Could have been so much better

The central theme of the sequel, how a romance shrouded in secrecy is bound to take its toll, is fairly relatable and promising in theory, but falls flat in the execution.

I didn’t really like Ohm and Fluke’s story in season 1, and season 2 only proved to prolong the pain.

Sadly, Ohm’s character remains unlikeable, shady and somewhat one-dimensional. Like season 1, Pierce still doesn’t seem to put in any real effort into making his partner feel wanted or seen – he looks perpetually uncomfortable when he’s around Typhoon unless they’re alone (red flag), and there’s little evidence of him even attempting to include Typhoon in his social and family circles (red flag again).

KimCop’s story was among my favourites in Season 1 because of its refreshing premise, so I was looking forward to it in season 2. Season 2’s storyline explores the toxicity of internet mobs, the pressures that idols face to keep their relationship under wraps, and how easily relationships creak under the weight of relentless scrutiny.

Unfortunately, with only 6 brief episodes, the series barely skims the surface of all these issues. If anything, the backstory to how Jedi and Ray got together in the real world was strangely absent in this series, and audiences lacked the context to fully appreciate the depth of their relationship and how real it actually is.

My full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/06/10/close-friend-season-2-2022-review-bl/

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Highly underrated BL on the right person, place & time for love

This show has gone under the radar for some reason BUT it’s one of the best things I’ve watched so far in 2022 so hear me out.

Plot-wise, YMS also has a fairly unique storyline extending beyond just college relationships. Ultimately, it’s a story about young people pursuing their goals relentlessly, and in doing so, oscillating between love and resentment. For the sport and maybe even for other people.

Told through the stories of these 3 couples, 3 corresponding questions are posed: Right person, right time, and right place for a relationship?

For childhood friends Thorn and Fah, they are confronted with the uncomfortable question of whether they’re still right for each other as their paths begin to diverge.

For Ai and Saan, the main obstacle to their relationship is distance. (It turns out 2 people are farthest from each other not because of physical distance, but when they are unable to communicate candidly.)

The third couple, Dome and Vee, was the highlight for me. Theirs is a story of “right person, wrong timing”. Two people forced to hold back despite being inexplicably drawn to each other. Even though their screentime dwindled towards the end, they had a giddying magnetism about them that commanded every scene they appeared in. With that kind of sexual tension, I could look at Dome and Vee looking at each other all day.

In short, this show is great for those who are into sports-themed shows, great for those who are not.

Read my full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/03/28/youre-my-sky-2022-review-wrong-person-time-place/

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Came for OffGun, stayed for everything else

I’ve seen quite a fair bit of Thai BLs, and Not Me definitely stands out.

Whether or not you agree with the methods used by the characters in furthering their cause is, in fact, irrelevant. The point is this: The world we inhabit doesn’t exist in absolute terms. No black or white, only varying shades of grey. And it is the portrayal of these uncomfortable moral ambiguities that makes Not Me so nuanced and unique.

Not Me shows that good things take time. And are most definitely worth the wait.

Gun is phenomenal as usual, playing two completely distinct roles within the same series must have been mentally wrecking. But of notable mention here is Off – if Theory of Love was Gun’s first BL series to shine, Not Me was a platform both both Gun and Off to display their acting chops. Together, they have outdone themselves.

No doubt I came for OffGun, but I actually stayed for everything else. The series is intensely cinematic. The story is well-paced, compelling and profound (some dialogue exchanges like “We can’t be brave without fear” were rather poetic).

And the romance. Goodness, the delicious tension that builds up to an explosive romance. The romance is always better with rebels. Living (and loving) like every day is going to be their last. In Not Me, it’s not just about two good looking people getting together. I love that the relationships are characterised by deep emotional connection and intensity, longing and togetherness.

BL aside, Not Me is a visually stunning, profoundly propulsive tale about the nexus of power in Thai society and the invisible forces that govern realities. Unlike other fluffy, wholesome BLs, the romance unfolds with the theatre of politics as a backdrop. It delves into thorny and highly political issues like rule of law and rule by law, corruption, inequalities and oppression of marginalised groups.

In essence, Not Me is highly political, reflecting the zeitgeist of the woke generation.

Read my review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/03/20/not-me-2021-review-among-the-best-thai-bls/
Read my elaboration on why Not Me is so much better than the usual BL: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/03/19/why-not-me-is-unlike-your-typical-bl-but-so-much-better/

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A BL show that’s about a BL show that’s about a BL novel

I started watching this with low expectations, thinking that it would be a ‘filler’ while waiting for other BLs. It turned out to be one of my favourite series.

It launches into a refreshing critique of the BL industry, offering a glimpse into the negative impact of toxic fan culture and taking a subtle dig at BL tropes that have become commonplace, all without succumbing to the very criticisms it explores.

But hey, I’m no expert critic – I’m here to enjoy a romance storyline unfold between Gene and Nubsib. So incisive commentary on the BL industry aside, does Lovely Writer deliver as a sweet love story? Yes, definitely.

I loved watching how Nubsib was always so soft and thoughtful towards Gene, and how Gene would get shy and bothered by his advances. I was also surprisingly invested in the second couple, Tiffy and Tum.

Overall, I liked how each character was carefully constructed – from the main couple to their friends and family, and how thoughtful the entire series was.

Read my full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2021/12/11/lovely-writer-2021/

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Your first impression of this show is likely wrong. Please watch it!

I was sceptical of this medical drama because time loop stories aren’t really my thing, and it seemed overly convoluted/repetitive from the trailer. But now that I’ve watched it, I just want to say: I WAS WRONG. SERIOUSLY, GO WATCH TRIAGE.

Triage sees the return of Tee and Tae, whom you may or may not recognise from 2moons as ForthBeam (wow time really flies). They don’t look immediately compatible as a couple, and their chemistry was a bit off at the start BUT trust me, they will grow on you eventually.

The story starts off with Tin, a doctor, repeating the shift where he fails to save Tol, a college student who was wheeled into the ER. At 10:55pm, he pronounces the kid dead. He falls asleep, wakes up, and he’s back at the start of his shift. To get out of this loop, he has to make sure Tol doesn’t die. Sounds simple enough, right? WRONG.

Saving Tin is a matter of going back in time and undoing/redoing events that led up to that fatal car accident. But each choice he makes leads to different consequences, sometimes more fatal than the last. Beyond romance, Triage drives home the point that every individual is part of a wider system, hinting at the fascinating possibilities of events that could unfold if minor adjustments were made within each life path.

Despite the time loop/time travel plot, which sounds rather intense, Triage was never unnecessarily confusing. Best of all, the story was unpredictable, and kept me guessing the entire way. What a gem of a drama!

Full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/07/14/triage-2022-revie/

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Oddly paced and turned out to be more disappointing than the first.

It took me a longer time than usual to get through the second season.

The show retains its light and wholesome vibes, with much of the plot remaining fairly innocent. But with 12 episodes (the same as the first season), I was slightly bored by the meandering storyline and lack of progress in the intimacy between Shin and Minato.

What was initially a cute awkward relationship between a nervous older man and a relentless teenager unfortunately started getting on my nerves in the sequel.

It is unrealistic that Minato and Shintaro seemed to be the exact same people they were in the first installment. Shouldn’t all relationships evolve with time?

In the last few episodes, the show finally shows its hand with a surprising turn of events. I only wish the show had done so earlier because it would have provided a decent premise for the sequel instead of rushing through it at the end.

Full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/10/26/minato-shouji-coin-laundry-season-2-2023-oddly-paced-frankly-disappointing-sequel/

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Our luck sometimes takes us to strange and wonderful places

This quirky little tale starts off with Fukuhara discovering that his susceptibility towards misfortune can be averted when he’s in the presence of Shinomiya. Thrilled with his sudden turn of good luck, Fukuhara blurts “please be with me” in a moment of impulsiveness.

This hilarious little misunderstanding is what sets the entire series in motion, and while ridiculous and fantastical, endears itself towards you after a while.

While Fukuhara’s initial reason for approaching Shinomiya may have been self-centred, enough self-awareness is woven into Fukuhara’s character as he is able to contemplate the morality of his decisions. The off-kilter, often exaggerated behaviour of Fukuhara also bears striking resemblances to Aoki from Kieta Hatsukoi, who also overthinks interactions and approaches relationships with the same levels of awkwardness.

Shinomiya’s sincerity and magnetism (he is after all, a real cutie) is what makes him so likeable. Blessed with all the good luck in the world, Shinomiya gladly shares the spoils of his good fortune with the people around him, even if this means that he’s an easy target for fake friends looking to use him.

Wary about forming deep relationships with others, Fukuhara was probably the first person he actually chose to love – a significant point explaining why, unlike with his exes, Shinomiya actually fought to keep Fukuhara by his side.

I would have wanted to see more of Shinomiya learning how to put himself first, and Fukuhara learning to embrace his feelings and love someone authentically. However, for 8 episodes, it’s expected that character development would be somewhat limited.

Full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/06/11/mr-unlucky-has-no-choice-but-to-kiss-bl/

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Revisiting the magic of high school crushes

Kieta Hatuskoi’s premise is simple but highly original. There is no real ‘problem’ in this whole series except for typical high schooler anxieties. Which may be a nice distraction from the dreadfulness of adulthood, or cringey and immature, depending on how you look at it.

But to give Kieta Hatuskoi some credit, my guess is that that’s exactly what the show sets out to do: revisit the magic of high school crushes, friendship and getting into a relationship for the first time.

As far as young loves go, it provides an observant retelling of what it’s like to have a crush on someone in high school.

It retains a quaint charm because parts of the storyline are just so relatable to anyone who has ever been young and in love. Like overthinking about whether your crush likes you back, wondering if they’re teasing you only because you’re a joke to them and panicking when their face gets too close.

Overall, it's a wholesome, fluffy and mildly humorous BL about high school crushes but probably won’t be fulfilling if you’re looking for something to connect to on a visceral level.

Read my full review at: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2021/12/21/kieta-hatsukoi-vanishing-my-first-love-2021/

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Overall a good, imaginative BL, but ending a little sloppy

Taken at face value, Pit Babe appears to be yet another BL fuelled by s3x and pretty boys. But it’s not as formulaic as one would expect for a BL involving racing.

What I like about Pit Babe is that nothing is ever as it seems. The story is permeated with a constant sense of danger and uncertainty, given the many unknowns at play.

As a rival racing club gains ground and Babe’s testy relationship with his adoptive father worsens, the story takes fun twists and turns around various characters, whose special powers are slowly revealed.

The Pit Babe universe is imaginative and original, but it is unfortunate that the ending was sloppy and rushed. The conflict was resolved a little too easily, and the scene in the final episode between Way and Babe certainly did their relationship a disservice.

The sizzling relationship between Babe and Charlie was what I stayed for. While there was a side couple, I'm sure most would agree that the BL was hard carried by Pavel (what a glow-up!!!) and Pooh.

Babe and Charlie, played by Pavel and Pooh respectively, have great chemistry. The casting was on point for the characters, they seemed genuinely comfortable with each other. This is peak Pavel!!!

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2024/02/17/pit-babe-2023-review/

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Yes please watch it, it's worth all 24 episodes

As a remake, it fixes all all the problems that made Addicted subpar.

Stay With Me has complex (and likeable) characters, depth in its storytelling, and exceptional visuals.

Fundamentally, the narrative has so much potential because all of SWM's characters are carefully constructed to show how they are missing something in their lives.

Both Wubi and Suyu feel like they don’t truly belong to their families. And it is in the context of these circumstances that they realise: In a relationship that involves only them both, perhaps they can belong to each other.

Over the course of 24 delicate episodes, the series weaves a wonderful narrative on relationships and parental love, high school friendships and romance, and what it means to feel like one belongs. The episodes are easy to watch and draw you in quickly with heartwarming stories of their family life.

Despite the ambiguity in Wubi and Suyu’s relationship, the show drops plenty of hints to suggest the depth of their emotional bond, making it clear that the nature of their relationship isn’t that of mere buddies.

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/08/26/stay-with-me-2023-bl-review/

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Super addictive watch, probably Win's best project so far

I'm glad that Enigma allows for Win to finallyyyy explore a more mature and complex character!

Initially, I thought Win might lack the intensity needed to play Ajin (Lee Thanapob or Lee Thanat were top choices in my mind) but any initial scepticism I had melted away as the story progressed. Win was able to bring out different dimensions to Ajin as a character and I'm totally living for Win in his bad boy era!!

The series only has four episodes, but they’re wildly propulsive and perfectly paced for its length. Central to the storyline is a creepy mystery: Strange things have been happening to the best students in an elite school – what’s really going on and who’s behind it?

Far from being a mystery thriller, the show also manages to weave subtle points on friendship, the pressures of high school life, and the aimlessness of youth. It’s unusual for me to get hooked on dramas but this was definitely one of them. I'm already looking forward to a sequel!

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/08/09/enigma-thailand-review/

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So much unfulfilled potential

Jack o’ Frost is a slow burn with seriously gorgeous actors. I could watch them doing mundane things all day long. Eating together, going to coffee shops, taking walks. All with a frisson of anticipation and tension.

I am a fan of slow burns but this just wasn’t well-paced and well-developed. I really wanted to enjoy this more.

With only 6 episodes, the series is relatively short and doesn’t delve as deeply into these themes as it should have. Which is a real shame. They had a chance to go deep into some difficult topics, but barely touched on any of these.

I would have loved to see more character development, especially in relation to how they learnt from their past mistakes in order to salvage their struggling relationship.

Overall, this may have been better with 10-12 episodes instead.

Full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/04/12/jack-o-frost-2023-review/

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I don't usually like sequels but this one was great

I normally dread sequels and have never managed to find a sequel that outperforms its predecessor. Until today. Beautiful Man S2 has pulled it off, even with odds stacked against it – a commendable feat that is worth analysing.

My only criticism of the sequel is that it was too short – with only 4 episodes, I would have loved to see more of this.

It is a thoughtful continuation from where the first series ended, delving even deeper into the relationship between the characters and tackling the question of what’s next for their relationship given their individual life trajectories.

The dynamics between Kiyoi and Hira remain extremely unconventional and at first glance, can feel unsettlingly imbalanced. Despite being in a close relationship, Hira’s reverence for Kiyoi doesn’t seem to cease in the second series. Kiyoi also prefers to masquerade behind seeming disgust like saying “gross” or hastily adding “I was just kidding” after letting slip his true feelings.

The good news is this: While Kiyoi in season 1 was a lot more opaque, his tenderness and protectiveness over Hira becomes a lot more obvious in the sequel.

My full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/04/04/beautiful-man-season-2-2023-review/

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I seriously enjoyed this BL

I don’t know why BNMNS isn’t getting more hype but this series is honestly the most fantastic Japanese BL I’ve watched so far in 2023.

This is not a typical end-of-the-world story featuring cliched conflict resolution or unrealistic redemption arcs. I share the same sentiments as those who felt that Ritsu was a deeply unlikeable person who didn’t deserve Masumi’s forgiveness. But that’s not relevant to the point that BHMNS is trying to make. The end of the world doesn’t magically turn cruel family members into saints, nor does it bring closure for those mourning the dead.

People still cannot fully rid themselves of their selfish habits, even in their final days. But perhaps, miraculously, love works the best only after you get a glimpse of death. 

Only with an end in sight can there be clarity to the mistakes that affect us profoundly, even if we refuse to admit it. If you could start over, what would be the first thing you would undo? That will most likely turn out to be the biggest regret of your life if you don't fix it now.

True to the apocalypse theme, this is a story about all the things that haunt you for the last time before everything goes up in flames. Loneliness and a yearning for connection. Family members you will never reconcile with. All of life’s regrets, with the knowledge that there probably won’t be enough time for redemption.


Full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/03/21/bokura-no-micro-na-shuumatsu-review-bl/

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A truly compelling show that keeps you guessing until the very end

The show starts off with 5 friends, a leaked sex tape, and a death at a wedding. While the initial mystery revolves around “who leaked the video at the wedding?”, that would be a gross oversimplification of PS I Hate You’s plot.

A line in the initial episodes (“You all did this to yourselves”) would foreshadow the eventual conclusion of the show. To what lengths are people willing to go to in order to protect their secrets?

Because of how the storytelling is structured, there are few obvious (main) villains in the show since everyone is a complex human being, driven by self-preservation and hidden agendas. Non, for instance, initially appears as a highly obnoxious, unlikeable person, but he later redeems himself slightly in a subsequent relationship where he displays maturity.

With nearly 20 episodes, it takes a while for the pieces of the puzzle to come together, but the story is in no way slow-moving.

Every episode drops just enough crumbs for the audience to learn more about the truth. But with every new development is yet another twist (read: betrayal) around the corner ready to complicate things, so don’t think you know it all just yet.

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/09/28/ps-i-hate-you-review/

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