Papa and Daddy (2021)

I do not understand the high rating reviews

This review contains a lot of spoilers. Do not read this if you plan to watch the drama

I see this happen with many bl dramas on this website. All the reviews are giving the drama a 10, and the youtube drama channels recommend the drama saying that it's one of the best dramas of the year, but once you actually start watching the drama it's just nowhere near as good as they are saying it is. People are saying that the actors' chemistry is so great. While I still don't have a clear view of the definition of good onscreen chemistry, I usually say that the chemistry is good when it doesn't feel like the actors are acting but rather that they are actually in love. I did not feel this way with these actors. There was little interaction like what real couples do. For example, in the scene where they were at a restaurant and Jerry had apparently prepared a special night for their anniversary. Usually, when this happens in a "good" romance drama I get butterflies because one of the partners has prepared a romantic gesture to show much they love the other person but there wasn't really anything of that. Jerry had made a reservation for the restaurant and apparently also for a hotel room and that made Damian cry, that's literally all we got from the scene. There isn't any chit chat that you'd expect from a couple on a date. Damian cries, can't believe that Jerry prepared all this ("all this" is pretty big for just a call for a reservation) and then they go to the hotel room and that's it. We as viewers barely get anything to see from their relationship. They've been supposedly together for 6 years but it feels like they are still in the phase of getting to know each other seeing as Damian didn't recognize Jerry's mother when she standing at the door.

Loose ends
Another thing that I have noticed about bl dramas is that they have one main story and a lot of side stories that are in some way related to the main story, but if you pay good attention you'll notice that some of the side stories don't get a proper ending. For example, the side story where you see how Damian and Jerry met 6 years ago. They meet in the middle of the day for an interview, they start flirting a bit but then Damian has another appointment so Jerry has to leave and when night falls Jerry turns out to be waiting for Damian and then they kiss and get a room and do their thing. Really quick, if only it worked like that in real life. But that's not what bothered me the most from that episode. It's what came after that, they go to a wedding of Damian's friends. Jerry finds out during the wedding that Damian wants to start a family and has his whole life planned out but Jerry isn't ready for that. This makes sense because they've barely known each other for a week. What truly bothers me is that right before the end of the episode Jerry says he wants to break up with Damian because he's not ready for that but in the later episodes it's never mentioned again. A cliffhanger with nothing on the other side. Did they really break up? Did they reunite somewhere in those 6 years, they must have because now they have a kid??? I actually had to go back wondering if I had missed something, checking if the number of episodes was right just to find out that it was lazy/bad writing.

Kai
I love kids and I love watching kids interact with their parents, but the child who played this character felt a bit too young to do the job properly. It was like he had no clue what he was doing but was brought to the casting by daddy/mommy because daddy/mommy wanted their little angel to be a big star. Also, why was it so hard to explain to the child why he didn't have a mom? I know there was a need for conflict but even that didn't get a proper end. One of the parents found out that Kai had two fathers, then there was a conflict which made Jerry and Damian call the teacher to ask if she could explain the situation. At the end of that same episode, the teacher said "Alright I'll discuss it with the parents and the children but for some reason a few episodes later Jerry was stressing once again about coming out to the same parents who supposedly had already heard it from the teacher. I wanted to watch this drama because I thought I'd see a loving family overcoming whatever got in their way but all I saw was some idiot parents who failed horribly at raising their child and were more worried about how others viewed them than how their kid was feeling and what was going through the head of the kid.

There is no arguing about taste.
I know that some people really enjoy dramas like this and that what I like might differ from others but come on guys. You can't give a drama a 10 for a review when it has this many flaws. If we want good quality bl dramas then we have to stop giving dramas like these such high ratings. This is why all those starting actors choose to play in bl dramas to quickly gain fame. We as viewers shouldn't be so easy on them because they have such a pretty face or a nice body. We should demand good storylines with acting skills that can make you melt

Leia Mais

First of all, I really want to say: “That was a bad way to end a series!” :@

The story of 2 men raising children is nothing new actually, but this series manages to pack it up pretty well.

Although in the journey there are many things that are not really important to be exposed too long, coupled with cinematography that seem immature. Make this series looks like a “short time project” with minimal costs.

However, a pleasant soundtrack is one of the positive thing about this series.

In Indonesian:
Sebuah cara yang buruk untuk mengakhiri sebuah serial.

Cerita tentang 2 orang pria yang membesarkan anak bukanlah hal yang baru, akan tetapi series ini berhasil mengemasnya dengan cukup baik.

Walaupun dalam perjalanannya banyak hal-hal yang sebenarnya tidak begitu penting untuk bisa diexpose terlalu panjang, ditambah dengan pengambilan gambar yang terkesan tidak matang. Membuat series ini nampak seperti sebuah project saja dengan minimnya biaya.

Namun, soundtrack yang begitu enak didengar menjadi satu hal positif dari series ini.

Leia Mais

Deals with serious themes in a lighthearted way

The story isn't exactly very strong in this series, as the events are somewhat disjointed. Despite being cute and lighthearted, it deals with serious themes like coming out (or how not coming out could affect a gay couple's relationship), the public's attitude towards gay people and gay marriage, and how gay couples with children have to deal with the possible discrimination their children might encounter in school.

Some of the scenarios are clichéd--the way Jerry and Damian try to hide their relationship from Jerry's mother, for instance. And yet, there is sensitivity in the scenes. Damian doesn't pressure Jerry to come out to his parents (unlike so many characters in BL series), but Jerry's reluctance to come out to his parents inevitably strains their relationship. When Jerry's father eventually finds out about Jerry and Damian, his doesn't clearly accept or reject them. The father is not someone who is used to accepting homosexual relationships, but he understands that society has changed and acceptance is becoming mainstream. If nothing else, this highlights the importance of equal rights. If even the law does not recognize the rights of traditionally marginalized groups, then some people will forever be stuck in their antiquated views.

Although the conflicts are quite quickly resolved in the episodes, the series can be quite moving. We see how much something as simple as not being rejected by others can mean to a gay person. The series is filled with good intentions and positive messages. But this is also how it becomes weaker. In many ways, it is like a well-made and rather interesting educational video, but how about its artistic merits? The attempts to bring in themes and send a message seem a tad too deliberate, and there is little attempt at plot development or more nuanced characterization, so the series could have been better in many ways.

Leia Mais

Feels like an educational film but still sweet and steamy

I used to hold workshops for kindergarden teachers about how to act inclusive when greeting new parants, This drama reminded me of one of the discussionvideos we showed just that it had allot more kissing and some steamy scenens some more side storyes but it did have that feel to it.

The story is pretty cute, the famiy is lovely the side characters and chosen famili are just wonderfull and diverce. I truely belive this show is both entertaining, sweeet and educational. I assume that the budget was probably pretty low so I think you should take that in to concideration while watching. But I must say they are very lovable, they incorprate several important day to day issues, and it is very is short so deffenatly worth the time. I am actually even hoping for a secound season (not like me at all). It aso made me miss pride, especially now during this d*** pandamic it was nice to see streets filled with people enjoying pride while still showing awearness of the struggels the community still faces today.

All in all just watch it.

Leia Mais

Good in Theory

I was so excited to watch the show and had finally gotten around to it after a month of thinking about it off and on. I have to say that I expected a bit more out of this show. It isn't bad and there are a lot of good moments in it but there are some parts of it that I felt really brought the show down.

I will say I love the way this show represents queer culture and relationships. It's a breath of fresh air in that regard and the couples all seem so real and natural and have great chemistry. Kai as well is so adorable and it's obvious that his parents love him.

While the cast is amazing, the story is really lacking in points. I personally didn't much care for the Jerry hides his 6 year relationship and child from as many people as possible bit. Even when his parents both did find out it was really kind of anticlimactic. The whole Jeremy storyline at the very end was also such a weird cliffhanger and it's honestly ridiculous that Damian just didn't bother to mention his child was coming over???? I'm assuming he just found out he had a kid over that phone call but no matter how hard it is the worst option has to be letting the kid show up and not explaining anything to your partner. It's just very strange.

A great concept with a great cast that really just needed better writing.

Leia Mais

Initially thought this was going to be another one of those lighthearted bl series but papa and daddy was so much more. The series was able to portray issues in a way that won't overwhelm you but will show you the reality behind the community. Honestly one of the best shows I have watched in a while but its a pity that the series ended that way and we won't be getting a season 2. Personally, I still need the next season to be made because I NEED EXPLANATIONS. That open ending just isn't doing it for me, there has to be more than that ending. Like seriously, with Damien hiding such a big fact and Jerry's reaction, I DEMAND MORE.

Leia Mais

Never Reaches Its Potential

This is a somewhat frustrating and disappointing BL series. It never quite gets to where I thought it should have gone. Instead, it gets bogged down in minutiae and never really tackles the real issues related to this series. The premise is a good one but it is just executed poorly. It ends abruptly and rather stupidly. I am guessing there were going to be more seasons but it looks like there will not be. Perhaps with more stories this could have evolved into a better series. I just never bought that these two guys were in love with each other. Sure, they acted 'gay' but the believability factor for me was missing. Too bad. It all felt too rushed for me.

Leia Mais

A cute story that has some missing parts and an ending that wasn't expected for me

Well, what can I say about this series? What I was originally going to write for this series has changed a bit due to the ending of the series.

Story-9.5/10
I originally was going to give this series a 10, even though, as some of the comments have stated, an important scene is missing. How can Jerry, who in the beginning of his relationship with Damian, did not want children that they had a huge fight about. Yet years later, they did surrogacy and KaiKai came into his life. What happened to make Jerry change his mind? We, the viewers will never know. And then the ending where they just threw us that curve ball out of nowhere!!!! Yeah, these two are the prime reason why I give it a 9.5. Everything else story wise- magnificent!

Acting/Cast- 10/10
Everyone's acting was phenomenal! Even Jerry's mom who I initially did not like, but then I can understand why she did what she did. Jerry's dad acting was the best one yet, although he did not have much screen time as it got me teary eyed in how he accepted his son's relationship. everything was just beautiful!

Music-9/10
The music was cute and nice.

Rewatch Value-8/10
I'm giving it an 8 due to the issues of not explaining what made Jerry change his mind in having kids and the what took place at the end of the series. If we are lucky to actually get a continuation of this series to answer these questions, then the rewatch value will go up.

Overall-9/10
Overall I enjoyed this series. It had a few flaws but it was still an enjoyable series.

Leia Mais

An Important series with a Major Issue

I’m glad to see how the BL-Genre is evolving, thanks to series like this. Cause this is not a typical BL and more an LGBTIQ-Dramedy with some Sitcom elements about two gay men raising a child.
It feels fresh, modern, and unique in a very good way.
The Storyline is light and fluffy, even realistic dramatic parts, like coming out, discrimination didn’t make this a heavy sad drama.
The Actors, Main and Support, are doing a great job, so it’s always a pleasure to see such a cute and easy series.

But Unfortunately, this series is ending with a big cliffhanger and it’s announced that season 2 not gonna happen.
I’ve read the statement of Gagaoola on Twitter and must say, I’m quite disappointed.
I know that piracy is a big problem for smaller streaming services, but to punish the paying audience isn’t the right way I think. Why does not work Gagaoola on alternative Paying-Methods like PayperView or advertising contracts for other Products?

So this is a worth watching show and the struggle, in the end, has actually nothing to do with the series itself, but unfortunately, it reduces the quality still a lot.

Leia Mais

Just Wow!!

This drama is a masterpiece for me. Beautiful, engaging, sexy and most importantly, true. Most of the Asian BL dramas try to be cheesy and funny. They are certainly a good time pass but this drama, it's certainly here to stay. The romance is so evident between the lead couple and so realistic. I wish they could have been my neighbour.

The plot is simple but an important one. It touches an issue beyond gay couple i:e; gay parenting. And what a beautiful job it has done. It feels so emotional when their child Kai accepts that he has two daddys. I believe this is an eye opener for our society. I highly applaud when TV brings such nutritional content for our society which is important for its development. Even though this is one story but each episode can be scene as a standalone too. The episodes are not really left on a cliffhanger.

Acting: Love it! Love it! Love it! It was an undeniably full marks for the actors. Furthermore, the characters look so real. They are not just eye candy but I can feel them to be real people, who I can across on the road. This is actually another element which makes this drama so down to earth. Perfect execution. Hence, I salute the director. I love the children in the shows. The child, Kai, plays an important role and does it beautifully. All the supporting characters are also great. And most importantly they all love themselves. They are so comfortable under their skin.

Rewatch Value: It's again a 10.

Beautiful story. Solid emotions. Realistic direction and remarkable acting. It's TV at its best. A must watch or you're gonna regret my readers.

Leia Mais

Long term relationship + self actualization + family life

This show applied a ton of BL tropes as a series of romanticized peeks into modern gay family life and I LOVE me tasty slices of gay domesticity (like Japan’s Kinou Nani Tabeta? or Thailand’s Ingredients) its so terribly wholesome. It was such a smart move (with only have a short amount of screen time) to jump in with an LTR and an established couple, and then provide key moments of their past as flash backs. Taiwan can do this kind of thing particularly well because they are so good at establishing relationship chemistry - so the LTR is entirely believable.

This one delivered on honest queer rep as well, with a surrounding queer fam and actual Taipei pride footage. Taiwan’s 2020 Pride was called March for the World because Taiwan had controlled C19 better than any other country at the time, so they were the only country able to hold pride safely. They did it for all of us. I don’t feel like they got enough recognition for this.

This would have made my top 10 BLs of 2021 if they had ended it about 5 minutes earlier. As it was, they gave us a relationship cliffhanger and I can’t forgive that. I leave myself open to retroactive upping the score, though, if we get a 2nd season, but Taiwan isn’t consistent about that.

RECOMMENDED WITH RESERVATIONS

Leia Mais

Be true to yourself and the people around you

wow, amazing I got no word for the last scene just because that is a 10/10 for me. I like to make my point of view about everything and in the end no matter the final result deep down it was my choice and I can't blame anyone. this series was well made it is not just a series but an educational one that showed about (understanding, accepting your real you, learning how to be reasonable, flexible, honest with your partner, respect everyone, and only care about the people you love and not focusing on the outside opinion while some are still hiding their true self ) good job for every person that made this production possible. both seasons 1 & 2 are amazing people feel free to take a look. on that note bye bye PAPA & DADDY Series I love you. I am a big supporter of LGBTQ+. big Love ❤️

Leia Mais