The One That Got Away

The One That Got Away is a 2018 romantic drama television series that hails from the Philippines. The show is a spirited blend of romance, comedy, and drama that explores the entangled relationships between a group of ex-lovers. It’s a story that revolves around the complex dynamics of love, longing, and the pursuit of second chances.

This Philippine series is a fresh take on the romance genre by shifting the focus from the usual boy-meets-girl storyline to a boy-remembers-girl scenario. The show is rife with colorful characters and dramatic secrets intertwined with well-placed humor and doses of heartfelt reality.

The main protagonist, Liam, is portrayed as a successful businessman who finds himself dwelling on his past relationships after a car accident damages his memory. With his memory faltered, Liam is left only with his feelings of loss – a composite of feelings from his past relationships with Zoe, Alex, and Darcy.

Zoe, played by Rhian Ramos, shows us the side of love that is strong yet sensitive. She is smart, headstrong, and is the one who initiated the breakup with Liam. After putting her career first and experiencing her own failures in her romantic relationships post-Liam, Zoe often contemplates if breaking up with Liam was the right decision. The growth in her character throughout the series depicts the inner turmoil of a woman contemplating past choices and dealing with the consequences.

Alex is the ‘girl-next-door’ played by Lovi Poe. She is spontaneous, adventurous, and the one who got away from Liam because of an unfateful incident. The character of Alex reflects the passionate side of love that provides heart-wrenching moments of the show combined with a dash of optimism.

Darcy, the fiercely independent woman, depicted by Max Collins, illustrates the power of self-worth in love. Being the third ex-girlfriend of Liam, she embodies the modern, empowered woman who is ambitious and seeks an equal partner in life.

The depiction of these three diverse, strong women juxtaposed against the plot of the shared ex-boyfriend Liam, illustrates different aspects of love, relationship dynamics, and self-realization. The flashbacks and timeline interchangeably navigate between the past and unfolding present, enriching the narrative and building a sense of suspense.

Storytelling in The One That Got Away is infused with many awkward encounters, tricky situations, heart-to-heart conversations, and budding reconnections. The storyline amplifies the emotions and intricacies of the characters as they navigate through their past emotions, grappling with their unresolved feelings and the possibility of rekindling their relationships with Liam. Inevitably, the narratives of these four central characters become progressively interlaced, resulting in a unique blend of drama, comedy, romance, and self-discovery.

The show leverages a good amount of humor, lightening the mood and making the aching facets of love relatable and entertaining. The strength of the series lies not just in the major love affairs but also in the quiet moments of self-reflection, the anger and regret over lost opportunities, and the hope for a second chance at love.

The supporting characters add another layer of depth to the storyline, each contributing to the dramatic tension and comic relief while also acting as catalysts in the evolution of the main characters. These characters along with the vibrant locations in the Philippines add color to each scene, enhancing the depth and appeal of the television series.

The One That Got Away tests the boundaries of traditional rom-coms and telenovelas. It is a classic tale of second chances and rekindling love served with a twist of humor and reality. The show does an excellent job in balancing emotions, making viewers laugh, smile, cry, and contemplate. It's a series that is likely to resonate with anyone who has experienced the rollercoaster journey of love and relationships, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre and a delightful inclusion in the world of Filipino television.