Category: First Impression

DryedMangoez First Impression Reviews written after a premiere episode or premiere week of a television series.

First Impression Review: Peacock’s “The Traitors” Returns for Season 2 with More Fun and More Polish
First Impression Review: “Single’s Inferno” Gets Much Needed Refresh for Season 3
First Impression Review: GMMTV’s Thai Adaptation of “Cherry Magic” Off to a Sweet Start
First Impression Review: Deserving Perth and Chimon Carry GMMTV’s “Dangerous Romance”
First Impression Review: So Far, GMMTV’s “Only Friends” a Fun Soapy Ride
First Impression Review: Herlene Budol’s Endearing Charm and Its Fast Paced Story Power GMA Network’s “Magandang Dilag”

I’ve been meaning to write a review for GMA Network’s afternoon drama Magandang Dilag for a while now. But now’s as good a time as any. The ratings are surging and the story is kicking into high gear. And it’s not hard to see why. The perfect soapy plot, an endearing lead and a fast-paced story all make for a fun, not-so-guilty pleasure. That is a combination that is often attempted, but not often accomplished by other series. Yet Magandang Dilag shows that even the simplest stories can still captivate and capture the imagination of audiences.

Continue Reading
First Impression Review: ABS-CBN/GMA Network’s Paint-by-the-Numbers “Unbreak My Heart” is Still Somehow a Compelling Watch

The ABS-CBN-GMA Network “collaboration” Unbreak My Heart may be historic in some ways, not so much in others. But debating that is for another time. What we’ll talk about today is how Unbreak My Heart so far is a very familiar, though still engaging soap opera ride. After watching the first eight episodes, Unbreak My Heart offers little in terms of out of the box ideas. But it really doesn’t have to. A charismatic lead quartet helps to elevate the typical sudsy storylines and character tropes of Filipino teleserye. But with the stunning Swiss landscapes and glossy urban Italy to add some extra seasoning, the series has managed to be a fun, juicy ride so far.

Continue Reading
First Impression Review: “Voltes V: Legacy” Off to an Exciting and Unexpectedly Emotional Start

I didn’t expect to get emotional. But as the end (opening?) credits rolled on the first episode of Voltes V: Legacy, I did. And this is me not having watched a single episode of the original series. If I felt this excited and hyped for the series, I can’t even imagine how it must feel for fans who grew up with the original series. Especially for Filipino fans who are seeing their childhood now in a live-action, locally produced series.

Continue Reading
First Impression Review: Though Welcome, TV5’s “Face 2 Face” Reboot Misses Some of the Original’s Magic

So this Face 2 Face reboot as a television program is a welcome sight. It definitely has some kinks to work out if it hopes to enjoy as successful a run as the original series. Those kinks are definitely as resolvable as the complaints the people bring to the show. But in spite of any of these early bumps, Face 2 Face remains a fascinatingly simple, yet engaging hour of television to have every day.

Continue Reading
First Impression Review: GMA Network’s Inspiring “Hearts on Ice” a Refreshing and Welcome Series for Filipino Audiences

I’ve finally gotten the chance to check out GMA Network’s Hearts on Ice and I’m glad I did. Ashley Ortega gets a well-deserved lead role in this family sports drama that ticks all the right boxes. Though it definitely adheres to familiar teleserye formula, it also provides refreshingly welcome twists from the norm. And that makes it well worth the daily watch (or weekly binge!).

Continue Reading
Back to top