#but that's my general feelings about bostonnick after the finale

[thatgirl4815]

I am curious about your thoughts on the Boston Nick storyline in the final episode. I was very happy with the way the show portrayed them. I'm a huge fan of SandRay but Boston Nick is my next favourite "couple" and I am so very much ok with the last scene of them. I saw some outrage here about the show doing Boston dirty but I cannot relate at all. I love Boston as a character since EP 3 and Nick about EP 2. I think their final conflict with Boston still being selfish and although he knows what Nicks expectations regarding a relationship but still leading him on (hence the lying about he was just in the bathroom) is so in character that the break up seems so deserved. The problem was never that Boston sleeps around. It's about him doing things although he knows that they will hurt those people that love him. Accusations that the show was constantly slutshaming him I frankly cannot grasp. I was very impressed by the way Boston Nick was handled (writing, directing and most of all acting-wise). A "sad ending" if it is built up well is in my eyes much better than a happy ending that is forced (glancing at Top Mew). So how are your thoughts on this pair?

I also like the way that BostonNick has turned out, even if I think that the way we got there, particularly in this episode, felt a little rushed. I wrote up some predictions before the series aired and one of those predictions was that Boston would end up alone and Nick would find someone new to be with, which isn't exactly what happened but is ultimately pretty close...I'm glad the show didn't settle for a "every couple gets a happy ending!" because realistically Nick and Boston were always on different paths.

I found Boston and Nick's interactions in the first half of this episode very cute, and very demonstrative of Boston's willingness to change. What bothered me--and I assume it bothered many people--was when Boston showed no hesitation in pursuing Boeing. Even when Boeing asked if Boston's boyfriend would be okay with this, Boston brushed it aside, despite knowing that Nick would most definitely not be okay with it (he might've tried to convince himself otherwise, but deep down Boston knew that this was the whole problem with their relationship in the first place).

I agree with you completely that Boston's promiscuity is not the problem here; it's the lying about the promiscuity that creates so much conflict. Boston is selfish, but wanting to casually hook up with multiple people while committed to a partner isn't a selfish move in itself if both members of the couple are okay with it. Boston does what he wants with no regard for how others might react to it, because in the end it's about what he wants in the moment. He even says that he prefers to live in the present, and that's one of the biggest warning signs that he isn't made for long-term, monogamous relationships (at least not right now).

As I said, my problem is more with execution this episode, because I would've preferred if we could've dwelled more in the effects of Boston's behavior and possibly even seen a bit more struggle on Boston's part in trying to stay with Nick. Instead, we have Boston immediately pursuing someone else right after he said he's going to change. I understand the point there, but I think showing Boston struggling with that would've drawn attention to the fact that he's just not into this kind of a relationship, even though he was trying. It would also villainize him less, which I realize might not be the point, but I would've liked to see more of an effort when other potential suitors are present.

Agreed that TopMew was ultimately forced. After the cheating, everything spiraled, and it felt like the show wanted them together so badly that they were basically straining for it. I will admit I am biased, but to me the only couple that really settled into their ending was SandRay. TopMew felt like they were missing something major throughout the series, and BostonNick ended in a place that made sense but that could've been better developed with more time. Not only with Boston but with Nick too--I want to see more of Nick's realization that he should pursue what's best for him. We saw a little bit of that with his conversation with Sand, but I wanted just a bit more.

Lastly, about how the series has treated Boston...I've also seen a lot of discussion back and forth about whether he was a target of the narrative or whether he was treated justly by the narrative. In my opinion, we're meant to feel a ton of conflicting feelings about Boston. There's anger and hate for what he did to Mew, bitterness about all that he's put Nick through, but amidst all of that I do feel that he was owed an apology from Cheum. I don't think the narrative has necessarily painted Boston's lifestyle as problematic, but I think the characters have. Time and time again characters made points about how Boston sleeps around, but I wish they would've realized at the end that it isn't that Boston sleeps around--it's the way he manipulates others and lies to them, often using sex. There could've been more recognition and awareness from the other characters about what exactly Boston's problem is. I also know that Jojo has made comments before about showcasing this specific kind of lifestyle for a gay man, so I think the intention was not to paint Boston's promiscuity as a negative, but to show how he's essentially weaponized it to his own selfish ends. Regardless of how we got there, I'm glad we see that conversation between him and Mew where Mew says that he must make an internal change. Boston can sleep with as many people as he wants, but he has to contend with his own selfishness and dishonesty.

Anyways whew that was a long answer, sorry. We built up to this ending with Boston and Nick even though there was hope that they might turn out. In the end, I think I just wanted a more seamless transition into this ending for them.

[bird-inacage]

This is finally my review on GMMTV's wildly popular 'Only Friends' which saw out 2023 in style. I do realise this is almost a year since it's release, but I find that time often allows for more objectivity.

Let me start by saying that the buzz and anticipation for this show was immense. The raunchier offering was a departure from GMMTV's typical affair, paired with the understandable hype over a powerhouse of a cast. The excitement reflected an obvious appetite for messier queer relationships to be explored on screen.

I personally had a great time overall with this series, and was highly entertained throughout by the drama. The story isn't airtight, but the plot packs in plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes (and I was repeatedly caught off guard). I give kudos to any show that can keep me guessing. The pacing is mostly consistent, with a lot of story packed into 12 episodes. It allows for sufficient character trajectories to be explored and concluded. The final Boeing arc could have made a bigger impact if it had been signposted sooner.

The main couple here are Mew and Top, but both SandRay and BostonNick get a decent distribution of screen time. I've found the general consensus to be that Mew and Top's relationship is the least interesting of the three, and I would agree. You do get very different flavours and conflicts with each couple, as well as complex layers across this entangled web, so there's likely something for everyone.

The lessons learned by our characters is what I feel this show does really competently. We follow them as they royally fuck-up, they fail, learn and grow. The arcs depicted feel very relatable. How can you continue to love someone after they've hurt you? Should you allow your feelings for someone to determine your own self worth? Should you try to change yourself for love? What does it mean to love selflessly, or selfishly? Can friendship and love exist hand-in-hand?

Out of three main couples, two survived. I think Boston and Nick going their separate ways was the only satisfactory ending they could've gotten. Mew choosing to no longer stay friends with Boston was also incredibly valid. When people hurt us, sometimes they can be forgiven, but sometimes they cannot - and that's a valuable lesson in itself.

This is a very strong ensemble cast. The standouts for me are Khaotung and Neo. Khaotung's range is masterful to watch. Neo gave us one of the best villains I've seen in a while. Boston was an absolute joy to hate. What I loved about their performances is you could tell how much fun they were having. I also have to shout out Force, who did a brilliant job of making me utterly loathe Top. But I must stress that it's a real treat to have a cast where everyone pulls their weight.

The series also makes the effort to portray many side dynamics that I hugely appreciated. I thought Ray and Mew's friendship was told beautifully. I adored Nick and Sand's platonic affection for one another. I liked seeing the healthy parental dynamics Sand and Mew have with their respective mothers. Yo's friendship with the younger cast is lovely. The only player I think was glaringly under-utilised is Namcheum. Her character fell really flat in comparison, and didn't add much value to the friendship group. Considering she was one of our few female characters, her presence was rather forgettable.

I'll do a special mention on First and Khaotung, as they are my faves.

Acting Performance: What I commend First and Khaotung on is the ying/yang extremes of Sand and Ray. Sand is a role that requires a lot of restraint. First was told by P'Jojo on a number of occasions that he couldn't cry. To hold in and hold back, and still emote with range and nuance is super challenging. While Ray needs the opposite treatment; to be outwardly explosive across all his emotions. Khaotung put himself through the absolute wringer to bring Ray to life, and it shows. Their fight scene in Episode 10 still gives me goosebumps every time I watch it. (Note: I can't get over how suitably giddy P'Jojo looks when watching them act).

Pairing Rating: [A FIERY ROLLERCOASTER] This pairing is all about peaks and troughs, ups and downs. But ultimately we see two people who truly complement each other and balance one another out.

P'Jojo has a very distinctive voice in terms of direction, which really permeates in every element of the show. He had a clear vision and that intent translates. Stylistically, this was right up my street, and is very palatable for today's audience. From the visually dynamic sets to character styling, there's individuality but also cohesion. The music choices are superb. The opening and end credits were striking.

Editing: This show does some playful things with the way it edits, especially when it comes to montages. The 'interview' shots at the beginning of the series offer us an efficient insight into Mew's POV, but is not utilised again. At times these choices can feel experimental.

Music: Khaotung's OST track 'Let's Try' is a bonafide banger. Khao really is out here to prove his astounding range, as I had no idea this was him when I first heard it.

>>>

FINAL THOUGHTS: This series isn't one I've rewatched from start to finish since it's release - though I have returned to Firstkhao's scenes again and again. Rewatch value is always an interesting factor I like to ponder - especially the why. I think this is one of those shows where it's impact hits most on first watch, but doesn't pack as much punch a second time round. Some people hope there will be a Season 2, but I'm not sure if that would be a good idea, considering our characters have come to a comfortable conclusion in their arcs, and any further disturbance to their stories may feel unwarranted.

(Disclaimer: These are just my own opinions. It goes without saying that one still can enjoy a show for all its successes as well as recognising its shortcomings).

[jenyifer]

Boston deserves his “friends” back (this is the BostonMew portion)

Mew it’s finally your turn to hop in the brain soup pot with our Chaos boy Boston. No drowning allowed.

Disclaimer: the reason I don’t talk about Mew is because he reminds me of my ex. I don’t want to go into deep detail because it’s not necessary. However I think it colors my world against Mew in general. But I’m going to talk about Boston’s relationship towards him.

Boston and Mew both have this photo and I think this is an indication that to both of them their friends are their Chosen family. There isn’t a photo of Mew and his moms next to this. There isn’t a photo of Boston and his mother or father he does have a little Statue of Liberty but that’s about it. I believe to both Mew and Boston their bonds with the other friends feel alot deeper than acquaintances. Mew depends on Boston to drive everyone home. Mew and Cheum can’t drive and Ray is a drunk. Mew also likes to have Boston about to live vicariously then judge. I think mew did enjoy Bostons persona. Boston did love Mew. He didn’t want Top to sleep with him initially. Boston wanted Top again not for Top to take Boston’s “sweet virgin” friend. Boston tells Top when things fall apart Boston will be there for Mew. Boston also tries telling Top not to get Mew too drunk.

Wont it benefit Boston for Mew to be drunk? Make it easier for Boston to steal Top. Speaking of that I know you are saying no friend would fuck their buddies boyfriend. But I’m going to make some assumptions about their friendship buckle up Boston is Besties with Ray and I feel like they have been friends longer maybe it’s just because Boston takes care of Ray from time to time but for this let’s say BostonRay are old friends. When Mew and Cheum joined their friend group Mew immediately started passive aggressively started judging Boston tries to get him to change. To Boston this is fun. He’s never going to sleep with Mew but he likes a game. Boston likes the competition with Mew it allows him to play like Mew is his annoying older brother. When Top chooses Mew over Boston things get a little too real and Boston second guesses himself. On top of all of that Bostons own emotions are…. Strange because he’s been sleeping with the same guy and not getting bored of Nick. I think this also pushed him to want to get plowed by Top. Sleeping with top was to boost his own confidence and hopefully speed up the inevitable breakup of Top and Mew so Boston can comfort Mew and have their group go back to normal. But this failed. So Boston tried to pretend that him and top never happened because it’s embarrassing and Bostons feelings for Nick are increasing.

I think from Mew’s stand point he had trusted Boston to some extent. He gives Top a dating time limit after Boston told him Top hasn’t dated anymore for more than 3 months. Mew also probably thought Boston does approve of Top since he brought Top to work on the hostel. Mew does care about Boston more than Ray I think because of him also considering Boston part of his chosen family. He is hardcore pushing for BostonNick to happen more so than Sand even. Mew wants BostonNick to happen because Nick is useful and sweet. Mew can see a future where TopMew BostonNick go on dates because Boston will always be part of Mew’s life whether Boston wants it or not.

When Mew used Nick he 100% knew what he was doing. What could hurt Boston the most? Using someone who had melted that outer shell to find out secret details about Boston. Mew KNEW what Boston had told them about Nick was a fucking lie. Usually Boston nails and bails but Nick was special so the perfect tool for Mew to manipulate. Nick was the only person who knew Nick better than Mew in mews mind.

I think Mew was incredibly hurt by Top specifically cheating with Boston because Mew had viewed Boston as his brother who at the end of the day did care about Mew, Ray, & Cheum. Even after Mew gets his revenge on Boston and blackmails him back into his friend group it’s not the same. Boston is held at arms length.

Not even supposed to go a party being thrown by his friends Boston is just there to be controlled put away because Mew only needs Boston in his “friend” role as man for Mew to judge. I do find it interesting Boston doesn’t attack Mew here. He just quietly leaves then Runs upstairs to see Ray when shit goes down. Boston cares about his friends still he misses them. I think he’s hoping eventually Mew will forgive him. That he will have been punished enough to be apart of the family again. But if ep9 and preview of ep10 are anything to judge by Mew and Ray are going to continue to be shit “friends” until Boston makes it up to them. Only going to get more complicated if Atom speaks out about him hooking up with Boston. I do hope Nick helps get Boston back with his friends. I want chosen family date nights to be a thing all 8 of them.

I hope that soup made sense and I wasn’t too mean to Mew. Let me know though.

[jenyifer]

Only friends 8/10 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

About a group of friends and the destruction of that friend group in a web of lies betrayals and revenge. The music and sets are beautiful amazing I literally listened to every song they carefully choose for each scene it was genius. Every character was morally grey and complex. Really showed queer stories. I’m a lesbian and there was many many times I could see my own life experiences in the characters. You will find a character to relate to and many of them you will fall in love with for whatever reason. The acting was fantastic ForceBook FirstKhaotung NeoMark deserve all the recognition and awards for their performances. I was surprised at the realism and twists the story took which is very rare for me I have to watch sci-fi horror films at home because I’ll guess the ending and get bored but who would have guessed a Thai Bl would stump me multiple times. I won’t change BostonNick’s story line to me their scenes even with being cut short with what feels like major parts missing is a 10/10. A real journey of the heart and I was hurt and also in love with the conclusion. The series is worth watching again and again for them.

Now…. You’ll notice it isn’t a 10/10… I’m going to get honest with you after the break. So If you don’t want my critique then leave.

I’m going to talk about my grips and how I’d fix them now and why I can’t I’m good conscious forgive these things.

1. Loss of the each episode for a character like the interviews or social media. I felt like these would have given us another angle on those boys. I understand they were trying to edit for the fans but… it is extremely sad. The first 4 episodes are perfection in my opinion.

2. Cheum is terrible lesbian representation. She’s a terrible character. I hate to think this is what queer men think lesbians are. She disappointed me over and over. I’d rather her not be in the story at all.

3. The glossing over of Boston’s torture throughout the series. Mew Cheum and Ray should have apologized to him. I wish Mew and Ray had been better friends in general I felt like I wanted to see the trio trying to incorporate eachother in their lives before the final episode. I wanted to believe at some point they cared for eachother. I wanted them to miss Boston when he was gone and to be guilty for what they fucking did.

4. Top and Mew terrible pairing. Mew is my least favorite character of all time. I have alot to relate to mew on. But he never became a character I could root for. Vindictive and Spiteful. I don’t know if he loved top or not. I don’t foresee that relationship lasting. I liked Top but you could see the bland oatmeal coating they gave him half way through I want the messy angry boy. I did want him to gain happiness but I doubt mew could ever give it to him. I will forever skip their boring scenes I’m glad I no longer have a reason to watch them. To fix this I would have made Mew nosey supportive into Ray and Boston’s lives just him being able to have long term friends would have made his character seem like he was capable of affection. To fix the TopMew scenes? Idk they always felt uneven Top tried so hard Mew was never punished for what he did. Mew became a worse person so maybe reverse that.

5. SandRay I love them I truely relate to Ray so deeply. However the way Ray treated Sand over and over wasn’t right. I hated it. His apologies to sand rang hollow he didn’t back them up. Sand adores Ray and I wish Ray adored Sand just as much but that’s not true. I have hope Ray would mature though.

Over all to fix things I would have given it more episodes there was clearly scenes missing structure that should have been there. I think the problem was the ships had to be so segmented from eachother. Top and Mew could have benefited from more of them interacting with Ray and Cheum. The actual friendship bonds explored would have helped. I also wish they hadn’t swept Bostons revenge P and expose account under the board. Ray having real change in attitude towards sand would have been rewarding as well. I hope there is a season 2 so badly. I have to see BostonNick get their healthy happy ending too.