Senior High: Last Two Days

Last TWO MINUTES ... Last TWO MINUTES.  That's what we hear in Araneta, Ultra, and Cuneta Astrodome in the last two minutes of a thrilling basketball game.

Senior High will definitely end in two days, so I am heralding the swan song of the most successful whodunit psychodrama ever produced this side of showbiz. After Dirty Linen, ABS CBN risked its fortunes by producing a never-tested concept and storyline about social issues like suicide, teenage pregnancies, and boys' love ... a topic too heavy and serious that is usually taboo to some.

But ABS CBN and its directors and scriptwriters are one "rara avis" ... they always defy conventional wisdom and find themselves swimming against the current and do not go with what sells.  Despite Senior High serious theme ...  their gut feeling tells them they can still succeed artistically and commercially. And they did.

The cast - be it senior or junior- was superb - everyone had their moments and their shining scenes where they proved their mettle were equally distributed in every episodal installment. The top of the class belongs to Miggy Jimenez, Daniella Stranner, and Elijah Canlas - neophytes all, but no matter how new and raw the talents ... they were guided and motivated accordingly to give memorable scenes that can be forever etched in our memory.

Andrea Brillantes, Kyle Echarri, Xyriel Manabat, Zaijan Jaranilla, and Juan Carlos Labajo were nothing more than first-rate and excellent. The director and scriptwriter were a genius that despite a crowded cast - walang nakawan ng eksena ... at walang nagprima-donna - everybody stepped up. They can be compared to your grandparents' secret menu - where all condiments and ingredients contributed to impart a specific flavor, enhance the whole ensemble, or compliment the dish.

On the senior side Baron Geisler, despite his reputation and his vices deserves applause and admiration.  So was Mon Confiado who manipulated everyone into believing that he was just doing his work to protect his school. Even the audience were fooled and took his protective persona ... and swallowed them hook line and sinker.

So when creative minds and brilliant actors collide we audiences get an excellent masterpiece. It will not be surprising if acting awards are given this year ... it will be a toss-up between Senior High and Dirty Linen.

I just hope Kim Chiu's Linlang (the next teleserye to replace Senior High) will not pale in comparison.

And to ABS CBN ... keep up the good work. I know there is another serious topic coming ... by way of Pamilya Sagrado which deals with brotherhood and fraternity. But with a good director and a superb storyline ... I know you can always turn around and make " a dud turn into sud."