#and one of those is khem

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - Japan is Winning on Kisses & Other Alternate Realities

Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

March 2024 Wk 4

Ongoing Series - Thai

Two Worlds (Thurs IQIYI) ep 3 of 10 - It would be great if we got the alternative romance with dead Kram from Tai’s perspective (JBL style.) Still I like this show. It’s a little bit like I Feel You Linger in the Air only with a love triangle. And while I'm not a fan of triangles as a general rule, I don’t mind it here because the set up is clever. Wayu and  ao are fun sides too. It sure is moving very quickly, which I like. I’m not entirely sure what’s going on. But that’s normal for me with this kind of Thai drama. 

Deep Night (Thurs iQiyi) ep 4 of 8 - They are extremely sappy boyfriends. I love that mom has a secret gf. Could we please have more of them? The love triangle sides are ridiculous, but I do like that it’s all out in the open. I also like they are actually addressing the complicated parental dynamics of owning a sex club. Honestly, I think Khem should have to be a host too. Learn him the right way, girl!

City of Stars (Fri iQIYI) ep 9 of 12 - It’s good, I like the fallout and them actually having to deal with crazy fans and past relationships. They’re so good at communicating it’s kind of a pleasure to watch them suffer through external pressures, because I have faith that they can make it through.

To Be Continued (Thai C3 Thailand grey) ep 6 of 8 - They are such cute puppy dads and so clearly meant to be together, the fact that they aren’t is just frustrating. The fight thing was stupid. And not a whole lot happened... plus singing. I’m getting fatigued with this one. 

1000 Years Old ep 7 of 12 - Did I miss something happening, or did nothing happen? 

Kiseki Chapter 2 (Sun iQIYI) ep 2 of 6 - It’s so boring, there’s so much guitar playing, and it got weirdly voyeuristic (in a very much not sexy way). I’m totally out. DNF

Close Friend Season 3: Soju Bomb! (Weds iQIYI) ep 3 of 6 - I can’t tell if this is trying to be a BL Romancing the Stone, or a BL Hangover, or both. The problem with situational comedy is it must be both situational and comedic, not just option one. The problem with calling something BL, is that it must be BL. This show got 1 of 3 claims correct. 33% is not a passing grade. DNF 

Honestly, it's the HANDS with these two. They do beautiful beautiful things with their hands. If you're one of those hands-obsessed BLabies you should be watching LIBTSTA!

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Unknown (Taiwan Tues Youku YouTube & Viki) ep 6 of 11 - So the worst finally happened. The mountain of pain has fallen down upon us. And now, hopefully in the second half things get better for our boys. But what a rough ride. Normally, this is not my style of BL, but everyone is doing such a gorgeous job with it, I can’t fault it… except that it hurts. The red thread symbolism was elegantly done. I’d like to hope we get a reunion in the next one, but knowing this style of series they’re gonna draw it out. There's gonna be a more pain first.

Love is Better the Second Time Around AKA Koi wo Suru nara Nidome ga Joto (Japan Weds Gaga) ep 4 of 6 - Those fuck me puppy dog eyes were perfectly executed. I would not have been able to resist either. Gosh they are so damn cute. This is a great show.

Jazz for Two (Korea Gaga/grey) eps 1-2 of 8 - This comes from the Shoulder to Cry On team so I'm scared, but this one is all actors* not idols so maybe they'll be braver. Boy howdy does it have a fantastic opening sequence. Also the lead is fucking adorable. Mr Broody McBroodypants is cute too. Korea sure loves “pretty but broken.” On the JBL end of the spectrum, is everyone in love with their siblings? That’s weird. The dining room scene was painful. All in all, it's good, I'm intrigued. Let's see how you go little show.

I stand absolutely corrected the lead is a member of NEWKIDD (in my defense I'd never heard of them until Build Up last month). I did recognize him from To My Star because at the time I thought he was too pretty to be only a side character.

AntiReset (Taiwan Fri Viki/Gaga) ep 10 fin - Again there was overuse of previous footage and maudlin navel-gazing grief over something we knew was going to happen. So I didn’t really feel much emotional connection to the drama. 7 year time gap.? t was a cute reunion but the moral quandary never really got resolved. I don’t know how to rate this, I’m not sure I will ever watch it again, so that is a big mark against it.

There’s nothing objectively wrong with this BL except how upsetting it is because of the foundational pygmalion story - grown man falls in love with an android who is basically both his slave and, by maturity level, a child. Yet that premise is crystal clear from the get go, so we watch it eyes open. The actors are cute, the romance sweet, the physical chemistry on point (of course, it’s Taiwan) and yet I was left ultimately unsettled by the concept, content, and plot. 7/10 

My Strawberry Film (Japan Thurs Gaga) ep 7 of 8 - I'm so ready for this to be over, and for Gaga to have something good on. Soon please?

It's done, ready to binge, but I suck

What Did You Eat Yesterday Season 2 AKA Kinou Nani Tabeta? Season 2 (Japan Gaga) 10 eps

It's airing but...

Graduation Countdown (Taiwan YouTube) - It's too much to ask me to keep up with 2 minute verticals, I don't have that kind of TikTok endurance training. Waiting to binge.

A Secretly Love (Thai Sat WeTV grey) 10 eps - I watched the first ep but grey is too much work for this inferior of a show. I may pick up and binge if it gets distribution but for now, it gets a DNF from me. KimCop might have held this crap together but Kim without Cop? No thank you.

Lady Boy Friends (Thai WeTV grey) 16 eps - reminds me a bit too much of Diary of Tootsies only high school. Not my thing. DNF unless it turns a corner and is truly amazing.

Tangential to the genre

There has been the occasional discussion on this topic here in this little corner of tumblr so I thought there might be a few intersted in this podcast: AmericanThaiGuy Ron Weaver on the Complicated Issue of Racism in Thailand (The Bangkok Podcast)

Thailand passed its Marriage Equality bill through the lower house. It's expected to pass the high house and get signed by the King, but that hasn't quite happened yet.

And MaxTul dropped a photo shoot.

Next Week Looks Like This:

Starting Soon

3/31 Only Boo! (Thai GMMTV YouTube) 12 eps - New main couple for GMMTV in an idol romance about a boy who dances good and a food stand vendor. Other side of the tracks grumpy/sunshine pair who fall deeply in love but, of course, baby boy idol can't date. Boyband but from GMMTV? Control your singing and I'm game.

3/31 The Next Prince (Thai ????) 12 eps - trailer. ZeeNew in a fantasy/historical set in a palace where Zee plays a knight and Nu a prince - YES PLEASE. (Apparently this is just the pilot, not the start of the actual show, see comments.)

4/1 Love is like a Cat (Korea ????) 12 eps - This completed filming Aug 2022(!) which means there have been serious problems with post-production. This is another of Silkwood's Korean+Thai colab projects. Mew Suppasit plays a rookie film star, called the Cat Prince (for his cold arrogance) who goes up against a charismatic puppyish animal daycare director (JM of JUST B). There is a side romance (love triangle?) with a veterinarian. Geonu of JUST B is also in the cast. Dual languages.

Hum, trash-watch-a-licious?

4/3 We Are (Thai GMMTV YouTube iQIYI) 12 eps - University ensemble BL featuring PondPhuwin, WinnySatang, AouBoom, MarcPawinPoon - basically the good kind of messy gay friendship group (so more My Engineer and less Only Friends). Looks a bit like the Kiss series but everyone is queer. I'm IN!

4/11 Living With Him AKA Kare no Iru Seikatsu (Japan ????) 10 eps - Kindly Ryota goes off to uni only to find his new roommate is his childhood bestie, Kazuhito. Kazuhito doesn’t have a girlfriend and Ryota tries to help him figure out why, they fall in love along the way. Same director as Old Fashion Cupcake.

4/11 Gray Shelter AKA Gray Currents (Korea ????) 4 eps - SooHyuk is only just surviving and reunites with YoonDae, an old friend. They end up living together. One of the leads is played by Choco of Choco Milk Shake.

4/18 At 25:00, in Alaska AKA 25 Ji, Akasaka de (Japan Gaga - may not be global) 10 eps - Yuki lands his first starring role in a BL drama alongside superstar Asami (previously his senior at uni). Said superstar suggests they form a sham relationship until filming concludes. As they actually begin to fall in love, the spotlight begins to burn.

Seriously? You're killing me with these titles, boys.

4/26 My Stand-In (Thai iQIYI) 12 eps - adaptation of Chinese novel "Professional Body Double" by Shui Qiang Cheng. Stars Up (Lovely Writer) and Poom (Bake Me Please) directed by the same team as KP (not a recommendation IMHO - my biggest criticism of that show was the clashing directing styles). This one looks well complicated, lemme try: Joe is a stuntman for famous actor Tong. Joe falls in love with Ming but Ming sees Joe as nothing more than a Tong-replacement. After learning this horrible truth, Joe dies. Joe then wakes up in the body of another man also named Joe. He manages to rebuild the same life as before—with the same people eventually re-meeting Ming. Ming wants Joe back but Joe doesn't understand why. But Ming seems to know what's going on and wants to give him some kind of explanation.

I'm exhausted just trying to describe the plot.

Knock-Knock Boys (Thai WeTV) - 4 college friends conspire to help their friend lose his virginity. Familiar faces like Seng (yes, Billy's previous partner) and Best, news here.

Upcoming BLs for 2024 are listed here. This list is not kept updated, so please leave a comment if you know something new or RP with additions.

NOTE: It looks like one of my personal favorites of last year Unintentional Love Story is getting a spin off!

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENT

Just these two, in my head, rent free. Thanks Japan!

(Last week)

Streaming services are listed by how I (usually) watch, which is with a USA based IP, and often offset by a day because time zones are too much work.

The tag BLigade: @doorajar @solitaryandwandering @my-rose-tinted-glasses @babymbbatinygirl @babymbbatinygirl @isisanna-blog @mmastertheone @pickletrip @aliceisathome @urikawa-miyuki @tokillamonger @rocketturtle4

If ya wanna be tagged each week leave a comment and I will add you to the template. Easy peesy. (With so many tags when does a weekly tumblr post become a newsletter? That is this week's philosophical question...)

[heaven-is-in-your-arms-series]

Types of Traditional Thai Dance in Man Suang

We see two styles of traditional Thai dance-drama (Lakhon Ram) in Man Suang: Lakhon Nok and Lakhon Nai.

Lakhon Nok

The film opens with Khem performing the role of Sang Thong in what looks like a local event for a lord.

And we also see him in the iconic golden outfit for his performance as Phra Lor.

Lakhon Nok is traditionally a folk style dance drama performed by commoners.

The theatre took place away from royal palaces and was often performed at temple fairs.

Originally, Lakhon Nok was an all male dance style but these days women perform it too.

The stories are fast paced and the movements are typically more relaxed and not as refined as those you would find in Lakhon Nai or Khon, the two dance styles most associated with royal performance.

Costumes can be very simple or more elaborate.

The stories are often based on Buddhist Jataka tales and folklore with fantastical creatures like ogres, mermaids and spirits in abundance.

Traditionally any kind of story could be told except The Ramakien, Inao and Unnarut, which were reserved for royal performances of Lakhon Nai or Khon.

Popular examples of Lakhon Nok include:

Sang Thong

Phra Lor/Law

Phra Aphai Mani

Lakhon Nai

Wichiendej asks to see Khem as Inao, the hero of the Lakhon Nai dance drama.

Lakhon Nai was originally performed exclusively for the royal court by an all female group.

We do overhear Mae Kru Phikul arguing about this in the background of one scene. Shortly after this time period men would be allowed to perform in Lakhon Nai as well but I imagine it was still quite a transgressive act in this tumultuous time frame.

Only the king and members of his court were allowed to watch but during this time period, Rama 3 turned against royal dance as an art form and ordered a stop to both Lakhon Nai and Khon performances. This is likely the reason that Mae Kru Phikul ends up at Man Suang.

Characteristics of Lakhon Nai include extremely refined dance movements, adhering to traditional Thai aesthetic principles.

This is why we see Khem going to such drastic measures in his training montage, because he would be required to dance to a much more technical higher standard than he would have had to do when performing Lakhon Nok plays.

Costumes are elaborate and exquisite as befits a royal court.

The plots of Lakhon Nai come from three stories:

The Ramakien (a Thai version of the Ramayana)

Inao (The prince of the Panji tales.)

Unnarut (stories of the son of Krishna.)

There are other types of Lakhon dance styles but these are the two that are showcased in Man Suang.

I was a little surprised we didn't see Khon, the famous masked dance drama style of Thailand but it was another dance form originally exclusive to royal courts so I can also understand why it didn't show up in the film.

[ahdriking]

Mansuang Review:

Mansuang was amazing. I was particularly impressed by Apo's performance as Khem, which was emotional and complex and deeply moving. His story was riveting to me. I personally love characters with trauma in their backgrounds, who have been beaten down by the world into a certain way of thinking and behaving, and Apo captured that experience gracefully and expertly. There is palpable pain in his performance of the darkest moments. I will say that they could have expanded upon his character development a lot more. It would have been nice to have a bit more emotional nuance in his journey towards self-love and acceptance, but I definitely didn't feel unsatisfied by where his narrative ended up. The movie was already juggling so much they clearly just didn't have the time to dedicate to expanding upon the nitty gritty aspects of his healing.

I will say that I am honestly kinda surprised this didn't have any romance in it at all, because there is such a good foundation for it that it feels like they wasted? Like, Khem feeling that no one cares about him except for his body could have been the gateway to Chatra demonstrating care and affection for him outside of sex, proving that he's capable of being loved for who he is. That jumps out at me. That might have been an opportunity for them also to have expanded on Chatra's character, and given him more presence and personality. Khem is a protector, that's clear in the way he treats Wan, but he so often has to sacrifice himself in that role that it would have been devastatingly effective if Chatra had had an opportunity to take care of him in some way instead.

I loved the *bad touch* backstory, for whumping reasons, but it did leave me a little confused. Why did Khem have to have sex with those people? Was it because he's ambitious enough that he'll sell himself to advance his position? Was it because someone was forcing him to, like a boss or person in power? Was it because he felt he had no choice, or was protecting Wan from something? I just wish we could have gotten to know him better, because we get to see the impact of the trauma but we don't really get to understand it, and that leaves me wondering. It felt like, during the dance scene where Khem goes off script, that he did that as an attempt at seduction, because seduction is what he knows and what he expects. He's used to trading in on his beauty and sex appeal to get what he wants. That suggests so many characteristics to me that just... don't quite exist in the rest of the story. And there's no real conclusion to it other than Khem, at the end of the story, choosing to be a dancer because he's at peace with his place in society. Again, lots and lots of opportunities were built up that just didn't quite manage to hit a home run.

Mile did a fucking fantastic job with what he was given, but I was a little disappointed with his role in the story. I felt like the relationship between him and Khem was half-done and underdeveloped, but it had so much potential! He put in an absolutely solid performance, and knocked the emotional scenes out of the park, but I couldn't help but feel like he wasn't given the chance to really shine.

Tong killed it. Killed it fucking dead. That man has the screen presence of a King, which surprised the fuck out of me cos I thought he was a character actor based on his performance in KinnPorsche. But no, this guy has range. I was very impressed.

Bas did a great job playing a racist sad boy. RIP Wan.

In conclusion: a flawed movie, but still so enjoyable and so, so worth watching. I cannot fucking wait for Shine, I hope that it delivers in some of the areas Mansuang wasn't able to.

[iguessitsjustme]

That special episode sure was...something. I liked the idea a lot I just don't think it was framed correctly. Anyway instead of talking about what I didn't like, I'm going to just list what I liked. Be the positivity you want to see in the world or something I guess:

"That was a morning kiss. Now get ready for morning sex." sIR. In front of my salad????

When the cat moved AWAY from the door when it started banging because they were...well...I shan't say

Hot woman cop. Why are we just getting her now pardon me?

Deeni. The actress that played her did a fantastic job considering the complexity of emotions that Deeni needed to carry. Honestly stole the show for me.

A random Saint appeared. Mostly to give us flashbacks and I guess an explanation (not needed but I'll stop myself here on my positivity post) for what transpired in the series

Tharn mentioning Dr. Chumpawhumpa and Phaya punishing him for it.

Gorgeous soundtrack. That was expected and it did not disappoint.

Honestly? I love the special effects. I did laugh every time they appeared but not because they were bad just the timing and the plot surrounding them. I should not have laughed honestly that one's on me. I think they're gorgeous. loved the orange.

Thongthai screaming at Phaya "what would you do if it was Tharn" which was just GOLD. They might be a side couple in the show but that doesn't mean their love is felt any less deeply or is any less important than our main couple. I especially love that it was Thongthai about Khem because to outsiders, it might look like Khem loves him more but very clearly those two love each other equally. They just have their own personalities and love languages and idk that line just made me happy. Also get wrecked Phaya. You literally couldn't say anything to him after that. You were worse when you thought you lost Tharn.

Pool party? Pool party.

[mileapo]

Dynamic Duo Mile & Apo

With a warm personality, these two actors talked about cultural projects that represent soft power.

Harper's Bazaar (HB): What was your first impression of Indonesia? Mile (M): I have known Indonesia since elementary school and Indonesia seems to have a very interesting culture. The first impression when he was an adult came from feedback from Indonesian fans on social media . The moment I landed, I felt very familiar, like I was at home. Apo (A): The first impression of Indonesia for me came from Indonesian fans , because previously I only saw it on social media . This visit in Jakarta was the first moment I met them. Previously I had been to Bali and I felt that Bali had a good, cozy culture. Balinese people are also very friendly.

HB: Still talking about impressions. What was your first impression of each other? M: My impression when I first saw Apo was the character Zhan Zhao in the series Justice Bao (Zhan Zhao is Judge Bao's secretary) . At that time I first met Apo at a fashion show , that's where I realized the similarity. A: Mile was very friendly and gentle, it made a big impression on me. I officially met him at a fashion show . But apart from that I've met him at the gym. Actually, Mile and I studied at the same university. Mile is a senior, I am a junior, but in different majors. We are 2 or 3 years apart.

HB: How would you compare the completed projects you have worked on with ManSuang? What's special about this film? M: If we compare it, the format of the previous project was a series and this time the format is a film. There are differences between the two formats in terms of how they are produced. Then the things that stand out from the main theme of this film are the cultural, historical side, even the act of inspection. So a combination of main themes like this is very different from the previous one. A: My previous projects were generally roles in soap operas or series, they were long term. In the film ManSuang, the duration is only two hours. In ManSuang it seems like the audience shares their imagination with the characters in the film, while I feel that in soap operas the audience just watches. Apart from that, ManSuang is a story about Thailand , about the culture and stories about the people.

HB: Tell us about your tour to Jakarta this time. M: Our main goal here is actually to meet and greet fans directly. We want them to see the real ManSuang in Jakarta. We also try so that fans can watch our performance live on stage, even though we only show snippets of scenes from films. So far there are 4 cities in Asia that we will visit, Jakarta is the first. A: So in this tour we will bring the audience to feel the atmosphere inside ManSuang, which is an imaginary place that makes people happy. Moreover, this was the first moment the Be On Cloud team and Indonesian fans met in person, so this was a very beautiful experience.

HB: Talking about your character in ManSuang, what did you prepare to get into before filming? M: For me there are two ways, inside out and outside in. Not how to play it, but how to think about playing that role. Inside out is how I introduce the character named Chatra, how his life is, what his father and mother are like. And outside in is how to study the era of 1850 (this is the setting of the year in the film ManSuang) , what the culture was like at that time. For example, how people at that time interacted with foreigners, the way they spoke. In those days, people couldn't speak English or Chinese well, so if someone was able to do so, then he was someone special. There are differences in ways of speaking and behaving. We wanted to immortalize that moment. A: At first I learned about Khem's character. He loves dancing so I had to learn it before starting the shoot. I am from the generation that lives in the present, while Khem lives in the past, so I have to learn how the old people thought, danced, and what their thought patterns were. I have to train the flexibility of my fingers so that I can display the beauty of the dance, as well as practicing my body movements so that I can look like a picture in a painting. If you have ever visited a temple in Thailand, there are pictures of dancing on the walls. I tried to be like what was in the picture and ended up studying dance for 8 months. Then, apart from trying to show Thai culture, I also explored the character development of Khem .

HB: After finishing all this busy work, what would an ideal rest day look like for you? M: Basically I like everything related to guitar. Then I also like watching concerts, thirdly I like sports. Then lastly, I like to drink when I have free time. A: I like nature. Just sitting in the front yard of the house is already a break for me, the important thing is there must be delicious food or snacks .

[befuddledcinnamonroll]

I still have so many shows to catch up on, but I could not resist starting The Sign. Idol Factory just puts on too good of a show, and I am weak for soulmate shit.

Oh good! I would hate to start with a boring sound.

The fighting does have a rehearsed quality, but for BL, it's actually pretty good! They're not having to cut away every half second.

Side note - if anyone out there is thinking of being a bad guy, helpful hint. Don't scream as you attack the cops. Kinda gives things away.

Ah, yes, that vital part of police training, where you remove safety gear to make sure you look cool when doing your moves.

Wait...Kaownah?

What are you doing here, baby!?

Oh....you're a dick.

Also, I definitely should have picked up this was all part of the training when one of them was all "eh, try the yellow wire" with the bomb diffusion, but the best clue is the hostage under the spotlight. This lighting cracks me up.

Ok, I'm a little confused about this part.

Because I rewatched the fight, and yeah, Phaya does briefly glance behind him to see the rod sticking out. But he never actually got that close to it, because of Tharn running in. How does he make this connection? Or is it just soulmate vibes?

Aww, Tharn, baby, you getting feels already.

Holy hell is this cinematography good!

Freen looks so amazing!

Omg

How is this drama so damn funny?

This woman is a queen and I love her.

Wait - they're just openly showing this on the news?! "Hey, look at this dead body everybody!".

Damn, Yai, you've never seen this man before, and yet you immediately ship.

Y'know there were a few bright shiny months in there where it seemed like the fall kiss was going to go away. And now there's both this and Middleman's Love.

Can we do an exorcism circle or something? (No shade to those of you who love them. I just really don't).

But that said, these two really have good chemistry.

Billy was good with Seng, but I think I might like him better with Babe?

I love these two little idiots.

I also love that Khem clearly watched Gameboys.

Well, this is a flirting technique I have not seen before.

Omg, not Phaya just straight going for a handful.

Billy's bringing out the horny face. Tharn is so in trouble!

I have no idea where we are going on this ride, but I am so here for it!

[the-wayside]

I am back. I have imbibed and I want to say: look, I'm not blind to the pacing issues or plot holes, there are a couple in the finale I don't jive with but The Sign will always be one of my favorite series because of how much I enjoyed it.

I'm at a point where how good a show makes me feel is the most important thing. The authenticity. Do you know what my favorite part of the episode was? Tharn running his fingers down Phaya's nose and him tipping his face up into it. It's such a small thing but it speaks volumes. Tharn is Phaya's true north and vice versa. The way they are together is born out of a deep love of who the other person is and what they've come to mean to them. Phaya being so utterly devastated that he always came home to Tharn's room, their room, that Tharn's grandmother got a second grandson, someone who fundamentally loved, missed and cared for her loved one as much as she did and more. That he could only find comfort in her because of that.

The same for how Yai broke down for Sand. He thought he was gonna die and never see her again and it broke him open. When Phaya was so destroyed they hadn't found Tharn, Yai cried with him because they love him. The fact he's also Phaya's P'Yai.

These human connections between people who felt real and loved deeply and beautifully, Khem giving Thongthai a ring that he would put on his finger when they lived, those were the moments I wanted and enjoyed.

So no, The Sign was not a narratively perfect story but it was perfect for me. It spoke to me, it inspired me and got me writing again after burnout and life had beaten me down. As an artist, it is special to feel that connection to another artist. I haven't felt it since KinnPorsche and I don't know when I'll next feel it. Maybe Mansuang. Again it's because what drives me are people. Beautiful glorious people and I look forward to seeing the cast again. To seeing the special episode because The Sign is a great show. Not for everyone but for me.

[strangerstime]

Perhaps this information will totally influence my future writings

This topic exhausted itself a long time ago. But is it always a bad thing to return to something that still weighs on you to this day? Yeah, I'm talking about Sun and Moon Show.

So why did I pull this topic out of the nailed coffin when I have already stated my opinion before? Well, there are reasons for that. My friend, @visionthefox, often makes little posts debating this, and I read them from time to time. And the post about Bloodmoon and Lunar has me quite interested. More specifically the fact that BM broke his arm. I was impressed: in a show made for kids, they showed that moment in a very violent and intimidating way. For that they have my respect. I hadn't heard my boys' voices in quite a while and was immensely happy to hear the two of them again (if you remember, it was after BM and Lunar died that I finally gave up on the show). But my happiness didn't last long.

I watched a few other episodes, including gameplay episodes (where I think the BM actor underplayed emotionally, since I saw him as Moon the whole time, but Ruin Eclipse behaved pretty similarly, but not about that), and was somewhat disappointed. Not only that they made two hysterical twins out of my fun and active twins (which is justifiable, since they've been betrayed many times and suffered mentally from it), but also how much the plot became… monotonous? I just didn't have the fervor to find out what happens next.

You may say to me, "Well, it's a show for kids! Why pick on it?" Well, I came to this show when I was a kid. And I thought it was pretty strong script-wise. So what happened? When did those subtle plot lines weaving together turn into constant "here-this-twists!"? All in all, it's pretty sad. I don't deny that there are some positive aspects to the show: I like that the BMs are shown to be much more serious and more realistic, with their complexes and fears; that they brought up Lunar and BM's "brotherhood" (After a year- KHEM) and other minor pluses, but there's nothing here that can bring my attention back. The saddest thing is when watching something leaves no emotion at all…. Just emptiness...

I am in no way judging you if you like this Show! This is my subjective opinion, which I just decided to express for one simple reason: I feel guilty.

Guilty of falling for it, of following the creators' leash, of deciding to base my universe on it and thereby creating so many problems for myself that I won't be able to solve anytime soon, because all the problems start from the first comics… I've only been doing this for a year, and I realize I'm as far from perfect as the Earth is from the Moon. I realize that I should have thought of the consequences earlier, but I was going with my emotions and hopes, which ultimately didn't come to fruition. I accept the fact that people unfamiliar with SAMS will not get on board, they will be confused and end up drowning in trying to understand what is going on here. Which leads me to ask just one question:

"What should I do now?"

Is it worth restarting the whole thing? Flush a whole year of my efforts down the toilet to convey the true essence of my complicated plot? Or should I give up and just pretend like this is how it's supposed to be, finally finishing at least one part of this story….

Many people won't get to this point, but the few that do, hear me: never repeat my mistakes. Don't put your fate in the hands of other people.

End of communication.

[thesimulacrasimp]

OMG THOSE EPS--- I HAVE SO MANY EMOTIONS I CANT---

HAZBIN HOTEL EP 7-8 SPOILERS WARNING‼️

Okay so Charlie actually didnt forget Vaggie for lying for that long, which is understandable, really.

So Charlie ACTUALLY MADE A DEAL WITH ALASTOR NO MATTER HOW MUCH TIMES VAGGIE TOLD HER NOT TO.

Rosie is really sweet lady, but im not really vibing her voice

But i really DO vibe the cannibals. They all have this cool aesthetic n i really love that!

Carmillas n Vaggies song was also really good!

Also when Vaggies wings SUDDENLY N OUT OF NOWHERE came out i was like: OKAAAAAYY... IM NOT SURE WHY BUT GO OFF IG!!

ALSO OMG THIS SONG WHERE CHARLIE IS TRYING TO BRING CANNIBALS ON HER SIDE WAS SO COOL, ESPECIALLY THE END PART THAT WAS IN DA TRAILER, ITS SO COOL JSHSBSJSJ

Also they so cute n silly, I love em

AND AWWW THEY ALL GOT ALONG N BECOME FRIENDS 😭😭😭😭 I JUST KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE NEXT EP N THIS MAKES IT LOOK SO SAD 😭😭😭😭😭😭

the 8th ep...

OMG VOX IS BACK HIIIIIII!!!!!!! I MISSED U SO MUCHHH

AWWW NIFTY DID THIS LIL THINGY FOR ALASTOR ITS SO CUTE

Also can we talk bout how Charlie n Vaggie FINALLY KISSED??? I CANT IMMA JUST----

Im really so glad that Alastor is actually protecting the hotel and all people in it, hes probably doing it just because he have no choice, but i really hope that he do care about Charlie n everyone else. Also their fighting outfits is really cool. AND THE ANIMATIONS WHEN HE TOOK HIS DEMON FORM WAS SOOOO COOL, IT WAS LIKE IN 3D (maybe it actually was in 3d idk-)

Okay yknow.. When Adam blasted (idk if thats a correct word for that) at Alastor n broke his michrophone and Als voice became so clear, like, without any radio effects, I actually thought that he lost all his abilities, cuz Adam is clearly stronger than Al, and i got so scared becuz that would mean that he wont be able to protect the hotel anymore and maybe even die... But it didnt happen so its all good!!

Also Vox watching this whole fight being so exited for Als death was kinda funny to watch.

Okay.... I dont wanna cry again so can i not talk about sir Pentious? Thank you. All i gotta say, I really happy he managed to confess his feelings to Cherri before he... yknow...

Also Charlie FINALLY TOOK HER FULL DEMON FORM. N I ACTUALLY WAS NOT EXPECTIN RAZZLE N DAZZLE TO BE A GIANT DRAGONS THAT WAS SO COOL without thinking that one of them died...

Also i immediatly thought that sparing Lute was a mistake. Guess what? IT WAS!! :DDDDDD

ALSO I THROUGH THIS WHOLE FIGHT WAS REALLY HOPING THAT LUCI WILL COME OUT N SLAUGHT ALL THOSE BITHES FOR GOOD. N HE DID!!! I LITERALLY, ALL IN TEARS AFTER SR PENTIOUS' DEATH, WAS SO HAPPY I WAS LIKE: FUCKING FUCK YESSS!!! KILL THOSE MOTHERFUCKERS!!! '!!'! '! ₽!! 3!&!& ALSO I ADORE THE FACT THAT EVEN IN A FIGHT HES SUCH A SILLY CUTIE PATOOTIE.

And we saw his demon form n its really cool!

ALSO I WAS SO ANGRY WHEN CHARLIE MADE LUCI SPARE ADAM LIKE-- PLS LUCI KILL HIM N LUTE, THEY CLEARLY DONT DESERVE TO LIVE. Also we saw Adams real face which is kinda cool.

ADN MY GIRL NIFFTY DID ALL THE JOB HERSELF, LIKE GOOD JOB GURL! I KHEW WE CAN COUNT ON U.

Okay, at 1st ep i was not sure bout Katies new voice, cuz it clearly was hearable that its a mans voice, but in this ep its actually working! I absolutely loved this: «Nobody gives a shit about you, Tom!» xd

Ok so.... Ill try not to scream... khem- THEYRE CANNON!!!! THEYRE!!! FUCKING!!! CANNON!!!!! IM SO HAPPY U CANT EVEN UNDERSTAND!!!!!!! I FUCKING KHEW THAT THEYLL BE CANNON, IM A FUCKING GENIUS IDC. IK THERE WILL BE SOME PPL THAT WILL BE LIKE: "nOoO tHeY rE nOt cAnNoN iTs pRoBaBlY mIsAnDerStOoDinG....." YOU KNOW WHAT? FUCK YOU. THEY ARE CANNON, I DONT GIVE A SHIT!!!! FUCK U IF U THINK THEYRE NOT TOGETHER

JUST LOOK AT THEM THEYRE SO CUTE AAAAAA

Also this last part of the song with Alastor was so strange. Yk english is not my first language so i probably missed alot what he said in that, but i clearly remember that he said something bout his wings n i was like WHAAAAT????? I know i probably just heard it wrong, cuz HE JUST CANT BE AN ANGEL RIGHT?... RIGHT??? He also said smt bout his freedom, so yeah, I think the wings was just a metaphor. But overall he looked really scared for some reason, which is actually so weird. Its so weird to see Alastor actually being scared..

ALSO WE FINALLY SAW LILITH, but sadly didnt hear her voice. N what is weird, it looked like she was on sorta vacathion, and Lute talked with her bout Adam being Killed AND THATS SO WEIRD AHHH I CANT WAIT TO FIND OUT WHAT IS HER ROLE IN ALL HERE!!

ALSO CAN WE TALK ABOUT THAT CHARLIE WAS RIGHT?? SINNERS CAN BE REDEEMED. CUZ PENTIOUS APPEARED IN HEAVEN AFTER HIS DEATH (n im really-really happy for him actually, im so glad that he didnt dissapear from the show, cuz he actually was my fav character in the pilot)

aoisjdjdjndndnns i cant wait for season 2!!!! Ig that the main antogonists in this season will finally be VEES?? OHHH IM SO EXITEDDDD

My review/thoughts on eps 1-2

My review/thoughts on eps 3-4

My review/thoughts on eps 5-6

[viperra1]

hello it's me again a bit late on the draw but anyway... can you tell me more about Vultures interpersonal relationships... I know you've talked about him and a variety of the companions in particular boone, veronica, and arcade but if you'd like to detail what those are all like? or even just link me to any posts you've made about that cuz I'm super intrigued 🥹🤞

HELLOOO 😭😭 i'm sorry for the late answer!! was feeling sick for a few days and lemme tell you trying to write something coherent in another language while the fever kicks your ass is not fun. at all.

KHEM.

as for your question, thank you SO MUCH for asking!!

vulture and boone did not kick it off perfectly friendly at first, but it did not take long for them to grow closer. they still do bicker about this and that, they can be mad at each other for something (they both have TEMPER..) but first and foremost they are gentle and teasing and they fully trust each other without a shadow of a doubt! they remind onlookers of an old married couple, 'cause they can bicker in one moment and then lovingly sharing dinner and talking about their plans for tomorrow in the next instant. they be like that.

when it comes to tense and uncomfortable situations, they tend to rely on each other - boone can be rational and cold-blooded, something that the other lacks, and vulture can be quick-witted and empathetic (in order to quicky and quetly calm down a hostage, for example).

when they first met, boone thought that vulture's a little crazy and naive at the same time - and helpless, in some matters. he regarded the other with sceptisism, which vulture sensed and it caused him to close off. but then life threw some hard shit to deal with at them, and boone accepted that this man is not so helpless after all (later on, he accepted that vulture is, in fact, more mighty than he thought), and vulture opened up and learned that boone is not a threat but a protector (and a safest place he could ever find).

i got a little carried away with them 😭 OKAY now for vulture's other besties

veronica is a first friend vulture ever had! they met not long after vulture met boone (perhaps i will tell y'all about their first meeting some other time?), and honestly, they embody this rare friend dynamic where you are literally platonic soulmates and you almost never fight and just. live in total harmony. best buddies. they love to pull pranks on the others, and they tease each other constantly. if there's some mischief, they will be in it together, no doubt!

arcade's a bit different, though - i feel like when he got into vulture's party, he felt... off, at first. as if he did not belong in this established group of tightly bonded people (vulture, boone and veronica had travelled together for a lot beforehand). but vulture needed his help, so he pulled through. they dynamic started off as cautious and more bussiness-like than friendly (vulture was... tired and confused, at this point of his story) - they discussed politics, strategies, history, etc. but they will grow closer, because vulture is vulnerable, and arcade is kind and patient, and after some shit that they went through they developed a deep friendly bond. (and they started to tease each other mercilessly, too)

raul......... raul is really like a father-mentor-grandpa-uncle type of figure to vulture. raul was freaking flabbergasted by the kid at first - vulture broke into his impromtu prison cell and literally shoved some notebook at him the moment raul said something with a spanish accent. well, woulnd't you know it! turns out, vulture was mexican, in his sort-of-past life! vulture is ever-curious of anything that might be even loosely related to his past, so they bond over raul's stroies pretty much immideatly. raul is a tired old man, so they don't talk that much - more often than not, vulture would just get them both a beer and a meal and they would quietly eat together on a couch. or they would go out and raul would teach the kid some tricks with a revolver. typical dad activities, no?

i know that vulture's not friendly with cass (more like vice versa) and he adores lily. i just still haven't fleshed out their interactions well enough.

i feel like this is getting too long SO!!!! THANK YEEEWWWWWW sm for asking!! please ask me moreee and you can ask of his relationships with non-companions, i will gLADLY elaborate!!

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - it was a pretty darn good time, frankly

Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

Feb 2024 Wk 4

Ongoing Series - Thai

The Sign (Sat YT) ep 12fin - Everyone looked like they were having a lot of fun in the fight sequences. I’m very happy for them. I’m not surprised they shot Khem and Chart. A little shocked it wasn’t also Yai, TBH.

I found this final episode rushed. According to rumors, The Sign was originally slated to be 14 eps, and it probably should’ve been. And I don’t say that often about Thai BL. But we all knew it was getting too bloated for its britches, so I'm not surprised they fumbled the ending. For me personally, it just wasn't that bad. It was fine and I was fine with it.

Tho, Billy does not look good with facial fur, messes up those gorgeous angles.

I was ultimately amused that the solution to the mythology thread was simply to talk to the river god and persuaded him to give up... off screen. It felt very old school wuxia. Or like Aeschylus or something. I did adore the stinger, Saint was basically like “I want wings too”. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

This show is literally everything (except straight) all at once. It's BL, queer, band of brothers, romcom, erotica, PNR, fated mates, police procedural, fantasy, mystery, suspense, and slasher. It’s the king of genre mash-up chaos. Sure, it's madness but there is genius in it. Was it a crazy unhinged mess +1 roll for damage? Yes. Yes it was. Did it manage to hold all those tangled threads together? No it did not. Was it also a charming, sexy, engaging, non-stop piece of entertainment? Sure thing. I think this show is basically my KinnPorsche, and frankly I’ve been chasing that dragon naga since KP aired. Is it perfect? No. But it was balls to the wall FUN and that gets a 9/10 from me.

I'm thinking of doing a full recap review (partly because I have so many great screen shots.)

Cherry Magic (Sat YouTube grey) ep 10-11 of 12 - Since this series is following the yaoi so closely, I knew these were the separation eps. (Also I knew with would be a soft non-doom ep 11, Japan rarerly does these.) I like that they used it to show improve communication and development in all relationships, but, frankly, TayNew are just best when they are TayNew together on screen. So yeah. Let’s keep them back together, please?

Meanwhile, TayNew gifted us a gorgeous loving sweet sex scene. Thanks OG for doing us a solid. 

I wanna add, it sure is fun to see New play as soft and vulnerable character, I feel like he hasn’t done that since SOTUS. 

(Read all about distribution issues here.)

Cooking Crush (Sun YT) ep 12fin - 1/3 of this is a sweet romance about a student doctor falling in love with a student chef, and the rest of it is utter dross. Look the OffGun bits were GREAT.. In fact, I think they’re better AS A PAIR in this show than in any of their other BLS. And I'm a hard sell on any OffGun being better than PickRome. Saying that, how can I review a show where I could only tolerate 1/3 of it? Because I didn’t like any other aspect of this show, no other pairs and no other plots. That gives me: 9/10 for the OffGun bits, 5/10 for everything else. Frankly it probably should be an 8 but I gotta go with my gut and it's upset about this so 7/10. Sorry boys. It’s GMMTV’s fault. Your heart was in this show, mine wasn’t. 

City of Stars (Fri iQIYI) ep 4 of 12 - These two are so good at making heart eyes at each other. It’s ridiculous. They don’t need any cartoon images or noises. Moot crush but "I wanna flirt and court more" is so flipping awesome. I love this for them… and us. 

1000 Years Old ep 2 of 12 - It’s very silly and we have been gifted with the dorkiest vampire ever. But... the smell thing makes me so happy. And I like that the vamp uses chan/nai or tan = v old fashioned. Nahlak. I love our ghost girl. Did you notice she wasn’t in the room with them but they left an empty chair for her? Also nahlak.

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Perfect Propose (Japan Fri Gaga) ep 5 of 6 - Kai was pretty much just “you're a workaholic but I basically married you whether you like it or not.” SMOOCH. What can I say? I'm a sucker for this dynamic.

AntiReset (Taiwan Fri Viki/Gaga) ep 5 of 10 - How is this show so cute? How do they both love and hurt each other so much. They are both just scared of loosing each other. Gah.

Unknown (Taiwan Sat Youku YouTube) 1 of 12 eps - Youku dropped the first ep to their YouTube channel but I doubt we can expect that to continue. Still, it was nice to be able to watch it in a convenient way. I enjoyed it. But I am cautious about it. Of course this is possibly two of my favorite tropes of all time (stepbrothers or a variation + hyung romance). So I’m looking forward to the romantic thread, but from the gritty style, it feels a lot more like a Taiwanese short. Which means it could go very dark and may not end happy. 

Although I Love You and You AKA Sukiyanen Kedo Do Yaro ka (Japan Thurs Gaga) ep 7 of 10 - I just don’t know if the main couple should be a couple. But when they finally get around to talking to each other, they sure are lovely. Also how great is it to see a uke initiate a kiss? Even if it’s not a very good kiss. 

My Strawberry Film (Japan Thurs Gaga) ep 2 of 8 - I am still not sure about this one. I am not contesting its quality, just saying it’s not for me. Also I’m not wild about what amounts to basically a redo of everything that already happened in the first episode from a different perspective. I know it’s a tall order with Japan, but I would like (when it’s a short series) for each new installment to actually move the plot (such as it is) along in someway. Am I asking too much?

It's done but I have no time

What Did You Eat Yesterday Season 2 AKA Kinou Nani Tabeta? Season 2 (Japan Gaga) 10 eps - will binge when I have any spare time. 2024 is crazy busy for me so far.

The Servant and the Young Master - from Vietnam, it's on YouTube. I will give it a try when I have a window of time.

Began Beginning (Myanmar YouTube) - A Burmese BL? @heretherebedork vouched for it, so I will give it a watch.

It's airing but...

Dead Friend Forever (Thai iQIYI) - rumors are it's interesting but full of unlikable characters. I'm waiting to know how it ends.

Ossans Love Season 2 (Japan Gaga) - 5 years later, will anything have changed? This is Japan so… probubly not. I won't be watching this. I disliked Season one and actively hated the follow ups. No thank you.

Playboyy (Thurs Gaga) 14 eps - Dear Playboyy, it's not you, it’s me… I hate you. You’re about as deep (and as palatable) as a shot glass of cum. While I'm sure you’re someone’s kink, you're my weakest link. Goodbye. I DNFed this at ep 5. Frankly I'm impressed with myself for getting that far. Ends next week TF.

Time the series (Tue Gaga/YT) 10 eps - dropped it at ep 4.

A Secretly Love (Thai WeTV) - I tried but I can't get into my WeTV account anymore and I'm way too lazy to figure it out. Should I bother to go grey for it?

To Be Continued (Thai C3 Thailand YT) - High school sweethearts who had a bad break up reunite when both of them have full time jobs but coming out is still a problem. You can watch this on YT but it has no Eng Subs.

Next Week Looks Like This:

We're light on content right now, but frankly I'm so busy with work I don't really mind.

3/6 Born to be Y (Thai ????) 10 eps - 14 contestants who audition to compete in Born To Be Y, a program that searches for the best couple of the year to work together on a giant project. Described as semi-reality series. So I probably won't bother.

3/7 Deep Night (Thai iQiyi) 10 eps - Multiple romances set in a host clubs. Nice to see First back on my screen but this is not my favorite setting.

Upcoming BLs for 2024 are listed here. This list is not kept updated, so please leave a comment if you know something new or RP with additions.

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

The eyes have it.

Your random BL moment brought to you by my ult-bias being a hyung smartass to his maknae.

(Last week)

[heaven-is-in-your-arms-series]

I wish this outfit had been displayed like the red Inao one was, it's so textured and layered.

I feel like the costume designer went out of their way to make anyone looking at it want to touch it and I do!

Just like everyone wants to get their hands on Phra Law (and Khem) I want to run my hands over all that raised embroidery and feel the shift between velvet and silk under my fingers.

Would those chunky gemstones feel cold or warm? they look rounded and smooth to touch where the cloth-of-gold cape seems like it might scratch your skin if you run your hands over it.

The solid gold filigree of his ornamental belt is surrounded by the soft fabric of his pha nung and the mesh sash around his waist.

It's such a sensual costume, wearing it Khem is both a maddening temptation and yet at the same time aloof and untouchable in his golden armour.

Such a perfect choice 💛

[benchofindigo]

Initial thoughts on first watch of Mansuang:

Standout performance for me was Tong as Hong. By the end of it his parts were the only ones that made me feel any real emotion.

Honestly, was kind of disappointed. The writing, directing, and editing were... not the greatest. Pace was all off and moments that should have been emotional fell flat. There were too many coincidences that got characters to discover information and characters trusted or told each other things without proper development or reasoning. A whole lot of telling instead of showing.

The premise of the missing document was weak and not engaging. As my one of screenwriting teachers said focus on the story not the business/paperwork and that document was definitely the later in this case. And by the end as they said, it didn’t matter anymore.

It's especially frustrating as this movie focused more on plot rather than character which is a huge reason this movie fell flat for me. All the actors did a really good job but the writing didn't give them the needed depth and relationship connections to make me feel anything. And when you add a convoluted plot to the mix it becomes tiresome to watch as you are trying to figure out what's happening and who is doing what but you don't really care because none of the characters feel like real people. I'm not one of those people that just because an actor I like is playing a part automatically means I like their character. Yeah no you have to give me a reason to and this movie didn't do that. (Though tbf that 2 second shot of Nodt playing the piano my beloved 🤩).

Again I want to say this is not a criticism of the actors!! They all did their jobs well. I can literally point out cases where it's the editing, direction, and writing that made emotional scenes fall flat for me. For example Khem crying while taking off his makeup... Apo did a great job but there were way too many quick cuts, the scene before where he gets berated is awkwardly slot in, and there was no time to breath to let that emotional scene play out. I should have been near tears but I felt nothing.

Also for a movie that did a lot of promotion on the Thai dance aspect... there wasn't really a lot of that 😕 tbh I felt more emotion out of that single behind the scenes long shot of Apo dancing we got awhile ago than any of the dance scenes in the movie. This movie really did not do the dance part justice.

[lutawolf]

The Sign Commentary Review Ep 2 part 3 & 4

"Are you filming an MV or what? It’s time for bed." "I was just pondering about something." "Does a person like you have anything to ponder about?" "I have a question that needed an answer." "Oh, you’re quite serious, aren’t you?"

"I do. The Abbot often told me about it. That what we did in our past life will affect us in this life." "Like what people said, Everything happens for a reason. There’s no coincidence. It happens because it has already been destined by something called…" "Commitment" "Yeah."

"You were born into this family of yours, and surrounded by your friends… Because you might have had some commitment with those people in the past life."

"What if it’s true? What did you promise me? Is that why you’re always there to rescue me? That’s the question that I need to know an answer. What’s the reason behind this?"

I just really loved all that. It moved me, but this show wouldn't be what it is without the humor. "In the past life, I was probably a rich and kind-hearted man who liked to rescue cows like you from the slaughterhouse." "Asshole. Or you were probably a caring wife who always took a great care of a good-looking hubby like me." "I see. This is what a handsome cow looks like."

They talk about the exam and Phaya wants to know what Tharn plans on doing after he passes. Tharn says he'll do what he always wanted to, but then calls Phaya noisy for asking what that is.

They pass and thank the Captain. My favorite part though was how Khem was left hanging.

No handshake for you. 😂😂😂 We then see Tharn calling his grandmother to tell her that he passed, and the next stop was finding out about his parent's death.

Ahhh, the flirting. I love the way they flirt. It's so cute!

"Tharn. Can I borrow your phone?" "Phone?" "Yeah. That’s my number." "But I didn’t ask." 🤣🤣🤣 "But I want you to have it. Are you stalking me?"

Then Phaya sneaks a picture, and I'm so fucking giddy over this cuteness.

"Why didn’t you tell me first so that I could pose for it?" "You already look nice. I like it." I think I mentioned before that Phaya is not hiding his feelings for Tharn. Tharn is the reserved one, but he seems to be sucked into Phaya's gravitational pull.

Phaya tells Tharn that he is saving his name as Bolster, so a cuddle pillow. 🤣🤣🤣

"Think of it as returning the favor for always helping me." "No need."

Ahhh, these two! Phaya knows that Tharn likes him, and he'll happily move all the obstacles. Alas, the brother interrupts the flirt feast. Ohhh, we get one last flirt before Phaya leaves to pack. "I'll call you. Bolster."

That smile that Tharn gives to Phaya's back. So fucking adorable! Yai noticed it too. AHAHAHA. He picked up on the nickname too. "You like him, don't you?" Which Tharn absolutely refutes in a high, squeaky voice. "He's annoying. Why would I like him?" "Just tell me honestly if you like him. I’m going to help protect him too." Why does he need to protect him??? I think we are going to finally get some much-needed info. "Tharn, I really hope you’d find that someone you like. And be with someone you love." Brother just wants him to have a love like he has with his girl.

"I thought you already know… That if I love someone, that person will die." Well, shit, that's fucking deep. I'm afraid you are already shit out of luck, baby boy. Probably why you see him so much in your visions, cause you fell long ago.

"I don't want anyone to die because of me."

"We have a week to rest before starting our work at the unit. Let’s go party, shall we?" "Yai and I have to go back to Nong Khai province." "You’re from Nong Khai?" The way Phaya says that, I smell a story there. There is something. "So, do we have to go to Nong Khai? You seem interested in him a lot." 🤣🤣🤣 Love it!

I actually really love this next part, but I will apologize for the not so great photo. I tried to get a better one without luck.

Why do I like this? Because it's like a mile marker. You know, like what you see on the roads in the US, that give you an indication of the exit coming up. So by context clues, we know Phaya isn't a player. The opportunity has been there, but he doesn't play. And he's been heavily flirting with Tharn. Okay Luta, what does this mean then? It means he is interested but not yet invested. He is not in love. Which means we should catch when he in fact does fall in love.

Hahah I called it you guys!!!

"Listen, I’m telling you right here... I only have eyes for the one I love."

"If I love anyone… I’ll never…" Anyone else think this was for Tharn's benefit? Especially with the way his eyes cut to him. But then the phone rings. It's a girl, whole calling picture is gorgeous. All the guys but Tharn tease him. Phaya walks off to take the call.

Tharn goes up to the bar to order five beer, and another guest orders next to him. Oat is clearly making a play for Tharn.

Just look at how uncomfortable Tharn looks. Every female knows what this look means in a bar.

I literally fucking cheered at this next part. If I didn't already love Phaya, I love him more.

He really said. Um no, you are not buying my guy a drink. He has taken stamped on him, please take note. I think Tharn would have been appreciative, except he clearly caught the possessiveness. Hence, him shaking Phaya's hand off his shoulder. "Who’s this?" "I’m Oat."

Phaya is an unapologetic asshole and I appreciate that. With claim staked, he swoops Tharn away.

Then Phaya gets talked into going up on stage and singing. My boy is clearly singing to Tharn.

Oh no, not spin the bottle again! Yai is trying to get his ass kicked. He really is. He asked Tharn if he has anyone he likes right now. I love that when he takes the shot, Phaya says, "What a waste." These assholes, said affectionately. "What’s your type? Is it someone around here?" They don't even get a chance to ask anymore. Tharn just starts upending the drinks. Finally, Phaya puts a stop to it. Ahhh, Tharn is so drunk. Now they are moving on to Phaya, but I got news for them, Phaya isn't that easily embarrassed. "If you can pick anyone in this table to go home with you, whom will you choose?"

While Tharn was too drunk to appreciate Phaya's response. I am not, and I appreciated all of it, thank you very much.

When Tharn goes to get sick, Phaya grabs him and takes him to the restroom to help sober him up. He helps him drink some water and then splashes water in his face. Which Tharn clearly didn't appreciate. Not that any drunk person would.

OMG the flirting! Why do I enjoy their flirting so much! "You really like for bugging me." "Get off me." "No. I’m not going to let you go. I’ll hold on to you tight. You, evil jellyfish." "Are you sure? This jellyfish’s sting is very painful. It will go directly to your heart." This is when Tharn starts splashing Phaya, backing him up till his back is against the stall while saying, "The heart, the heart, the heart." "Stop it. You’re like a baby when you’re drunk." Tharn kisses Phaya on the check!!! So cute!!! Which shocks Phaya.

We get some very seductive carcasses after that. I mean, nothing R-rated, but it got my heart beat going. As Tharn runs his hand down Phaya's throat to his chest, he takes note of the necklace that Phaya is wearing. While Tharn is trying to get a closer look, Phaya gives a sweet kiss to the forehead and then asks him what is wrong.

Ahhh! I knew it! They have a past together!!! "Where did you get this necklace from?" "This amulet?" "It’s the same." "Same as what?" "Same as the amulet that I had given to a boy." "You had given a boy an amulet like this? "Yeah." "When? Where? Tell me more about it." "It was when…" "Yes?" "When…" Then Tharn passes out. "Hey, wake up. Talk to me first."

I"m dead. Brother walks in. Almost walks out thinking they are doing something but then when all is sorted has Phaya bent over with Tharn on his back. God, I love Tharn's brother so much.

"Where are you taking me?" "Your place." "Go back and get Yai too. I don’t want to sleep alone." Yup, Yai knows his brother. "I’ll stay with you."

Damn! We're having a whole SCOY reunion. Not complaining. Great actors.  Dr. Chalothorn needs to hurry up and takes his hands off, though. For a boy not yet in love, he sure is jelly.

Ahhh the next previews got me excited! Hurry up and get here. This is so good. Hope you enjoyed the commentary as much as I had fun making it! 💜💜💜

[bl-bracket]

Bracket Stats #6

It's that time again! Reminder that these are the cumultive stats for all the brackets EXCEPT Best Kiss, Best Siblings, and Build-a-BL since those don't fit into this format. Despite being a smaller bracket than recent ones, we still say a lot of new characters and shows being featured this time around!

There have now been 105 different dramas that have been in these brackets. 62 are from Thailand, 13 are from Japan, 4 are from China, 9 are from Taiwan, and 17 are from South Korea.

With this bracket we now had 9 new dramas: 4 from Thailand, 1 from Japan, and 4 from South Korea.

The new dramas are: Boys Be Brave! (South Korea), Choco Milk Shake (South Korea), Deep Night (Thailand), Ossan's Love (Japan), Sing My Crush (South Korea), Tonhon Chonlatee (Thailand), Unintentional Love Story (South Korea), Wandee Goodday (Thailand), and We Are (Thailand)

Choco Milk Shake was previously featured in the Best Kiss bracket, but this is their first time in an individual character bracket like this

There have now been 214 individual characters featured here. 142 from Thailand, 19 from Japan, 15 from China, 14 from Taiwan, and 24 from South Korea

There were 18 new characters featured. 11 from Thailand, 1 from Japan, 1 from China, 1 from Taiwan, and 4 from South Korea

The 10 new characters from Thailand are: Bohn (My Engingeer), Great (Deep Night), Jump (Playboyy), Khem (The Sign), Nawin (Laws of Attraction), Ni (Tonhon Chonlatee), North (Pit Babe), Pol (Kinnporsche), Tan (We Are), Yak (Wandee Goodday), and Yod (A Tale of Thousand Stars)

The 1 new character from Japan is: Haruta (Ossan's Love)

The 1 new character from China is: Gu Xiang (Word of Honor)

The 1 new character from Taiwan is: Meng Shao Fei (HIStory 3: Trapped)

The 4 new characters from South Korea are: Choco (Choco Milk Shake), Hotae (Unintentional Love Story), Im Han Tae (Sing My Crush), Jung Ki Sub (Boys Be Brave!)

If we include characters who have been in multiple brackets: 239 are from Thailand, 28 from Japan, 26 from China, 23 from Taiwan, and 36 from South Korea.

71 characters have been featured at least twice (opposed to 64 before). the average amount of times a character has been featured in a poll is 1.64 times. The most amount of times a character has been featured is 7 which includes Pat (Bad Buddy) and Prapai (Love in the Air).

Kinnporsche: The Series remains the show with the most amount of characters submitted, now with 11 characters (Kim, Kinn, Pete, Pol, Porchay, Porsche, Tankhun, Tawan, Tay, Time, and Vegas)

The average amount of characters per show is 2.03

The actors with multiple characters on the list has remained unchanged with Gun Attaphan, First Kanaphan, and Khaotung Thanawat with the most at 3 each.

Mike Chinnarat has now joined the list of actors with multiples characters with Jack (A Boss and a Babe) and Ni (Tonhon Chonlatee)

Gu Xiang (Word of Honor) is the 13th female character to be featured, and the 1st from China

Yechan (Love Tractor) is the first male character from a Korean Drama to win, previously the only other winner from a Korean Drama was Choi Yuna (Semantic Error), who remains the only female winner. All other winners have been from Thailand or China, with none so far from Japan or Taiwan

[nanamis-bigtie]

i somehow managed to erase it from my memory (khem weird people khem) but i did write two dark content fics, one with incest (well, sort-of, those aren't biological brothers) and one dipping very hard into dub/non-con