TharnType: A série (2019)

A problematic show that should’ve never been shown to the public

Having recently watched Love by Chance I decided to give TharnType a chance, even though I could see that it had very discordant reviews. After watching this show I can see why some people love it and some people hate it. I lean towards the last group of people. I don’t think I have ever watched a worse romantic series than this, where I didn’t even want the main couple to end up together, because of romanticized assault, molestation and toxic behavior.

I feel like this show was made for straight people, not the LGBTQ+ community. Because honestly it felt like an insult to the whole gay community. No to mention that the whole script felt like it was written by some teenage fanfiction writer who has no sense of life, romanticizes everything and has no clue what’s right and what’s wrong in a relationship. They took a very serious topic and totally ruined it and even made it actually harmful to watch. I can’t believe that there are young people who watch this show and will walk around in this world thinking that this kind of acting in real life is actually okay.

Since most of the show deals with Tharn and Type’s relationships, let’s start with them. I must say that I don’t think either of them was very well thought through character, but at least with Type you could actually understand where his thoughts and actions come from. It’s clear from the very beginning that his homophobia comes from his past trauma. His fear over what happened to him is clearly coming out as anger towards LGBTQ+ community. Which is in a way understandable but definitely does not justify his actions. I was waiting the whole show for someone to talk to him about it and in the end we got ONE nice line from his old friend Khom (who by the way just kind of disappeared), who actually tells him, that just because of what happened to him does not mean that all gay people are bad and that most of them are actually nice. Khom also points out how his homophobic behaviour is hurtful and honestly I think that this scene was so powerful. I was hoping that Tharn would talk to him about this, but clearly this was too much to hope for.

Then Type’s characteristics. I do have a huge problem with his tendency to hit, kick, push, shove Tharn. This is not okay in any relationship! But him being cocky and self-centered actually may come from his past, too. I think that he likes to have this strong and confident persona, that no one approaches, because actually he is unconfident and somewhat scared to have any kind of attention on him. It is apparent in many different scenes. For example him not wanting to be part of the football team or the picture incident. So, even though Type is in no way a perfect character, I think that at least as a viewer you can actually understand his behavior a little bit, if you think about his past and really pay attention to his words and body language. I would honestly only watch this show again to pay even more attention to his characteristics.

I also like that there are some minor signs in Gulf’s acting that clearly show how certain things make his character uncomfortable or scared due to his past trauma. They are blink-and-you-miss it kind of moments. It can be seen whenever Tharn holds him in a way that he can’t escape or when he forcefully comes towards him (especially in the early episodes). Also during the picture incident with LGBTQ+ community people - I liked his acting there. I really think that even though Type’s character had his flaws, Gulf’s acting really saved him. Most points that I gave to this show come from his character and his acting.

Now, let’s talk about Tharn. The thing is - I didn’t like his character at all! First, he molested Type, while he was drunk just to get back at him. And later it was never addressed. Also, he never listened to words like ‘No!’ or ‘Let me go!’. Even if he later learned about Type's past. He had no respect towards consent or towards Type’s boundaries in general. He even told him something like ‘I don’t care what you want’ and in one scene ‘I don’t force myself, I just make it hard for you to resist’. I am paraphrasing here, but you get the idea, what kind of thoughts he has in his head. What pisses me off even more, is how he is portrayed to be this caring, friendly, respectful, warm guy, who everyone likes, but then he acts like a sexual harraser towards a guy he claims to love. Talkin about his love for Type. I guess I understand he fell in love with him during those three weeks, before Type didn’t know about his sexuality, but after that I can’t see how his love didn’t disappear? Also, when you learn that a person his homophobic you dont try to push yourself on them or pursui them in hopes of maybe he will love you back. And you certainly don’t touch and kiss them during the night! The bathroom scene was just horrible! Also the scene about sex offer from Type and Tharn accepting it! This was wrong on so many levels! WTF? There were just sooooo many problematic scenes with him. He was either acting problematic or saying very problematic things. Later when they were in a relationship he was also constantly manipulating him and playing the victim, so that Type would have to apologize. Their whole relationship was one big miscommunication that led to constant fighting.

Another thing that really pissed me off during the show was constant possessiveness, jealousy and controlling behavior from both of them. I don’t understand why so many BLs think that jealousy is cute or hot or whatever. No, these are all ugly and toxic behaviors in a relationship. It is as if when they get together they can’t spend time with anybody else anymore. Like what? At this point honestly I loved their break-up scene, because what Type said was actually true. I would have loved it if they had stayed broken-up. I don’t think they were ready to be in a relationship. It was way too problematic and toxic.

Talking about other characters, the only character I liked besides Type was Techno. He honestly saved the show for sure. I even liked this Techno more than the one in Love by Chance. He was actually a great friend and he was the least problematic character in the whole show. Also, Mild’s acting was really great!

And if I mention Tar and Tum, then I didn’t like them in Love by Chance and didn’t like them in this show either. I still think their story should’ve been left out from this whole universe. And then of course we have Lhong, whose place is in a mental hospital or jail. I think they should’ve put more effort into making the main storyline actually watchable and not burden it with all these side stories.

All in all, I don’t recommend anyone to watch it unless you have a very good sense of critical thinking. I do understand that people love this show because of main actors’ chemistry and some cute scenes here and there, but I just can’t enjoy a show that actually plays into harmful stereotypes that gay people have to fight against every day. No to mention all the toxic behavior and romanticizing awful things. They make Tharn out to be this sex-crazy gay man that has a reputation of having a lot of exes and then he also pushes himself on Type - a assumingly straight guy, whoe despises gays. And then during the picture incident again the LGBTQ+ community members are made out to be the problematic ones. That’s why I don’t think this show is written for LGBTQ+ community but rather for straight young girls who find it hot and cute, when two handsome guys are together… Also there are scenes where poeple justify Type's homophobia and that's not okay!

Leia Mais

Dramatic ... But in a good way ....

This BL series was definitely different... Not too sure about the hype behind it and all, but I did find this drama to be a real sweet story with a good story background.

The two main characters had some serious good chemistry going to between them, I particular liked Tharn role, his cool and relax attitude and understanding to Type was really awesome. The way he patiently waited and understood where type was coming from after his ordeal was really strong of him, it showed his character to be one of strength and understanding. Type in the beginning was a bit childish and very immature but he was understandable from his point of view, and in the end I loved how he came around and claimed Tharn as his.

The emotions between these two characters was felt, especially in some episodes, you could really feel the love and sadness for these when something took a turn, but I love how they always work things out and always stood by each other, and made up.

Type friend was really supportive and extremely the funny one, and the rest of the characters were really good.

I totally enjoyed this drama and the two songs that goes with Tharn & Type is really good.

Leia Mais

THARNTYPE

Okay after watching this Drama maybe the 10th time I'm here to tell you my view. This Drama is and was amazing. It doesn't matter how often you will watch it you will find new details and you will fall in love again.

For me, there are 3 reasons to watch this drama again and again. Reason 1 Mew Suppasit. His Role as Tharn really was gorgeous, I knew him before from the Ugly Duck Series but maybe I'm Dumb or Blind but I didn't pay him any attention in this Show even when he had some Sexy Scenes there and already showed his Arm and Hand Veins, I "IGNORED THEM" ? (Like Mushu from Mulan says " Shame on you, shame on your Family and Shame on your Cow!") and yes I'm a very big fan now of his Veins after watching both Series. ?

Okay, let's continue Reason 2 is the Chemistry between Mew and Gulf. Their Acting together was so nice to watch and you could see the Changes in every new Episode. Their Emotional Display was Chefs Kiss. And I really can say even if it's maybe a Spoiler KUDOS to Gulf in Season2 and his Acting Development!" They both are really good Actor and I can´t wait to see more Drama with them, it doesn't even need to be a BL again I think they both could fit into a Crime or Detective Drama too.

And Reason 3. P´NO, TECHNOOOOOO! Hello, who hasn't fallen in Love with our P´No. Everyone needs a No as his best friend. He is funny, caring and with him, you will have 10.000 Reasons to laugh because he always will make your Day with his Actions. Every Scene with him was Amazing and I laughed with Tears in my Eyes.

Leia Mais

I nearly stopped watching after the first two episodes, but decided to continue anyway as I have been reading really good reviews about it. The thing is, some really problematic scenes at the first two episodes may put off some viewers, and that's perfectly understandable. So if you're new to this, might as well watch the start and decide for yourself if you wanna continue. The story actually got better as the series progressed. And the chemistry between the two leads is topnotch. While a lot of people may disagree with me, but I must say this series is hard to top for me so far, especially in terms of chemistry between the two leads. That alone is enough to hook you with this one.

Leia Mais

This series normalizes forced sexual intercourse.

Strange country Thailand where a person instigates a gang rape against a minor, is discovered, there is evidence and instead of calling the police, reporting him and having him arrested, they leave him crying in the middle of the street. Same thing for the elder brother of the protagonist, he introduces his minor brother to a friend asking him to take care of him for serious family reasons and he rapes him, because having sex with a minor even if consenting is rape beautiful people for the law and the ethical sense of sane people there are not two opinions, but the elder brother instead of breaking the face of his "friend", denounce him and send him to jail continues to attend him peacefully and also invite him to lunch at the family home. Not to mention the times that the supone protagonist straight or bisexual tells the other that he doesn't want you to touch him and that he continues unscrupulously to do what he likes. In Thailand it seems that they still don't know that when a man or a woman says NO it means NO and you have to stop. This series normalizes forced sexual intercourse in a terrible way, it's garbage, violence and abuse from start to finish.

Leia Mais

Major regret.

Lhong should be In jail. Tharn was in no position to forgive Lhong as he wasn’t the victim of the traumatic crime.He basically said what Lhong did was fine because his childhood was rough… (normal people get therapy not organise a gang rape).
Tharns character had so many issues first being the fact he had no compassion for Types trauma and just decided the best way of dealing with it was to basically force him until he likes it. The second was that he sexually takes advantage of Type in the first couple episodes.

These types of themes shouldn’t be brushed aside or taken lightly , the people that make shows like these should be held accountable, it’s honestly sickening.

Leia Mais

Toxic relationship check!

I'll make it short:

Pro:
- Good acting and fantastic chemistry between the main cast
- Hot love scenes (the only reason I would watch this a second time :))
- Techno! I love him, he's easily the best character in the series!

Contra:
- Everybody is toxic (except Techno) ... and I mean the really, really bad kind of toxic
- Unsympathetic main characters (Type is childish, mean and abusive, Tharn is a whiney push-over and also abusive)
- Plot could have been good, if it were consistent.... I mean, they have Types childhood trauma, which they could explore a lot more, but it's practically forgotten after the first few episodes in favor of much more unrealistic and overdramatic (!) storylines
- Acting of the support roles was meh (except Techno of course, he's awesome!)
- No-consent scenes and the overall problematic and abusive relationship between Tharn and Type

I know that the series was created after a novel, so plot-wise they were limited. I just wish, they would have used the chance to fix some of the problematic things... or added more of the NG-scenes as compensation ;)

Leia Mais

I cant think of a title for this

If you haven't seen this series, I hope you read this. This entire series is a TRIGGER WARNING. Don't just go into this like I did thinking "Oh wow those are some HOT NC scenes" It's not worth it. I wanted to like this series... but it's challenging given how much SA and toxicity are in it. There is nothing healthy about their relationship. I don't tell anyone to watch this. Ever. It is full of triggers, homophobia, transphobia; the list goes on and on. Just because he changed his heart of the one person doesn't mean he can continue to be homophobic... like, COME ON. I really hope we can move past this in all future series from now on.

Leia Mais

When I first began watching BLs, I wasn't aware of the common criticisms of the subgenre. When I started to see people say that BLs are written by girls for girls, it struck me as odd that m/m romances were written more for girls than gay males. Despite that, I always felt that even gay males can write stories and relationships similar to the one in BLs. I often argue that the common BL criticisms are a little too harsh.

But TharnType is the first time where I felt like this story appeals to girls more than boys. The plot is driven by extremely toxic behavior. TharnType is popular for the same reason that movies/books like After, Fifty Shades of Gray, Twilight, 365 Days, etc. are popular: romanticization of abusive relationships. Only difference here is that the physical abuse is brushed off completely because it's a male-on-male offense.

Nearly every review mentions it but in the first few episodes, Tharn makes some hella rapey decisions. It took me a while to not snarl at him every time he appeared on screen. But eventually, I stopped snarling because Type is such an abusive boyfriend that I started to feel sorry for Tharn.

And even outside of the glorification of the abuse and sexual assault, the writing still left much to be desired. I never really felt like Type got over his homophobia. Even while he was in a committed relationship with Tharn, he still openly admitted to hating gays and even expressed his homophobia to his GAY boyfriend, as if it was a cute interaction. Type never fully processed his homophobia at any point in the show. That storyline feels just as incomplete as Seo and Klui's; and whose genius idea was it to close out their arc with a love confession? It feels like a dropped storyline rather than a purposeful storytelling choice.

I couldn't watch TharnType back-to-back, and it wasn't because I didn't care enough about the story but because I just wasn't rooting for titular couple. Sure, there are some individual scenes that (when disregarding the history of abuse and toxicity) I thought were either heartwarming or heartbreaking. Truthfully, I didn't absolutely despise TharnType's relationship and that in itself is a triumph. Both characters have given me so many reasons to HATE them and their relationship, but I didn't. I still didn't like them or root for them, but I didn't hate them.

I think a lot of that is because the leads are great actors. They really bring these character's emotions out and it makes me feel for them in individual moments. The entire cast gave a solid performance, which helped soften the blow with some extremely melodramatic material in the last couple episodes.

The music also played its part in making the show somewhat enjoyable despite the writing that only seemed to care about making exciting drama for TharnType's relationship instead of holding them accountable for shitty personality traits like homophobia, physical abuse, and rapey tendencies.

Simply said, the show had potential, but the writing just needs to be ironed out.

Leia Mais

Techno being the only (kind of) sane person in this mess of a series

I don’t even know where to start. I kept seeing people talk about TharnType being one of the must-see BL series, so I decided to give it a go. It definitely had some good moments, but it also had quite a few bad ones.

But let’s start with the good. I think both Mew and Gulf are amazing actors and have done an amazing job playing their characters. I really loved the way the two of them acted out certain more emotional scenes. We can all agree that the two actors have an amazing chemistry. I do find it hard to imagine Mew as university freshman, but it wasn’t really something I was too bothered by. Also, the ice kiss. I’m just going to leave it at that. The OST was amazing as well, I really enjoyed Mew’s voice. It’s very soothing.

The friend group was… interesting. The two roommates were a lot of fun, Khlui being the noisy neighbor that we all have was an absolute joy. Even if he was a bit clueless. And pairing him with wanna-be-idol Seo was a combination I didn’t know I needed. Champ and his food obsession were a bit overdone at moments, but I think he was a nice addition to the group.

Now, let’s talk Techno. I truly believe that he was the only (kind of) sane person in this whole mess of a series. Sure, he sucks at keeping secrets and did make some questionable decisions, but most of the time, he was the one making sure things didn’t go from bad to worse. I know he was often used as this comic relief character, which is a bit disappointing, as I believe they could have done much more with him.

Thorn and Tanya (Tharn’s siblings) were absolutely amazing as well. And I feel like the relationship shown between them is very realistic. I have siblings, trust me. I just wish that Thorn would be a little less supportive of Tharn and his toxic relationship with Type. I still have a lot of questions about San. I don’t think a punch in the face would be enough for me to forgive if he did that to my brother.

Now, a warning. When I talk about characters, I am talking about characters. It has nothing to do with the actors who played them. I know they are not the ones that come up with the story, they simply act what they are told to act. So, keep that in mind. I know I will ruffle a lot of feathers with my opinions on the characters below.

Tum & Tar – just why? I get that Tum has a crush on Tar, that’s an issue I just don’t feel like getting into. Let’s just say that stepsibling relationships are not something I usually enjoy when the two characters pretty much grew up together. But with the number of problems and symptoms Tar was showing, I can’t believe that Tum didn’t try to find out more earlier. I think we can all agree that Tar’s story is heartbreaking, and I am not trying to put any blame on him. Could he do things differently later in the series? Yes. Do I understand why he didn’t? Yes. He is a victim of an incredibly violent crime, and fear of something like that either happening again or becoming a public knowledge has a lot of power.

Llhong – why is he not in jail? I think that after he dropped the glass, we all knew he was madly in love with Tharn. I was surprised just how awful he actually is, but his feelings were not a surprise. And while on the topic of Llhong, let me just add that giving him a special episode to make us feel bad for him was the worst possible decision they could have made. He does not deserve a redemption arc. The end! Kudos to the actor though, he did an amazing job when it came to switching the emotions shown.

Tharn & Type: say what you want, but they deserve each other. And I don’t mean that in a good way. Type has his own problems from before, which does to some extent explain his homophobic behavior and thinking. He did cross certain limits though. But what I found to be maybe even worse was his abusive and manipulative behavior towards Tharn once they got together. The jealousy was overdone, and the fact that he punched Tharn, multiple times? Red flag after a red flag. To be honest, Tharn is full of red flags as well. He was too pushy, especially knowing that Type is not okay with gay men. Adding to that, he sexually assaulted Type, multiple times. And yes, him kissing him without his consent, trying to get him off when he caught him, and going down on him in the bathroom were all non-consensual. Also, their first time – I don’t get the thought process behind it, I really don’t.

I think the timeline of the story is all over the place as well. The way the characters deal with problems is a mess on a whole other level. There is very little to no actual character development. The writers included a ton of serious issues – from sexual assaults and trauma related to it, mental illnesses, homophobia… yet none of them were handled in an appropriate manner. They were done in a very ignorant and offensive way.

I’d probably give it an even lower rating, but the acting and the OST are saving it.

Leia Mais

Engaging...but, be prepared to dislike characters.

Firstly, I believe it's okay to dislike and judge characters and their choices without discrediting an entire show. Secondly, this show should probably come with a trigger warning. I do think the acting was good, and I say that partially because of how often I was talking to my screen about how awful a character was being. Type is not a good guy. He isn't a good partner for most of the show. He does have reasons for his feelings, but that does not excuse his actions. I don't think he was ever held appropriately accountable. Tharn is so hurt by thinking he must be a bad person since everyone leaves him, that he doesn't try to hold Type accountable. You just want to yell at your screen that it's all counterproductive and they NEED THERAPY, but...that being said, trauma can be internalized this way. It's a drama, so the biggest conflict is super intense, but the little stuff isn't totally unrealistic. I'm sure some people could find relatable moments in there. I think this drama is fine to watch for the acting and for possible catharsis, but you have to keep in mind the situation. It's possible to get lost in the cute parts and the sexy parts without realizing it, and no one wants to romanticize trauma or abuse.

Leia Mais