So it’s been a week since “The Legal Wife” signed off and I must say, I miss it. 😉 Not that I want a Book 2 – please just let the characters be – Monica (Angel Locsin), Adrian (Jericho Rosales), and Nicole (Maja Salvador) did what they had to do. Monica and Adrian patching things up but not really getting back together is as realistic as realistic can get. It’s easier to forgive and to keep loving than forget.
I did have my initial aversion towards “TLW.” Because really, another “affair” story?
So, what changed my mind?
Execution.
At first I was confused about all the family drama. I was all, isn’t this supposed to be about Monica, Adrian, and Nicole? It was really a slow burn until Monica and Adrian finally got together then started to have issues. Nicole eventually “entered” the picture – if you know what I mean. I guess the writers took the time to establish the kind of lives the lead stars had so that the audience would understand where they’re coming from.
It was very crucial that the script was heavily invested on conversations. Because don’t we make weapons or antidotes out of words more often than actually point a gun at someone in real life?
One of my favorite scenes was that of Javier (Christopher de Leon) and Monica juxtaposed with Sandra (Maria Isabel Lopez) and Adrian. Two children seeking elderly wisdom and comfort. Two parents readily giving advice and support. They reprimanded them when they had to, but the scenes were touching all the same.
My other favorite (that was a non-verbal conversation) was when Nicole and Adrian “broke up.” They were at a restaurant, saying their goodbyes. Close up shot to Nicole’s hand resting on the table and Adrian struggling between reaching out with his and holding back. Then he finally closed it firmly and walks away. So telling! I loved it!
The dialogues didn’t make any character a hero or heroine. They were just who they were – flawed, human. But they realized their mistakes and strived to become better. Yes, even Monica’s brother Javy (Joem Bascon) grew a heart eventually.
The cast was outstanding. I’m in awe of Angel particularly in scenes where she didn’t have lines but was just venting out her sadness and anger through tears, hitting the wheel, vomiting, even (a. When she finally confirmed the truth about Nicole and Adrian and b. After she learned about Nicole’s pregnancy). How she sustained that kind of intensity just blows my mind over and over.
Also this:
Maja. She’s just so good that her portrayal came off as too true. Too realistic. I had goosebumps when Nicole apologised like a broken record to Monica, finally coming to her senses after the latter saved her son Jacob despite their differences. She put so much weight in every “sorry” she uttered but then you’d feel that she knew she could never say enough.
I wished Jericho had more intense moments but then I guess his character wouldn’t permit so much for it. He was confused. He was mad. He was so sorry. And he’s a guy. He finally had that moment when he broke down in the pre-car crash scene when he was saying goodbye to Monica and letting her go.
Special mention to Matet de Leon because her character is my namesake, haha! Seriously, because Rowena had the best lines (“Hindi mo man lang sinabi sa akin na naiwan mo pala ’yung manners mo dito sa bahay. Edi sana sinunod ko sa’yo doon!” / “Sige na, umalis ka na! Humabol ka kay Adrian. Magpakabasahan ka.”). She’s the kind of friend anyone would be lucky to have. She gave tough love, the kind of love that Nicole exactly needed.
Runner-up for the best lines goes to JC de Vera (e.g., “Kung bastusan lang rin ang pag-uusapan dito, tiyak may mas magaling pa sa akin. Tumingin ka kaya sa salamin. Kung saan-saan ka kasi tumitingin” – to Adrian). ABS-CBN should’ve compiled his quotable lines, too! Max is a subtle kind of fighter who wanted to become Monica’s lover but too bad she couldn’t let him in for obvious reasons. I actually rooted for them.
This blog should only run on 300 words per entry, but I just have so much to say about this show. Kudos to everyone part of “The Legal Wife.” I hope those in the business of doing TV shows took note of the best things that “TLW” brought out and apply that to their future programs. And to the writers… I hope I could have coffee or tea with you guys one day and exchange stories. 🙂
(From Tumblr.)
The Winged Wonder 