It is both interesting and instructive that many new TV drama series start out promising one thing, but end up delivering something different.
This is probably due to the way TV series are developed these days, with production groups reacting constantly to ratings as they come in, what is currently in vogue, and what the competition is coming up with.
As a result, new story line elements replace the unpopular ones, producing a constant state of flux. This is particularly evident when a new series turns out to be more popular than anticipated.
Consequently, instead of running its original course, the series’ run is extended to several weeks and even months by introducing more plot twists and new characters who take the story hither and thither, until the end product is well nigh unrecognizable when compared to the original story line or thematic design!
The new soap “Dahil sa Pag-ibig” first made its bid for viewers’ attention and patronage as a potentially compelling study of what can best be described as “need, creed and greed.”
This was clear in the depiction of Christopher de Leon’s character as basically a good man who (accidentally) kills a man and, in so doing, gets hold of a large tract of land. With his newfound wealth, De Leon creates a “benevolent” political empire.
Focus shifted
Well into the series, however, the focus shifts from him to his children, especially his adoptive son, played in adulthood by Piolo Pascual, whose desire to become a priest is confused and confounded by his stepsister’s (Cristine Reyes) romantic love for him.
Should the series go down this route, we might see the seminarian’s parents fade to the background, and the series’ theme supplanted by central issues that are more corporal—and even carnal.
Be that as it may, “Dahil” evinces some strengths, such as Cristine’s striking and captivating portrayal. On the debit side, Piolo initially looked too mature for his seminarian character, but now that the story’s timeline has been pushed forward by a few years, the “age/character discrepancy isn’t as distractingly obvious.
Plus factor
On the other hand, in the new fantaserye, “Wako Wako,” top child protagonist Yogo Singh holds on to his natural acting style, despite all his fellow child stars shouting and shrieking around him. An emerging plus factor is the series’ inclusion of genuinely humorous supporting characters and situations.
However, Ai Ai de las Alas’ portrayal of a fantasy “queen” in the nether kingdom has thus far failed to catch fire in terms of energy and involvement. She ought to be given more to do, so as to rationalize her stellar presence in this show.
Finally, viewers are quite smitten by the series’ title fantasy character, who has become Yogo’s huggable BFF. Let’s hope that their affecting relationship will remain believable and empathetic as the series’ unpredictable plot thickens in the weeks to come.