Unguarded (2020)

Unguarded (2020): A Dark Pinoy BL Miniseries

“Unguarded” was the third related Filipino (Pinoy) boys’ love (BL) series from J.ACE (production company) that revolved around Mark Lee’s story. From a cute Pinoy BL miniseries in “Very Truly Yours” to a daring Pinoy BL series in “Hook Up,” J.ACE turned “Unguarded” into a dark Pinoy BL miniseries. While J.ACE should be commended for doing something different for each of these Pinoy BL series, the results weren’t always positive in terms of plot/storyline. Acting performance and production value did show continuous improvement.

With only four episodes, the plot/storyline of “Unguarded” heavily hinged on its characterizations. Unfortunately, both Lukas and Mark Lee had poor characterizations. While it was already hinted on “Hook Up” and clearly established on “Unguarded” that Lukas needs professional psychiatric help, his character background wasn’t fully developed. What were the root causes of his jealousy, possessiveness, and violence? Basically, what were the factors that made him into a monster? As for Mark Lee, he lacked character development. After “Very Truly Yours” and “Hook Up,” I expected some growth. But Mark Lee’s still insecure, volatile, and whiny on “Unguarded.” And for Mark Lee to end up the way he did (dead, or was he?), it’s frustrating. I’ve invested on Mark Lee and the way he was treated on “Unguarded” was super upsetting.

Screenplay had corny dialogues and repetitive lines. While still generally fine, script got lazy and lousy towards the end.

Acting performance, especially by Niko, was good. Gorgeous Niko was quite scary. Notwithstanding the weak characterization of Mark Lee, adorable Marky continued to improve as an actor on this series.

Compared to “Truly Very Yours” and “Hook Up,” audio-visuals of “Unguarded” were better. I liked the outdoor scenes. I didn’t like that J.ACE didn’t even bother to have a new song. “Unguarded” had the same soundtrack as “Hook Up.”

All in all, I would only recommend rewatching “Unguarded” if you’re into dark Pinoy BL miniseries. If you’re interested in Mark Lee’s story, maybe there’s a better ending for him if misFit Talent Management (formerly J.ACE) pushes through with “One Night Stand บางกอก (Bangkok).” Let’s cross our fingers!

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That was Interesting

The second story of what appears to be a series trilogy (arguably a four parter) from production house JACE TV starting with Hook Up and will be followed up with One Night Stand Bangkok. Unguarded continues the story of Mark Lee after his ex-boyfriend (friend with benefits?) Henry leaves to study in Bangkok. Henry asks his best friend Lukas to take in Mark Lee because Mark Lee’s house got flooded. That sets off a series events from a developing romance (which was kinda expected) between Mark Lee and Lukas to something a bit more interesting of a storyline. This is definitely a middle series as Unguarded moves as if you’ve watched the previous series, Hook Up, already. Hook Up will give you the backstory between Mark Lee, Henry, and Lukas. Trust me, it’s a must as it will help fill gaps probably lost to most viewers coming in cold into this series. The challenge is that Hook Up is an 8 episode series, so watching for background is not trivial. ?

Unguarded has its sweet moments and has an interesting plot twist but is too dependent on Hook Up for background that you’re left wondering how did we get here so quickly. Mark Erasga, who stars as Mark Lee, is getting better with every series. He’s less monloguey in this series, mostly because he’s actually acting with someone as opposed to just the camera/phone as he was in the previous two series - I don’t know if the first series from JACE TV, Truly Very Yours, which also stars Mark as Mark Lee fits into this set of series or not. It was nice to see some character development in Unguarded with Mark Lee and acting range from Mark- you get to see the mad version that isn’t yelling at a phone. Niko Badayos, who stars as Lukas, plays his yin/yang role really well. He was good in Hook Up and good here. Not to mention he’s good eye candy. Although Unguarded appears to be at first a couples series between Lukas and Mark Lee, it’s really about Lukas and his character struggles.

The music is a let down. The OST is the same one as in Hook Up which provides a nice link between two series. It’s a good song, very catchy. The challenge that I have is that the other background music for the last two episodes was a bit overdone and gave it a soap opera vibe - could have cut it or chosen something different.

If you watch this as a standalone series you will probably be confused and most likely let down as you won’t have the background needed from watching the previous series, Hook Up. Plus, you won’t be satisfied with the cliffhanger ending which I assume will be resolved in the next series. If you view this as the bridge between the two, it’s ok. Definitely a different storyline from the typical drama narratives, especially in the BL genre. Let’s hope that One Night Stand Bangkok can give it a more complete ending,

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