Viewers are already in tune with what “What Lies Beneath” is currently showcasing at its core, with each episode featuring a mix of suspense, added mysteries, and unexpected plot twists. Beyond these elements, the series is undeniably rich in plot resources, drawing from real-life circumstances as well as universal experiences.
It goes without saying, it’s not just the authentic portrayals, but how the series cleverly weaves each of these familiar aspects together, making it a truly compelling watch.
It’s not just a “friendship conquers all” story
The story revolves around MABEL—a group of five girls who discover a strong sense of belonging with each other. From the beginnings of their initial judgments to the development of their friendship, the young Erica (Krystal Mejes), Beth (Allyson McBride), Mel (Reich Alim), Alice (Eliza Borromeo), and Louisa (Mutya Orquia) soon made a promise to stay connected even after graduation.
However, fate would test them to great lengths, as the society around them shaped the betrayals and abandonment they inflicted on each other—particularly toward Erica, the only one who tried to defend the wrongly accused Edong (Renshi de Guzman) from Louisa's murder.
The characters feel real and relatable
This series makes it a point to show that not everyone is happy—just like in the real world.
Firstly, Alice (Janella Salvador), a successful accountant in the US, is dealing with marriage problems and unresolved trauma. Meanwhile, Beth (Charlie Dizon), the most outspoken, struggles with social comparison among her successful friends.
Mel (Sue Ramirez), though appearing satisfied with her career as a celebrity, bears the cost of years of domestic abuse. Last but not least, Erica (Kaila Estrada), seen as an untouchable lawyer, has never truly felt cared for by her mother and has been abandoned by her friends.
It criticizes powerful systems
The pilot episode’s introduction of Erica already shows her as a force to be reckoned with when it comes to setting things right—even against the unfair system itself, particularly the law, which is often abused by those in power.
In each of her court sessions on the show, beyond representing the wrongly accused and the marginalized, she fearlessly calls out Congress and the NLEA, demanding that they take accountability for their lapses and wrongdoings.
It unapologetically details the workings of corruption
The show doesn’t beat around the bush in portraying the realest villain that ensnares all the characters—shameless corruption seeping through various institutions. This includes authorities like police officer Celestino (Bart Guingona), who abused the innocent Edong and even intimidated the MABEL girls to falsely identify Edong as Louisa’s murderer to fit his own version of the truth.
More corruption is shown within the police force at Bagumbayan Prison, where Edong was imprisoned for 14 years and had no choice but to adapt to its immoral system. As instructed by Assistant Prison Warden William Ayoc (Paolo Serrano), Edong was repeatedly tasked to deliver illegal goods and at times punish disobedient prisoners.
During the NLEA’s pursuit of the now fugitive Edong, the warden even disclosed that they would be forced to confront the big players: corrupt politicians.
Another addition is the Kyos, led by Steve (Christian Ty), who runs dirty businesses, maintains connections with corrupt NLEA officials, and keeps Lucas (JM de Guzman) on a leash, having partnered with him for his fitness business.
It shares the struggle of common people for justice
Edong’s character holds the motivation and foundation for the twists, particularly in showing why it wasn’t easy to defend him 14 years ago—an issue made even more complex now by his escape and the casualties he has caused.
In one of the episodes, Erica had already explained how at the age of 16 and 17, at the time of Louisa’s murder and Edong’s arrest, she along with Beth, Mel, and Alice were pressured by Amurao’s townspeople, and the police.
If they were to defend Edong, who already has a tainted reputation, they would risk being seen as siding with a criminal, accused of drug involvement, mocking a devout figure like Esther (Malou Crisologo), and even jeopardizing their future opportunities, such as Beth’s scholarship.
It brings women’s rights to the forefront
An all-leading women cast elevates one of the show’s advocacies: drawing attention to women’s rights and challenging misogynistic perspectives that limit their freedom. This is primarily depicted through Mel’s struggles with domestic abuse at the hands of Anton (Jameson Blake), who pressures her to stay with him as part of a powerful clan and wields influence that could ruin her reputation.
Other stories of abuse are also explored, including Beth’s mother, Marie Sevilla (Jenny Miller), and Lucas and Edong’s mother, Dolores Santiago (Jennica Garcia). Internalized misogyny is further highlighted through Barbara Montenegro, Anton’s mother, who opposes Mel.
The show also makes a heartfelt effort to include actual legal support that women can access, such as the women’s group “Sinta” and annulment, which Mel learns about from her househelper, Jo—a survivor of domestic abuse who also encourages Mel to begin planning her escape from Anton’s grasp.
Mental health is addressed with empathy
Alice is one of the series’ mysterious characters, particularly due to the trauma she gradually faces by finally allowing herself to attend psychological sessions.
Through these sessions, viewers are shown nuanced insights into trauma, including how intense emotional pain is not easily overcome, and why the healing process cannot be rushed.
Beyond the presence of a thoughtful psychologist, Alice’s agency in deciding how to approach her trauma is a crucial aspect—emphasizing that a sense of safety and readiness is essential for anyone facing such struggles.
See more of what makes “What Lies Beneath” a compelling watch in its new episodes, airing weeknights on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, and iWant.