Love in the Air (2022)

Annoyingly plain

At first I had very high hopes for this series because of what seemed to be the setting - I have never watched any series/film that revolves around street races, and since the teaser seemed to include both that and a good amount of romance, I was looking forward to it.
The first disappointment for me was exactly this: racing in Love in the Air is a minor device at best, and an aesthetic at worse. The characters are seen being involved in this illegal race that seems to be such a big deal for everyone, but the setting is explored so little that, now that I finished watching, I'd argue that Love in the Air is more about university life than racing. (Minor spoiler here: we don't even get to see Pakin in person for the entire series, he's only ever mentioned despite being such an important and powerful character.)
The second disappointment was finding out that this story relies on a handful of tropes that are just... handled in the worst way? There's multiple instances of dubious consent, assault, stalking, and other things that are heavily romanticised. I read/saw these tropes in BLs multiple times in the past, but it was about 10 years ago or so, and I really thought that we had gotten over bad writing in favour of good characterization and introspection. I guess I thought wrong. After realizing that the author of the novel this series is based on is also the same author of TharnType, I'm not even surprised.

Despite my disappointment, I decided to keep watching, in hopes that I would still get to enjoy the series to some extent. The couples are cute and they have some very romantic moments, but I'm afraid there isn't much more that I can say.
- Rain's character seems to be almost entirely undefined. At times he looks stubborn and decisive, then he randomly turns all soft and cute and well-behaved; at times he almost looks capable to think and make decisions on his own, but then he seems to just lose his brain. I feel like his personality changed at every scene, which was frustrating to see.
- The series did a good job with Rain and Payu, showing that they don't just live for each other, but they also have their job/studies to take care of which are equally important. Then the story decided that Sky and Pai only need to be around each other and think about each other at all times; Sky got to show a little more of his university life, but Pai literally seems to be a rich guy whose only task in life is to pursue Sky in any way possible.
- I'm not a fan of dubcon, but I was willing to let it slide in case the series tackled it well. And... it didn't. Not in a horrible way (I'm not expecting a series to teach me that something is Bad and Wrong), but in a very plain way. The most controversial tropes were handled in such an unoriginal way that I felt annoyed and bored.

In the end, I can say that the couples were cute enough to let me watch until the end. Rain and Payu were more interesting to me, while Sky and Pai's story (which starts at part 4 of episode 7) got boring very quickly and I ended up fast-forwarding the last two episodes. I can only recommend this in case you have nothing better to do.

Leia Mais

Daddy

The entire show is based on two tropes
1. He fell first but he fell harder
2. Trauma is fun
Phayu x Rain:
At first Rain wanted nothing to do with Phayu but after a kind of one night stand Rain wants to prove a point and make Phayu fall in love with him. Why would you make someone you have zero interest in fall in love with you??? you definitely have better things to do. Phayu is super manipulative because Rain does exactly what he wants him to do, and as expected Rain falls in love. Rain started as kind of an independent person and ends up becoming a mop. There is nothing better for a new couple then sickness and kidnapping.
Prapai x Sky:
I liked them much better, but that doesn't mean I liked them. Prapai needs to learn the meaning of NO. The chase is fun, but after a few episode it becomes uncomfortable. I actually liked Sky's character arc. The plot with his ex made me feel really sorry for him, and I liked how the relationship with Prapai helped him get over his trauma, but he still needs therapy.
Again, kidnapping is fun...but they need to find better plot points.

Rain and Sky don't feel like friends. They show wants to make me feel like they are besties, but they seem nothing more then colleagues. They need to talk to each other more... that can help a lot.

Overall, nice trash, motorcycles are cool, won't watch again, puns are my love language, Sky is the best.

Leia Mais

THIS IS THE BEST ONE (list of reasons to watch if interested)

Where to even start.
If I ever knew I could love a drama this much. I often go to read the English translations of the books Thai dramas are based on when I start to really enjoy the show, this is always step one. Both the book and the show, they drag you in. I knew it from the first episode. Firstly, please, let's be grown ups. I can understand some people may have different opinions on Phayu's behaviour in the first couple episodes toward Rain. Personally, makes sense. Also, hot as f***.
Sorry, let me give an actual review now. (Btw if you haven't you should definitely watch the trailer, I watched before I started the show, because I saw it week-by-week, the most painful thing I ever did)

Let me quickly list themes in the show to help you decide:
- Knight in shining armour moments (more than one)
- The best NC scenes you have ever seen (no, I'm not exaggerating)
- Taking care of each other when they are sick
- Hand-by-head pinning to the wall
- So funny (especially Rain, that boy)
- Making each other better people/becoming better people for each other
- Amazing friendships
- Pillow talk
- Emotional confessions
- Multiple love languages
- Please they are so hot, all of them, all of the time
- Two lead couples, storylines separate, but slightly overlapping
- Phayu and Rain, hot/cool senior (both an architect and garage owner), bratty/dumb/adorable/earnest junior
- Prapai and Sky, rich business man and street racer on the side, adorable/traumatised/standoffish student

So, the books are separate, but set in the same place with overlap of the characters. Love Storm (Phayu means storm in Thai) and Love Sky. Exquisite, would recommend. Phayu and Prapai are friends and Rain and Sky are friends. If you have read or watched the wonders that is the Tharntype collection then you know MAME. Tharntype was my first Thai BL and it still holds a really special place in my heart. If you liked that in anyway, this is for you. Also, please be aware, if you are really tight on the 'but that wouldn't work in the bedroom between two men, you have to do XYZ', it happens in the book, you just have to imagine it happens in the show, because I think they felt it would be taking it a bit far, I've seen this a lot and I understand where people are coming from, but please remember it is television, it's a story, and it's for fun.

Tropes:
- Rich hot playboy
- Love at first sight (not that strong)
- I will find you
- big fancy house
- enemies to lovers (a bit)
- knight in shining armour
- caretaker
- kidnapping
- first love
- romantic ride sharing
- top obsessed with bottom
- caught in the rain
- the first cut is the deepest
- the big kiss

Okay, a bit more spoilery from here:

Plot summaries (but not all of it, go and watch the show)

Phayu and Rain stole my heart, my soul. The way that Phayu looks at Rain kills me. The story goes in this general direction.
Rains car breaks down in... the rain lol. Phayu happens to be passing on his motorbike, and as a mechanic decides to help the boy. Rain charms him a little with his behaviour, though he doesn't know it. Rain thinks he is really hot, but my boy has no idea that he likes the boys too. Rain discovers the girl he has a crush on at university likes this alumni from their programme who turns out to be none other than Phayu himself. Once again, Rain's car breaks down at the architecture meet-up and Phayu helps him once again. Then Rain realises that this man maybe wants more from him. Rain is confused, knowing that Phayu is very attractive, but he himself is not gay. As Phayu comes on stronger, Rain gets more defensive. Then trying to mess with Phayu and gets himself in trouble at the illegal street race that Phayu works at. Phayu continues to call him a stupid little boy, to which Rain has the, very sane I'm sure, response of telling him that he is going to make him fall in love with him. In attempting to do this he gets distracted from his university work and oversleeps when he should be handing an assignment in. He is so heartbroken at the response from his professor and goes to Phayu in bits. Phayu enforces distance, saying that this is clearly a distraction. Rain works extremely hard and gets all of his work done in order to be able to be near Phayu again. When he is praised by his professors this time he runs to tell Phayu once again and their relationship picks up from here. Along the ride there are no major arguments from this point. I would die for this couple, I cannot tell you how many times I have rewatched their episodes.
Then we move to Prapai and Sky. In said situation where Rain get's himself in trouble at the illegal street race, Sky is with him and when they get separated, Prapai, a rich racer, helps him out of trouble. When Sky asks what he wants in return, it is clear Prapai wants to sleep with him. Sky faces him head on and does exactly that. Months later, Prapai cannot stop thinking about the night he spent with this boy, who never even told him his name. He goes looking for him, by going to Phayu's boyfriend who he knows is his friend. He then finds him and begins to pursue him. Prapai has been a player his entire life, never settling with one person. But, he is extremely interested in Sky and doesn't question it. Sky could not be more displeased, he wants to be left alone, especially because of his traumatic past relationship. No matter how many nightmares he has, or how rude and standoffish he is with Prapai, Sky can't seem to shake him. At the same time, Sky is in his second year at university and is helping induct new students whilst doing his own work. He becomes sick and refuses to go to the hospital. In this moment there is no one to care for him but Prapai (istg situationally it makes sense). He nurses him back to health, and in seeing him tackle his fever dreams, realises that there is something that is causing Sky a lot of anguish, but knows better than to ask about something he likely doesn't want to share. From here Sky is thankful to Prapai and lessens his stubbornness a little. As their relationship develops they become closer and closer. Eventually, after some sad breaking away and then back together (so much more happens, but I don't want to give it all away, and the breaking is within an episode don't stress) our boys have never been so in love. Tragedy strikes near the end when Sky's abusive ex reappears with malice. But, not to ruin anything, it's a happy ending.
Highly recommend watching the special episode for peace of mind (and the only time I've ever thought calling someone daddy was hot).

If you have read this you are clearly not the kind of person who minds a few spoilers before watching a show, so if you like watching clips and edits on YouTube, defo watch a couple of the high quality edits (especially PhayuXRain to Unholy).

Well, I'm not going to get a lot of sleep before work tomorrow, but it was worth it. I hope this helps :)

Leia Mais

It was good, but could have been better

This was a good drama. I like the main couple, and then the second couple grew on me. I wish the story overlaps, instead of having to show the first CP RainPyu first and then PaiSky in the second half. I read there's a reason why they did that because in the book; both couples start their romance and meet each other at a different time. I just wish they could have fit everything because it gives me the impression I am watching two different dramas lol.

I like how strong the leads are, and I like how there is no force stuff in here.

This is the same author from TT, so if you like TT you might like this one.

Leia Mais

Enjoyable; needs improvement

Before I write my review their is some things I need to say and this is: This is my first time watching something written and produced by Mame and I am now aware of her "controversial" writing style.

Story/Plot: The moment that I read the novel, I noticed that this was that of a fanfiction which is literally Mame's writing style. Which I don't have an issue with it as she has introduced more cliques/tropes from her other works (according to other people who have watched her other projects) into Love in the air. Secondly, I write my own fanfictions as well and can identify with her cliques and tropes. The first couple I want to get into is Rain and Phayu, I liked them as they were portrayed well by their actors and I LOVED their story as well. I liked how Rain, is airheaded, cute and irresponsible at first, however he progressed as a character and got better later on. On the other hand, their was Phayu, even though his character isn't all that original I fell in love with him. Which I felt Mame did a good job writing both character no matter how they were dicpited from both in the book and show. Phayu is very mature, cool, and strict, however even though many see him as perfect he too has his flaws and that he is insecure. Which I praise Mame for the fact that both Rain's and Phayu's quality's are of the complete opposite however Phayu is mature enough to ground Rain when he needs to be. Which would resemble a real relationship. Their isn't much to any misunderstandings, which is good and even angst ( Which I kind of would have love -- just a little). Another thing, is that I love how Phayu doesn't put up with Rain's bad behavior just because he is interested him, likes, or love him. Which is something I see often times within Asian dramas across the board.

To contrast, the second couples were okay, yeah just okay for me. As someone who can relate to Sky with his trauma, I just couldn't get with the story. I don't nor shouldn't expect for the whole r*pe scene to be taken seriously as this is a drama for pure entertainment. Which I'm not expecting that nor should anyone since as I said previously this is just for entertainment and writing. However, this was interesting since I don't watch shows with r*pe elements. Even though, both Peat and Fort did good, however they didn't have the chemistry like Rain and Phayu. Which is fine considering that Boss and Noeul are actually close in real life. I like Sky's character more than P'pai considering that P'pai just wasn't a saint (Red Flag!!!) and he did things that got under my skin (not for the same reason it did other people). I just wasn't convinced that P'pai had changed from a F-boy to a committed gentlemen because he still gave F-boy energy. The ending was pretty rushed which was to be expected because the show only had 13 episode, which could have been more if Mame didn't combine the stories. Furthermore, I didn't expect Sky's Ex to be punished severely considering that it never happens in Asian drama.

Acting/Cast: I think everyone did a good job with playing their parts. Especially Boss and Noeul since this is their first acting gig while this is both Forts and Peats job in a main role. In the future, I would like both Boss and Noeul to venture out and be more diverse with their acting/roles as they have become close. I do ship them however I want them to be more like Bright and Win from GMMTV where even though they are popular together, they can still survive without each other. On the other hand, I want Fort to improve his acting because he did come up a bit short as well as Peat.

Music: I didn't like the music, it just wasn't my taste and its going to get some use to hearing both Boss and Noeul sing considering that this is not K-pop. In show, the music choice was questionable at times since again this is not like a Chinese nor Korean drama.

In conclusion, I would watch this drama again, which I know I am going to anyways. I would definitely recommend this show to future viewers as well.

Leia Mais

I could appreciate it for the bodice ripper that it was.

The NC scenes do stand out as the actors weren’t afraid to go as far as they could go with them. I liked that they showed the students actually working lol. For being a bodice ripper type of series, I got what it was going for. Was it a masterpiece like I see everyone calling it? Imo, not really. Tho I think it’s all up to preference/taste. The direction and editing could be a bit better. The acting, especially for some of the more serious plot lines (esp the PrapaiSky ones), could be a bit better too. But I think it achieved what it was going for. The production was also quite good.

Leia Mais

It is a great series. I love the story, the characters, the theme songs and the actors are very talented. The male leads and side characters are all so good looking, ang popogi nila makalaglag panty. It is a must watch series. I just wished it was longer, more episodes, go for season two. the series is so romantic and their acting/feelings they are all natural. The bed scenes were really really hot to handle nakakabaliw sa kilig.
???????❤️‍?It is a great series. I love the story, the characters, the theme songs and the actors are very talented. The male leads and side characters are all so good looking, ang popogi nila makalaglag panty. It is a must watch series. I just wished it was longer, more episodes, go for season two. the series is so romantic and their acting/feelings they are all natural. The bed scenes were really really hot to handle nakakabaliw sa kilig.
???????❤️‍?

Leia Mais

Rain is a ditz and Payu is the only person who knows what's going on in his head!

Rain, Payu, Sky, and Pai were acted amazingly. I loved their scenes together and apart. It was interesting to have the couples in the same drama but with their own set of episodes. Of the two couples, there isn't one I liked more. Which is odd, considering I tend to root for the side couple. But, then again, it didn't feel like there was a side couple. In fact, I missed Rain and Payu when it was Sky and Pai's turn.
Something similar between Rain and Sky is that they both become more innocent/childish once they get with their respective boyfriends. For Sky that made sense. He felt safe and probably let some mental blocks down. For Rain... I think he was just being more submissive to Payu? Which isn't a bad thing! Just something I noticed.
I wish we had seen Payu with his hair down, and the constant Chelsea boots instead of steel toes in the mechanic shop were driving me a little crazy. P'Aon, Nui, and P'Joy were funny. I thought more would happen with the whole illegal race thing! They brought in this whole plot point and then bearly used it!
I'm glad Sky came clean to Pai, but I would have appreciated seeing Gun get the life knocked out of him! He fucking gang raped a minor and then had the audacity to claim Pai had sent him after Sky! And the whole kidnapping event with Rain? Give my boys a break!
My favourite couple moments were 1) Payu having to lean down ever so slightly to kiss Rain after Saifah brings him to Payu. 2) When Pai puts his forehead against Sky's when Sky is sick.

Leia Mais

Still SMH Over This Series!

I usually don't write detailed reviews of the BL series because I know my thoughts about the series tend to change over time. But with Love in the Air, my thoughts never changed, because I really couldn't think about what was going on in this series. However, I think if I give my personal PROS and CONS, it may make more sense.

PROS:
1) All four mains were certainly "eye candy!" No doubt about that.
2) The two stories were fairly easy to follow and not that complicated to understand.
3) The cinematography was pretty good (meaning the technical aspects of the series were really good). It felt like a quality
production. The pacing of the episodes was pretty good.
4) The acting of the main characters was not bad, especially since most of the main characters were novices prior to this series.
5) It had a lot of good discussion from the posters about the actions in several of the scenes. Whether you liked the scenes or not, it did elicit good discussion.
6) Finally, the sex scenes between Phayu/Rain and Prapai/Sky were pretty hot! Remember, PRO #1 did say that the mains were "eye candy." "Eye candy" having wild passionate sex will certainly bring in the viewers!

Now for the CONS.

CONS:
1) The biggest Con, IMO, is this is a MAME production. Each time I've had the opportunity to watch a series based on her books and novels (as well as read the novels), I wonder what is going on with this chick! Is she a female sadist? Is she overly obsessed with sexual assaults, sexual violence, and rape? Is she trying to make an analogy of the treatment of women and girls in male-dominated cultures such as in Thailand and other southeastern Asian nations by using male LGBTQ2+ characters? Finally, is she trying to "make a statement" within the LGBTQ2+ community, simply make money, or both?

2) I was NOT a fan of some of the scenes in the series. For example, 1) the scene in which Phayu messes with Rain's car just so he would break down and have to be "rescued", 2) the scene in which Phayu gives Rain a "forced enema" as "punishment," 3) the scene in which Prapai "coerces" sex from Sky in order to allow Sky to leave his room, and 4) the scenes in which Prapai is "stalking" Sky. These are merely a few examples of some very disturbing behavior in this series. There are also quite a few other scenes just as questionable when it comes to the behavior between individuals who are "supposed" to care for one another.
However, some of this CON is mitigated by some posters providing the opinion that the relationships portrayed in this series represent a "Dom/brat" or "daddy/son" type of LGBTQ2+ relationship. If this is what MAME had intended, then this CON is simply another of my personal dislikes.

3) Another CON is how with the complexities of the relationships mentioned in the previous CON, it appeared that by the end of the two series (remember it's broken into two sessions), everyone has fallen in love and wistfully jotting off into the future to be "life-long" loves. Yeah right! LMFAO!

Those are my primary PROS and CONS. All-in-all, it was not a bad series, just a series with some plot flaws. If the plot flaws were intended, then I would guess that it's a matter of opinion whether anyone would enjoy this type of series. All I can say is that I would've probably enjoyed the series more if the sexual assault and deviant stuff in the series was either addressed more "maturely " or rewritten. In other words, treat mature themes as mature themes and not as some form of high school or college hijinks.

But, any of you who read this (and probably not many), watch the series and make your own judgements and conclusions.

HAPPY VIEWING!

Leia Mais

Unexpected Destiny

I have decided that this is a review I need to write. Why, you ask? Because after reading all the reviews here, I need to add my two bit. I can't resist. Maybe I am going to sound like a broken record, but I am more than willing to accept the flak that comes my way, because honest truth, I am biased!
Two separate reviews coming your way: PHAYU and RAIN, PRAPAI and SKY, and a combined one!

PHAYU and RAIN: Okay, not exactly the perfect start, but be honest. How many relationships in the world begin in the most perfect way? Rain is cute, and a completely clueless teenager. He has a breakdown in the middle of the road, during heavy rains, and is helped out by a handsome stranger, whom he totally enthralled by! He has just started college, and is besotted by a girl in his class. But to his dismay, the girl he likes, likes their super senior, Phayu, who has already graduated. So Rain sets out to do what every love-lorn teenager does(not)! Seduce this senior, so that he can get the girl!! But you know what they say about best-laid plans. Rain is pampered (not in a bad way) and foul-mouthed but something about him catches Phayu's attention. He decides that Rain needs to be taught a lesson (probably a moment which everyone felt that it was about dubious consent, although I would not completely agree, but I would like to not hurt anyone's feelings.) But Rain does the unthinkable, and throws the gauntlet at Phayu, declaring that he will seduce Phayu in 30 days. Phayu is all too happy to accept the challenge. And then starts a beautiful journey, where unhindered acceptance and total support from Phayu makes Rain want to be a better person, so that he can stand beside the man he is in falling in love with. You can see the depth of his love from the angst in his face when Phayu tells him that it's time to stop chasing him, and the happiness when his choice is always Phayu. Episode 5 is filled with beautiful moments of the two in their honeymoon and domestic phase, including a beautiful song that Phayu sings as a confession for Rain. And Rain's character growth is phenomenal. He becomes responsible and hard-working. But what set this whole thing apart? Rain turning kinky AF! Wow! That was some turnaround. From someone who is somewhat reluctant to be touched in the 1st episode, becomes the initiator by the 6th episode .(it was revealed in the BTS, that Noeul left an actual hickey on Boss's neck!) The 7th episode ties up their story, with them declaring that they are in a relationship and confessing to each other as well. They just seemed so destined to be together!!

PRAPAI and SKY: They had an even worse start than that of Phayu and Rain. But what can you expect when a relation starts with mind-blowing sex? Prapai is a playboy, sleeping around is a game to him. But then he finds Sky. A one night stand that he can't get out of his mind. So he decide to connect with the boy. However, Sky has a severe trauma hidden in his past. Something he doesn't tell anyone. Something he is ashamed of. But Pai is not deterred. He has decided that it's going to be Sky who is going to be his partner in life, and he does everything in the world to convince Sky of that. Although he is enamoured, he keeps his hands to himself, at Sky's behest, helps him in his homework, becomes his shoulder to lean on, takes care of Sky when he is sick, and most importantly, becomes his safe haven, where he can hide his past, and not feel dirty about it. I must say, episode 13 should have come with a trigger warning. Watching Sky grow happier and Pai fall more and more in love, is amazing and so peaceful. Sky deserves the world! I especially love Pai's expression when he sees Sky smile fully for the first time! Like what was that? It gave me butterflies in the stomach!! And Sky back hugging Pai is such a sign that there is complete trust now! They are so special! It takes a long time to overcome trauma. But Pai's efforts in helping Sky definitely go a long way!

Pluses:
- When Pai and Phayu go on a rampage, it is a sight to behold. The boys give such mafia feels that it's no wonder that people say that Pai is Kinn and Porche's son and Phayu is Vegas and Pete's son.
- How brilliantly the characters have grown. Each of them has a development arc. What is even cuter how the two daddies Phayu and Pai are such softies for their babies.
- The special episode is the icing on the cake. I think, Rain calling Phayu 'DADDY' is going to be etched in my mind for all eternity! No one can do that like Rain does. With that narak, narak and adorable face, saying that in that sexy tone, was an absolute delight, and no wonder Phayu can't keep his hands off him.
- The kissing scenes were simply fabulous. I have not seen these kind of kisses in any BL drama that has a university trope. Both the couples just blew the screen with their kisses. There was no hesitation at all. They just went all out. And moreover, the love and lust in each kiss was so visible!
- The NCs. Now here is a topic on which I can wax lyrical for like 5-10 pages. So I will keep it short, I mean I will try to do that. Let me warn you. None of them are passive lovers. Phayu and Prapai are totally 'I can't keep my hands of my baby' power 'tops' and Rain and Sky are absolutely 'I am so sassy and I know you love it' power 'bottoms! I have never seen such beautifully well-matched couples. Let me talk about it one by one.
Now Phayu and Rain, from the end of of episode 4 onwards, can't seem to keep their hands off each other. There is such phenomenal chemistry that it seriously was mind-blowing, mind-numbing... just boom!
Prapai and Sky started with sex, then there was a lull, but boy, not a dull moment with this couple also. They have 'back against the bed', 'back against the wall', 'back against any kind of surface' sex!
- Saifah's expressions: I think that Saifha is the most supportive and the cutest sibling! And constantly tortured by Phayu and Prapai's PDAs and out of nowhere declarations of love!
- Rain and Sky's, Phayu and Prapai's friendships.
- P'Chai.... OH DAMN! So handsome!

Minuses:
- I would have loved to see Rain's mom's reaction about her son with Phayu. It would have been really funny I feel.
- A little more development of P'Pakin and his power. Could have been an interesting arc.
- The sound editing. Something was seriously wrong at some points, but I must admit, the sound team did a fabulous job when it came to the kisses and the NCs. Not one sound was lost!

Music: Songs sung by the lead actors themselves? In one word? WOW! If you can find me a more talented bunch of guys, I will be surprised. I love 'My Strongest Love' by Boss Chaikamon and Noeul Nuttarat.

Rewatch value: For someone who has already seen this show more than 5-6 times, what can I say? It definitely has rewatch value! Absolutely! No question about it!

Overall, I love this drama, and no matter what anyone says, it is one of my top three comfort dramas (the other two being Love By Chance 1 and Secret Crush On You)... Much power to my loves Boss, Noeul, Fort and Peat!!

Leia Mais