Superb acting, interesting story: How Senior High immediately got netizens hooked on pilot week

ABS-CBN’s newest teleserye offering Senior High kicked off in a really high note as the superb performances of the actors, interesting story, and exciting scenes immediately got the viewers hooked just on its pilot week.

In the inaugural episode, we were instantly given a glimpse of the relationship among twin sisters Luna and Sky, both portrayed by Andrea Brillantes, and their mother Tanya (Angel Aquino).

Sky has been detached from them since she grew up under the care of her grandmother in the province, while Tanya and Luna live together in Manila. Thus, there’s no wonder that Sky was initially reluctant to come with them and leave the town where she grew, but was left with no choice since they are her only family.

Despite her sister’s coldness, Luna tried her best to gain her trust and get along with her, whether they’re at home or at school. Nonetheless, Sky has been so concerned of her twin, especially with how Luna acted completely different in the presence of her so-called friends at Northford High School, who she found suspicious from the get-go.

Just on the very first day of their meeting, Sky immediately had a nasty encounter with the bratty Z (Daniel Stranner) in the comfort room, with the latter pulling an annoying prank at her by tossing her phone into one of the toilet bowls. Instead of defending her twin and confronting Z, Luna warned Sky not to mess with her group for they are the most powerful at school. She also offered to give her her old phone, but Sky strongly refused it since her phone was given by her grandma.

The following day, Sky discovered that Luna was being enslaved by her “friends,” as she obeyed everything that they told her to do, from doing her assignments to buying stuff for them. She also found out about the aspirations of her twin, as well as how delighted she was that they’re already together since she finally has someone to talk to about anything and everything.

Sky found allies in Roxy (Xyriel Manabat) and Tim (Zaijian Jaranilla), the couple who actually used to be friends with Luna, until she started hanging out with her new set of “friends.” They helped her exact revenge against Z by stealing her designer headband and throwing it to the toilet bowl, too.

The twins had an emotional confrontation at home after the incident, with Luna recounting to Sky everything that she and their mom went through, while they’re away from one another. That night Sky was shocked to catch Luna come home late and with torn clothing. Luna didn’t divulge what happened but made her promise that they would finish senior high school together.

While the second quarter recognition ceremony was ongoing, Luna didn’t show up, which bewildered Sky. Thus, she immediately went outside the auditorium to search for her, only to find her bloodied, lifeless body in front of the building where she fell off.

During the initial investigations, Head of Security Lydia Santana (Sylvia Sanchez) told the investigator that she was doing her rounds when she saw someone sneaking in the building. She insisted that someone killed Luna, but since investigators wasn’t able to see anyone other than her in the CCTV cameras they checked, it was ruled out as suicide.

It was also found out that police officer Harry Aguerro is actually the biological father of the twins, who happens to be the dad of siblings Zyra and Archie (Elijah Canlas), too. The following day, at school, he and the other parents attended the special meeting called on by school principal, wherein Governor William Acosta (Mon Confiado) addressed the incident. Everyone is actually surprised to see Sky already attending classes after what happened to her sister, especially Harry who was so horrified upon the sight of his other child.

As she was browsing through the old phone that Luna gave her before she died, Sky was appalled to discover a video of her being attacked by Z at a restroom. This reminded her of that night when Luna snuck out and came home seemingly in pain. She saw another video that was recorded by Roxy, wherein Luna was seen crying over her drenched blouse with Z as the suspect.

Sky confronted Roxy and Tim about it, and found that they actually used to be friends with Luna until she had a change of heart and started hanging out with Gino (Juan Karlos Labajo) and Z. As soon as she arrived home, Sky confronted Tanya about it, and was appalled to find out that she actually knew that Luna was being bullied by her supposed friends. However, Luna told her that she could already handle it on her own and didn’t want to cause any trouble out of it. Besides, Tanya said that she couldn’t do anything about it because of how powerful the enemies are.

Hearing those, of course, enraged Sky, who expressed her determination to seek justice for her sister’s death in spite of Tanya’s objection, fearing that doing so would only mess things up and it couldn’t bring back anymore the life of Luna. That night, Tanya had a heated argument with Harry, who asked her to take Sky out of Northford. But she was defiant, telling her that it would result in more trouble since Sky holds a lot of evidences against her daughter, which are aside from the dark secrets of him that she continues to keep.

And those secrets were subsequently discovered by Archie, who caught Harry arguing with someone on the phone. As he checked Harry’s phone, he didn’t only saw the video of Z harassing Luna, but also the furious message of Tanya threatening him to tell everyone in Northford that he’s the father of her twins if he would still refuse to pay Sky’s tuition fee.

Despite being told by everyone to already give up in her pursuit of finding out the truth behind the mysterious death of Luna, with the principal warning her that her retirement benefit will be at stake once one of the parents will file a case against her, Lydia still insists that there’s indeed foul play. Her grandson Obet (Kyle Echarri) actually shared the same sentiment as her, but told her not to push through with her own investigation anymore since Luna’s case is already declared closed and doing so would only inflict trouble.

Sky confronted him the following day upon learning from Roxy and Tim that Luna and Obet used to have a “thing” in the past, with Roxy describing him as “stalker-ish.” Obet denied her allegation, as well as his supposed involvement in the death of her sister. Yet she still warned him that she would make him pay once it would be revealed that he’s telling her lies.

Meanwhile, Archie told Z to stop engaging or talking to Sky after what he found out the night before. That, of course, bewildered Z since he’s the one who used to push her to be aggressive towards everyone who irritates her. Archie was also able to mend his little misunderstanding with Gino, who he confronted for allegedly cheating on her sister. However, Gino clarified to him that he only sees Z as a friend and it’s only their parents who fondly pair them up with each other. At the same time, he didn’t have any definite relationship with Luna.

Determined to find out the truth, Sky continued to interrogate Obet if he had any idea regarding the death of Luna or if he has something to do with. But that would be impossible because according to him, they used to have a mutual understanding that she didn’t want anyone to know. It was hurtful, but he just accepted and went on with it for he knew how much she wanted to belong with the rich kids. She also reasoned out that they had different priorities in life, which made the incompatible with each other.

Totally high on drugs while in the club, Archie began to hallucinate and see the ghost of Luna drenched in blood. He staggeringly went outside and suddenly passed out and convulsed upon bumping onto Tim. As he rushed to the hospital by Tim, Roxy, Sky, and Tim’s father, it was found out that he overdosed in cannabis tinged with toxic substance.

Harry went on to castigate Archie’s friends Gino and Poch (Miggy Jimenez) and reminded everyone that whatever transpired must not come out. He attempted to bribe Tim’s father but to no avail, and it was the nurse, who happened to be Roxy’s older sister Ria who accepted it.

What happened to Archie caused a heated altercation among the family of Gino, with his father prohibiting him from pursuing his musical career since he’s been grooming him to become a lawyer and politician like him and the other men in their clan.

It was also revealed that it was not really Harry who paid the remaining balance in Sky’s tuition fee but Gov. Acosta’s wife Cecille (Ana Abad Santos), which is her way of helping her and sympathizing with her and her mother after their tragic loss.

Harry pressured Archie from telling the truth about her drug overdose in order to fix the problem. However, he was shocked to hear that Archie already knew his secret. He challenged him to say what he knows to his mom and sister, but it seems that he’s not going to have the guts to do it.

As what we’ve mentioned, Senior High is indeed off to a great start as it succeeded in catching the interest of the viewers despite its timeslot.

First off was because of the superb performances delivered by its powerhouse cast, not to mention its lead star Andrea Brillantes who delivered a compelling portrayal of two completely different characters. She was able to astonishingly keep pace with the “senior” members of the cast, which include Angel Aquino, Baron Geisler, Mon Confiado, Sylvia Sanchez, Desiree Del Valle, Kean Cipriano, Ana Abad Santos, Gerald Madrid, Angeli Bayani, Kakki Teodoro, and Floyd Tena.

On the other hand, the “junior” members, namely, Kyle Echarri, Juan Karlos, Elijah Canlas, Zaijian Jaranilla, Xyriel Manabat, Daniela Stranner, Rans Rifol, and Rap Robes have amazingly delivered to the requirements of their respective roles and we’re looking forward to see more of what they can offer to the audiences. The same with teleserye first-timers Miggy Jimenez, Tommy Alejandrino, Gela Atayde, and Inka Magnaye, who have also impressed us with the acting chops they exhibited just on their initial scenes.

Aside from the exceptional performances of the artists, netizens also commend the technical elements of this promising production – from the well-written script, set design, camera work, cinematography, up to the audio and sound effects.

Furthermore, the viewers also find the storyline commendable because of its refreshing take on high school drama, which is usually romance-laden. Its themes are also very relatable and timely, as it tackles the common issues confronted by Gen Zs, which include bullying, mental health problems, and family and friendship troubles. At the same time, it also serves as an eye-opener to the older generations regarding the experiences of the current generation that are not regularly discussed or not many are aware of.

Senior High also reminds us that in these times that we’re challenged by depression, indifference is no longer acceptable. So, we should all look out for one another. And it all starts at home, with the parents ensuring that the communication lines within the family are open. The same with schools, which must implement projects or activities that aims to uphold the mental health of the students.

Moreover, there are actually reasons why bullies become bullies. And in the case of Z and Archie, that’s because they grew up in a home with domineering parents who would control everything in their life – from how they eat to the path they want to pursue in life. At the same time, we must also try our best to be kind towards others because we do not have any idea what they’re going through.

And lastly, netizens also liked it that there’s a viewers’ discretion and crisis hotline number at the beginning and end of each episode.

Below are some of the rave reactions that netizens posted on social media regarding everything that they’d seen on the pilot week of Senior High:

I love @iamandrea_b's superb acting skills as a lead star of #SeniorHigh! Great job, Andrea!!! Congrats on your newest teleserye! #SHKids

— Naomi Torres (@naomitorres08) August 29, 2023

It's a refreshing take on the high school drama genre. It's not afraid to tackle tough issues!! The characters are complex and the plot is full of twists and turns. I'm hooked 🥹#SeniorHigh pic.twitter.com/8LqQCU0gwq

— shai shaiii 🍹 (@slvdrshaira) August 28, 2023

Lakas maka-highschool. Parang bumalik ako sa HS. You already feel the immense tension and awkwardness of the an institution filled with pubescent teens. Loving it! The set design, camera work, cinematography and music has ushered us in to the world of #SeniorHigh #SHPagbubukas

— Mr. Fine (@Mist3rFine) August 28, 2023

Lovin' the storyline, production, and the actors itself especially @iamandrea_b, she is literally one of the best actor of her generation, no one can change that.#SeniorHigh #SHPagbubukas

— Eco (@jericoaguada_) August 28, 2023

And of course, Ms. #AngelAquino was amazing! Can't wait for Tuesday. Indeed, #SeniorHigh is a very timely series to raise awareness, especially about mental health and marami pa tulad nga sabi ni #AndreaBrillantes ABANGAN natin!!!

— Hajih (@leimounadie) August 28, 2023

Baron Geisler! Scarily good! #SeniorHigh #BaronGeisler #AndreaBrillantes https://t.co/yjgiTBWe8z

— Jubert Alberto (@jub_alberto) August 30, 2023

We can’t deny that both Andrea and Xyriel nailed their roles. Ito pa lang yung serye na 1st ep pa lang super hooked na ako. I’m looking forward to other episodes 🫶🏻#SeniorHigh

— aev🌷 (@vandler_) August 29, 2023

Pang best actress ang drama ni @iamandrea_b ... kaya lagi syang may lead role dalang dala nya yung character... Umiiyak pero ang ganda ganda paren.. Hanggang ngayon naririnig ko pa iyak mo, super galing😭 #SeniorHigh #blythe #KyleDrea #andreaB pic.twitter.com/4aZaeE8y8I

— Milky way (@Milky18181818) August 29, 2023

Ganda nitong Senior High sa ABS CBN. They have written the story very realistic in this generation. And at the same time, it tackles bullying and life's problems and stressors to our mental health. Keep it up @iamandrea_b 👏 #SeniorHigh

— GA (@garenaguinaldo_) August 28, 2023

That was a solid pilot episode. TBF, ang galing ni Andrea.#SHPagbubukas #SeniorHigh

— supernegatrona AKA pink 5 (@supernegatrona) August 28, 2023

Starting to watch #SeniorHigh very relatable! Especially what's really happening with our teens and students nowadays. An eye opener indeed!

— Boons Constantino (@iluvboonsxoxo) August 30, 2023

Blythe made Luna's character one heck of a character. Grabe yung difference ng dalawang characters. One actress but it felt like two different actress was playing it. #SHPagbubukas #SeniorHigh #AndreaBrillantes https://t.co/lIYzSPocJb

— KyleDrea4Lyf (@kyledreaIs4lyf) August 28, 2023

Kudos, @ABSCBN , @DreamscapePH , and @iwanttfc !

Super naappreciate ko itong Viewer Discretion at Crisis Hotline sa umpisa at dulo ng #SeniorHigh !

Super napapanahon at kailangan.

I truly admire your courage to open discussions on Mental Health. Thank you!#SHPagbubukas pic.twitter.com/EEYoz3ZXbR

— Vince_DS_ (@Vince_DS_) August 28, 2023

I'm enjoying watching this new series of Andrea Brilliantes "Senior High". Love her acting! Doing 2 different roles in one series. Great story also! With superb casts!#SeniorHigh #AndreaBrillantes #abscbn #iwanttfc pic.twitter.com/IVOfrCjict

— kirstenphen (@atsicamper) August 30, 2023

An ganda ng pilot episode of #SeniorHigh. Sobrang galing mo @iamandrea_b Andrea Brillantes in playing two characters.👏 Napag-iba mo totally sina Sky at Luna. I like how the show advocates for mental health. So did Luna really commit suicide? or someone killed her? #SHPagbubukas pic.twitter.com/DszqQsggbg

— JOSHNELLA 💛 (@joshnellaplgist) August 28, 2023

For the first time in TV history, I guess? Claps for the team of Senior High for doing this. This is an important matter na dapat matagal ng ginagawa sa TV lalo sa ganitong theme. #SeniorHigh #SHPagbubukas #AndreaBrillantes pic.twitter.com/mNyp4tRf3C

— DarkAj | Follow to draw (@XxdarkAj) August 29, 2023

The intriguing plot plus the superb acting of the powerhouse cast including the main star, Andrea Brillantes might have helped to boost the show's ratings#SeniorHigh pic.twitter.com/rFVDSUC1fr

— mineeee (@kweendum) August 31, 2023

LET'S GIVE A BIG CLAP TO WHAT I CALL NOW "THIS NEW GENERATION DRAMATIC PRINCESS" @iamandrea_b

GRABEEEEEEEEE PERFECT SA KANYA ANG DUAL ROLE NA "SKY/LUNA" INDEED THE ROLES ARE LOOKING PERFECTLY GOOD #SeniorHigh #SHPagbubukas pic.twitter.com/YJgYhSPCJV

— Johann Confesor (@johannkind) August 28, 2023

Andrea Brillantes has great chemistry with Andrea Brillantes; showing a clear, humorous contrast of personalities. Digging the vibe of this show so far. #SHPagbubukas #SeniorHigh pic.twitter.com/DrkpUqyJ0v

— giordano's pizza (@deepdish1216) August 28, 2023

Actingan fest din pala ang #SeniorHigh just like Dirty Linen. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang sakit na naramdaman ni Sky. Galing mo Blythe! pic.twitter.com/MVSxbG9PQs

— Auntie Selina (@auntieselinamo) August 30, 2023

Watch out for the exciting next episodes of Senior High, weeknights on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z.