JTBC’s The Good Bad Mother (나쁜엄마) might just be my favorite Korean drama of 2023. I challenge anyone to not shed some tears at least once during the series’ excellent 14 episodes. And that’s tears from the series’ many emotional stories or from laughing so much at its welcome and well-placed humor. Ra Mi Ran and Lee Do Hyun deliver masterful and captivating performances, leading a strong ensemble cast as they help bring to life a truly breathtaking and beautiful story.
GMA Network’s Magandang Dilag is the only Filipino teleserye my family is watching right now. And it’s for a few simple reasons that are perfectly encapsulated in Wednesday, October 4th’s Episode 72.
If any Korean drama deserves to be called a wild ride, it’s Netflix’s A Time Called You (너의 시간 속으로/Into Your Time). An adaptation of a popular 2019 Taiwanese drama, A Time Called You with its time traveling, body possessing mystery is a series that might appear to be complicated and difficult to follow. But its charming cast and the relatable themes of friendship, family and romance at the core of its story are what keeps you engaged throughout and ultimately brings you to the series’ emotional and satisfying climax.
If you want a soapy good time, GMMTV’s Only Friends (เพื่อนต้องห้าม) is just the show for you. It’s been a crazy, wild, scandalous and, most importantly, very fun ride so far.
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I was very excited after watching the first episode of GMA Network’s Voltes V: Legacy. It was a huge breath of fresh air. For one, finally being able to see what had been worked on for years and delivering a truly exciting first half hour was so exciting. And two, having something of this magnitude be an all-Filipino production was such a major accomplishment.
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.
In my First Impression Review, I mentioned how GMA Network’s Hearts on Ice is able to tick off familiar Filipino teleserye boxes, but still offer a unique and refreshing approach to those familiar themes. The series’ 68 episodes definitely maintained that perfect balance. And it has wrapped up its run as a fully satisfying, enjoyable and inspiring series.
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.
Netflix’s Black Knight (택배기사) has an interesting premise and a strong cast. Breathtaking dystopian visuals pair with familiar present-day themes. But even if it comes to a satisfying conclusion, it at times feels as if the six episode series struggles between wanting to be a feature length film or a longer, more in-depth character drama.
And ultimately, that is such a welcome sight to see. Mga Lihim ni Urduja was a fun, exciting ride. Even if the series might have been a little too different for some viewers, it is one example of how there are still so many unique stories to tell on Philippine TV. Even familiar stories, but in truly refreshing ways and with new approaches. Urduja showed there is so much potential just waiting to be tapped. And one hopes it won’t be the last of its kind on local television.