaborated on this episode. We also got a glimpse of Bryce and Josh's history together. Screenplay was largely fine. Acting was also ok. Even with limited budget, production technicals were mostly good. No new episode on Christmas! The next episode will be on January 1!
Simon was introduced on Episode 2: Prisoner. While the plot/storyline progressed a bit, the scenes weren't exciting enough. Screenplay was unnatural. Acting was cringy. John David's monologues were barely watchable. His dialogues with Miguel were unrealistic. The Amore actors were not excellent but they were at least generally good in acting. I was expecting The Shore actors to be at par and as prepared as the Amore actors. They're not. The Amore actors are far better in acting than these newbie actors. I hope the main cast members of this series will at least have chemistry together. We'll see on the next episodes. Audio-visuals were still mostly uneven. The visual effects for the helicopter were horrendous. All in all, this series needs improvements.
Episode 1: https://youtu.be/arEteKPgV-w