Boys' Lockdown (2020)

Unexpectedly binge-worthy

Before I begin my review, I am very picky with BL series in general--especially if it's Pinoy one. First, I am a queer person and I think BL series should step up from being "made-to-female-mlm-shipper/fetishizer" to something that can portray or showcase LGBTQ+ life, love and struggles. (If you don't agree, then I'll gatekeep mlm. Jk.) Second, I am a Filipino and I notice the surge of BL series in PH media which gave me a lot of thinking. I understand that BL became mainstream because of the uprising of pinoy thai-BL fans, thus, media producers see this as an opportunity to make contents as such. But my problem now is....will it be the next Thai BLs?

Thai BLs are good, cute and funny. The problem is, that's the only thing they can offer. (Well, exemptions to UWMA and The Effect. Fight me!) Or should I say, majority of thai bls are decent but shallow. And PH is starting to become one.

Mainly the reason why I'd rather watch Taiwanese/Chinese or even Kdramas with BL/Bromance contents. And to be honest, PH only have few BL series that I can say worth watching.

One of which is this mini-series. BOYS' LOCKDOWN.

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I gave this series 8.5/10 for the following reasons:

1. The story is simple and decent. There are lots of skip and unnecessary parts that should've been deleted or streamlined (tho I hope it's longer than 6 eps) But I can't deny the fact that it has impact on me tho.
2. The representation is on point. Majority of PH BLs are downright queerbaiting or written with lots of stereotypes. But this one was impressive. I'm not sure if the two leads are members of LGBTQ+ but I am all for the fact that the characters are GAY/BI like GMMTV should take down notes. It's not difficult to showcase gay person on a series. Tbh. I like the fact that Chen is open about his sexuality and so as Key who is very open about falling in love with same sex although he had a girlfriend. I am not saying people who are questioning and curious shouldn't have a story for themselves but the problem is MAJORITY of bl series offer us these mediocre characteristics as if being an openly gay or being a femme character is something not worthy of screentime! Okay. I'm crazy for this. Lmao.
3. It's straight forward and no unnecessary dramas for the sake of length. But I really hope the writers have explored the quirks of having a lockdown, though it's not something to be romanticized--which is one problem I noticed during the first episode, but gladly it's resolved. And hearing season 2 makes it more intriguing, how can they top this one? I hope they will stick to their formula and not on mainstream BLs.
4. The OST is on point. I will not shut up with it. It's self explanatory and case closed.
5. Although Key's friend was stereotypically written as a femme gay with "bookings" but I let that pass because as a gay person, I have known few friends using this as a joke. It's harmless as long as it does not involve minors.
6. Some scenes was a breach to protocols. Please someone tell them! But for the sake of the show, okay, maybe we can let that pass? No. Because I remember the timeline is just 3 weeks from lockdown so basically it's ECQ, right? Anyway... it's harmless. This is just me being paranoid.
7. The acting was not great, it's not bad either. It's decent and remarkable. And by the way, what's the point of having straight men flexing their bodies? Helppp, what's the point?
8. Lastly, their chemistry is there. I was moved and swayed by their eye contact and smiles.

So, I know this review is mixed but that's all I can say. I am glad I gave this series a chance. Because looking on other titles, it really gave me red flags already. Gladly, I trusted the reviews of people on MDL so I gave this series a chance! I am just sad I am very late but who cares? Lmao.

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Refreshing and Smart!

Boys Lockdown Series is a must watch series because it is one of the few Filipino Bl Series who incorporated and actually considered BL Representation in its casting. It is more valuable and fun to watch if you know that the characters who portray boys love are actually the ones who experience it. Kudos to the writers for refreshing and new plots that make the series interesting. Also, the cinematography and editing are on point. The whole production is light and very easy to take, well at leadt for now. I am also looking forward for the development of the characters. There are still a lot of things to watch out for and I am so excited for them. More power to the whole team and congratulations!

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