GLAIZA de Castro (left) and Rhian Ramos costar as lovers in “The Rich Man’s Daughter.”
Last Friday, Aug. 7, three drama series had their final telecasts, all in one fell swoop. First to bid viewers adieu, and not a minute to soon, was “Let the Love Begin,” AiAi de las Alas’ comeback starrer.
When the show began its storytelling months ago, its firm focus was on “besties” and radio program partners, AiAi and Gardo Versoza—but, they were joined by many other characters to provide the complications needed for the story’s conflicts to complicate.
Unfortunately, some of the complications, which included grave illnesses, fuzzed up the series’ original focus. So, by the time it ended, it was messy and its denouement felt artificial and forced.
For its part, “The Rich Man’s Daughter” was better structured, so its central themes involving gender equality and freedom of choice came through more clearly.
But, the “daring” show failed to live up to its advance notice by not taking enough risks to depict the real, private lives and issues of lesbians.
Held back by the relatively “safe” scripting, lead stars Rhian Ramos and Glaiza de Castro weren’t able to believably depict the passion that drives gender “rebels” to risk being called deviants, just to honestly express themselves lovingly and sexually.
Still, some inroads have been made, so the series should be praised, despite its decision to not make too many threatening waves!
Finally, on “Bridges of Love,” the final telecast expectedly had lead protagonist Jericho Rosales’ character subsuming his own happiness to effect a better life for his hugely conflicted kid brother (Paulo Avelino).
Program updates
The latest “personality and talent” tilt on “It’s Showtime” is “Papa Pogi,” a tongue-in-cheek platform for guys who think they’re amazingly good-looking and loaded with macho sex appeal. Expectedly, the actual contestants are comedically “off” and elicit hoots instead of raves.
The tilt was sardonically amusing when it started—but, only a few telecasts later, it’s become less hilarious, because the guys accepted for competition haven’t been all that strikingly “unworthy.” If this problem persists, this particular tilt could have a relatively brief stint on the tube.
On “Pari ‘Koy,” the current big conflict involves a beautiful woman (Andrea Torres) whom the series’ resident priest’s dad (Spanky Manikan) wants to marry.
But, viewers know that she’s only after his money, and will break his heart soon after she and her similarly scheming boyfriend get their hands on it.
But, the lovely schemer has a change of heart after the priest (Dingdong Dantes) helps her see the light, so the problem now is what her lover will do to get the money—for himself!
Low impact
Andrea gives her guest role a good try, but her “chapter’s” impact is low, because her change of heart is too easily attained.
“Inspiring” TV dramas really have to understand that viewers react deeply only when solutions to conflicts and problems are earned, rather than piously and even “miraculously” effected. (This piece of advice goes to the “Nathaniel” series, as well.)
There’s another “reformed” character on “Pari ‘Koy” who really rubs us the wrong way—a lousy dad and husband who boorishly caused his loved ones many messy and cruel problems—but now seeks his family’s forgiveness. —Well, he isn’t getting ours.
Finally, we hear that “Pari ‘Koy” will end within the month. To assure a really big finale, its guest star will be—Nora Aunor!