Pinoy BL Series

I love supernatural stuff. That's probably one of the reasons why Cheat continues to fascinate and intrigue me. Episode 2: The Guilty and the Beguiled was good. The effect of Vee on two (Dong and Jennifer) of the three siblings was shown on this episode. Allen was also introduced on this episode. There were a number of steamy (and weird!) scenes that were nevertheless in line with the plot/storyline. The scenes were done tastefully. Screenplay was realistic enough although there were pauses and silences that could have been edited out for better pace. Acting was mostly ok. Audio-visuals maintained the occult tone. Given all these, I quite liked this episode.

Other than Nuan moving in to Wil's room, nothing much happened on Episode 16: Holdback. There were growing tensions between Joey and Wil, Wil continued to scheme behind Joey's back, and Jimmy kept on flirting with Joey -- all these we've already seen on previous episodes. So while I appreciated that Nuan got screen time on this episode, overall, the plot/storyline only moved just a bit. Script was still dragging. One positive point though: acting by the main cast, especially by Jules, was fine. Audio-visuals were mostly uneven. Release of episode parts wasn't on schedule. Aside from the effects of the recent flooding in the Philippines, it seems that they're really focusing more on their new series The Shore. It would have been better if they wrapped things up with Amore first before starting The Shore.

A lot happened on the 40+-minute long Episode 7: The Final Chase. Most loose ends were resolved and a major secret was revealed -- Ben's father had an affair with Jim's father and Jim's mother died ashamed and broken-hearted. It wasn't clear if Jim was made aware of this secret towards the end of this episode. There were character and relationship developments for the main characters but not enough character backgrounds and developments for the support characters. Screenplay was good. Teejay, and especially Jerome, were at their acting best on this episode. Production technicals were also good. All in all, it was a satisfactory finale for the first season. Yes, a second season is coming!

There’s always been a debate on what’s good cinematography. Do you use simple techniques that produce the desired effect or do you use complex techniques that do not get you what you want? And camera stability doesn’t always equate to good cinematography. At the end of the day, you look for expression and/or movement in cinematography and for the outdoor scenes that used long shots, Lakan’s camera work delivered for me. As for the other comments on acting, I agree. Like what I’ve said, acting was still barely watchable. Based on Episode 3, the “ghost boy” isn’t really a ghost, lol.

A series of typhoons in the Philippines messed up Lakan. The shoot location was heavily damaged and the set was thoroughly ruined. It seemed that the plot/storyline for Episode 3: Muling Pagkakataon (Another Chance) was even adjusted to incorporate the devastating effects of the typhoons that ravaged the mountains and the lowlands. The two parts didn't have clear continuity. On the first part, Caloy and John worked the fields and they seemed to get along well. Then on the second part, Nanay Zeny, John, and Caloy had to suddenly move to an evacuation center for safety. I hope this detour doesn't have major implications on Lakan's plot/storyline and I hope that the people behind this series are still able to tell the story they want to tell. Screenplay was still cringy at times. Acting was the same as previous episodes. Audio-visuals were uneven. There were unnecessary sounds and some camera shots were too dark. All in all, I'm hope this series is able to get back on track on the next episodes.

It was a big issue on Twitterverse. It also had to do with comments made by the crew in one of their interviews about LGBTQIA+ struggle in the Philippines. Just search for it on Twitter if you're interested. But like what I've said I'm not one of those who had issues with the pilot episode and I don't think it's proper for me to speak on their issues.

Things escalated quickly. Compared to previous episodes (and even to preceding series Hook Up and Truly Very Yours), there's a drastic difference of tone on Episode 3: Dangerously in Love. There's physical violence and there's a character, Lukas, who obviously needs professional psychiatric help. I'm not sure yet how I feel about this difference of temperament. But I did like the script for this episode. It was repetitive at times but generally realistic. Acting by both Marky and Niko was good. Gorgeous Niko was quite scary. Production technicals were largely ok. I'm curious how they'll end this miniseries in next week's finale which will also set-up their next series One Night Stand.

While I understand why some people got offended with what appeared as queer misrepresentation and oversexualization during the pilot episode (for the record, I didn't get offended but for those who did, your feelings are valid), I hope they didn't judge this series based only on their issues with the premiere episode. It pays to stick around for this series. I hope those who dropped this series will give it another shot. Why Love Why is not without flaws but it clearly has something relevant to say. Since Episode 1, I've been wondering what this series is trying to say. Apparently, a lot, based on Episode 4: Duress, its best episode yet. It tackled historical, societal, and personal issues like dictatorship, human rights violations, corruption, poverty, pandemic, coming out, cheating, etc. I do have an issue with the historical timeline which was a bit confused. Prior to Martial Law (1972), Emil's grandfather was arrested and tortured by Benjo's grandfather who was already Mayor. He was the same Mayor who was asked by an Assemblywoman to join Ferdinand Marcos' New Society Movement (1978) to run for Mayor for the first time. Prior to 1972, we didn't have Assemblymen or Assemblywomen. We had Congressmen, Congresswomen, and Senators who returned after the overthrow of the Marcos regime through the EDSA People Power Revolution (1986) -- Benjo and Emil's thesis topic. But other than this, everything else was generally handled well. Screenplay was largely relatable even with the theatrical lines here and there. Benjo's coming out and confession of feelings for Emil were realistic. And Benjo and Emil's sex scene wasn't dirty at all. In terms of acting, their breakfast scene was really good. Both Carl and Johnrey were quite good. The silences between them didn't diminish their performance, but instead, amplified their acting. Audio-Visuals were mostly satisfactory. Overall, I really liked this episode.

I agree. I was actually worried last week how they'll handle the issue but I'm satisfied with how it turned out this week.

11/10. Episode 5 was just brilliant. There were no excuses for cheating. Mando and Barry realized they're wrong. Full of guilt, Mando told the truth, and while obviously reluctant to hurt Krisha, Barry had to follow suit. And they're now suffering from the consequences of their action. Will Barry commit suicide? I hope not. I don't know what such action will accomplish. The appropriate path for him and for Mando is to make amends so that Krisha can find it in her to forgive them -- which I think she will, over time, much like Mando's Tatay (Father) Armando. While the protest chants were a bit cheesy, the script was still very good. Magnificent acting all-around. The actors made me tear up! Kokoy can do no wrong. He's an actor's actor. Barbie and Alex were also very good especially during the revelation/confrontation scene. I was so worried about what Barry will do after the shower scene, I wasn't really able to process Alex's butt exposure, lol. Veteran actors Andrea and Dominic were also ok. Renzie's Vince and Marynor's Leslie are my kind of friends -- friends who love me and because they love me, will always call me out when I'm wrong and full of crap. Audio-visuals were still pretty solid. I don't know if we'll get a happy ending next week -- if not a happy ending, maybe at least a hopeful one?

The Amore house where they shoot was totally flooded because of the recent typhoon in the Philippines. I think they posted a YT video about the heavy damage the house incurred. This is also the reason why their schedule has been erratic of late. See the YT video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG2tcLVWf70&t=173s

And just because I object to some storylines and scenes, that doesn't mean I will give up on this series. I don't give up on Pinoy BL series, I watch them till the end, lol. Like you and others who watch this series, we can be hopeful for some improvement, there's nothing wrong with that.

I just watched Episode 1: Sex and Magic and I'm actually intrigued with the plot/storyline. Some may ask, is Cheat even a boys' love (BL) series? I'm way passed that debate by now. It self-identifies as BL so I respect how they view themselves. Vee, Jennifer, Jay, Dong, Mother, and the Mistress were introduced on this episode. Screenplay was natural and realistic enough. This episode was generally well-acted. Allora, Daryll, Migo, and Tuesday seemed fit for their roles. Audio-visuals were good. Sound effects really gave this episode a supernatural vibe. There were interesting camera shots as well. All in all, I liked the pilot. It's promising.

Like what you’ve said, I can use whatever name I want. Anyone can go to my profile and find out what my account is all about. There’s no deception here. There’s even a link to my Twitter account. If you’re part of the LGBTQI+ community like myself, you know about the discourse on outing and I don’t want us to go there. I promote and support all Pinoy BL series. Check my profile and my Twitter. I constantly promote this series every week. I even created this MDL profile for this series. I also created the actors’ profiles. I also update this MDL profile every week by uploading the episode photos. But just because I promote and support Pinoy BL series that doesn’t mean I should be all praises about all the series. This series is normalizing sexual harassment and rape and you want me to be all praises? For a gay guy who experienced sexual harassment, I have an issue with the normalization of criminal behaviors on this series! I do episode reviews and series reviews. I review each episode and after the series, I review the entire series. Since you’re not new here, you should know that that’s the norm here on MDL that’s why reviews are classified as either episode review or series review. You can also rate each episode as well as give an overall rating for the series which you can adjust or edit anytime. Again, if you don’t agree with me and you don’t like my comments, then don’t bother reading them.

Well, I was asking so that doesn't make me wrong. It's better to ask than assume anything. And no one's forcing you to share about yourself if you don't want to. So you're not new here so you should know by now that people here can be critical and there's nothing wrong with that. And who said I'm perfect? Nobody's perfect. Here's my piece of advice for you, don't mind commenters like me if you don't like my comments. My comments are always hidden anyway because of spoilers. Just post your own comments praising this series to high heavens if you want to. Who knows, maybe those will also be helpful for other people here.

I see that you are very new here. Your account was created just yesterday -- maybe just to post this reply? Maybe you're even somehow related to the cast or crew?

But that's how it works here. People have opinions. You may like or dislike people's opinions but everyone's free to comment here. All comments here are unsolicited. These comments are helpful to some people when deciding if they'll watch the series or not.

As I've mentioned before in my posts in other series profiles, my opinions are guided by my background in literature, mass communications, and social sciences. Some may agree with me, some may not, and that's ok with me. The production company should have the same attitude especially since they are accountable to their viewers. I watch and review all episodes of Pinoy BL series (please see my profile). I assure you, I'm not full of negativities. If a show is really good, I give it credit. But this one just needs to improve on a lot of aspects. More importantly, it needs to do away with normalizing criminal behaviors like sexual harassment and rape! And if you read the other comments and check out the ratings here, it's quite obvious that this series needs work on a lot of things.

For a do-it-yourself (DIY) series, Art of Love, with its simple plot/storyline was generally ok. Episode 1: Birth of Art introduced the important persons in Art's life. Through a dream, a strange man was introduced to Art. This episode even paid homage to Thai actor Bright Vachirawit Chivaaree and Thai boys' love (BL) series 2gether. Screenplay had cheesy lines but was tolerable. Acting was at least watchable. The actor playing Art's dad seemed too young to play the father of a teenager. Audio-visuals need improvement. All in all, the pilot episode wasn't that bad.

With less that 15 minutes, Episode 1: Lipat-Bahay (Change of Residence) didn't give out much in terms of plot/storyline. The main characters were briefly introduced. Each character had obvious personality trait. Screenplay wasn't overly hilarious but it was funny enough. Acting was generally ok. Mico's King and Redge's Spencer would make a cute couple. Production technicals were mostly fine although I would have preferred a live shot of the facade of the police headquarters than a still shot. All in all, the pilot episode wasn't bad.

Charm and Danny competed for Aiden's affection on Episode 8. By the end of the episode, after being caught kissing Danny in the pool, Charm asked Aiden to choose between her and Danny. Meanwhile, Rico was even more confused after Mika took care of him when he was sick while Josh left the group for a scholarship in Cebu. The efforts to tie loose ends in preparation for the finale was obvious. I just don't know if they're enough to have a good finale. I'll watch the finale via GagaOOlala later. Screenplay for this episode had cringy lines but was generally tolerable. Acting was still underwhelming at times. Production technicals were still below average. The underwater kissing scene was fine though. Finale's next!

Benjo and Emil started to develop feelings for each other on Episode 3: Incarceration. Character background for Kelly was also provided on this episode. Halfway through its season and I'm still not sure what's the main message of this Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series. I hope it doesn't end up like Oh My Sexual wherein the form overwhelmed the substance. Script was hit-and-miss. Some funny lines landed but others were off. There were corny dialogues as well. Acting was largely ok. Production technicals were fine. For next week's episode, I just what some clarity on what this series is trying to say.