Unique showcase for senior stars

ROCO. Mature thespic texture, range and depth.

Something unusual is happening on “Ang Probinsyano” this month that is making it the most “iconic” production currently on the local TV screen:

The nightly drama series started with the senior star, Susan Roces, as one of its regular lead players. Then, Eddie Garcia was added to the show’s stellar roster, as one of its principal villains.

More recently, the acclaimed veteran actor, Bembol Roco, joined him as a “secretly corrupt” police officer, to make life decidedly more dangerous for Coco Martin and the series’ other resident good guys.

Gun for hire

And, just this month, Cesar Montano has further been added to the program’s already potent “senior stellar” power pack, in an action-drama chapter all his own. He plays a deadly gun for hire who could end up training his sniper sights on the series’ protagonist, portrayed by Coco. —All in all, this series of senior additions and adumbrations has made “Ang Probinsyano” the current go-to show for viewers who value  mature thespic texture, range and depth on local TV.

Susan, Eddie, Bembol and Cesar all present and accounted for in the same nightly action-drama? What an unusual come-on!

Other notable viewing treats on TV this month include Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards’ first “solo” starrer on the big screen, “Imagine You & Me.” Its good showing, on point of popularity and quality, will help determine the long-term viability of their stellar tandem, which was launched just a year ago.

In connection with that event, a few days before the film opened, Maine separately celebrated her own first anniversary in show business by way of a minishow  on “Eat Bulaga,” the TV program where it all began for her.

Alden was already a TV starlet long before that, so he judiciously deferred to Maine, yielding the “main and Maine” spotlight to her, so she could fully savor the avid and addled adulation of her fans.

Desired effect

Also currently playing in movie houses is the “horror-comedy” flick, “I Love You To Death,” with Enchong Dee and Kiray Celis. The indie film has enjoyed better promotions than usual, so we hope it has its desired effect and makes waves at the tills.

A third local film, Paul Soriano’s “Dukot,” is also currently showing. The “triangulated” viewing events are to be celebrated because it’s only now that the local film industry has recovered from its long slump enough for three movies to be showing on the same week.