More ‘teleserye’ updates

RIVERA. Compromised by distracting “beautifying” gambits.”

On Marian Rivera’s new drama series, “Carmela,” Alden Richards has been given a big break as the GMA “teleserye princess’” new screen consort.

Unfortunately, Alden’s portrayal to date hasn’t sufficiently risen to the plum challenge and golden opportunity, so his fans can’t uncork the bubbly just yet.

What seems to be the problem? Alden’s character, as written, is too nice and equable, and the actor himself appears to be incapable of real sting and zing in performance. Perhaps he’s too much in awe of his famous leading lady?

HERRAS. His character needs to be given greater texture.

It also doesn’t help that, again as written, she’s supposed to be older than him by some years—and yet, she still looks as dewy and lovely as ever, so the intended “May-July” nature of their relationship comes off as neither here nor there.

For her part, Marian should play her gritty and financially disadvantaged character more believably, and do away with distracting “beautifying” gambits like the long, curly eyelashes she’s been sporting. How can we believe that her character is being pushed to the limit when she looks so beautifully “enhanced?”

Feisty relish

Meanwhile, on “Rhodora X,” Jennylyn Mercado is giving her “split personality” role everything she’s got, alternating from “sweet” persona to “wild” alter ego with feisty relish. However, the two personas are too automatically interchanged—by way of the trite device of having the actress hide under a bedsheet when she’s psychologically confused and provoked—and then emerging as her other persona after a “dramatic” interval.

One would hope that, in real life, personalities are split less predictably and automatically!

Perhaps what is dramatically needed to charge the new series with thespic excitement is for Jennylyn’s character to be split three or even four ways, so that the changes and developments can become more eventful, and the actress can show how remarkably versatile she can be as a performer?

Mark Herras’ character also needs to be given greater texture and more exciting things to do—otherwise, he won’t come across as a leading man, only as a feckless screen consort for the series’ female lead.