By Nestor Torre
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–On Monday, Sept. 24, two fantasy series started telecasting on local TV screens: ABS-CBN 2 fielded “Lastikman,” while GMA-7 launched “Zaido.” Which new series made a better impression on its opening telecast? Let’s see how some relevant factors play themselves out:

“Lastikman” has good star value in the person of title role player, Vhong Navarro. And its opening sequence last Sept. 24 was visually impressive, with a gigantic waterspout destroying everything in its path, and Lastikman vanquishing an all-powerful villain.

Leader

After that exciting start, however, the show slowed down when it recalled how Lastikman was born on another planet, of a human mother (Dawn Zulueta) and a leader (Tonton Gutierrez) of that other civilization in outer space.

The backstory was told in too detailed a fashion, so this viewer’s attention wandered. We noted, though, that the series’ visual effects were otherwise quite on the up-and-up.

For its part, “Zaido” told the story of an otherworldly Galactic Force threatened by the onslaught of an evil planet bent on pillaging other worlds.

This prompted the Force to form a new corps of space police made up of stalwart, young fighters led by the character played by Dennis Trillo.

To start its storytelling on a high note, the new series made use of shots of planets in deep space, state-of-the-art spaceships, and futuristic sets.

The effect was fine, except it felt a little “borrowed” from such iconic reference points as “Star Wars.” Still, it was good to see that our visual scenarists could rise up to that level, even if not mainly on their own creative steam.

The turn-off here was the inconsistency between the production’s glossy sci-fi effects and some warriors still resorting to dated martial arts stances and swordfights. You would think that advanced civilizations capable of teleportation would have developed the art of warfare to a similarly more high-tech level!

Decoration

Some aspects of the production design were also distracting, like Diana Zubiri’s sporting a necklace-like decoration that was arranged like a sort of mask around her — face! The “facelace” looked exotic but ungainly, and detracted from the actress’ appeal, instead of enhancing it. But, that’s a mere detail.

The more important question is, which of the two new series made the better impression on its first telecast? We have to go with “Lastikman,” since “Zaido” and its “space patrol” concept felt a bit dated and borrowed. On the other hand, we must again note that “Lastikman” is prone to slow storytelling, so it has to pick up its pace if it intends to sustain its initial momentum.

Having said all that, we must further note that the current glut of fantasy productions on local TV, further abetted by these two new shows, isn’t healthy viewing fare for TV fans.

It encourages them to remain passive, to escape into fantasy worlds, to refuse to confront real life and issues. Sure, many people watch TV to switch off rather than to turn on, but if this becomes a habit, it can’t be good for the national life and psyche.

In the past, rulers bent on subduing the populace would opt for “bread and circuses,” or would smugly intone, “Let them eat cake!”

Let’s hope that their present-day equivalent isn’t “Let them view TV fantasy series!”