New inputs needed to make ‘kalyeserye’ eventful

ALDUB. Is their show running out of steam?

The “AlDub” kalyeserye on “Eat Bulaga” became more eventful and thus more viewable some days ago, with new inputs like Maine’s Russian rival, Alden’s Lola Babah, the return of the “missing in action” Jose Manalo, etc.

Recently, however, the long-running portion appears to have run out of steam and fresh inputs again, with its regular cast just shooting the breeze about this and that, sharing trendy jokes, ad-libbing on sundry topics in the hope of getting laughs, etc.

Clearly, the show is in need of new plot and character infusions and complications, to arrest its diminishing returns and ratings.

A promising twist that the portion hasn’t taken sufficient advantage of is its brewing “battle of the lolas,” with the dictatorial Lola Nidora (Wally Bayola) finally meeting her match in Alden’s Lola Babah (Ai Ai delas Alas).

Viewers were looking forward to a regular exchange of tarayan and patutsada between the two matriarchs, but their “battle” hasn’t heated up—a distinct pity!

Speaking of Bayola, his colorfully crusty and curmudgeon-y portrayal of Lola Nidora has made him more popular, so he’s now seen on other shows.

Alas, it looks like he’s stretching his comedic ability too thinly, because he isn’t all that funny in his other outings. On “StarStruck,” for instance, his depiction of a big, brash bully of a performance coach was dismayingly “pushed.” It’s time for him to realize that he isn’t as versatile as he may imagine.

Other updates: On “Little Nanay,” Tinay’s baby has grown up some and is now going to school, but her “mentally incapacitated” mother remains as limited as ever. Unfortunately, actress Kris Bernal’s characterization of her is similarly circumscribed.

Some people have been praising her “retarded” depiction, but in our view, she’s successful only with the role’s “externals.”

As the series’ main protagonist, Tinay has to develop and grow in significance, insight and pertinence, otherwise there can be little rising action and resolution. If the actress can’t supply it, the show’s writers and director have to do it—with more “pointed” scripting and staging that keeps not just the series’ plot going, but also makes it “mean” something!