HIStory3: Armadilha (2019)

This series could have done with more episodes to strike a better balance with its own elements

Trapped follows police officer (Shaofei) and underworld head (Tang Yi) as the former tries to uncover the story of an accident that changed their lives years ago. On Shaofei's end, his mentor was killed, for Tang Yi, his father figure was killed. I came into HIStory after starting with Trapped's sister series, Make Our Days Count. Trapped was chronologically before MODC. Why did I leave Trapped for second? Because I was worried that Trapped would have a heavy crime underworld plot and I had to be in the right mood for that. Does Trapped have that problem? Nope. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Trapped is beyond silly when it's ready. Shaofei has a fever dream idea for him and Tang Yi to strip down to their underwear and try to get someone to pick them up, betting on their good looks to work as a good lure. Shaofei gets into a fist fight with a love rival before the two decide to join forces to take down a common enemy in front of an unamused Tang Yi. A kidnapped character cheerfully bids his kidnapper farewell while the other promises to see him again. It's absolutely wild and I love those moments. Unfortunately, when Trapped is not being crazy, it's quite boring. The crime plot has little time to really build up to something interesting and the show has zero atmosphere of a crime underworld. The police force doesn't do much policing or investigating, the crime aspect of the series is barely explored beyond a surface level and I'd even say that the synopsis saying that a police officer becomes "trapped" in the underworld is a little embellished.

Trapped does have some twists and turns coming down to the end that are fairly interesting, but they barely packed a punch for me. I honestly didn't care beyond a "Huh!", perhaps if the show had more episodes it would have been better for it. The silly wouldn't have felt so out of place and would have been necessary to balance the grittiness of the serious crime plot. Meanwhile, the serious crime plot would also been able to have more time to develop into something interesting and have a proper atmosphere around it as opposed to being boring, tension-less scenes.

Anyway, if you decide to skip everything concerning the crime plot, Trapped manages to stand up decently. Shaofei and Tang Yi don't have as much chemistry as the show's other couple Jack and Zhaozi do, but their relationship progression was very well done. Chris Wu's Tang Yi is expectedly steely, but his emotions come through his eyes very well. In his tender and tsuntsun moments with Shaofei, it's easy to be swooned. Jake's Shaofei unfortunately doesn't get to do much beyond be an Eager Police Officer trying to uncover the truth and be teasing with Tang Yi. The two have tension that builds and the way that Shaofei's near obsession Tang Yi is silently reinterpreted by himself onscreen for the viewer was great. Subtle, but very well done. Jack and Zhaozi on the other hand, are just great together. Though their relationship is nothing more than two quirky guys finding themselves together, they're easily the most entertaining part of the show and I wish that they got more screentime. Ironically, Jack and Zhaozi do handle the police officer x underworld member subplot better than the main couple does despite their scenes being so humorous.

As it stands, to me, Trapped is a very mediocre BL series with a serviceable plot. The underworld aspect isn't taken seriously by the show, when it does get focus, it feels as if it's just taking time away from what you're actually enjoying about Trapped.

Leia Mais

It is simply beautiful, I don't even have enough words to express my feelings towards this series. The story is on point, the music is wonderful, and the acting extraordinary. I'm not exaggerating, but the acting and the chemistry b/w the characters is pleasing to watch, they did a good job in capturing the emotions in a such a way that you'd literally melt. Such a heartwarming and eye-capturing series, I'd rewatch it like who know how many times. Each and every single actor in the series did an excellent job showing us various sides of a person be it the stubborn Tang Yi or the relentless Shao Fei, the innocent Zhao Zi. or the cool Jack (I can keep on going with every single character) and beautifully showed their other side of insecurity, loneliness, anxiety, etc. I'd give a whole galaxy to HIStory for giving this wonderful series to us, and a special thanks to all the people who worked to give us such an amazing series. HIStory 3 has crossed their own history of giving us some amazing BL series out there after HIStory 1 & 2.
P.S - If you want more interactions between the main characters, their off screen videos are awesome. Do check it out, you won't be disappointed.

Leia Mais

This series got me very excited. It's a while since a series made me fangirl like this. I was waiting eagerly for every new episode. Still I cannot bring myself to rate it higher.

Let me tell you, that this series fooled me. I thought this could be something more than a silly BL series, but at the end of the day it proved me wrong.

STORY (7,5/10): While the overall plot is very serious, interesting and full of twists, there are many rather silly scenes throughout the series. The comedy wasn't working for me most of the time. The policemen looked like a bunch of kids playing cops. The tone of the series changed completely in the second half. From silly comedy and unnecessary cliche BL scenes it went to flashbacks and drama, only to be rather cheesy in the last episode. I feel like the script could have been better. Still, this is a typical HIStory series. While I wasn't that critical with other HIStory series, this time I feel the need to remove my BL googles and rate this objectively. So, frankly speaking, the storytelling was a mess. Even if you binge watch the series, the plot just doesn't "flow". They clearly had some trouble balancing this out. It felt like two different people worked on the script. Less comedy in inappropriate situations, more consistent storytelling, cutting out unnecessary scenes with unnecessary characters etc. would have done wonders. I'm also not a fan of those kisses, where a character has the eyes wide open or those trip-fall-catch scenes (BL fans know what I'm talking about). I feel like those HIStory writers have a checklist and are forced to include those scenes. Some embarrassing touching – check. Getting nervous, because someone is half naked – check. This is silly and I hope they could just stop. Or maybe I'm just too old to giggle and blush, because of such scenes. For me it's just second hand embarrassment.

The love stories were written pretty well though, at least between the main characters. Tang Yi & Shao Fei were intriguing to watch. I enjoyed the rather straight forward approach. At the beginning I wasn't that impressed by Shao Fei's character and by Jake's acting. But throughout the series I started to appreciate how he portrayed Shao Fei. Yeah, the character is a bit goofy, he seems a bit silly and impulsive, but he is smart, brave and strong. Both characters are very complex and multi-dimensional. You want to know what happens next, how their relationship develops. They are adults with a past and certain goals. I really liked how slow the relationship developed, if was very natural and plausible. The chemistry is pretty good too. It's awkward sometimes, but then again those awkward scenes fit the characters and the story very well. Jake & Chris feel very raw and real. Unfortunately in the last couple of episodes both characters lost some of their charm and become rather one-dimensional, because of the dramatic circumstances. Their interactions also felt repetitive. After they became a couple, sh*t started to get down.

Jack & Zhao Zi: This couple was just too silly for my taste. They were mostly cute and lovely. You get the impression the couple was inserted just for fan service. Zhao Zi as a cop is not working. Jack isn't that credible either (constantly playing with his knife like some wannabe street gangster, while being dressed like a K-Pop idol). I honestly feel like the series lost a lot of its seriousness in the first half because of those two characters. Comedy and cuteness is okay, but they really went overboard with the second couple. I got invested in them later on though. I can see why people like them. Both actors/characters were pretty charming.

The hetero couple: I think this is worth mentioning. Those two are very likeable characters, especially Hong Ze as Tang Yi's "sister". She is sassy and really cares for Tang Yi. The love story was cute and got me emotional. Thumps up for including a hetero couple and a likable woman in a BL series! But let's be honest: this storyline was not needed for the overall plot. Cut it out and nothing would change. I guess you can say the same about the second gay couple. At least Zhao Zi and Jack were more involved in the plot.

ACTING CAST (7,5/10): There were a lot of different characters, a lot of different roles. I felt that most of the roles were pretty challenging and most of the cast did a good job. Almost everyone had a moment where she/he could shine. Still I think there was room for improvement. The actor who impressed me the most was Chris Wu. In some scenes Jake Hsu even out-acted him, only to show us a rather lacking performance in the next scene. Looking back I really feel like Jake's acting was a bit inconsistent.

THE MUSIC (9/10): Very nice music, nice intro and outro. The music that played at the end of ep 12 was beautiful. The whole scene was great and one of the best BL scenes I have ever watched. They also had good background music in some tense and action packed scenes.

REWATCH VALUE (9/10): I normally don't rewatch a series. This is a first for me. If you want to understand everything and not miss any details, you have to rewatch it. It's worth it though.

Overall I give it a solid 8,5 and hope, we will see similar series in the future. Still if you look for a BL series, that you can take 100% serious, then this one is not right for you. It seems many local fans hated on "Trapped" and I don't understand why. "Trapped" is not much different from past HIStory series. It had the same ingredients: embarrassing scenes, emotional scenes, cheesy scenes, dramatic scenes and the obligatory HAPPY END. Yeah, it was not a high school romance, the police-gangster background was different and something we don't see often, but still it was your typical BL at the end of the day. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad thing. But like I said, for a moment I thought this could be something more.

Leia Mais

I have been searching this kind of story in every BL movies that I have watched. I love the main couple, but I can't help with the second couple tho. I was really fall into Zhao Li An's character. he's adorable and soft at exactly same time.
How can I live without him?
Since the beginning, when movie started I just can't keep my eyes on Li An. his loyalty, his honesty. It is barely thing that I could find nowadays. Then Jack appeared with his charisma and gummy-bear smile. Something went wrong in my head, THEY WILL BE A COUPLE, WOULDN'T THEY???
I was always praying these two to go out together, and god bless me, they did in a very cute way❤.
Li An and Jack will be my ultimate couple from now on in Taiwan BL's. ❤

Leia Mais

IF I SAY A BEAUTIFUL SERIES, THIS IS WHAT I MEAN!!!

Ok so I was late reviewing this haha! So HIStory 3 Trapped, wow that was a masterpiece. First of all I love the story, it's just complex and it gives more tea than what the hell the main leads are talking about. This is action packed BL and I really love it!!

The story was so compelling that I was in awe when Tang Yi was revealed to be the long lost son of a rival mafia/gang leader. Like damn, I was in tears when Tang Yi's true father killed himself as Tang Yi walks away. That's so sad ?? I love how connected the important characters were to another like the revelation of why the leader of police investigating department forbids A'fei from interfering with the gang disputes surrounding Tang Yi. Damn hell, I was in shock after learning that the supervisor of A'fei conspired with the gang involved with selling illicit drugs and shit. I was not moved by any BL out there about the plot but damn this one really stricken the hell outta me.

With the characters I love them and the casts as well. They had their own unique charm and each character shine on their own ways possible. The main leads are superb as well the side couple. I love them so much and their chemistries top-notch!!! Damn Jack (Andy) really caught my attention he's such an eye candy, isn't he? Every time he appears in the screen, I was like ohmyghad I can't he's so attractive!!! Ahhh omg!!! I love how he shows he's duality being a badass gang/mafia man and a sweet caring man for his lover. I really love the scene when Zhao Li An and Jack fell down in the pool and Jack was like letting him touch his chest, omyghad!!!! I can't I will fckin'pass out right away shit!! There were few steamy scenes which I never wish there must more. I also love the father and son relationship of Tang Yi and his adopted father. Sadly he passed away along with his biological mother. I love it when the traitor in the group of Tang Yi was like discovered. I really like those scenes. Unfortunately the girl Tang Yi grew up with, I hate her. Damn she's willing to wound Shaofei because Tang Yi's attention was not hers. I never really got a hold of the chemistry of the girl and the butler (if that's the right word, sorry). I did not mind them. I'm quite unsatisfied that the girl was not exposed to be the one who caused Shaofei to get hurt. I really hate her to the bone. The acting skills were superb, they really stood their respective grounds in terms of acting skills, appearance, just about anything else.

The OSTs were really really enjoyable.

If you ask me if it's rewatchable, yes bitch, yes!!! This is how you create a BL okay!! This is one of the contenders for my ranking of the best BLs out there. Yes it deserves the praise and the overall hype. It's so worth it, I can't stress enough how beautiful this was.

Leia Mais

Trapped...yes they trapped my heart

I must say that a few first eps i was skeptical because of obsessing over chasing that mafia guy. But i was so wrong.
The story is great its well written the characters are written so well there is so much chemistry and tension and the plot is kinda predicteble but still not.
I must say i fall in love with side couple... they were incredible here i wish they would have their own series cuz so good.
The main couple started off a bit awkward but lazer their became smth great.
The OST was good.
I liked this HIstory sm that i wish there would be so2.
I really recommend watching it.
Rewatching it is makes me so emotional and happy.

Leia Mais

Highly Recommended

When Tang Yi kissed Siao Fei and confirmed the relationship, the only concerned by colleagues was how can a police date a triad leader? ? (as opposed to, how can 2 men date)
The development of thlnd to relationship from adversary (TY actually sued SF), to half friend to life partners is so organic and sweet, without it being cheesy.
Love the fact when SF realised that he was in love with TY, it was a revelation and he immediately pursued TY, loudly and publicly.
SF was ussually with be the one to comfort TY, kissed and protect TY.
I loved the way both addressed conflicts and misunderstandings in a very open and matured manner e.g. about Andy. TY instinctively knew SF was bugged about it and didnt know how to bring up the topic.
The acting for the whole cast was spot on and loved, loved the OST. Is in my playlist.
Trapped has to be my fav BL drama, because it has a matured cast, in an adult setting and the story plot doesnt just focus on their relationship. It spoke about the actual definition of family.

Leia Mais

Ending was not what I expected

This drama ending was definitely not what i thought would happen. I was expecting a happy ever after. Accept Tang yi turned himself in and offer meng was left saying goodbye and he will be missed. Hmm

Okay so the story was not so bad, police officer falls in love with a gang member who is seeking revenge for his father that was murdered. Tang yi was hot and officer meng was just your average bloke. The story flowed very nicely and kept you wondering what was going to happen and guessing.

Music was okay nothing to talk about,.

The second couple was a bit funny and kinda cute would have liked to see more from them.

Overall it was good ?

Leia Mais

My all time favourite BL show ❤️❤️❤️

I have seen quite a few BL shows and Trapped is by far my all time favourite and there are a few good reasons for that .
here are some of them:

1. The leads characters are all grown ups
I personally am sick and tired seeing shows about college kids who seem to be clueless half the time , while here in Trapped we get a story about real MEN who knows who they are and what they want from life and they are not afraid of asking it ,that was definitely my favourite part about this show .

2. The plot line, like seriously how freeking good is that a cop and a mobster falling in love ,I don't know about you people but for me it was pure BL heaven.

3. We see the boys dealing with real life issues like loss of a family ,hate, betrayal and very hard lessons that you only encounter when you are outside from school I found I could relate much more to this show then to the other BL shows that seem to be repeating them selves .

4. The Love between Tang Yi and Meng Shao Fei was sooooooo good I could feel the sparks from episode 1 and the way it was build up it was brilliant ,I just loved seeing how those two strong men melting slowly for one another and God knows it was a long road getting there but it was so worth it.

5. Side plot line was wonderful too the 2nd couple was great and funny they were my comic relief from all the serious staff that went on the show, like how can you not like Jake and his adorable smile .

Music : I loved the title song and I even download it to my phone.

All an all I would say this show has a refreshing plot line ,great actors and would highly recommend it.

My only biff with this show is the fact that each episode was so short , I wish I had more time enjoying this show, maybe i will get lucky and they will make a season 2
oh well a girl can dream ......

I really hope you will enjoy this show as much as I did.

P.s I have already watched the whole series
5 times and I am sure I will watch it again :)

Leia Mais

This is THEE BEST BL series I’ve watched since my obsession began. It wasn’t childish like most of them being stuck in a school setting. They weren’t confused about their feelings and didn’t have the drama or confusion of some woman being involved. I was GLUED to this show from beginning to end literally. I watched all 20 episodes in one sitting. If anyone knows of more mature BL like this I’m all ears please and thanks ???? My only issue was that instead of it ending with an assumption of them living happily ever after I would’ve loved for that to have been confirmed like Tang YI coming out of jail to a kiss instead of kissing then going to jail. Everything else was literally perfect.

Leia Mais

Cringe Worth Feast!

This is just my personal opinion about the show. Is the show perfect? No. Was it enjoyable? Yes! (I can't believe I'm saying that)

I'm quite surprised at how much I enjoy the show because there flaws that are obvious. I'll try to elaborate more on that. Firstly, some scenes are so overdramatic and cringey. It gives me a good laugh because some scenes are awful that it becomes entertaining as hell. The dramatic fall into the swimming pool, the elevator scene, the part where Shao Fei immediately thinking Tang Yi is having sex, and he quickly barges in, not to mention how the show immediately starts with the Boys over Flowers song like why? There's more to that, but I don't want my review to be long.

Next, I'm not a fan of the second couple? I don't know. I can't vibe with the love story. It happened out of nowhere, and I couldn't care less about them. I find the characters to be dull and bland, so I fast-forwarded all of their scenes. Lastly, the cops are just bad in solving their cases LMAO.

What do I like about the show? The chemistry between Shao Fei and Tang Yi is spot on! Enemies to lovers trope? Police gangster love story? The ultimate forbidden love. Their relationship progression is nice and refreshing. I like how the storyline never centralized entirely on the couple. It makes their relationship fun, sweet and cute and lastly, not annoying as hell. I'm just so glad the relationship is not super cliche which doesn't bore me to death. Tang Yi's suits are iconic, and he looks outstanding in it.

Overall, I had a lot of fun watching it. If you can't stand the cringe feast, run away from it or just fast forward the parts. If not, let your logic out, throw it away when you watch it because some are super unrealistic and dumb. Just accept how it's going to be like and have fun watching it! I like to end my review with this hashtag, #FreeTangyi.

Leia Mais