Bad Buddy (2021)

Expertly crafted BL

Okay, I watched this forever ago but I realized I hadn’t left a review and that simply WILL NOT DO. Because this is genuinely my favorite BL, and I have been watching Thai BL since its infancy stage in the industry.
When I say that my heart still throbs when I see gifs from this series, I am not over exaggerating. This is a great BL.
The concept for the show isn’t what makes it great, it’s the execution. Take all the standard tropes from Thai BL and use them to their fullest potential and you have Bad Buddy.
I absolutely love the the main couple, Ohm and Nanon have great chemistry. This is absolutely due in part to Nanon being very talented and Ohm being a BL juggernaut. You can FEEL their care for each other and it feels light and bubbly like first love.
They are the foundation of this shows success but I will also say it ended perfectly. I could not have asked for a better ending and it’s rare to see that.
I feel so much nostalgia for this and it hasn’t even been a year since it’s release lol. Highly recommend

Leia Mais

A refreshing and a worth watching material, even for people who are not used to watch LGBT dramas.

It has officially become my favorite BL series ever that it has become one of my comfort series. It was refreshing, it was sweet and cute, it was funny too, it also made me wanted to cry by what both leads had to go through (Pran was so relateable for me).

Everything is actually cliche, the trope they bring and most aspects. But what actually make it stands out is how I can feel attached to this drama than any other. The experience to watch it from on-going period since episode one was one of the best experience and euphoria after a good show I've never felt after a long time (since Vincenzo). The genre itself as a rom-com, they made it perfectly while still bring out the dramas and conflict to pack the story. It's not too draggy, and the romance isn't cringe at all. Applause to both Ohm and Nanon that managed to make the entire series felt so alive, to make us even more attached to both PatPran. Audience can feel their love for each other without hesitation, the emotions, the yearning, the desperation, the suffering they've been feeling for years because of the parents. Every actors here acted out their characters perfectly.

Then here goes to the production team. Head kisses I'd like to give to P'Aof that managed to made this series and brought OhmNanon along on board. Applause to all people that you managed to make something ordinary so special, it has become something extraordinary.

Since the story is actually cliche, I like how they use this series to discuss some stereotypes and issues in more of a "down-to-earth" style. They broke all the BL series heteronormative stereotypes and make it more relate-able. They address the "straight-guy-but-fall-for-one-guy-only" trope, "husband-wife" dynamic in BL, also how they made PatPran with the same power in the relationship. No "top-bottom" trope, just them being in a healthy, communicative, full of consensual actions. No unnecessary dramas, no evil women potrayal as how most BL series made women as bad or only extras. They also didn't make sexuality a big deal here which seems refreshing because the conflict in an LGBT dramas isn't only supposed to center around someone confusing over sexuality. They even address the issue of environment here as they made PatPran both go to a Zero-Waste village, even made a quote that is so applicable for their story as it became the resolution of their relationship. I'm also glad they gave us a healthy and sweet wlw story as how lack of wlw stories represented in Thai series by now.

There are lots of things that could've done better, like the editing in a few scenes, how they make the story line to made Wai to be some kind of a manipulative friend kind of character yet never actually resolve about him outing both leads, how they made Pat got shot by a gun (this feels weird and out of place because it's set in Thailand instead of USA or somewhere else), and how they also made it feels like they just forgot what Wai ever did that fast. I believe they can choose a better story line and write Wai's character better here. Also how Pat's dad in episode 10 got a different haircut from when they were at a department store and when they were at home (but don't worry P'Aof I forgive you, I know how bad covid situations are now). But overall, it's really good, because the flaws don't affect the story at all. Also, I kind of hope they'd actually bring a better closure to PatPran's parents, because I also want them to have that freedom where they can love and be affectionate to each other loudly without having any worries to get caught by the world and everything.

I like the songs, it's so catchy and easy to listen to since I don't speak Thai. I also love most music that was used in this series because there's no weird or unmatched music throughout the entire episodes. Everything matches.

Lastly, I hope both Ohm and Nanon got to play in another series again together next time. They got such a really good potential and both are so talented.

Leia Mais

Best GMMTV BL for 2021/2022 - 5 KAZZ Awards to prove it

This is my first time review and I wanted to put down in words how fantastic this show is from end to end, from the behind the scenes, camera and production crew, to the OST's, MV's and artists who performed all the songs to the directing and adaptation from the original novel to most importantly all the main and support cast and actors, this was a perfectly casted and even though we had to wait for over a year to see it the wait was worth it.
My favourite parts were getting to hear Nanon's beautiful voice singing in the OST's, the chemistry between not just main leads Ohm & Nanon but also between the support and side characters, Milk,Love, Drake and Jimmy do such a great job of portraying their characters that you both love and hate them.
I love that classic toxic BL tropes were raised & addressed in this series as an OG BL fan I am sick of "I'm not gay, I just like him"
Good to have Architecture students and not just Engineers students in a University setting
Great to have a switch or verse main couple, pansexual main lead and a legit gay main lead and great to have our first GL side couple and hope to see more of MilkLove ship in future projects.
Ohm and Nanon's chemistry is what mad this show and has been the best I have seen between a ship couple so far, the kisses were so real and not the cringy fish eye kisses from the past.
P'Aof once again has done a brilliant job adapting the original novel into a script and making it even better he never disappoints me he is the King.

Leia Mais

One of the best enemies to lover dramas out there!

Jan. 23, 2022

Oh my gawd, Bad Buddy is that show, it is so fking good, I can't believe I have to say goodbye to this. But on a positive note, I do am starting this year with a top tier BL Drama. I think this is one of the most unproblematic shows in the BL industry. From no stupid break-ups to misunderstanding. And the fact they are not succumbing to the stereotypical 'wife' and 'husband' roles towards gay couples or lesbian couples is just astonishing. I love how Pat and Pran are able to communicate effectively with each other, and how they were able to accept their sexuality for who they are. AND ALSO HELLO, THE BI/PAN REPRESENTATION HERE YALLS! I just love how our main couple here are indirectly described Pat as "Pan" and Pran as "Bi". Though others might disagree, from their dialogue in that one episode, I can definitely prove my point on why I think those might be their sexual orientation. Moreover, the chemistry is just off the charts, hello 👋 . I was feeling butterflies 🦋 throughout the series. The fact that Pran has one of the best facial expressions in commanding his emotions just says on how good of an actor he is. Pat being such a caring and loving boyfriend made me so jealous.

Also, I love our side couple, the fact that there is a lesbian couple representation just says a lot about this series. I wished they had more screentime but all in all, it's all good.

Okay imma just cry now cause my attachment issues can't 😭

Leia Mais

Gran química, gran pareja

Buenísima!! De lo mejorcito del año en BL tailandés!! La historia engancha des del primer capítulo, es divertida y tiene ritmo, y a diferencia de otras series recientes tailandesas en dónde se ha abusado del recurso de las miradas intensas y los silencios excesivos, esta serie fluye naturalmente y desarrolla a buen ritmo esta historia de amor entre un estudiante de arquitectura y un estudiante de ingeniería, cuyas familias están enemistadas desde antes de que ellos nacieran y no permiten ninguna relación entre sus hijos . Es una historia a lo Romeo y Violeta en BL, pero no con tintes trágicos sino más bien con bastante comedia pero que también nos hace derramar la lagrimilla. Los dos actores principales tiene una grandísima química y con solo una mirada y una sonrisa te dejan en shock!!! Hacía tiempo que no veía una química así, me encantan absolutamenteeeeeee! El final perfectísimooooooo y maravillosoooo te deja bien satisfecho. Para volver a élla cada cierto tiempo y recordar lo que es la química de verdad en medio de una selva de mediocridad en el género BL.
Felicidades por regalarnos este pedazo de serie!!! Para siempre en mi top con Sotus, Until we meet again, Where your eyes linger y 10000 stars.

Leia Mais

DONT WATCH WHILE ITS STILL AIRING IF UR NOT A PATIENT PERSON

So i’ve watched all of available eps of this drama and man i was so amazed by how this drama succesfully turning me into a couch potato. Damn, the story is basically romeo and juliet bl ver in a modern times, but what made this drama great are the acting and how they directing it. It was so smooth and you can tell that they put much thought and considerate into this drama.

I also love the chemistry between Pat and Pran. They are have such cute and an HEALTHY relationship between them. I am so tired of any stupid misunderstanding that often happen in other drama that i’ve wathed before, and it actually can be easly resolve if they JUST TRY TO SITDOWN AND USE THEIR FUCKING MOUTH TO TALK! Like “Hey can i talk to u?” Said the boy “oh, im bussy right now” girl replied “oh okay then nevermind” and then later the girl was calling back and ask what just happened to the boy “hey what happened?” asked the girl “Oh nothing, all is good” HEHE THEN COMES THE STUPID CONFLICT JUST BECAUSW THE BOY DIDNT TELL THE GIRL WHATS HIS FUCKING PROBLEM IN THE FIRST PLACE. I usually will tthrow my laptop out of my window when i watch this kind of shit.

But thanks god it didnt happened in bud buddy, they know what their mouth function is so they talk and voilaa no shitty conflict.

Leia Mais

Bad Buddy helps me through my darkest times...

One of the best, if not the best BL(s) ever written, directed and produced. Very relatable storyline, but most importantly, top notch main leads and supreme acting quality - #OhmNanon. Definitely an award-winning masterpiece! 🤍

Special notes:
BBTS - I am forever grateful to you, for you've helped me through my challenging times, and knowing that I had something inspiring to look forward to every week, a pillar to hang on to, to hope...

So Aof, Ohm and Nanon - if you guys happen to read this, know that I humbly thankful to you. You’ve given me not just a series to watch, but without you realising - you've given me inspirations to move forward with life. 🤍

Leia Mais

one of the best dramas ive ever seen

ive watcjed many dramas, thai, korean, chinese, etc. but bad buddy is probably ome of the only dramas that got me intrigued like that. the story line is not slow nor fast. the CHEMISTRY between nanon and ohm is AMAZING. it really feels like im watching two people fall in love. nanon exceeded this role. the way he acts and the emotions he portrayed made me feel every emotion the character felt. overall a 10/10. i do not rewatch dramas but im literally watching the episodes again even tho i started watching this drama two weeks ago bec theyre so good. like i literally had ep 5 on repeat last week 💀

Leia Mais

2 Baddies Bein Anything But Buddies

Okay so I didn't love this as much as most. I know that. I think I just wanted more from the romance aspect of it. We spend so much time having these 2 freak out over keeping their feelings a secret. From each other, their friends and their parents. That we don't get enough time with them as a legit couple. So though I thought the chemistry was amazing, it could've been utilized so so much more! Like ITSAY level of tension.

One thing that I will say that's super positive is.... hello actual amazing kiss WHOA. So much desperation in that entire scene. Well done seriously. This is the level I'm talking about! Just not enough of it over the span of the series. Like even when a couple isn't together yet in a series, you gotta sell it to us viewers harcore! Other than that amazing kiss I also loved the little sister getting with Ink. That was so sweet and needed within these types of shows!

Other smaller things I liked. One being instead of going with "The only guy I'd ever like is you" trope they went for straight up pansexuality , liking whoever you're comfortable with because gender doesn't matter. Another thing we need more of in BL. The revelation of why the families are feuding was also well done. I would've held a grudge too! I wouldn't of put it on my kids, but I understood it.

I hope to see these two leads together again. I've seen them in other series and it was great! But their chemistry is too good to waste. Please let it happen!

Leia Mais

You've got to watch this

Firstly, I am straight and I am not really a fan of BL genre but I kept seeing this on tiktok and facebook so I was intrigued. I was hesitant but kept an open mind about it and I thought its just another genre of drama and watching it will not make you less masculine or whatever stereotypes you get by watching this. I have to say, after watching the first episode, it gave me a frenzy as to what happens next so I have to keep on watching episode after episode. The story is well laid and paced with a lot of antics and as embarrassing as it maybe (which I don't care), I actually got excited and you can't help but smile. The characters are excellent in portraying their part with good chemistry and good acting. Thank God, the writers did not portray them as "extremely good looking protagonist" in which girls are chasing them and that they are super famous which I found it to be a cliche to asian dramas. Funny thing is, it prompted me to watch other BL dramas while waiting for the next episodes to be released but I did not find any (at least those that I saw) that can catch my preferences. I guess Bad Buddies set the standards for me. This series shows that the other guy need not be so feminine (which creeps me out) as other BL dramas out there. It proves that, a good story with a good romance will up the game even without explicit sex scenes and passive guys. Overall, Bad Buddies is excellent even for newbies but it will still come down to individual preferences and personally, I think some things should not have happened on some part of the story. Although I understand that they wanted something unique for the other characters, it is unique in a way that is not good ( I honestly wanted Ink to stay single while Pa could secretly like any boy). I liked this drama as a whole and I have to admit this is the gayest thing that I've done but at the same time, it was entertaining to be able to explore things that is not considered normal for straight men and I have no regrets.

Leia Mais

Don't watch it, if you are new to bl series - Sets a high bar for bl series

One of the biggest mistake I've done is to watch Semantic error, To my Star and Bad buddy as my first, second and fourth bl series (anime excluded). They set the bar for bl series sooo high, that I couldn't enjoy the other series that much with we best love - no.1 for you being the huge exception!

One thing I really love about bad buddy is that the couple doesn't turn boring after starting to date, which is a problem for many romance series in general. The dynamic between both characters is great, like how they tease each other, but also care for each other, overall a very balanced couple. And yes, they had overly cringy scenes, but many of them were so cute that my heart started to melt! And the actor had great chemistry together, you can't help but fall for this couple.

Another point that I love is they don't have "the girl in the relationship" thing. Even though I don't mind obvious semes and ukes (though sekes being the best), I hate it, when the ukes are shown as females. This series skips that and makes them a versatile couple, like what more could you ask for?!

I also like how they ended the series as them being in a hidden relationship, instead of solving the whole enemy thing in a rushed manner, it leaves the window open for a season 2.

This series is not perfect, like the whole project stuff was solved in a speed that's impossible in real life. But luckily they didn't focus on the projects themselves but used them merely as plot drivers. But it's soooo wholesome, that you end up falling for the series!

Leia Mais

The First And Best

I'm pretty sure there is nothing I could say about this show that hasn't already been said. It is a masterpiece (or, as I have lovingly taken to calling it, a monsterpiece). It was the first Thai drama I ever watched and it irreversibly pulled me into the weird and wonderful world of queer Asian dramas and for that alone I will always love it.
But it's much more than just personal fondness that makes this drama so incredible to me.
This show takes what could easily have been a contrived, Romeo-and-Juliet-esque plot and turns it into a fiercely loving and genuine story about first love, self-determination, and the struggles of learning how to be yourself in the face of constrictive, sometimes even crushing, social and societal expectations. It touches on topics of sexuality, identity, compulsive heterosexuality, performative violence, and intergenerational trauma (in a "the sins of the father are the sins of the son" type of way) with a sensitivity and care that is still all too rare in cinema these days.
Now onto some (mild) spoilers.

Some personal highlights (aka Things I Loved):
- The deep respect and love Pat and Pran have for each other. Their relationship is tender, realistic, and frankly just plain fun as well, and seeing them both work so hard on building a healthy and lasting connection is beautiful and incredibly satisfying to witness.
- The pacing, specifically during episodes 6-10 in which the two of them just get to exist and grow together while tackling different problems facing them together and advancing their relationship step by step each episode. I know this sort of relationship progression isn't for everyone and hey, I get it, I love a good slow burn as much as the next guy, but personally I find that nothing compares to watching such an achingly real relationship unfold and grow, and seeing two people who love each other fiercely progress through their lives together rather than each of them struggling alone and pining from afar.
- The realistic depictions of sexuality. Specifically Pat letting go of his former infatuation with Ink and allowing himself to explore a romantic relationship he wasn't expecting until finally coming to the conclusion that he is attracted to all genders, which he then expresses out loud, with his words, as a direct response to a "oh but aren't you only gay for him" comment. Revolutionary, I know.
- Ink and Pa. I love my girls so much, they are both incredibly charming and compelling characters, yes I have huge crushes on both of them, what's your point
- The way the typical langkorn staples of sound effects, over the top silliness, and even the product placements (shoutout to Nivea, inexplicable make-up removal scenes my beloved) are utilised to underscore and enhance the story's genuine emotional moments. Beware, beware the danger of the artists who figured out how to use The Silly And Goofy to tell clever and touching stories.

Some personal lowlights (aka Things I Didn't Like):
- The ending. Don't get me wrong, I was very pleased with it being a happy ending and the end of episode 12 was just so goddamn charming it had me grinning from ear to ear, but I really disliked the whole "hiding their relationship" aspect. I would have loved to see them further develop the plotline of Pat and Pran actively defying their parents and refusing to live with and suffer for mistakes and heartbreaks they themselves had nothing to do with, and seeing the parents actually learn to let their kids live their lives for themselves. And if not that, then I could have at least done without them faking a break-up at school, that was just unnecessary in my opinion. Sure, there's a chance their parents would have found out about their continued relationship had they not hidden it that way, but that was seemingly a non-issue previously when they were openly dating so I don't see why they wouldn't have risked that. And lying to their friend groups (with the exception of Wai and Korn) just felt weird to me.
- Korn and his ilk in the early episodes. God but they were pricks, the lot of them. Korn especially irked me. He had a few moments that made me think he was actually becoming a redeemable character, but nothing came of them (see: that one moment in one of the early episodes where Korn reprimanded his friends not to make sex object jokes about women only to then just sort of continue making those jokes himself).
I will say though, that he did win me over by the end. His character arc wasn't as fleshed out as it could have been, but he did manage to pull his head out of his arse and learn to support his friend and put his needless feud with Wai to rest, so I am somewhat willing to overlook how much I wanted to punch him for roughly the first 70% of the show's runtime
- Wai forcibly outing his friend and how little it was discussed. I love Wai as a character (he is my little gremlin, my little weirdo, my scrungly boy) but forced outing is one of the most traumatic experiences a queer person can go through and for Wai to experience essentially zero consequences for his actions and even had Pran apologise to him really rubbed me the wrong way.

In conclusion: This is a wonderful, wonderful show by queer people for queer people and it remains a stand-out success and an absolute highlight among not just Thai shows, or queer Asian dramas, but among queer films and shows in general. Go watch it.

Leia Mais