When I have the patience, nothing beats a good storyline that happens to have romance in it later.

The twins premise is fascinating. The story and dialogue are solid. I love the characters and their flaws, and their emotions come right off the screen.

Without romance, it’s an interesting watch. With the romance, it’s even better. It happens naturally and gradually without bringing attention to it until it manifests.

That was the case in “Manner of Death” and “Tale of a Thousand Stars.” I’d say Not Me lies right in the middle of those two. Being a slower burn than MoD but quicker than ToaTS. It was just right.

If I had my own trope bingo card that checks all my favorite boxes, then this series does it, and does it well. The mistaken identity. The switching places. The pretending to be someone else. The enemies to lovers even if it’s unknowingly one-sided. Danger brings them closer. It’s all good.

And I can’t forget the side couple because they alone checked several more of my favorite boxes. Accidental savior. Intrigue at first sight. Artist bonding. Drawing each other. Secret identities. I have new respect for First because “The Eclipse” made me doubt his acting ability, but clearly it was that script. He shines in this side role.

By absolute accident, I ended up watching this right after Theory of Love. I had no idea Off and Gun were the leads in this too. But what a good change for them from that romcom. This really shows how well both of them can act, and it feels like their chemistry really evolved. I much prefer them in the realistic setting than the comedy. I have mad respect for them as actors.