In Between (Sa Pagitan ng Kamusta at Paalam) (2020)

In Between (2020): Betwixt the Great and Not-So-Great Pinoy BL Series

True to its title, in terms of overall quality, “In Between” is just below the great Filipino (Pinoy) boys’ love (BL) series (like “Gameboys” and “Hello Stranger”) and just above the not-so-great Pinoy BL series. In other words, it’s a middle-tier Pinoy BL series. There were lots of things to like about "In Between" but there were also few things not like about this series.

“In Between” had a promising plot/storyline that looked at what’s in between hellos and goodbyes in relationships (“Hello and goodbye are not important. What’s important is the in between...”). It’s not in the extremes of relationships where we find the meanings of friendship and love, it’s more on the everyday events of these relationships. Using a nonlinear narrative that traversed different times, the series was able to show the character backgrounds and relationship development of Tau and Otep. It also presented the solid friendship among the Boom Harots. And it also introduced the Pangs ship of Nin and Makisig. I would have wanted to know more about the female characters Bianx and Nicole but at least this series' portrayal of women weren’t toxic. My issues with this series were the fillers (particularly the long and repetitive recaps) and the slow pace. While I liked the snippets from the past, there were just too many flashbacks that didn’t quite allow the audience to piece everything together on their own. But along the way, I’ve learned to tolerate all these issues.

While “In Between” had cheesy and preachy lines, the screenplay for the entire series was generally relatable. There were problematic dialogues that exemplified internalized homophobia and queerness denial as exemplified by Tau’s response to Nin when the latter said “I cannot believe that you actually like boys,” to which Tau said, “Not exactly. It’s just Otep. Otep is different.” I was also uncomfortable with what appeared to be heteronormative roles in Tau and Otep’s relationship. But there were also powerful lines from Otep’s mother Sandra (“Love is a complex thing. And we are allowed to love who we want to love”), Tau (“If they will judge us, then let them. What’s important is we are not hurting anyone”), and Nicole (“Remember, there is no problem in loving... What’s wrong is people’s dirty minds. We are very proud of you... We will support you all the way”). And of course, the Pangs dialogues were always cute and funny.

In terms of acting, everyone in the cast performed well. Most of them (Migs, Shiara, Renshi, Lara, and Ron) have acting experience. The newbies (Genesis, Lance, and Kimson) were alright. The main couple, Tau and Otep and the side couple, Nin and Makisig had chemistry together. The Tau and Otep kissing scenes were sweet and tender. Both Migs and Genesis looked sexy in their own way while Renshi and Lance looked adorable. While Tau and Otep were the sexy pair, Pangs were the cute pair.

While I didn’t like the editing because of the fillers and slow pace, production design and cinematography were largely satisfactory. The resort scenic view was amazing. Experiencing the effects of the pandemic, there’s something about the beautiful outdoors that calms me. Somehow, it tells me that things will get better. The resort scenic view was indeed a wonderful setting for the season finale. The consistent use of the Pinoy indigenous script Baybayin all throughout the season was really nice. Migs singing the soundtrack “Mahal Kita, Paalam” (I Love You, Goodbye) was good. While this account, Pinoy BL Series, never asked to be acknowledged and this account will continue to do what it does even without acknowledgement, Pinoy BL Series is nevertheless grateful to “In Between” for always acknowledging this account on their post-credits.

On the whole, I would definitely recommend rewatching “In Between.” It’s a middle-tier Pinoy BL series with lots of things viewers can like. With that, I'm looking forward to the Pangs spin-off series and the “In Between” second season!

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