Fresh pairing clicks in ‘Someone, Someday’

July 29 ------ For years, Philippine television thrived on established love teams, leaving audiences to wonder how their favorite stars might fare with different on-screen partners. “Someone, Someday” finally answers one of those long-standing “what ifs” by bringing Kathryn Bernardo and James Reid together in a romantic thriller that, based on its early episodes, offers far more than the novelty of its unlikely pairing.

Shown at a special media screening ahead of the series’ television premiere, the first episodes focus less on romance and more on establishing a story built on friendship, heartbreak and revenge. Rather than banking on instant chemistry, the series takes its time introducing Benilda “Billy” Cariño (Bernardo) and Jordan Valentin (Reid), childhood best friends whose lives are about to change in unexpected ways.

Because audiences spent years watching Bernardo and Reid with their respective former screen partners, the pairing initially feels unfamiliar. That hesitation soon fades as the story progresses. Their friendship comes across as genuine, making the characters’ years of shared history believable.

There is little romantic tension between them at the start, but this appears to be a deliberate choice as the series gradually builds toward something bigger. Bernardo once again delivers a performance that shows why she remains one of the country’s most reliable actresses. Her character, Billy, is the successful CEO of a dating app who, ironically, struggles with her own love life. On what should have been the happiest day of her life, she is left at the altar after discovering her fiancé betrayal. 

Beyond the failed wedding, Billy is portrayed as a devoted daughter and sister willing to do everything she can for her family, especially her younger brother, who is battling a serious illness. The role’s emotional demands suit Bernardo well. Whether portraying heartbreak or quiet vulnerability, she handles each scene convincingly without overplaying Billy’s pain.

Reid, meanwhile, makes a strong television comeback as Jordan, who is calm, dependable and quietly protective. Yet hints scattered throughout the first three episodes suggest that far more lies beneath the surface than viewers initially see.

One aspect that continues to stand out is Reid’s Filipino delivery. While it has improved over the years, there are moments when his lines sound less natural than those of the rest of the cast. Fortunately, the script offers a believable explanation: Jordan frequently travels to Australia for work and studies, making his speech pattern feel appropriate to the character rather than distracting.

Among the supporting cast, Daniela Stranner emerges as one of the biggest surprises. As Valerie Jones, Jordan’s stylish, attention-loving girlfriend, she creates a character who is equal parts entertaining and frustrating. Valerie thrives on being the center of attention, but her growing insecurity becomes apparent whenever Billy is around. In one particularly memorable scene, she asks Billy to help her plan a marriage proposal to Jordan, unaware of the emotional complications surrounding them. The scene leaves viewers curious about Jordan’s response while showcasing Stranner’s ability to make Valerie likable and irritating at the same time.

Maja Salvador appears only briefly near the end of the third episode yet immediately changes the tone of the series. As Abigail “Abi” Dominguez, Salvador relies more on her expressions than dialogue, creating an air of mystery from the moment she appears. It is impossible to tell whether Abi can be trusted, but her arrival suggests that the romantic drama will soon give way to a more suspenseful conflict. If the early episodes are any indication, Salvador and Bernardo’s eventual scenes together could become some of the series’ strongest moments.

Perhaps the greatest achievement of “Someone, Someday” is proving that audiences can embrace a fresh on-screen partnership. Bernardo and Reid may not have the familiarity of the country’s most established love teams, but the series does not ask viewers to compare their pairing with the past. Instead, it gives both actors room to develop chemistry entirely on their own.

Source: manilatimes.net