Light-hearted BL comedy that isn't as frivolous as it seems at first

For a series with three BL couples and a couple of female side characters, this series succeeds in not being confusing. The exposition at the start is rather well done, and each of the main characters is quickly recognizable. This may not seem like an impressive feat, but even in 2024, I see BL series that make me confused.

I did also enjoy the humor although it isn't as good in the later episodes. The relationship between Peak and Jane is intriguing, with some hilarious moments, and I'm glad it did not go the direction it could have. (Let's just say that Peak seems like an irresponsible boyfriend to Jane at first.)

The two female characters ironically might be the most interesting characters in the series. Jane is a character who slowly grows on the audience. On the other hand LookPeach is a surprisingly nuanced character and not just some flat fujoshi that is the staple of many Thai BLs. Despite her unassuming demeanor, she can also be an assertive defender of her friends.

There is actually a lot to like about this series. Although some may complain about the sex ed being done without finesse, at least it is not a frivolous series in which the characters are just after sex and that's it.

Lire davantage

Relatively weak story for Tharntype, too little of Champ and Khumpol

The story of Tharntype 2 is no doubt weaker than that in the first Season. This can probably only be expected. There are only a few ways to continue the love story: (1) introduce a third party, (2) show how the realities of life after their graduation could cause a bit of a rift between our main characters, (3) a bit of each of the above.

So Season 2 ends u, where Tharn and Type are concerned, largely being the two of them fighting (for no apparent reason at times) and then making up (+ out), fighting and then making up (+ out), fighting and then making up (+out). It isn't that bad for hardcore fans of Tharntype. The production is rather slick, and there is no lack of kissing scenes. The introduction of Fiat into the story is somewhat lame--it seems too obviously calculated to create a crisis in Tharn and Type's relationship, but it is unconvincing and even self-contradictory. Fiat appears to really like Type at some point though we know from the start whom he will be shipped with.

One good thing about this series is the side couple, Champ and Khunpol. They are really lovable (especially Khunpol and that smile of his), but we don't get enough of them. I wonder why. They are so cute as a couple that I wish there had been more screen time for them to delve into their respective inner worlds and back stories. The first five episodes would have been better with some development of Champ and Khunpol. The already weak story of Tharntype only really gets going from around Episode 6, and I would have appreciate some Champ and Khunpol moments, possibly some flashbacks into their university days when they shared a room and Khunpol had a crush on Champ.

Part of the charm of Season 1 (despite some rather toxic behavior on both Tharn's and Type's parts) is the real sense of crisis in their relationship. The story of Lhong, the villain, and what he has done to Tar (Tharn' ex) is much more compelling than the non-threat that Fiat obviously is in Season 2. Season 2 pales in comparison. Otherwise it might be more well-liked.

Lire davantage

There is undeniably hardly any plot here, but it's possible to get what is going on and feel for the characters even if you have not watched the Make It Right series.

It seems to be a misstep to reveal that Tee's parents want him to break up with Fuse only in Episode 3, the main source of tension in Make It Live. However, the mood is nicely built from the start: as the couple spend tender moments together, there is a clear hint and sense of sadness that something may happen to break them up.

Some may find that there is simply too little plot and much of the episodes consist of dialogues between Fuse and Tee. Nevertheless, it is actually watchable enough as time is spend showing how much the characters care for each other. Intertitles revealing their thoughts are frequently inserted as a contrast to what the characters are saying, but I find that they are used a little too often and are sometimes unnecessarily.

The story does have a happy if somewhat abrupt ending, with Tee calling his mother and telling her that he will not break up with Fuse. There's no indication of whether he will gain his parents' acceptance, but the point is that he won't give in to his parents even if they don't accept his relationship.

With the characters now older and and having been through more in life, their relationship can actually be taken more seriously than in the two Make It Right series. If there ever is a Make It Right 3 that continues from Make It Live, it might actually be the best series of the lot.

Lire davantage

Somewhat likable, but not a strong BL offering

To be really honest, this BL series isn't great. But it is still a couple of notches above some of the most uninteresting series in the same genre.

The story isn't at all original: gay man falls for a straight man who will somehow reciprocate. But even generic stuff, if properly executed, can still be rather good. Unfortunately the writing in this series is rather weak. The climax and denouement are rather disappointing and illogical. Chonlatee's reaction to Tonhon being provoked into kissing his ex-girlfriend seems like an overreaction that is out of character. The twists in the final episode, like the revelation of when Tonhon starts falling in love with Chonlatee, are also rather unconvincing. The theme song is actually rather nice, but the use of sound effects and music during the episodes is a tad repetitive. The same music is played when the scene is supposed to be tense regardless of the level of tension. This doesn't help with the story-telling.

The characters also often change according to the requirements of the plot or exist simply to advance the plot in a somewhat clumsy way. The best example is Tonhon's father who suddenly switches from a rather bigoted homophobe to someone who can actually accept that his son is in a gay relationship as long as he has an heir. (The solution to the heir problem isn't ingenious and could have been offered years ago.) Another character, Amp, exists solely to be the typical awful woman in BLs whereas Miriam is the complimentary fujoshi. Na changes from an annoying narcissist to a rather sweet guy when the story requires it.

On the other hand, there are some likable aspects of the series. Chonlatee's mother is a delight to watch throughout, and I wish there were more of her besides Ton and Chon. Ai and Ni totally outshine the main couple--their characterization lacks depth, but the actors pull of their roles in a really endearing way.

One controversial thing in this series is the portrayal of Tonhon's father (and Tonhon himself to some extent). Yet, it could also turn out to be the series' (possibly unintended) redeeming quality. Tonhon and his father are guilty of quite a bit of bigoted behavior, but they are basically not blamed much for it. I have seen comments on YouTube pointing out how the terrible behavior gets glossed over. On the other hand, I find that there is something realistic about the whole thing. It is unfortunate, but gay people do struggle with their identity because some homophobes are actually people they care about.

Often enough, a gay person may discover that his friend or family member is homophobic. Does this discovery decisively end the friendship or family ties? A gay person may love his parents for so many reasons, but this love won't simply be erased just because they are homophobic. I think this is what Ai and Ni go through as they hide their sexual orientation from Tonhon, their best friend. They do not like his homophobia one bit, but, as they point out, they value him as a friend for his other qualities.

This series is by no means a must-watch for BL fans. But if you want something fairly light-hearted and easy to follow, it isn't as terrible as some have made it out to be.

Lire davantage