So that you wouldn't miss it, here's the gist: I found MDL: Edge of 17 to be a charming, well-executed, and rather bittersweet coming-of-age series graced with wonderful actors. A real heart-warming surprise in my case, since I watched it for the BL plot at first. If you'd like to know why I hardly think this is an exaggeration, consider reading on—I'll try my best to keep it short and sweet, like this show.

The story is, simply put, a rollercoaster of joy, pain, and most especially, frustration. That good ol' frustration that comes with growing up. While I've seen many get annoyed at this "frustration" aspect, that's actually what made it work for me. Because really, the characters are supposed to be, well, on the Edge of 17! The woes of adolescence and the often impulsive, reckless decisions one could make as a teenager could be incredibly frustrating, wouldn't you agree? I think it's safe to say that most of us have gone through similar circumstances, one way or another. So if that feeling of frustration comes to you while watching this, I'd say the writers did a pretty decent job, because the production and casting for this show did not fail to deliver. Don't get me wrong, you are in for a lot of smiles and laughs! But imagine watching stories that you've probably lived through, or seen first-hand in real life, and not being able to reach through the screen and do something about it, knowing what you know now. Maybe this is one reason why some people were so vocal about their hate for particular characters and plot points.

However I think that was also my biggest takeaway. Despite what negative comments may have you believe, you might actually get more than what you expected to find, like I did! Bearing in mind the cultural differences of the show's audience, it is likely that different interpretations of the characters' actions and motives will follow. Perhaps it's mostly just another case of "to each his own," yet if one plays the role of an overly-judgmental spectator, they may be left with little patience to let the story unfold, and may miss the simple brilliance of this charming short series.

But if one would open their heart to a bunch of teenagers and enjoy being dragged along for the ride, instead of blocking that enjoyment by constantly criticizing and expecting the characters to do the "right" thing, I think they'll find this show to be an underrated gem whose best parts may be overlooked because of expectations.

In the end of course, I had my own disappointments, but they were greatly overshadowed by what I loved about the series. I was probably in a really good mood watching this, ahaha! I'd say don't let the current rating influence you too much, potential watcher. Don't take our words for it too much either—go and see for yourself! Don't miss out on the great soundtrack, either. Man, the music is just, muah. A fitting soundtrack to the bittersweet ups and downs of youth.

Slight, potential spoilers, but not really:
The BL is as cute as everyone says, ahaha! However, there seems to be quite a lot of hate towards Jane's character, Peach. Honestly, I find that she's not so bad as many visible comments make her out to be. I get that everyone's in love with Sun and Ainam's characters for being wonderful, agreeable human beans—even I am—but being agreeable isn't all there is to a good character. All characters had their own weak points, but all of which were significant for character development, plot progression, and of course, making them human. The entire cast played their parts exceedingly well, really, I'm still in awe just thinking about it.