Review: Sky Kawai and Declan Clifford are superb in ‘Waterboy: Second Down’ on ReelShort

Actors Sky Kawai and Declan Clifford star in the new vertical drama “Waterboy: Second Down” on ReelShort. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the scoop. It picks up where the first “Waterboy” series leaves off.

The synopsis is: Three years after Kaden (Declan Clifford) broke Donovan’s (Sky Kawai) heart to save his NFL dreams, superstar quarterback Donovan Miller is back — and signed with the agency where Kaden is barely surviving as an intern.

Donovan says he came to Boston for revenge… but the tension between them says otherwise. In a world that could destroy Donovan’s career if the truth comes out, falling for each other again might cost them everything.

“Waterboy: Second Down” is an entertaining and emotionally engaging LGBTQ sports drama that delivers exactly what fans of the platform are looking for: heart, romance, redemption, and plenty of compelling twists and turns that nobody will see coming.

From the opening episode, “Waterboy: Second Down” captures viewers’ attention with a fast-paced storyline that blends athletic ambition with personal growth. The series successfully balances its sports-driven narrative with heartfelt character moments, making it easy for audiences to become invested in the journey of its protagonist.

One of the show’s greatest strengths is its cast, whose performances bring authenticity and emotional depth to the material. The two lead actors carry the vertical drama series with confidence and charisma, while the supporting cast members also add layers of intrigue, humor, and drama. Their chemistry is off the charts; it elevates the storytelling and keeps viewers coming back for more.

The writing is sharp and accessible, offering enough surprises to maintain suspense without losing sight of the emotional core of the story. Themes of perseverance, second chances, coming of age, loyalty, and self-discovery resonate throughout the series, giving it a universal appeal that extends beyond sports fans.

Visually, ReelShort continues to demonstrate its ability to create polished, binge-worthy content in a short-form vertical format. The pacing is brisk, the production values are solid, and each episode ends with the kind of cliffhanger that encourages viewers to immediately press play on the next installment.

The Verdict

“Waterboy: Second Down” is a winning addition to ReelShort’s growing catalog of original programming. It combines sports action, romance, and drama into a highly enjoyable viewing experience that is both entertaining and emotionally satisfying.

Strong acting performances by Sky Kawai and Declan Clifford give this vertical drama series its beating heart. Fans of inspirational underdog stories and character-driven drama series will find plenty to appreciate here. It garners 4.5 out of 5 stars. Nicely done.