“Gameboys Level-up Edition” is my first Filipino drama and it took me a while to decide to watch this. Watching a drama with the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown while we’re still in a pandemic might not be a good idea. But I am ready to move on and try to live a semi-normal life, so here I am. And I have a surprisingly enjoyable time watching this.

What I Like:

1. Acting - I almost dropped this drama after the first episode because everything seems so cringey. But then, the emotional scenes started and wow, I am very surprised and impressed by the two leads’ acting. I was expecting some not-so-good acting, similar to other BLs I’ve seen with idols and inexperienced actors. Looking into Elijah Canlas’ profile, I found out he has won multiple acting awards and at such a young age. I have to say, he was really great in this drama. After I got over Kokoy de Santos’ cringey and cheesy scenes, I discovered that he can act pretty well. Both of these young actors are great in their emotional scenes and when tears slowly welled up in their eyes and dropped down their faces, I cried with them.

2. Different issues - This drama tackled some very real-life issues faced during the height of the pandemic. Not only does it explore the illness and medical cases, but also how the pandemic affects everyday communication and relationships. Of course, the focus of this drama is on the budding romance between Cai and Gav - from how Gav courts Cai, slowly falling in love, dealing with relationship issues when unable to see each other in-person, to the consequences of family members passing away. The drama did not forget to pay tribute to the brave men and women who are front line workers and first responders, and also remind us to observe all health and safety precautions.

3. Execution - At first I wasn’t sure how I feel about using social media as the primary way of telling these stories. But I do think this is a very creative way especially during the lockdown, to showcase how young people communicate. We see the characters use ‘fake’ Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, Live streaming/gaming, video calls and Zoom to communicate during the lockdown. It took me a little while to get used to the changing social networking platforms, but I think I end up quite liking this refreshing format.

4. Friendships - OK, Pearl can be really annoying, Gav can be very cheesy and cringey, and Cai can be inconsiderate, but I LOVE their friendship. These guys are so funny during their zoom calls (chatting, exercising, dancing, drinking and game playing). They have really good chemistry and it’s friendship like this that helps keep our sanity during the lockdown.
.
5. Cai’s family - What a great and supportive family Cai has. His father’s letter to him was so touching and heartbreaking. I love how Cai’s mother gives him relationship advice and repeatedly tells him how much she loves him for who he is.


What I Don’t Like:

1. Baby Baby Baby - If I hear the word “Baby” one more time, I might have to strangle someone!

2. Cringe and Cheese - Gav is a great guy but gosh, he’s so cringey. The drama needs to dial down on this intense courtship in the beginning episodes. It’s annoying and borderline stalkerish. I am glad I persisted and didn’t drop this drama, but I bet others might not be able to stand Gav’s character and drop it.

3. Pearl - I love her as a friend and she’s super fun to watch, but she’s too over-the-top for my taste. She needs to dial down on her screaming and high pitched voice.

4. Terence - There’s something about Terence that seems very fake, even though I know he’s supposed to be sincere in some scenes. I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s his voice and the way he talks??