Let's review the new Encantadia shall we?

The new Encantadia has now finished with thier pilot episode, and it has been a long time since we had a prime time fantasy serye on TV and the retelling of the fan favorite show was both a challenge and an opportunity for the team who made it possible.  Since it was introduced back in 2005, it was able get high ratings and even and expanded story with Etheria and Pag-Ibig Hanggang Wakas.

Now let's look on the first episode which will give that lasting impression for the whole series.

SPOILER ALERT (proceed with caution for those who have not seen the pilot episode). If in case you missed it, there are a lot of links online but iFlix offers fresh episodes with just a day difference. 

The Story line

This is already given but it does have to appeal to new and old viewers of Encantadia. They did show a more clearer backstory to the war of the kingdoms over the gems. They did introduced two new characters Amihan (Mine-a's sister played by Max Collins) and Adhara (a new protagonist which we still don't know a lot about her).  This gave way to the origins of the gems and how it was distributed to the kingdoms.

The story will still revolve around the gems and their caretakers, and from trailers already shown, the plot of Etheria and Pag-Ibig Hanggang Wakas will be merged for this season (unless they will make it a separate season again). I am happy though that for the pilot they have given more time for the people of each kingdom to show their existence.  Because with the original, they would go with the war scenes and then poof! Sapiro and Adamya became dead kingdoms.

We would be looking forward to the mortal world which is totally different from 2005. Will the alienated characters bring slang words, digital technology, and jeje statements to Encantadia? That would be Pak Ganern.

The kingdoms

They now have emblems! Like the houses of Westeros, and when observed at the opening sequence it was map inspired but less of the fancy opening. A more detailed map of the whole realm is shown with the capital of the kingdoms  shown with more detail than before.

They give the show a sense of character for the kingdoms and their inhabitants. Lireo is for diwatas, Sapiro is for Warriors and Healers, Adamya is for the Adamyans (short encantados which some compare to lamang lupas), and Hatoria is for the Warrior Blacksmiths.

The armies of the kingdoms are well defined now with their own crests. They also showcase air force which can also be seen back then. There are also additional side characters which hopefully will provide new excitement to the show.


The CGI

I would never expect high-grade CGI for the series as it was way far from high budget US series that we know. Probably just enough to engage the imagination and sometimes can be altered through proper directing. However, technology did improve and there is more access to it than before.

If we base it on the usual standards of CGI in Philippine TV, Encatadia still shows it is very competitive. I like most is the rendering of the Kingdoms and Ether which showed great detail and consistency. I like least is the power blasts which can be improved, and should have been perfected already.


The characters (so far...)

Since we are talking about the Pilot episode, the four beautiful Sang'gres are not shown yet. Rather the spotlight goes to Mine-a (Marian), Cassiopeia (Solenn), Adhara (Sunshine), and Raquim (Dingdong) and of course Imaw.

Though there was a brief moment for Max Collins as Amihan, it was confusing at first since she was the one we were expecting. It turns out she is the sister of Mine-a, a new character for the series and probably the inspiration for namesake of the Air Sang'gre.

Adahara's role is kinda short yet will be pivotal for the plot since she was only banished. The Dingdong-Marian team up also reflects their predecessors Dawn-Richard which was actually cute. Hagorn (John Arcilla) is waiting for the perfect time to explosively evil, for now he looked toned down.

I am already feeling hatred (in a good way) for Gurna (Vaness De Moral) and a thumbs up for Solenn who was perfect for Cassiopeia, The languange of Enchanta and French does sound the same, and as a athletic actress she can really do better stunts.

The war and fight scenes

The armies though have their characteristics. For example Lireo soldiers are the most organized, Sapiro are like Spartans, and Hatorians are rowdy and kinda awkward. I did love the camera work for the land scenes, but kinda meh with the air force battle.

The Hathorians though are a whole lot different than before as they look more human now and less of the roaring sounds. We also look forward to the Etherians who will more ruthless in war. Fight scenes of Adhara and Mine-a was OK, but best fight scene of the day goes to Cassiopeia.

Best battle costume for the pilot goes to Mine-a (though it looks like inspired from She-Ra, it is still royal).

Best weapon so far is the Kabilan, it can separate the gems, turns into a boomerang blade, and has deadly curves like no other weapon there is.

Now what to expect?

Now as more of the story unfolds, we look forward to the Sang'gres, the Etherians, Mortal world, and the Elemental wars. There is also the other magical items, the journey to the human world, the clash of the sisters, etc.

How about the animals, where is AWOO!? The mermaids and pixies? And will there will be an explanation for the existence of dragons?

Definitely more questions waiting to be answered for the next episodes of Encantadia. I have to say that I am impressed and now more excited for more episodes. Do also share your observations too as a viewer and hopefully they will make us all happy.