Upping the ‘appeal’

CRUZ. “Shocking” contretemps. Photo from  twitter.com

Popular teleseryes have their work cut out for them to keep viewers watching as they extend their storytelling to keep the good ratings coming and add to the shows’ appeal and attractiveness to viewers.

One “appealing” gambit is to add new complications and other plot convolutions and convulsions to the merrily bubbling brew.

Another persuasive initiative is to add even bigger and shinier “star value.”

True enough, on Judy Ann Santos’ ongoing series, “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala,” recent additions include Amalia Fuentes and Gretchen Barretto. Amalia’s character rescued Judy Ann from almost certain death after she was shot by Tirso Cruz III’s really evil character, but passed away only too soon. Still, she left Judy Ann in the care and counsel of a trusted colleague, played by Gretchen.

Judy Ann has altered her looks and is now on the vengeance trail to get her son back from Sam Milby’s clutches—and to make sure that he and his evil family get their just legal desserts.

To achieve that goal, Judy Ann has craftily insinuated herself into one of the family’s businesses—although how she can believably keep up the facile ruse for long still remains to be seen—!

On the warpath

For its part, “My Husband’s Lover” now has the heretofore meek and clueless wife, played by Carla Abellana, similarly on the warpath, to get back at her hubby and his gay squeeze. Well, it really is about time!

Last Wednesday, she was practically forcing her husband to “come out” to his parents—but, of course, that would be easier said than done, because his dad has been firmly established to be a gay-hater.

So, what if hubby refuses to do as the missus has ordered? She’s threatening to have an affair of her own!

Quite conveniently, it’s been previously shown that she’s met a hunky guy who’s offered his muscled shoulder for her to cry on—so, he could be her “candidate” to implement her threat!

In addition, new characters have been introduced: Roy Alvarez as Kuh Ledesma’s brother, and Keempee de Leon as Roy’s son, from whom he’s been estranged ever since he found out that Keempee’s character was gay.

Finally, on “Muling Buksan Ang Puso,” Susan Roces’ character has falsely accused Julia Montes of stealing a pair of diamond earrings—which has landed Julia in jail—which has in turn outraged her lolo, Dante Rivero, enough for him to reveal the big, shocking secret that Julia is Susan’s real grandchild, and not Enrique Gil—!

The belated revelation exploded like a bomb recently, radically shifting the story’s major plot parameters. What happens now? Will Julia finally enjoy the privileged life that has been cruelly kept away from her for so many years? Will Enrique taste the bitter dregs and ashes of poverty? Will they still love one another despite these “shocking” contretemps? —Abangan!