‘Todo Max’ is occasionally diverting

PADILLA. Plays a funny nerd for a change.

The new show, “Todo Max,” is being billed as the program that will usher in the comeback of the local TV sitcom, which has taken a back seat for some seasons now to the more popular teleseryes or extended drama series that are telecast pervasively “across the board” these days.

To make sure that the new sitcom clicks, it’s been given strong star value by way of the participation of such popular players as Robin Padilla, Pokwang, Vhong Navarro and Angel Locsin.

We’ve watched the show a number of times, and can report that it is refreshing to see Robin playing a nerdy, funny guy for a change. His “bad boy” signature persona really has grown too long in the tooth, so the new show’s relatively fresh approach is welcome and appreciated.

Easygoing

In terms of comic performance, however, Robin is too aw-shucks and easygoing to come up with an appropriately and delightfully rollicking portrayal. For her part, Pokwang comes on too strong and hectic as the “mature” woman who has the hots for him.

All told, it’s Vhong Navaroo who has come through best of all to date. In a recent telecast, he even whipped up a really droll and on-target impersonation of Robin in full “bad boy” froth, mannerisms and gruff delivery, and all.

We feel, however, that Vhong’s physical “plasticity” and dancing talent can be utilized more productively by the show, since this gives him a key edge over other comedians— just like Dolphy, who also started out as a dancer before he was discovered as a comedian on the vaudeville stage. Vhong’s deft dance moves make him unique, so they should be highlighted more.

One of the sitcom’s biggest stars, Angel Locsin, has yet to emerge as a vital part of the show’s plot and character development “arc,” and that’s a real pity. After all, she’s topbilled and helped “carry” other shows in the past, so to see her relegated to generally “decorative” status here is disappointing.

If her character’s participation is punched up more beyond the “crush” and “love” angles, she can really come into her own — as she should.

All told, the show is occasionally diverting and entertaining, but its initial comedic premises have quickly become too familiar and have lost their ability to delight and excite. So, new gambits and conflicts need to be infused into the program’s scripting to really heat up the action!