Hindsight Reviews will be written after the conclusion of a series, mostly for Korean or Filipino dramas. Or at the conclusion of a season, mainly for Power Rangers and the Toku series Super Sentai and Kamen Rider. Hindsight Reviews will only apply if I had originally written a “First Impression” review when the series first started. They’ll either be reviews of appreciation, living up to my ridiculous standards of quality or they’ll be reviews regretting all the time I spent and harping on about all that wasted potential I saw but the writers and producers did not. There will also be Hindsight Reviews in between, I suppose.
After the first two episodes of KBS’ Oasis (오아시스), I thought the series was off to a strong start with lots of potential ahead. Now after it has completed its 16 episode run, I think a lot potential was left on the table. But the series nonetheless ended on a high note with plenty to like throughout its run. Not the least of which being the wonderful cast delivering strong performances to elevate otherwise familiar, soapy, yet engaging material.
Taxi Driver was my favorite drama series of 2021. It was such an exciting and fun television experience, mixing adrenaline-fueled action, lighthearted humor and vicarious satisfaction. Watching the Rainbow Taxi team’s unique brand of vigilante justice and their sincerity in helping the powerless was just amazing. So when a season two was confirmed, it was more than welcome news.
The Glory is a school violence and revenge plot on the surface. But its most affecting moments involved the simple connections and bonds one is able to make with another. Those relationships are what can help get them through difficult journeys. Those friendships can help guide them toward the light at the end of the tunnel. And those bonds provide the hope to keep one moving toward healing and peace.
It has been an interesting experience watching GMMTV’s Never Let Me Go. It is the first time I’ve watched an ongoing Thai drama as it aired. But it is also the first time I am watching the follow-up series of a Thai BL couple that features them as completely different characters from the ones that first introduced me to them.
Avataro Sentai Donbrothers has been a great season. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. Did it come close to perfection like my favorite Sentai seasons Go-Busters and ToQger? No.
But did I enjoy the season and have fun this past year? Definitely!
Not only did it provide a welcome change of pace on Philippine television. Not only did it fuel a renewed interest in the Philippines’ history and Filipino roots. Not only was it a showcase for wonderful performances. Not only was it a visual treat. Not only was it a respectful and faithful adaptation of some of the most important words written by a Filipino. Maria Clara at Ibarra has been simply an entertaining, enjoyable and exciting viewing experience. That’s not something that can be said often for a Filipino television series. But it is much deserved here.
.jpg "Mini-Recap: Netflix’s “Physical: 100” Finale + Season Wrap-up")
Netflix’s Physical: 100 wrapped up its inaugural season run and crowned its first peak body winner. Before getting to the finale itself, let me just say that the series as a whole was a refreshingly fun and exciting competition. Both compared to other Korean variety programs and especially compared to Western reality competition programs.
The second season of Netflix’s Single’s Inferno (솔로지옥 시즌2) might have redeemed itself a bit at the end. But if there’s more to come on the island of Inferno, there’s no doubt the show will need some tweaking to keep the format as engaging as it can be.
Though it takes a short while to get back into the swing of things, the second half of Netflix’s Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area (종이의 집: 공동경제구역) is an even more thrilling set of episodes than the first. And it ultimately delivers a satisfying and very climactic finale.
Was it perfect? No. Was it everything I hoped it would be? Definitely not. Was it a refreshing change of pace from the typical Filipino teleserye? Absolutely. GMA Network and Regal Entertainment’s first full series collaboration Mano Po Legacy – The Family Fortune was a breath of fresh air.