This review may contain spoilers
Clunky, but Charming in its Own Way
Watching "Limited Edition" is an enigmatic experience. On one hand, it is emblematic of tropes that borrow from the BL genre laced with Filipino dramatic conventions. On the other hand, my favorite moments of the series use these to its advantage, particularly with the zaniness and colorful cast of characters.
I was propelled to watch this show by who occupies it way more than what actually happens. While the main characters Mario and Jethro (played by Jomari Angeles and Andrew Gan respectively) are charming yet confusing as they are, my intrigue was often drawn to the rather delightful cast of other characters such as the ever-witty Chona (played by Donna Cariaga), the maternal "touchstone" Mamita (played by Michelle Jhoie Ferraris), and the simple "nice guy" archetype Arnold (played by Ron Angeles). The series also brings in folks that I would consider "scene fodder," or those needed to make scenes happen without really adding things to the story, but I would honestly be interested to follow them given more character development. Overall, I think the entire cast could have used more character development and character purpose to anchor the theme of "growth," but in the words of a dear acting professor: "At the end of the day, the story was told."
And the story certainly did happen ๐ The story may be the weakest pillar of the series, but I understood the acting and directing choices made to accommodate it. The plot suffers from two main characters that make not-so-ideal choices for themselves and others; this creates, in a sense, dramatic tension that is easily readable to the audience but can also turn the audience away from the main characters at critical moments. In an ideal re-telling, I would indulge in the moments where the show doesn't take itself so seriously (particularly shouting out that very zany sequence in the middle of episode 6 that is my favorite bit of the show) and imbue characters with more sensibility and understanding for one another.
Regarding re-watchability, I would most likely enjoy spending time watching highlights of the series rather than any episode in full, let alone the series in total. Nonetheless, I appreciated my time watching it and am satisfied with the experience I got ๐
And all things considered, I would consider this an unexpected gem! Sometimes all we really need in the time between "the next best BL" is a clunky but charming lower-budget production that gives us the laugh when we need a laugh and the aggravating "GOD WHY THE %@$& DID YOU SAY/DO THAT?!?!?!?" just to keep us on our toes.
I was propelled to watch this show by who occupies it way more than what actually happens. While the main characters Mario and Jethro (played by Jomari Angeles and Andrew Gan respectively) are charming yet confusing as they are, my intrigue was often drawn to the rather delightful cast of other characters such as the ever-witty Chona (played by Donna Cariaga), the maternal "touchstone" Mamita (played by Michelle Jhoie Ferraris), and the simple "nice guy" archetype Arnold (played by Ron Angeles). The series also brings in folks that I would consider "scene fodder," or those needed to make scenes happen without really adding things to the story, but I would honestly be interested to follow them given more character development. Overall, I think the entire cast could have used more character development and character purpose to anchor the theme of "growth," but in the words of a dear acting professor: "At the end of the day, the story was told."
And the story certainly did happen ๐ The story may be the weakest pillar of the series, but I understood the acting and directing choices made to accommodate it. The plot suffers from two main characters that make not-so-ideal choices for themselves and others; this creates, in a sense, dramatic tension that is easily readable to the audience but can also turn the audience away from the main characters at critical moments. In an ideal re-telling, I would indulge in the moments where the show doesn't take itself so seriously (particularly shouting out that very zany sequence in the middle of episode 6 that is my favorite bit of the show) and imbue characters with more sensibility and understanding for one another.
Regarding re-watchability, I would most likely enjoy spending time watching highlights of the series rather than any episode in full, let alone the series in total. Nonetheless, I appreciated my time watching it and am satisfied with the experience I got ๐
And all things considered, I would consider this an unexpected gem! Sometimes all we really need in the time between "the next best BL" is a clunky but charming lower-budget production that gives us the laugh when we need a laugh and the aggravating "GOD WHY THE %@$& DID YOU SAY/DO THAT?!?!?!?" just to keep us on our toes.
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