Worth a Rewatch

Suspend reality and let yourself soar.

I had started this a couple years ago when it first came out, but never got to finish it. Going back now to watch it, the series stuck with me even in the first 6 episodes because I remembered so much, which to me is always a good sign.

I don't typically care much about music in a drama, but I actually really enjoyed it here. There was intensity when it needed to be there, and softness in other points. The music set the tone in a way that often doesn't happen for me. And of course, I love an over-the-top storyline, and can you really get more over the top than a messy family and the mafia?

But truthfully, what really sold this show for me was the support characters. Yes, the main couples and actors were lovely, but the supports just added so much to the show. Chan, the head bodyguard, despite having very little context or story, still gave such a strong character that I felt a connection to him. Then you have Boss, who I initially had a strong dislike for (as they wanted me to, I'm sure), but the character redemption was fabulous. Pair that with other characters such as Erika, Tankhun, and Arm. The cast created such a special story that made it worth so much more for me than just the title couple. And while I am considering Vegas a main, he isn't listed as such, but the way they took you on a rollercoaster with him was wild. He wins for most traumatized character by far, even without them showing you everything (which doesn't excuse his actions, mind you).

Finally, I have to give a mention to the final episode. The series had action sprinkled throughout, but then episode 14 hit and you got punched in the face with it and I loved that. It was everything it needed to be, except I am in agony over going back and forth about Korn.

Needless to say, enjoyable and one I would rewatch again.

Leia Mais

Two for the price of one

When this show came on my radar, I was just excited for the racing component. Granted, that ended up really not being a heavy part of the storyline, it was still an enjoyable element.

Each of the couples have episodes dedicated to them, and to be perfectly honest, I struggled at first with Rain. He struck me as an annoying younger brother. For a lot of it I felt an urge to smack my forehead, but he started to grow on me after a few episodes, so I was glad I stuck it out. There were components until the last portion of their story where I also really appreciated that the "drama" felt like authentic things (related to education, for example) as opposed to something over-the-top. Of course, we ended up getting something like that, but I almost pretend that part didn't exist and just had the wholesome story. Well, wholesome to an extent. The praise kink was next level for Rain/Payu. Whew.

Sky made the show for me. I thoroughly enjoyed his banter and armor. There is always a character with some layers of trauma, and while it again felt over-the-top because this is a drama, I appreciated that they didn't just shove it entirely to the side. Could it have been handled better? Sure, but compared to how I've seen things handled in dramas, it was not bad. Prapai was a wonderful partner and the way he provided reassurance was, imho, very healthy and loving.

The intimacy in the series was top notch. Each couple felt believable in their connections with each other (simple intimacy and otherwise).

I think my biggest gripe is how it ended. It felt incredibly rushed and like an oreo where they forgot the stuffing. I'm hoping the special episode makes up for the rush job, but regardless it was a lot of fun.

Leia Mais

Cute but surface level

This was a cute follow-up for Tharn and Type. I appreciated that the drama didn't feel so layered on, but it again glossed over so many things to try to put a bow on stories quickly. I was disappointed with how they handled things with Type's dad. It felt like "well, he hates you, Tharn, so sorry" and that was it. Again, kind of a shrug without much depth or action. The actors pulled the weight of this for me, but it did feel like a cute story with little substance or development. We still have yet to deal with Type's homophobia and I'm about 10/10 sure we won't even in the sequel. So all in all, it was fine, but that's just about it.

Leia Mais

A mixed bag

This was a rewatch for me as it was one of the last BL series I watched before life taking over for a few years (plus). It was just as problematic the second time around, and I hate myself for enjoying parts of it, but I did. I'm partial to the main actors, as I think a lot of BL lovers are, and so sometimes I overlook the glaring issues.

That being said, despite years between watches, when we got to the exes returning to meddle start of the storyline and then the additional blackmail hot mess express that followed, I remembered a large part of why I was so irritated with the series It felt like a lot of unnecessary drama -- literally just thrown in to draw out episodes. I think that time and energy would've been better spent dealing with Type's not-so-internalized homophobia and maybe starting to better understand and love himself as well as others, but no one asked me so extra drama it was. They also didn't actually deal with the storyline they presented at all. There was no legal involvement for anyone, and the emotional damage of everything and the gravity of the situation was totally glossed over. Hence, again, it was just thrown in to make the plot more dramatic IMHO and without actual forethought or appropriate care.

Techno will probably forever me one of my favorite side characters, though. His facial expressions never ceased to make me laugh and he played the typical side BFF to a T.

Leia Mais

Taiwan BLs Strike Again

Time and again, Taiwanese BLs prove to be favorites. The acting and production just always seems to be a different level than what I am used to with most Thai BLs.

It's totally unrealistic, but I was hoping for a story that was an escape, and this totally fit the bill. I know a lot of people talk about Chen Yi and Ai Di, and I totally adore them too, but I actually really enjoyed the main couple. Zongyi taking time to warm up and the cat analogy was adorable and fitting. I usually get annoyed by overly sweet tie ins with things like baking, because it often feels like it comes out of nowhere, but they actually layered in that element perfectly (I know it sounds like an odd thing to get bothered by, but I think it usually reminds me of Hallmark movies, which I'm not a fan of).

I was not very excited with the amnesia trope, but it made things a bit more interesting. The reunion scene had me tearing up, which is another rarity. To top it off, the twist in the final episode actually was a bit of a twist for me. I knew something was there, but it hadn't hit me until they revealed it quite what it was, and I'm glad they didn't end up killing anyone off.

Thoroughly enjoyable and one I wouldn't want to miss.

Leia Mais

Adorable Storyline & Spot-on Chemistry

I've been away from BL for some time. This was one of the first couple I watched to dip my toes back in after years away. It fit everything I expect from a good BL. It had cliche storylines, was super cheesy at times, but all around was also heart warming and a story where you rooted for the main characters to find their way. I really enjoyed the chemistry and the rivals to lovers storyline is easily one of my favorites. The dynamics of their friends was realistic despite being layered with extra drama (I mean, it is a drama, so checks that box).

Overall a super gooey adorable story that I would highly recommend.

Leia Mais