Belle Mariano Shines As Takako Rai In Incognito’s First Episode

Finally got around to checking out the first episode of Incognito, and man, what a trip. The action was pumping, no doubt about it, fists flying and tension up to max level. But there were some scenes that had me tilting my head, wondering what the hell was going on. Still, I’m not here just for the explosions and punches. Let’s be real, the pretty girls stole the spotlight for me, and topping that list is Belle Mariano. I was straight-up amazed by how this episode kicked off, and it’s got me locked in for more.

Belle Mariano Lights Up the Screen as Takako Rai

Close-up shot of a young woman with long brown hair styled in a half-updo. She's wearing a light-colored, possibly off-white or beige, garment with a fuchsia or magenta patterned collar. The background is blurred but shows a dimly lit indoor setting with other people out of focus. The woman has a thoughtful or pensive expression.
She’s so pretty here, to be honest. Screenshot from Incognito Season 1 Episode 1.

Alright, full disclosure: I didn’t even know who Belle Mariano was before this. I mentioned in my last blog that I’ve been out of the Filipino TV game for years now, so she’s a total new face to me. And damn, what a face. She’s drop-dead gorgeous, no exaggeration. In Incognito, she’s playing Takako Rai, and I’m guessing that’s a Japanese character based on the name. Adds a cool vibe to the show, if you ask me. Her acting? It’s good but too early for me to judge. She’s pulling off this role very well, and I’m already sold on her skills. Word is she’s a singer too, but I haven’t heard her belt one out yet, so I can’t weigh in on that. Either way, I’m in love with what she’s bringing to the show, and she’s now one of the main reasons I’m hyped for the next episode.

Those Cute Extras Who Might Steal the Show

Close-up shot of a young woman with long brown hair, wearing a light pink shirt. She appears to be upset or distressed, with tears in her eyes and a worried expression. Her hand is lightly touching her shoulder. The background is blurred, suggesting an indoor location.
Soon to be a superstar? Screenshot from Incognito Season 1 Episode 1.

Belle isn’t the only eye-catcher in this episode. There was some cute girl extra that popped up, especially in that train scene. No clue who she is, no names dropped or anything, but they stuck out big time. I’ve got this gut feeling that she could blow up and become a huge star down the line. It’s like spotting a diamond in the rough, you know? I’m hopeful we’ll see more of them as the series rolls on, maybe even get some names to put to those faces. For now, that’s just a bonus that’s keeping me intrigued.

The Meat-Cutting Scene That Didn’t Cut It

Low-angle close-up shot of a person wearing a white hard hat and a white face mask, using a large cleaver or hatchet to butcher a large side of raw meat. The scene appears to be in a commercial butchery or processing plant. The focus is on the action of the butcher and the raw meat.
This would’ve been better with a sword! Screenshot from Incognito Season 1 Episode 1.

Okay, let’s switch gears to something that threw me off. There’s this scene where Daniel Padilla is hacking away at meat with an axe. An axe, bro. It looked so damn awkward, I couldn’t wrap my head around it. Who thought that was a good idea? I’m sitting there thinking a machete would’ve been way more effective, way more practical and way more convincing. This might be the case of no props on set. I was legit confused by that choice. Maybe butchers do use an axe in the slaughterhouse, but right now, it just felt like a swing and a miss.

Throwing Away the Gun? Come On, Man!

A young man with short dark hair is shown outdoors, carefully examining or manipulating a handgun. He's wearing a plaid shirt and a backpack. The background is blurred, showing parked cars and a suggestion of a street scene. The overall impression is one of tension or suspense.
For real, throwing away a loaded gun does not make sense. Review the final shots before publishing. Screenshot from Incognito Episode 1 Season 1.

Now, here’s where I got heated. There’s this moment where Daniel Padilla gets into it with some villains, and they get into heated argument. He manages to snag a handgun off one of the bad guys, and I’m thinking, “Hell yeah, use that!” But then, get this—he chucks it away like it’s trash. I was like, “What the fuck?” Who does that? You’ve got a weapon in a fight, you don’t just toss it aside and flex your macho vibes.  The character could’ve held on to the gun, utilized it as a threat, and walk away unscathed. I was flabbergasted, straight-up yelling at my PC screen. That move made zero sense, and it’s got me worried about how this dude handles clutch situations. Hoping the writers smarten up quick.

Where’s Maris Racal at?

One thing I was pumped for going into Incognito was seeing Maris Racal. I’ve been a fan of hers for a minute, and I figured she’d be part of the action right out the gate. Nope. She didn’t show up in the first episode, and I’m a little salty about it. Maybe she’s dropping in next time? That’s what I’m banking on, because right now, I’m feeling dissatisfied without her in the mix. It’s the sizzling trailer of her in some revealing clothes got me sold into watching this, so fingers crossed she’s not too far off.

A Strong Start with Room to Grow

So, that’s my rundown on the first episode of Incognito. It’s a mixed bag, no doubt. The action had me pumped, and the girls—especially Belle Mariano—kept me glued to the screen. But those weird moments, like the axe meat-chopping and the gun toss, had me scratching my head and left confused. Still, I’m in it for the long haul. I want more of Belle’s charm, those mystery extras, and yeah, I’m holding out for Maris Racal to show up and shake things up. If you’re into high-energy shows with some badass vibes and very pretty ladies, this might be your jam. Me? I’m already counting down to episode two.

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