#fighting mr. 2nd

[bitacrytic]

[nobitiiiinn]

beloved’s back on tl life’s good again

[wenellyb]

So confused because I thought Zhe Yu and Bing Wei were already a couple and now I'm frustrated because what are they waiting for????

[little-one-eyed-monsters]

Quick Pitch: Dream Projects for my Favorite Thai BL pairs

For context: When Singto Prachaya left GMMTV in 2021, and ceased all partner activities with Krist, I was truly heartbroken.

We all have our entry series into the BL genre. Many of us might have started with 2Gether-- the BL that helped usher the genre into the mainstream, or KinnPorsche, the most high-production BL series of its time.

For me, it was Thailand's Sotus. I absolutely adored KristSingto and was rooting for them to have more shows. When Singto left, I was devastated.

I don't blame Singto of course. By that point GMMTV really was giving him and Krist the short end of the career stick, but man, what a bummer. I used to joke with fellow Peraya fanclub members that my dream project for KristSingto, if in an impossible world Singto rejoins GMMTV, is about exes getting back together, just to be really meta about it.

Fast forward late 2024, and GMMTV announced a series called The Ex-Morning starring Krist and Singto.

And ya' know what? I'll take credit for that (even though I had nothing to do with it). Yes, I called that.

So since I'm obviously a wizard, Harry (proof above), let me conjure up a few more dream projects for my favorite Thai BL pairs, in the hopes that the BL gods, (a.k.a producers) will heed it.

Also, I did one of these for SmartBoom of Top Form already (because they deserve to have more shows yesterday) here.

Alright, let's begin with:

1. Yinwar- a BL remake of Korea's Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

War's truly expressive, overdramatic acting style is PERFECT for historical dramas. He's a shoe-in for scenes that require intense confrontations and betreyals. I'd even argue that War's technique often clashes with Yin's boy-next-door acting style, which fits more rom-com than drama. So the perfect vehicle to balance the two? A main character from the present (Yin) gets isekai'd into the past, and finds himself in the middle of a civil war, and the true heir to the kingdom (War) is mounting a coup to overthrow his father's evil advisers. I can picture the shenanigans already 😅

Just a tip tho, PLEASE do not follow the ending of Moon Lovers for YinWar. The original ending was depressing. Let's give YinWar happier endings in 2025 and beyond.

2. UpPoom- an adaptation of USA's Red, White and Royal Blue

Both Up and Poom are such masterful actors-- truly leagues ahead of the current BL roster. And most of it has to do with their experience (which I touched upon in a previous post). However, because they're both great at playing broody or villainous characters, the audience often forgets that Up and Poom are actually VERY good at one genre-- COMEDY.

Poom absolutely STOLE the show as the wisecrack sidekick in Jenny AM/PM (a series starring Singto), while Up had great comedic timing in Start Up TH. So imagine a romcom filled with both wild shenanigans, and a broody, political sideplot-- a dream project for Up and Poom. Up will play the son of Thailand's Prime Minister, helping in his father's re-election campaign while running for a cabinet position himself (perfect for Up, considering his doctorate in Political Science). He falls in love with the worst person he can possibly end up with due to Thailand's strict les majeste laws-- the King's second son and the only heir to the throne of Thailand (Poom). Chaos ensues.

Up and Poom can balance between the serious, tearjerking scenes of the plot, while maintaining the chemistry and rom-com core of the original. Bonus: Poom loves desserts! Let them eat cake! (Or get smothered in cake)

3. BossNoeul- a BL adaptation of USA spy film Mr. and Mrs. Smith

A sexy action thriller for BossNoeul. Need I say more? Both of them have previously expressed their desire to star in action-themed series. But Boss' acting style and persona aren't quite suited for the brute and macho demeanor that Kinnporsche, or even Manner of Death, has. His strength lies in being mysterious-- suave, predatory, but not too forward; like a fox. Boss would play a great James Bond character.

And Noeul plays desire devastatingly well. Say what you want about that boy's acting-- his sex appeal is still the best in the business. He can go from innocent to sexy in one glance. A femme fatale-type character who uses both his skill and beauty to get the job done? Magic.

Combine the two and you get a series that will break the internet the same way Brangelina broke our collective minds in the early 2000s.

4. TayNew- a remake of Taiwanese BL Papa and Daddy

As a Polca, I've always been well-fed by the GMM machine. Even when New refused to renew an exclusive contract with GMMTV years ago, he didn't cease to take projects with them, and star along Tay in any and all manner of shows and content. They've had so many BLs, and more to come. They have their own mascot now, dear God. They'll have their own building at the GMM compound at this rate.

It is therefore only fitting that the longest-surviving Thai BL pair gets the most mature storyline any ship can possibly get--parenthood. Tay and New have established such a comfortable, domestic dynamic that they'll blend seamlessly into the role of new parents navigating marriage and their own family unit. It can serve as a wholesome tribute to Thailand's legalization of same-sex unions. Show how the adoption system remains brutal for same sex couples. And let's be real: Tay and New have no need for storylines that establish romance and chemistry anymore. They're so in sync and recognizable that even their bromance shows like Peaceful Property read off as BL. They ARE the romance now.

Do it, GMM. Give us sweet domesticity.

5. Billkin and PP Krit- a BL remake of Japan's The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window

My biggest gripe with BKPP's remake of Marry My Dead Body is that, similar to its Taiwanese adaptation, it feels like the producers didn't commit to the bit. And what is that bit, you may ask? It's the bit where the main homophobic cop character is obviously queer-coded. At times he showed true attraction to his ghostly husband, and by the end, even starts to question himself and his motives. But that's a rant for another post. What I'm trying to say here is that Billkin and PP Krit were obviously hampered by the source material. I want them to redeem themselves with a better vehicle.

The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window features the same supernatural and mystery elements that MMDB does-- about the unlikely partnership between a clairvoyant bookstore clerk, who gets hired by an exorcist assisting in police investigations. It's the perfect show to showcase Billkin and PP Krit's dramatic chops, given the heavy plot, but also a chance for them to feature in something befitting their star quality-- an intelligent plot with great character dynamics, and the most horrifying fantastical scenes to boot. They would easily KILL these roles. And this time, I know they'll make it a true BL, since the original manga relied on the romance of its characters for later plot resolutions.

6. WilliamEst- a remake of Taiwanese BL We Best Love

I gotta admit, this was a tough pick. I've seen so many Taiwanese BLs, but We Best Love is still MY number one from Taiwan, and my number 5 of all time. There's something so charming and light about it, while delivering truly believable performances and a relationship dynamic that's so well-matched. In my book, William and Est have some very big shoes to fill.

But I really think they could do it. They match the age and personality of the characters well. William can play the moody, temperamental 2nd fiddle who's unrequitedly in love with his best friend, while Est can play William's quieter, and better-skilled rival who's always had a thing for William's character. Bonus: Est is a nationally-ranked swimmer, and William is a musical prodigy, which are integral traits of the original characters. William and Est also exhibit a comfortable familiarity with each other due to their long acquaintance, again similar to the original characters.

7. DaouOffroad- a remake of Taiwanese BL First Note of Love

How do Daou and Offroad NOT have a music-themed series yet? Their whole persona revolves around their musicality! I want them to navigate the highs and lows of the music industry, while being a little jaded about all of it.

Daou could really play off a character whose disillusioned about his fame and carries around a personal tragic backstory. I think Daou would relate to all this pretty organically, given his early struggles in the industry. Offroad can play the fan-turned-upstart who'll help Daou find meaning to his music again. And then they'll release an OST-adjacent album that will sell millions of copies around the world 😅

And for a bonus:

Neo Trai (yes, just Neo 😅)- a truly unhinged remake of Japan's legendary show A Man Who Defies the World of BL

In my head, they'll film this at the top floor of the GMM building, with all of GMMTV's established BL pairs just casually being lovey-dovey in the weirdest places-- the breakroom, the main office, the stairwell, even the bathrooms. Neo, traumatized, is out here trying to buy lunch at the concessionaire stall downstairs 😅

Neo resolutely rejects all manner of "pairings" being thrown at him, until at the end he latches on to the one guy nobody wants to pair him up with (Mond Tanutchai maybe? Hahaha the ghost ship in My Golden Blood lives in my head rent-free). Imagine the CHAOS- I love it dearly already.

That's all and thanks for finishing this mammoth-sized post. If you don't see your ship here, feel free to share which dream projects you have for yours, and feel free to make lists of your own. Stay kooky folks! 😁

[rinsarchive]

It's my call.

WE BEST LOVE: FIGHTING MR 2ND (2021)

[itsanidiom]

OFFICE BLS RANKED BY THEIR ABILITY TO MAINTAIN THE VENEER OF APPROPRIATE WORKPLACE BEHAVIOUR

Because I saw @sorry-bonebag's tag and had to.

Here we go! Disclaimer: I'm not going to list every Office BL™ these are just the ones I've seen. Sorry if your fav is missing! Let's start with our lowest scorer that definitely sets the tone for the bottom of the barrel.

CHECK OUT - The veneer is tracing paper if not completely transparent. Fucking in the office. Yeah. That's an HR violation for sure. Thankfully your company is too small to have an HR department. But you're definitely getting fired by your boss who is also your boyfriend who you are also cheating on.

BED FRIEND - The veneer is only considered opaque because everyone else in the office is blind as hell. HR is pretty sure you two fucked in the office bathroom, but they have no proof so could only give you a warning.

LOVE MATE - Veneer is 1-ply. I mean, if the whole office ships it, is it truely an issue? HR thanks you for keeping things PG.

WE BEST LOVE: FIGHTING MR. 2ND - The veneer is definitely paper thin, but it's 2-ply. At least you avoided fucking in the office. Just a good smack in the face and some mutual sexual harassment. HR win...I guess.

HISTORY4: CLOSE TO YOU - Veneer is getting a little thicker, but depends on the light. Rooftop and in-office grandiose love confessions aside, HR thanks you for keeping your higher heat make out sessions off business hours. Still, gossiping about your romantic interests with your coworkers is grounds for a warning.

OUR DATING SIM - Veneer is about as thick as the space between your legs through which HR can see that you're literally holding hands in the office right now, stop it.

STEP BY STEP - The veneer is solid. Mainly office stuff happens in the office. HR approves of this boring as hell vibe. Still, you get marked down slightly because you did almost get down in the company parking garage.

CHERRY MAGIC - The veneer is a wholesome thickness, but no kissing in the company elevator. HR slap on the wrist for sure. We don't care how quickly the doors closed. There is CCTV in that elevator, sirs.

JUN & JUN - The veneer is currently in the process of being painted on so we'll have to wait and see, but it's looking pretty thin so far. HR has their pens ready to write up the report.

OLD FASHION CUPCAKE - The veneer is solid, but HR saw you hugging in the coffee station. Thank you for waiting until you were off work hours to make out, I guess. Enjoy your fancy desserts.

ROOMATES OF POONGDUCK 304 - The veneer is there. HR heard some weird noises over the zoom call, but we're just going to ignore those for now.

[absolutebl]

Just a Big'ol List of all My Top Rated BLs of all time!

Here are the only ones I have give 10/10 to:

Color Rush - Korea

I Cannot Reach You AKA Kimi ni wa Todokanai - Japan

Light On Me - Korea

Our Dating Sim - Korea

Semantic Error - Korea

Seven Days AKA Seven Days: Monday-Thursday AND Seven Days: Friday-Sunday (2 parts) - Japan

To My Star - Korea

Until We Meet Again - Thai

We Best Love: No. 1 For You AND We Best Love: Fighting Mr. 2nd - Taiwan

I also adore the A Man Who Defies The World of BL (AKA Absolute BL) series. But I consider those more like parody than actual BL.

The 50 BLs I've given 9/10s:

A First Love Story - Korea

A Tale of Thousand Stars - Thai

Bad Buddy - Thai

Be Loved In House: I Do - Taiwan

Blueming - Korea

Century of Love - Thai

Cherry Blossoms After Winter - Korea

Cherry Magic (Thai remake) - Thai

Cherry Magic AKA 30-sai made Dotei Da to Mahotsukai ni Nareru rashii - Japan

Cosmetic Playlover Japan

He's Coming to Me - Thai

HIStory 2: Crossing the Line - Taiwan

I Feel You Linger in the Air - Thai

Jun and Jun - Korea

Kiseki: Dear to Me - Taiwan

La Pluie - Thai

Laws of Attraction - Thai

Long Time No See - Korea

Love For Love's Sake - Korea

Love is Science? BL Cut - Taiwan

Love Tractor - Korea

Lovely Writer - Thai

Minato Coin Laundry AKA Minato Shouji Koin Randorii - Japan

My Beautiful Man AKA Utsukushii Kare - Japan

My Personal Weatherman AKA Taikan Yoho - Japan

My Ride - Thai

My School President - Thai

Nobleman Ryu's Wedding - Korea

Not Me - Thai

Old Fashion Cupcake - Japan

Our Dining Table AKA Bokura no Shokutaku - Japan

Our Youth AKA Miseinen: Mijukuna Oretachi wa Bukiyo ni Shinkochu - Japan

Oxygen - Thai

See Your Love - Taiwan

Step By Step - Thai

Sugar Dog Life - Japan

Takara-kun and Amagi-kun -Japan

ThamePo - Thai

The Eighth Sense - Korea

The Heart Killers - Thai

The New Employee - Korea

The Rebound - Thai

The Sign - Thai

Unintentional Love Story - Korea

Unknown - Taiwan

Wandee Goodday - Thai

We Are - Thai

When it Rains it Pours AKA Futtara Doshaburi - Japan

Wish You: Your Melody in My Heart - Korea

Your Sky - Thai

My rating system:

10/10 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED faithful to tropes, happy ending, good chemistry, few flaws, high rewatch potential

9/10 ABSOLUTELY RECOMMENDED probably a few pacing issues or one flaw

8/10 RECOMMENDED some concerns around tropes (like dub con) or story structure but still satisfies as BL

7/10 RECOMMENDED WITH RESERVATIONS i.e. isn’t quite BL, convoluted, not strictly HEA, too short/long, or chemistry issues

6/10 WORTH WATCHING BUT FLAWED probably around the ending or in narrative structure/cohesion or censorship

5/10 WATCH IF YOU HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO but don’t expect much, it’s a hot mess

4/10 FATALLY FLAWED but still basically BL, however… do we want to support this kind of behavior?

3/10 I DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM WATCHING AND NEITHER DOES IT

2/10 IT'S DEPRESSING they killed the gay, save yourself

1/10 IT'S AWFUL, I WATCHED IT SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO

Notes on the current state of the BL Spreadsheet of Doom:

Currently contains: 818 BLs.

DNF'd BLs: 82 (or almost exactly 10%) they would all like be gerring scored of under 4/10 if I completed them.

Can't find: 69

Currently airing or in progress: 20

Unrated: 171 (just over 20%)

These shows are, by definition not included in the rec list, but might later once I finish watching them.

[negrowhat]

Every time Xiaobao turned away from Huai'en like this:

All I could think about was Shu Yi turning away from Shi De the same way:

Just holding on to the rage and hurt until they feel that THAT person is deserving of their forgiveness. They know they still love THAT person but things are still unresolved between them and at this point they're not even sure they want a resolution they just want THAT person to get out of their faces before they fold and give in when they're not ready to yet.

[bitacrytic]

Doesn't this image remind anyone of the bts of That Scene from We Best Love????

You know which scene I'm talking about.

[stole this image from @ilhoonftw]

[mon--carat]

A Morally Grey Tangent

This essay has been bubbling up in me since We Best Love: Fighting Mr 2nd aired, but it's finally come to the top.

I decided to write this after seeing numerous people say that The Heart Killers is bad or damaging due to the nature of the character's behaviour despite it making sense plot-wise.

These characters do not need to be good people. They aren't real and therefore, aren't to be held to real-life standards.

If you go into a series like The Heart Killers, Kinnporsche or even We Best Love knowing what it is about, why are you shocked and scandalised when they act morally grey? Or commit dubious and violent acts? I'm sorry but the trailer made that very clear.

Don't get me wrong, I completely understand not wanting to watch triggering content; I have my own triggers that I must be extremely careful to avoid but saying a series is "bad" for including such scenes is unrealistic.

A specific example I want to discuss is Style and Fadel's locker scene in episode two of The Heart Killers as it received lots of backlash.

Did Style sexually assault Fadel? Yes. Was it dub-con? Yes. But does it make sense plot and character-wise? Yes. Assuming these characters are going to behave per moral norms and societal expectations is a bit misguided. Fadel and Bison are serial killers, Kant is a liar and a thief while Style ignores boundaries and acts carelessly.

P'Jojo isn't claiming that murder is okay, in the same way he isn't claiming that sexual assault or drugging people is okay. Furthermore, P'Jojo has made it clear that his work will include heavier topics (see Only Friends) as it's important to produce queer content of all types.

In short, if you can't handle The Heart Killers, go and watch something PG-13 and leave the rest of us alone.

[save-the-data]

We Best Love: Fighting Mr. 2nd | S02E02

Taiwanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes

Episodes | Viki | YouTube | Netflix | WeTV | Tencent | Prime | Catalogue

[neuroticbookworm]

I just had my braincells rearranged by We Best Love: Fighting Mr. 2nd episode 2. I braced for impact as soon as drunk Shi De showed up at Shu Yi's doorstep, and thank fuck I did because OH MY GOD. I'm gonna be thinking about this scene for a long, long time.

[iguessitsjustme]

*If I’m wrong about any of these characters being bi no I’m not

**If your favorite bi character isn’t here, please tell me who they are I need to know.

[rinsarchive]

I'm going to give you one more chance.

WE BEST LOVE: FIGHTING MR 2ND (2021)

[bl-bracket]

Most Whipped Round 3: Prapai (Love in the Air) vs Gao Shi De (We Best Love)

[Submitted Reasons Under Cut]

Prapai: That man would do anything for Sky. He is pure service top.

met sky Once and immediately changed his playboy ways

Prapai is truly whipped. He has a one night stand with Sky and immediately commits his life to winning him over. He takes care of Sky while he’s sick. He hand delivers food for Sky to ensure he’s eating well. He helps Sky with his homework. Sky doodles on his hand and he turns it into an expensive lapel pin just so he can show the world he belongs to Sky. He helps Sky work through his trauma. He even goes as far as to owe the mafia a favour after Sky’s abusive ex comes back into the picture (presumably to have said ex executed). I’m pretty sure after he meets Sky his thoughts consist almost purely about him.

he literally does everything to win over sky and when he said nothing will get in his way he meant it. he didn't stop trying until he had that man agreeing to marry him. he was always there for sky when he needed him and he didn't let sky's past bother him in any way. final point: he would not shut up about sky just.. kissing his hurt finger. he made all that fuss over the tiniest gesture of affection that man is GONE. also when he reassured sky over and over that he wanted all of him and cared about him, and wasnt just there to take advantage of him or his body like his ex. plus have you seen him looking at sky. his pupils turn into hearts

Have you seen him

Gao Shi De: none submitted

[absolutebl]

Have a good flight 😊 my question is what are your top 20 BLs that aren't from Thailand? Or do you have a repertoire for good ones you rated highly from every country???

I do have them from every country but I'll give them to you anyway!

My Top 20 BLs NOT from Thailand

Seven Days AKA Seven Days: Monday-Thursday AND Seven Days: Friday-Sunday - Japan

I Cannot Reach You - Japan

Color Rush - Korea

Light On Me - Korea

To My Star - Korea

Semantic Error - Korea

Our Dating Sim - Korea

We Best Love AKA We Best Love: No. 1 For You AND We Best Love: Fighting Mr. 2nd - Taiwan

Those I have all rated 10/10.

Here are 12 9/10s, to fill out your requested 20. I chose 4 from each country (Japan, Korea, Taiwan).

Old Fashion Cupcake - Japan

Takara-kun and Amagi-kun - Japan

My Personal Weatherman - Japan

Cosmetic Playlover - Japan

Jun and Jun - Korea

The Eighth Sense - Korea

Unintentional Love Story - Korea

Love For Love's Sake - Korea

HIStory 2: Crossing the Line - Taiwan

Be Loved In House: I Do - Taiwan

Unknown - Taiwan

See Your Love - Taiwan

I have more 9/10s for those countries, so I just went with ones I haven't talked about in a while, or ones I feel like rewatching right now.

I've never given higher than an 8/10 to anything from China, Philippines, or Vietnam for reasons.