When TV-film tandems fall short of the lovey-dovey mark

Ronnie Alonte (left) and Julia Barretto

It’s instructive to note that some popular TV-film love teams are currently beset by some “issues” that are getting in the way of their otherwise popular tandems’ success.

The most significant limitation is the fact that the women are doing better than the guys for different reasons.

For instance, on “A Love to Last,” teen supporting leads Julia Barretto and Ronnie Alonte are supposed to provide the youthful “kilig value,” but fall short because they are so clearly mismatched.

Julia is much more experienced than her new costar, and his rawness and “beginner’s nerves” both distract and detract.

The disparity may not have been so obvious if they were both newbies. Since that isn’t the case, however, Ronnie has no choice but to speed up his “learning process,” so he can “level up” to Julia, as soon as possible.

Also in need of enhancement is the onscreen relationship between the characters played by Maja Salvador and Joseph Marco in “Wildflower.”

Being much more of a thespic veteran than Joseph, Maja comes off as the series’ most engaged and dominant player, biting into her “revenge” scenes with relish, while Joseph turns in a performance that is proficient but subservient to hers.

Finally, on “Destined to be Yours,” Maine Mendoza is currently scoring more plus points than her costar, Alden Richards.

Ironically, it’s Alden who’s the more experienced actor, but the scripting’s predominant focus on Maine’s character gives her the edge.

One reason why Maine has the “extra” focus is her being an “everygirl” whom viewers can more naturally relate to, because she “represents” their dreams “come true.” The series should quickly ramp up Alden’s own “interest and involvement” factor, so the effect is more equal—and equable.

Another impediment is the fact that Alden’s character has been given a “secret” that, when finally revealed, can significantly turn viewers off—and against his character.

Even if he’s made to admit to and be acutely remorseful for his hidden agenda, he may still end up in the cold and in the lurch, as far as viewers’ loyalties are concerned.

What to do? The series will just have to come up with more “mitigating factors” to lessen the hurt, and Maine herself should be all-forgiving when Alden’s secret is revealed, so viewers will find it easier to follow suit.

After all, if she, the betrayed one, can forgive him because love does conquer all, why can’t they?

A final note: Alden can help balance the show’s mismatched feel by not looking as “facially plump” as he does these days.

Viewers have a hard time caring about the problems and woes of handsome young men who looks so—well, satisfied and prosperous!

A “leaner and hungrier” look goes a long way for an allegedly troubled, guilty and abject character in TV melodramas.