Tie The Not (Filipino Series)

This is a pretty simple straight forward (or complicated in its own way, depending on how you see it) story about exploring sexuality, finding love and accepting love for what it is. This 8 part series of about 15 minute each episode could easily have been a film and even shorter because from a story point of view it is pretty basic. The production and acting is above average, thankfully. The show initially reminded me of this other show 'Wedding Plan' but later it came on its own.

Shao, son of a rich businessman is about to marry Louise. This is an arranged marriage purely for business reasons. Louise actually is lesbian and has a girlfriend, meanwhile Shao is a shy guy and is just going along with what his parents want. We then meet Briggs, an orphan living with his aunt who works in the bridal car business and is always busy to even look for love. When Shao comes to this store looking for a car, Shao and Briggs have instant chemistry and they decide to become friends and start hanging out. Soon they realize they hav feelings for one another but because Shao is supposed to get married soon, there is nothing that can be done longer term. At the bachelorette party, Briggs finds out about Louise's girlfriend and that she is cheating on Shao. He confronts him at the engagement party and the wedding is called off after a fight. The two boys eventually get together in the end. There is also this parallel story of Shao's younger broth being bullied and harassed for money, who is eventually saved by another guy who has a crush on Briggs, but that story goes nowhere. Neither the crush part nor the love story or friendship between these two individuals.

As much as the story is basic, it still remains very focussed. Except the younger brother's random story angle, the story continues to ficus on Briggs and Shao and Louise. The whole buildup of friendship, to love to acceptance to the dream on the engagement was done right but it suddenly fizzles out. We know that the wedding was strictly business deal form both families, so why pretend and then randomly drop the ball. Also the climax itself is so stupid and Briggs behaviour is inexplicable. He goes out of the way to tell Shao the truth but when the wedding s Calle doff, he stops taking his calls. What was the point then? Sure, they get-together when Shao shows up unannounced with the help of his friends and convinces Shao, but that whole situation didn't make any sense. Myfavourite scene where I found myself laughing so hard was when Louise's mother sees Shao and Briggs kissing at engagement and she starts beating and fighting with everyone. I Loved that scene, just strictly form humor. You can feel the other losing it completely. Other than that, the series is really basic, and nothing memorable left with you after you are done watching this one. BL series everywhere around Asia need to up their game. These basic stories getting recycled over and over may make for a decent one time watch but if it leaves no memory later whatsoever, then what's the point. (5/10)