Serial shock waves on concluding ‘Dolce Amore’

CIPRIANO. Tragic end for his empathetic character.

THROUGHOUT its long and just now concluding run, “Dolce Amore” has turned some viewers off with its determinedly roseate and fantasticating rom-com storytelling. But, it’s also occasionally impressed us with its creative flourishes and unexpected grace notes, which are unusual to see and savor on local TV.

Most recently last week’s “Dolce” telecasts have been even more unusually gripping and even stunning. The fantasticating and cutesy-wootsy flourishes are still occasionally evident, but the series appears to be bent on ending on a strong and solid note, with unexpectedly dramatic and even tragic events coming one on top of another.
Most tragically of all, only last Tuesday, the major character played by Kean Cipriano died in a crash. The loss was felt by everyone, viewers included. They had come to dote on his “ditzy but loving and loyal” character—a tribute to the actor-singer’s antically edgy performance.

Unfortunately, Kean’s spot-on portrayal was diluted by the “momentous” way his character’s wake was staged: Many characters “had” to serially be given their emotional, melodramatic “moment” to break down and show what great, deeply feeling thespians they are. —Uh, you don’t have to “prove” your depth as actors, we’ll just take your word for it, OK?

Another shocking development was the revelation that the fatal crash wasn’t an accident, but intentionally pulled off on “somebody’s” orders. Who would plot such a dastardly deed? Even more astounding is the possibility that the third lead character played by Matteo Guidicelli could be involved!

As of this writing (Wednesday), that harrowing possibility still had to be affirmed, but the “shock waves” being generated were already of tsunami proportions. With huge, heaving penultimate events and revelations coming one after another, the series’ big “last na last” finale should be a very big deal!