James and Nadine: Team Reel x Team Real
I do not presume to know what the writers have up their sleeve for the finale nor do I presume to know better than the writers but if this drivel lasts for another week, there may be no more viewers tuned in to watch it, no matter how much we love JaDine. Don’t do this to James and Nadine. Don’t do this to the show. Don’t do this to us. Give us the ending we deserve para naman umabot tayo sa “Tayo Hanggang Dulo.”
One bright spot in the episode however, is the cameo of Mama Lulu, who was one of the first shippers of Cleah. I hope she pops in again just to remind Basti not to fall into the trap set out by Madison, no matter how tempting or how obvious it may be. My heart is already breaking for Iris for all the pain that the malicious mistress wannabe will definitely throw her way. I hope after an initial bawl-a-thon, Iris ends her with an “Akin Lang Ang Asawa Ko” level line. I hope.
IsTi hanggang dulo. Kapit lang mga bes.
Then came the baby issue again. It seemed like deja vu, but I’m beginning understand how this works. Team TIMY sped through the baby issue the first time around because it wanted to establish how the issue was not fully resolved by Basti or Iris saying sorry.
All in all, I’m beginning to see some future in these storylines. I have a feeling that they’re reserving one major conflict to threaten IsTi and Ali but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that its not gonna be Madison.
Please save this show, writers, I implore you in the name of our entire fandom. The naysayers have all packed their bags and left and it is the loyal viewers like us who continue to support the show and what it stands for. Don’t falter on your original ideas and don’t insult our intelligence with this Madison drivel please. We have faith in you. Kapit lang kami kahit beast mode na.
It was totally uncanny for Iris to agree to such a loan especially since not too long ago, when the Love Team was experiencing a slump, she had no two pennies to rub together. I would understand if it was a P30,000 bag, but P300,000? Basti was right in scolding her for it, but it would have been better if instead of storming out, he had forced her to return the bag and get a refund. I understand peer pressure and Iris’ high regard for Madison but the Iris that we know is smart and determined and not anybody’s lapdog. She should not start being one now. And instead of Basti always caving in to Iris because he loves her so much, Iris should also not make major decisions and take her husband’s agreement for granted.
Alright, I’m big enough to admit when I’ve made a mistake and I’m sorry if I jumped to the wrong conclusion about new girl Madison. It seems that she doesn’t have designs on Basti after all (for now) and is more focused about taking down The Love Team rather than breaking apart my precious IsTi. That will teach me a lesson.
Ali’s courage and determination in wanting to be beside his father in his hour of need at the risk of his hurtful words and actions was a testament to Ali’s strong personality. Even when he was unsure about the outcome, he stood by the people he loved. And Sir Dad’s softening reaction to Ali’s statement was, for me, a positive indication that he will see the courage it took for Ali to return home and the determination that his son had in showing him his love — all traits of a good soldier, just like him.
I hope that Team TIMY does not pursue the love triangle arc for long. I credit Loren Burgos for her effective portrayal of socialite Madison but I don’t want anyone to come between Basti and Iris, especially after all they’ve been through. I believe in Basti though, in his loyalty and love to Iris and I believe that when push comes to a shove, Iris will fight for her man. On second thought, let’s see how this plays out. I want a spitfire Iris to come out soon. It would be really interesting and I’m pretty sure that Basti will enjoy every minute.
Ali’s guilt and grief, especially when he was being rejected by his father from the hospital room was heartbreaking. When he began to question whether he did the right thing in coming out to his father to set himself free, it was a valid question. It got viewers to think because the what ifs came pouring in. What if Sir Dad remained ignorant of his son’s sexual preference? What if Ali chose to stay in the closet like Stephen? What if Ali continued with his relationship with Iris and just kept his best friend in the dark about his true feelings? Would it have been worth it?
On the other hand, his guilt at pushing his father to accept dangerous missions to avoid him also weighed heavily on Ali. It was a good thing that he had true friends to rely on in his time of need — Iris, Basti, Kelly and Stephen. It was a very real dilemma for members of the LGBT community, perhaps not on the same scale but Ali’s journey to acceptance has been consistently relatable.
And kudos to the TIMY cast and crew. When I saw the BTS, Direk Andoy and the entire gang were laughing so hard. When the cameras switched on, they delivered on those heavy scenes like the pros they were. Husay!
Iris and Kelly were gold in this episode. Nadine and Kim both have great comedic timing but together, they were unstoppable in delivering the laughs. Their mishaps and subsequent body pains, especially the salonpas and the crutches were over the top and just the right amount of hilarious. Truth be told, if it happened in real life, it would have been creepy to be stalked no matter what the reason but with these two goofballs made it easy for Xia to at least give them a slot.
Don’t think I missed that moment when someone at the bar trying to hit on Iris (whose name was James) and was shot down by her: “I’m married.” LOL
