Most Emotional and Explicit Episode Yet....

OMG! This episode gives all the feels, especially towards the end when a huge secret is revealed by the character of Kian (Hence the episode is title 'Ang Stigma ni Kian'). Basically this wraps up the reactions and issues related to the first episode. Lei and his friends are still at the resort when they encounter a toxic female fan who pushes her way into their group dynamic and illegally takes video of Lei and his friends. After her abrupt exit (planting the seeds for future troubles for Lei), the gang continue to bond together and during their game (basically Truth or Dare but a variant), Kian reveals a number of secrets related to his work, sexuality and health. Won't reveal it all for everyone, but it is such an amazing series of moments that really tugs on your heart strings as he breaks down while revealing his truths to his friends, who are shocked and don't see any of it coming. It highlights the bond they have as friends as they accept him wholeheartedly and despite having serious issues of their own, promise to support him and help him even with his medical needs. While the first half of the episode really annoyed me, especially when that fan shows up and sows havoc, the last part of the episode completely restored my love for this mini-series and the cast. They acted their hearts out in this episode and it shows in the quality of their respective performances. I'm so impressed by their acting and by the message that they portray in this episode. This episode is easily for me the best episode of the four to date, although we have a couple more episodes to look forward to. Most likely the next one will be especially focused on addiction, as I have the feeling that Lei as the narrator of the various stigmas he and his friends are dealing with will have his own episode dealing with the stigma of his alleged relationship as the finale. Rating: 10/10

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Stigma (2020) Episode 2: Ang Stigma ni Kian (Kian's Stigma)

While I like Stigma's plot/storyline, my issue with it is its preachy screenplay. Episode 2: Ang Stigma ni Kian (Kian's Stigma) discussed another relevant social stigma: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) stigma. But because it was presented in a tedious manner, it was really off footing. It would have been better if it was at least informative [e.g. HIV is different from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), HIV and AIDS treatments and support services are 100% free in the Philippines, people with HIV can live a long and normal life, etc.]. The script did get it in one of its lines when Lei said "What kills people is not the disease, but the stigma attached to it." I also appreciated that Kian's friends were very supportive. Acting was still awkward in parts but largely ok. Audio-visuals were mostly fine. Let's see what other issue Stigma tackles in the next episode.

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