SAMortalization of Maricar Reyes

She was 1^st a neophyte actress as the dying Candy in Betty La Fea , we saw her improve with the sophisticated Karen for Lover’s in Paris and the pitiful Celina in Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo. This time, Maricar Reyes is excellent as Samantha “Sam” Imperial in abs-cbn primetime show “Imortal”, a show revolving around a forbidden love between the "chosen one" from two warring clans, the bampiras (vampires) and the lobos (werewolves) with the rest of humanity caught in the middle.

In my own opinion, Maricar’s latest venture as the vampire Samantha is her break out role to date. Majority of her scenes (with some minor misses) showed strength and character. MR has adapted to the character with ease. I have notice certain comfort ability in her acting that was somewhat missing from her previous roles. So good was she with her portrayal that a lot of the viewers are having a hard time separating the role from the actress, causing ruckus over the show’s loyal viewers, some admiring and others hating the role. Read the dedicated forums for the show and you’ll see what I mean.

What makes Samantha Imperial click? Aside from the actress, the underlying factor is credited to good conceptualization & how well written the character’s story arc is. Introduce as a ruthless and evil vampire leader from the show’s premises, the character has since then evolved into a rather complex position that it’s hard to label the character as one of the protagonists or antagonists of the show There is so much room for character development with the character going either way. From the episodes aired last December to the present, it’s becoming evident that Samantha may be a support role yet very much essential for the over-all story arc and development of one major character. I can almost consider her in 3^rd lead mold instead of a mere supporting role. It’s no wonder that character and actress has gained her own following from the show’s viewers. Samantha was the unsung heroine of the show and viewer reaction manifested with the birth of the term SAMortal coined by the show’s followers.

Maricar Reyes’ exposure for Imortal has widened her audience, allowing the actress make her mark in the industry. She is a work in progress. For now, she may not be in league with today’s leading stars but she has the promise of evolving into a great & versatile actress in the future. I’m thinking in the molds of Angel Aquino and Cherrie Gil wherein she can carry both protagonist and antagonist role.