Pulang Araw – Episodes 81-85 Thoughts (Week 17)

A solid week of Pulang Araw. The focus and highlights of the week were the various reunions and crossing of paths of different characters. They were a lot of fun to watch. And when paired with some good battle scenes, it helped to make up for the slower (though few) moments of the week.

It’s still crazy to think this is what would’ve been Week 17 of 20. When really, this week should’ve taken place at least 4-5 weeks ago. It’s quite evident that what we’ve seen this week and the last few has been infinitely more interesting and engaging than most of what filled the first three months of the series. Three months of episodes that easily could’ve been truncated with no discernable effect to the overall impact of what we’re seeing now.

Seeing the resistance fighters rise up against the Japanese, exploring the bitterness of Filipinos against the Americans they believe have abandoned them and seeing more of characters having to grapple with the horrors they have and are still experiencing; all of this deserve much more time than the snail’s pace of story we got in the beginning.

Getting scenes like that of Auntie Amalia and Uncle Lauro in Episode 85 are the kinds of eye-opening story that should be getting lots of focus. (Applause again for Rochelle Pangilinan in that heartbreaking scene.)

What more when we turn that focus on our Core4 and their various battles (whether physical, emotional or mental). There’s so much story to tell in that respect. We can only hope they can fill these upcoming five weeks with that kind of meaningful and deep exploration that the characters and stories deserve.

We got a lot of exposition this week again updating us on the state of the war. I really think the show can do all of that in a much more interesting and engaging way. “Showing” more, instead of “telling” will always be better. And I think they can find creative ways to do that within their resources.

For example, it was great to see Max Collins pop up again and also seeing Ronnie Liang. But instead of quick cameos, seeing them in extended appearances to portray more aspects of the resistance would be ideal.

These weeks are definitely supported by the very obvious movement forward. Something that was lacking in the early months. Eduardo the Hero can get a bit too cartoonish (for lack of a better word). And I think that’s partly because of the awkward pacing and overall development of his character and the Filipino resistance itself in the world of Pulang Araw. They are approaching his character from a teleserye lens instead of just focusing on the character himself.

I think Adelina, for all her busybody-ness, is becoming a bit more grounded. If only in that she can represent the everyday Filipino who is eager and willing to do something to help their country even if they are sorely unprepared or skilled enough to actually be successful. Her recklessness in the past has been annoying. But I think she’s been integrated into the resistance a bit better than Eduardo has. And has actually experienced a lot more of the Japanese oppression and brutality (save for the raping and assaults) first hand than the others. So her being gung ho about jumping into this line of work, so to speak, feels more engaging.

For Hiroshi, I actually would’ve loved to have seen more of his lone wolf journey. If only for the whole length of the week instead of just one or two episodes. Seeing him traverse the forests and mountains encountering Japanese and Filipino fighters alike and even Filipino civilians would have gone a long way into adding welcome depth to his character. That is, as a Japanese person who recognizes the wrongs of his own people, understanding of the suffering of his adopted country and the inner-conflict that can come from that.

The stuff with the new Mr. and Mrs. Saitoh was okay. Their scenes, especially the wedding, was really more to lead up to the fleeting reunion between the destined lovers. And like I’ve mentioned in the past, the teleserye romance is one of the least interesting threads of the series. Even though I can understand how it can be very impactful in a war drama. If done right, that is.

I think another standout from the week was Jay Ortega as Akio. I was going to be annoyed if they killed him off as simply as getting literally stabbed in the back. Especially when he’s supposed to be the one attempting to stab Col. Yuta in the back, you know what I mean? Lol

But the scenes with him and Adelina were very good. And a great way to show these tenuous connections between foes and enemies. These are the dynamics I wish we got more of between characters.

Speaking of getting killed off, I guess we’re getting another fake out with Papa Borromeo. But the show definitely needs to cut that out and not abuse the narrative device before it gets annoying.

Overall, a solid week. But continuing the show’s positive forward movement toward the finale is very much a good thing.