#i'm only on ep 3 but !!! already i know it's one of my favorite dramas of the year

[aylinaliens]

time and him are just right (2022) | episode 1

Mom, I’m home

[mejomonster]

Okay so thai drama updates lol

1. I started We Are the Series. I have mixed opinions but: if you like slice of life college students its EXCELLENT. That is not my favorite story type personally, so i'm kind of on the fence regarding my own attention. But it is a wonderful show at doing what it intends to! It really feels like a big group of friends, like genuinely more like its about friends in college like some slice of life sitcom/regular life show, more than it feels like pure romance. To compare, I loved Theory of Love and liked Cooking Crush and loved Bad Buddy (which all have good friend relationships), but they didn't feel as friend focused. We Are has several romances going on - but! It feels more like a story of "these friends in college and here's their messy romantic lives!" Like Q is Peems best friend, and Q consistently and constantly acts like a protective best friend, while also clearly feeling platonic ONLY for him (if ur queer like me and have a platonic best friend u love then u know what i mean) like theyre super close queer guys while Also feeling like people like that feel as best friends.

Q has a crush on his mentee, but he's got his own personality and hangups so he's playing it pretty hidden - which comes off as incredibly natural behavior, like a real person with a crush, rather than forcing the character to do something Out Of Character for the sake of developing a romance. Peem is interesting, because he's the most trapped in "romance story tropes" with the whole fight Phun thing, slave to Phun except not much, power imbalance and bullying irritation. But the bullying and power play dynamics just piss Peem off - rather than starting a romance. And Peems the first person to make a move, to kiss once they're spending a day/night acting more equal. Letting us know: Peem likes guys, is already okay with that and with making moves, and like Phun may actually want to get to know him a bit now that theyre working out their fight disagreements. (Also as a note, Tan being so openly into Fang a guy makes the friendgroup seem like a bunch of queer friends, like Secret Crush on You or Only Friends, which is a subtle but nice way to establish whats normal for these friends. Toey too, seems a bit flirtatious with most of the guys, and they say he used to be bullied, and he also kind of adds this vibe of these are probably all queer guys who relate to each other in that way).

Like I said, Peem and Phums relationship is maybe the least natural feeling so far, just because theyre kind of being forced through the typical tropes to "develop" their relationship the most, whereas Q and Toey could just as easily not get together despite all thats going on between them - its really going to just depend on if THEY admit their feelings one day. Or Tan and Fang, who act the most like real couples ive known: people with crushes flirting real obvious and asking their crush out, crushes immediately saying yes (if it turns out well). Im sure Tan and Fang will have their relationship hurdles, but its refreshing they are developing like a regular real life relationship... and that we'll get to see them handle hurdles While Together like most real relationships do (rather than hurdles beforehand and Happy Ending once together as is the usual romance story plot). Like PatPran in Bad Buddy i partly loved so much because half the show is spent on them BEING a couple, their Our Skyy is still about them BEING a couple going through everyday relationship highs and lows and teamwork.

I love Tan. At first I felt the worst about him (lol) but now that Im used to the show's vibe, i think he MOST embodies the vibe of real people? And i think thats what the show is going for (also as the acting improves by ep 3, mostly all the characters feel like regular people - especially Q, and Toey once his past gets clearer). Like? Tan is embarrassing over a crush, loudspoken, impulsive about friends but also a good friend, sick of being the third wheel/less valued friend that both loves a lot of friends yet doesnt fully fit in wirh either group hes part of. And in real life he is the romantic option you might easily pick - he's honest about his feelings, friendly, offers to help and dedicate time to his loved ones, obvious in his feelings (doesnt lie or hide), and funny. Whereas Peen (who i think i like most), keeps his own feelings close to his chest and Wants to be in control of making moves, is a people pleaser so he might not show when hes upset or lie that hes fine. Or Q who, very much like many real people with a crush, gradually shows more interest and care but is scared to SHOW his feelings, reveal he cares, or change the relationship and let someone new closer to him.

So yeah. Im on episode 6. I think Peem and Phums actor's best couple (in terms of i had so much fucking fun watching) was Never Let Me Go, since Peems actor was gay batman and Phuns was a bodyguard, it was action heavy and rich boy/poor boy but Really Hammed Up, and it was dangerous like 3 Will Be Free levels, and political. But for slice of life gene? We Are is excellent at feeling comfortable, realistic, and kind to your heart. Low stakes, people that are relatable and make silly realistic messes.

2. Started Only Friends. As usual I love Khaotung and need to go finish watching The Eclipse asap. Its not quite what I expected. I realize I'm a ton like Mew and have no idea what to do with that fucking information. What I can say is, seeing Mew speak his boundaries so upfront and say his opinions on books (relationships in fiction) and say his hesitance to let people close until he can check if theyre trustworthy? His asking Top to stop dating and restart the courting phase, to be 'like friends' with physical boundaries for a while? His basic ass checklist for a partner, that despite being basic healthy standards is so hard to check? Lmao hes meeeee ToT. I dont think they wrote him as demisexual or demiromantic (at least i cant make that judgement by ep 2 where im at), but i am and my needs to start a relationship are a fuckton similar - i need months to get to know someone with no sexy touching, i need to determine if i feel anything (or could if given more time) and if i trust them, i tell people that kind of upfront shit Mew said during the first night with Top. And frankly its comforting to see Mew not immediately get dropped/ignored for doing those things. In my experience, ive definitely had ppl lose interest as soon as they realized i genuinely needed some time to get to know a person before dating. Ive definitely had the fear in the past that if i say any shit like Mew says, even tho its true, that any potential partner will be annoyed and go find someone without those needs.

Now does Mew go too far? Well? Lmao he does kind of want his cake, despite not wanting Top to have it, what with stealing kisses then saying no kisses if Top wants to start them, or testing Top without really telling Top some bare minimum info of like "i want us to get to know each other a certain amount then ill let you know if i like you etc" so at least his partner would know if theyre looking at a timeframe of a year or less, or if Mews just enjoying seeing how long Top will persist until he decides Mew isnt worth the effort if Mew isnt even courting him back (and i do, lowkey, think Mew is playing a power game. Hes not making an effort to meet Tops friends, or take Top on any dates Top might personally prefer, which makes it feel like Mew is pushing to see how much Top will GIVE for even the hope of Mew. Maybe Mew is self sabotaging, and doesnt really believe Top will love him and want a long term relationship, so hes making it hard on Top and not doing anything - like just some pursuit of Top emotionally - to see how long until Top abandons Mew like Mew expects him to. Maybe Mew just finds being in control of the entire relationship hot, and wants to play with a playboys feelings. Or maybe he does really want to see if they fall in love, and just is comfortable putting in less effort than Top since hes not crushing yet or inexperienced in dating and doesnt realize hes not really being equal in effort. (I tend to put somewhat equal effort into getting to know ppl ToT even if im not sure ill like them for a long while).

Or, even, Mew is acting fine as far as Tops shown/told him but Top isnt really confronting Mew about when Mew sets double standards, when maybe the easier thing (on both of them emotionally and honestly) would be if he did. You know how it is lol: rationally, its not fair for Mew to get to physically flirt if Top gets scolded, and Top could just tell Mew to stop doing it until theyre in a relationship. But Top probably enjoys the crumbs of physicality hes getting from Mew, so even though its unfair, hed rather receive it even if Mew holds hin to a different standard.

Mew and Tops relationship is interesting. Also, again, I love Khaotung to pieces. Boston is also interesting, i want to know more about him.

[darlenicy]

Okay, so I watched Winx season 4...

....and I am not okay with it!

These are my full notes & thoughts.... aka one big rant👀

Okay so a quick reminder that I watched the German dub of season 4 so if I mention voice actors it's always the German ones. Oh, and I don't consider anything post movie #1 canon. Okay that's it, thank you. Now let's start the rant.

Episode 1:

the opening cringed right in 🙄

all of a sudden Faragonda comes to mind, that there is another stage of transformation - all of a sudden

the Trix picture in the Hall of Enchantments saved my day

Of course, Bloom has to touch everything again (the curtain in front of the wizards' picture was there on purpose, bloom!)

Winxologie doesn't sound arrogant at all, Tecna

Layla thinks dancing is also a class

"The winx are all totally in love with themselves" Clarice yes, you so right

Amaryl is still with the freshmen 🤣

if Bloom had said she hadn't done it, Faragonda would have believed her - poor Alice isn't extra enough yet to be the teacher's pet. Maybe if she is also the princess of a lost kingdom she eventually has the chance to become Faragonda's new favorite

he (Ogron) talks (has the same voice actor as) like cool cake (Codatorta don't ask why I call him cool cake I just do)

Episode 3:

how ruthless the Winx are (again I forgot what they did. probably them totally failing every fkn job)

zombie stuffed animals wtf girls

these animals are so UGLY and not cute

Episode 4:

why are you so shitty with the boyz? They just want to help you??!! Another hint, that skloom is dammed

no seriously the boys are just there being nice, ready to help and the Winx (mainly Bloom) are UGHHHHH YOU DON'T TRUST US

>:((((((((((

Episode 5

why don't you use fairy dust to turn the ass ugly fairy animals back? Rainbow be like: FCK CONTINUITY!

the Winx are the problem, not the specialists (they treat the boys like shit 😭)

Roxy's dad is lol. how can you have such a bad memory? best thing is calling HELIA -> TOBIAS xD

Why is Musa's bear called Pepe? Wasn't there another name? The name is already taken, Rainbow! :(

Episode 6

why this new hairstyle boys? helia looks so stupid. he was the cute, mysterious cool boy and now he is the freak with the bangs

Episode 8

it's no wonder, that Stella wasn't allowed to drive a car on Solaria. i mean it's stella and i don't want to know how high radius' bill was for all the crashed cars 😂

of course everyone can ride a horse now! Didn't bloom say she can't ride a horse in the 2nd movie? fck continuity

at least Musa is allowed to sing alone in this ep! give musa the musical attention she deserves and fck bloom. give the fire girl an instrument and let musa sing, she's the goddamn fairy of music!

nabu and timmy are the only non toxic bfs lmao i love them

Episode 9

Erendor suuuper inconspicuous

you were on Sparx? Sparx? Not Domino? U sure?

i love Erendor's rant. still why can't he rule? does this man need vacation so badly? why is sky even king? sense come out where u hiding

the bed is minimally exaggerated

Episode 10

Roxy be like: I'm not like you, Bloom. I don't want to be special. lemme be a normal earth girl and chill. no need to make me a PRINCESS IN THE FUTURE *cough*

you're listening to the police radio, Tecna? ok how criminal of you lmao

not Musa being a toxic bitch again. that's why i ship driven

Stella x Musa (even though musa is wrong but this cute. i love when they are sweet with each other. in s1 and s2 they had their problems but since s3 they're such besties)

Episode 11

musa, jason is your producer, not your boyfriend

➡ nothing against age gaps but he is clearly interested in her because she has talent, not because she has boobs

➡ and wTf you HAVE a boyfriend, musa! poor riven, my boi 😭

nabu x layla!!!!! (i will say it again and again, they built them up to destroy them and that is unnecessary drama! 😭

Episode 14

yes musa, short hair does suit you better

➡ also stella saying that long hair is the best thing ever is pretty rude against tecna? but hey, she's cool with it: stella: hair is the most effective weapon of seduction a girl has - Tecna: oh really, i though it was the brain - burrrrrn (in the German dub it's even meaner of stella because she explicitly says LONG hair is the most effective weapon a girl has)

Bloom didn't want to be a fairy at first like Roxy?? gurl, you were totally into it! it was you stupid dream after all

if stella had seen brandon being nice to a girl she's be mad? Ehm, they used to make a game out of who flirts with more people. real stella would chill, s4 stella would explode

yes riven, you just don't have a relationship base this season makes it more obvious than ever

and the animals just stay free in the city? ok...

Episode 15

YOU BROKE UP WITH HIM, MUSA! don't act as if HE was the problem🤯

Also do we see Mitzi as a fairy ever again? no? ok

Episode 16

oh brilliant Faragonda can't solve the mystery of the white circle? loser

who said that Bloom is the one singing? who is the music fairy? i think it's not her for sure!?

WHY DOES BLOOM SING?!

Poor Riven bb

yes Riven, change yourself completely, then everything will be fine. i mean rivusa shipping aside, it's never good to change yourself for another person. musa fcks up just as much as he does. maybe they just have to face that they don't work together? never ever try to become someone you are not. if a person wants YOU to change, better question the relationship with that person

➡ ngl rainbow could have written them better. it's a mystery why they don't make them break up before s7. it's simply not working

bloom has to address twice that she is a clever fairy to sky in case he forgets

➡ WHO HAS TO CALL ONESELF CLEVER AGAIN AND AGAIN MIGHT BE NOT SO CLEVER IRL I DON'T MAKE THE RULES

Episode 17

 Tir Nan Og is near Ireland BUT it's a tropical island. makes sense

ehm is it just me or does Morgana looks exactly like the mermaid queen of andros' whose name i forgot?

hm not even that much. maybe it's the shape of their faces

Episode 18

Roxy is veeeeery emotional

brandon, don't say "you act like ex-lovers", that's very mean

you have been arguing a lot lately, musa? You argue ALL THE TIME!

Episode 19

essential oils or essential fairies? 🤣 why? i can't take them serious with that name. it sounds like "This is eucalyptus, this is peppermint, and this is lavender"🤣

do they build up nabu x layla so lovely, so that the end is even more tragic?? fck you rainbow

not stella patting the snake 🐍🤣 i love how she is not AHHHHH :0 but t AWWWWWW >.<

Episode 21

not musa kissing andy in fkn front of riven!!!

since when has it been the winx's dream to become musicians? since yesterday? ok

ogron, you serious? Don't give them the black circle

not musa worrying they'll be late for their show. i mean girls, it's the world that has to be saved again. fck your damn gig

not the German dub putting the cherry on top again with giving us some extra lines when in the original is just a "huh" when the winx discover sybilla's pan fairy minions:

➡ bloom: cute *v* - stella: ..you really think so? (same girl)

bloom: we have the gIfT oF hEaRt!! Stella: the power of prudence would be a more suiteable one - omg stella slay

riven sings.. he really sings. that proves again which's bf he is

no but seriously it's so nice that the boys want to play out time to make sure the winx will have their performance too later

➡ musa: YOU WANT TO STEAL US OUR SUCCESS!!!! >:(((((( JKLDFHIDHFSFHK they made it to guarantee that YOU can still perform!

Episode preview: The Winx….and Roxy

➡ as much as you try Roxy, you'll never be a Winx 😂

Episode 22

Tecna...

....who put you in that dress???

the wizards are all 4 my boyz and i love them

Episode 23

bloom isn't thinking at all again EWEWEW I WilL fIgHt YoU! Yes, go on. Fight against the fairy of WAR. you sure got good chances. and why she alone? why of all things HER?

nebula: you will pay for your arrogance ➡️ Yes girl

Aurora be like: worried…but for my ice tower!

➡️ love it how she gives no fcks about nebula but is only worried about her home

is it that simple? Roxy just gotta say please please and Morgana is aw okay I won't go on with the war against the humans

black gift: ah good, you can prevent a death, well you certainly won't act in haste i'm sure (spoiler: in the end it's not their fault at all and that is really a plot twist. i already saw bloom saving some stranger just to waste the gift so that nabu has to die. but it's not that case. idk how to feel about it. yaay fairies you did your best?)

Episode 24

Totally normal that a rabbit pays for pizza. wtf Gardenia you all high there?

layla speculating about the future 😭

nebula that ol' bitch was always the fairy of peace - now of war WAHAHA i think that's kinda neat. also nebula is a queen

until he (nabu) awakens?? Isn't he quite dead?

ok he is completely dead. then don't spoil us with little hints of hope that he might open his eyes again ok?

bloom: too baaaaad......not that i could use my dragon flame healing bring ppl bak to live powers on him nooo *whistle*

Episode 25

Layla is now eViL

do these tragic flashbacks have to be???😭😭

Red Fountain?? wtf German dub, it was always Rote Fontäne!, duuuh

another tragic flashback 😭

hard cut and at the end enchantix again? which animator was sloppy here?

nebula is such a queen

layla badass

secret revealed: morgana is roxy's mom - yes come on we ALL saw that coming

we give a fck about continuity again and act as if it wasn't centuries ago that the fairies were defeated at earth WTF. how is it even possibible that morgana was with claus?? sense, wherever you are, COME OUT

Episode 26

to name an episode without ice & fire without having ICY in it, is mean tho

one could have made nebula's and layla's change of mind more exciting

➡️ it was like: Oh, OH we're GOOD again! <3

nebula the real queen and she got what she deserved, i love that

Overall:

yeh this season is so cringe, okay? i watched 26 episodes and i feel like nothing really happened? the plot was so lame and slow. i mean, look what happens in s1-s3 in all the episodes. there was so much more going on. it was just relationship drama and unncecessary i gotta say. if they have to write rivusa so toxic then why don't they simply break them up and give them a harmonic ending? maybe being friends is better for them? also no fan of musa becoming a girly bitch with long hair. give me back my tomboy. i have to say too: a season without the trix is no real season even though the wizards are cool. also faragona is so useless let's don't talk about that. and the winx were teachers for ONE episode and after that they are like: meh no we live now our ugly love and pet life in gardenia. the pets, the PETS. i HATE them. they are so ugly. I mean the pixies had a plot they had to fulfill. they had a SENSE in the winx universe. the pets are just ...ugh. not cute. Then Roxy: my opinion on her: she's a bit over dramatic but fine i guess? still wonder why her wings are so big if she is no believix fairy. nebula, diana and aurora were really cool but come on, we did not really need this season. then the criticism that everyone has: wtf with the second movie. where does it take place? why is nabu alive? why do they have their beliviex? it's just that this season was rushed and the plot was meh. and i know it gets worse so let's face it. winx ended after the first movie and this is an ass ugly boring and lame written ff au.

And yes, I will go on with the detailed comments on s1. these notes here were just randomly taken on my phone and i felt the need to share them.

[moononmyfloor]

Not many Cdramas caught nor retained my attention in the 2nd half of 2022, but the few I did watch were pure gems. However I didn't think I have enough entrees to fill 30 days with, so I cut the number down and also conjoined some. Without further ado here we go!

My C-Drama Review of the 1st Half of 2022

(Concept loosely based on anniedelavoye' s. I did hers last year but then realised I simply cannot submit only one entry per day NOR wait a whole year to do a review. I do things by bulk 😆. So I broke the reviewing into two halves so I can do this with fresher memory and also more dramas will get the spotlight.)

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1. First Drama I finished in the 1st half of 2022

Love Between Fairy and Devil! Lots of praises have already been sung about this show, I don't have anything new to add.🤭

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2. New Favourite Actor/Actress

Zhai Zilu, Zhou Dawei, Wang Youjun, Chang Long.

All caught my attention this year, all very promising! I hope they have successful years ahead! (And please don't end up being evil people :( 🙏)

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3. Best Performance

Wang Xiao and Yan Bingyan as Zhou baba and mama in Examination for Everyone. These two veteran actors brought this two characters and their dynamic to life SO realistically and endearingly, you could almost touch it. It was like seeing my own parents onscreen. Mad respect.

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4. Favorite Drama OST

This is an odd answer but the first few seconds of the opening theme song of Fei Teng Ren Sheng captivated me. I was like: "Hold on. That's one BEAUTIFUL melody?" And I replayed and replayed that part over and over. The rest is good too but it was really the part before the verse that I felt was quite unique.

I also liked this song from Side Story of Fox Volant.

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5. Most Watched Genre

I think I should remove this question here onwards. I never pick a drama by genre, I have no aversion to almost any. I do have a preference to Period dramas and Slice of Life but they are not really taken to account if everything else about the story doesn't appeal to me. So this question goes nowhere and indicates nothing in my case.

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6. A Drama I Dropped

Light Chaser Rescue. Its first episode was one of the most annoying I have ever seen in my life. The ML cool-hero driving and the FL sassy-heroine force hitching a ride and the entire sequence of the car crash rescue had me 🙄. A show either has to own up the wackiness or should be full on realistic, for me. This was neither here nor there.

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7. Favorite Character of 2022 2nd Half

I don't think there was anyone I fell head-over-heels for this time, but did like Madam Danchuan in New Life Begins a lot. I just love her aura of power, how fiercely protective she's of her women, AND how she will always allow you to have the final choice. She never forces her authority to make decisions for others, no matter how good she might internally think it'd be for you.

I also liked Bai Lu a lot, she's just a minor character but she stood out most to me among the Solar Term girls. She's sassy, and I think if I am to travel into NLB verse I'd like to be Bai Lu. Just like her I don't particularly care for men, I want to mind my own business and just chill with my jiejies lol.

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8. Best Cinematography

I should remove this question too because I feel like I'm not professional enough for this, haha. Sometimes I love the visuals of some dramas only to find out that from technical aspects it actually sucked.

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9. An Older Drama I Watched

Red Sorghum (2014). It's a CRIME that Red Sorghum's drama version has only ep 1 eng subbed, but also, having watched the movie I know how brutal it can get so maybe its a good thing only ep 1 is subbed, and after all ep 1 ends in a kind-of conclusive place so it does feel like a standalone story of its own, and I HIGHLY recommend watching it.

Do yourself a favor and watch this single ep because baby Zhou Xun and baby Huang Xuan are SO CUTE! Like toe-curlingly cute, I was squealing the whole time! 😍😍😍😍😍😍

Also it has some GORGEOUS backdrops!

https://youtu.be/zh55pwzBNag

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10. A Drama that kept Me on Edge

Nothing really. I mean I did eagerly wait everyday for new eps of NLB and Da Kao but that's not the same.

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11. A Drama Location I Want to Visit

I kind of want to visit Hengdian replicas of real locations, then visit the actual thing (such as Forbidden City) and try to compare and contrast lmao. I wonder how similar they are!

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12. A Popular Drama I Didn't Enjoy

Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty. Not due to any particular fault of the drama itself, the production and visuals and aesthetics all were excellent, and all the ingredients were right there. I simply felt it didn't particularly offer anything I haven't already seen. The first ep reminded me strongly of Legend of the Demon Cat, which was a movie I loved a lot and still had a pretty fresh memory of. Sometimes strong acting and unique execution will carry a story that is otherwise pretty tried-and-tired, but unfortunately that was not the case here either.

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13. Best Scriptwriting and Directing

Though I wouldn't say they were the best overall scripts, New Life Begins had the BEST female character writing I've seen in ages, and Da Kao (Exam for Everyone) had the most thorough writing of family dynamics.

Directing-wise, I liked what I saw but nothing that particularly blew my mind.

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14. Best Production

The Long River. Even though I didn't get to properly see it yet, I heard they made an artificial Yellow river simulation for all the flooding scenes and there are LOTS of those scenes in this drama and... whew. It's not often you get a proper serious historical drama and when you do, it's usually difficult for any other drama to beat them production scale wise anyway😆.

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15. A Drama that Made Me Laugh

Mr. Bad. The "character from a story comes to real life and messes with the other lead's life" premise will always be full of potential for unhinged shenanigans, and Mr.Bad doesn't fail. The main leads are so fun and the dynamic never boring, and Chen Zheyuan is SUCH a hoot with his expressions.

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16. A Drama that Made Me Cry

NLB and Da Kao did, but they were more like tears of exhilaration. Instead lemme share this very good crying scene by Wang Yibo and Wang Jinsong in Being a Hero haha.

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17. Most Satisfying Drama

New Life Begins owns my whole heart and soul! You can read my review for ep 1-14 here, and my current opinion of the drama remains the same if not better!

Even though it is a fluffy and ahistorical drama, lots of "proper" period dramas could learn from NLB about how to write your women as intelligent, dimensional individuals and not caricatures fallen victims to irrational jealousy and hatred. Since it's a feel good romcom everything always turn out for the better and that may not always be the case in history, yes. But this approach that these women tried to make a difference still holds valid regardless the genre.

You should learn that Past =×= 100% Oppression, 0% fighting back when it came to women, the same way Modern times doesn't mean 0% Oppression and 100% feminism (laughs in sarcasm). The foundations of how far we have come has been laid since centuries ago, AND there are lots of fronts that we have actually backtracked/regressed in compared to the past as well. Progressiveness is rarely linear.

Ok I digressed. Back to review 🤭.

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18. Most Dissapointing Drama

Hu Tong. Life in Beijing hutong neighbourhood across eras told through 3 women of 3 generations of a family is quite possibly one of of the most interesting premises I've heard, but the first episode dissapointed me thoroughly with its unconvincing, in your face and over the top characters and storyline. Such potential, gone down the drain. If the drama didn't take itself seriously, neither would the audience.

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19. Favorite Wardrobe

Hao Jia's wardrobe in NLB and Dongfang Qingcang's in LBFAD. The fine details and embroidery are 😘🤌. 100% would wear both styles, depending on the day lol.

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20. A Drama That Deserves a Shoutout

Our Times. An omnibus type of drama where you'll be told slice of life stories of people in such interesting and niche jobs that you rarely get to see portrayed realistically in dramas. Such as traditional Chinese theatre dancers, or a sports coach in a rural area with minimal facilities. Also if you get uninterested with one story you can jump few episodes ahead to the next, so that's kind of a plus too, haha.

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21. A Drama that Taught Me New Things

Are You Safe. Taught me lots of valuable tips about cyber safety. Unfortunately that was the only positive thing about this drama and I think it won't be presumptuous to say literally 99% people who watched it will agree with me.

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22. Best Relationship

The care and nuance all the families were written in The Examination for Everyone was through-the-roof excellent. Unnecessarily stereotyped toxic Asian family portrayals out, empathetic and 3D Asian parent-children dynamics in! Gosh, I saw myself, my family, my society, my culture in this drama. Thank you and much love.

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23. A Drama I Wanted to Watch but Couldn't

The Long River. No subs 😭

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24. An Upcoming Drama that I'm Excited for

JoL 2 and Under the Microscope! 🤩 (Please come 😭)

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[isekai-crow]

Doctor Elise Ep 3-4

I cannot express enough how fun of a potato chip this show is. I had a fever this week and this was a great lil show to watch that didnt require me to think.

As a self proclaimed shonen bro whose not normally into shojos, I enjoyed the manga, and the anime is doing a good job despite not being one of the "big names". It might also be my love of medical dramas from the early 2000s peaking in. I can turn my brain off to watch it and just have fun by going "WTF w h y", and poking fun at how broken some aspects of this world are while still thoroughly enjoying it.

It's definitely the kind of show that probably won't hold up to scrutiny for the world building, so. Just. Don't think too hard about the specifics of what's happening! Then the power fantasy pieces won't break through your suspension of disbelief! Because IV bags did not exist during the Crimean War in the 1800s which seems to be where this fantasy setting is taking place.

But I'm gonna go and point out all the broken bits below because its so much fun (not bashing at all!).

Also my favorite boy shows up! Doctor Graham!! We love a boy whose not there to be a rival or love interest, and respects the Lady and they get to be bros!

Look at this silver haired ponce of a bishonen, he's delightful, ascot and all!

He's voiced by Hosoya, Yoshimasa - Rainer Braun from Attack on Titan, Nezumi from NO.6, WOLFWOOD FROM THE NEW TRIGUN STAMPEDE!! Tokoyami from BNHA, and Sousuke from Free!

DAMN THEY PICKED A GOOD VOICE FOR MY BOY.

More spoilers/screen shots below the cut!

Elise shows up for work as Rose at the No Cultural Touchstone For Mother Teresa Hospital, the genius young doctor Graham is supposed to take care of her but he's busy and assumes like everyone else that a young well-off lady will run from the sight of blood soon enough, and so sticks her in the HOSPICE WARD.

HHMMMM I WONDER WHY ALL THESE PEOPLE ARE ON THEIR DEATH BEDS???? COULD IT PERHAPS BE... UH... SANITARY REASON?? SHOULD HOSPITALS BE SANITARY??? NAHHHH THE DIRTY ROTTING BANDAGES ON THE FLOOR AREN'T MAKING THINGS WORSE, NO WAAAAAAAAY.

These poor overworked shift nurses seem to have no idea what they're doing, but thankfully we have a returner with concepts of modern day sanitation who cleans the place up!

She then finds a dude with bed sores and realizes no one knows what SEPSIS IS, and is like. Get me a scalpel, it's my first day, I've never held a scalpel in my read:this life, I'M DOIN' A SURGERY TODAY. I'VE GOT GALAXY BRAIN TO HELP ME.

I love these shots they're great.

SHE PROCEEDS TO CUT INTO THE DUDES BACK LIKE SHE'S DRAWING FREE FORM SELECTION ON MS PAINT AND THEN JUST HITS CTRL-X DELETE.

That's not A tissue, that's HIS (necrotic) tissue! I sure hope this dude has pain killers or is drunk off his ass with vodka because DAMN.

All the other in-patients are so happy she's here, they feel better already with her bright and happy personality! Normally this would feel really creepy and sexist, but this juuuuuust squeaked by as not coming off that way.

Jump cut to the King! Only 12 people in this world know what diabetes is! How is Elise going to get away with having known about it?? Probably more hand waving!!

Now, we either get a time skip, or she's literally been working all night, but Dr. Graham walks in on her dozing, thinks he's got the wrong place, and proceeds to scold her for performing surgery without permission. But then he takes her on rounds and we're in a medicial show!!!!

IS THAT A FUCKING IV BAG?

IT IS!!!! THOSE WEREN'T INVENTED UNTIL THE LATE 1800s!! At least its a glass bottle, and not a plastic bag like I initially assumed?? But I guess the Crimean War was in the 1850s and this type of open glass bottle IV was from the 1900s so... Wooo Fantasy Europe!! -waves hand rapidly to shoo you on-

This man is having a time trying to figure out what the fuck. But he's pretty.

It takes him a bit to come to terms with her abilities but then he's just so happy to have another Doctor Bro who Actually Cares that he's behind her with full support! Which yay! But also becomes a tool of sorts, to kind of hand wave away the concept of sexism in the medical field to the point where it doesn't seem to exist. Which is also what makes this such a light show, because it doesn't even try to handle said topics, it just erases them completely with regards to medicine.

Equal numbers of men and women as doctors! The women aren't relegated to nurses! Yay! No critical thinking needed here.

My favorite part of this though, is that they DO tease at it. When Elise makes a different call from the doctor she's following in Ye Olde ER, he kind of stutters and is flabbergasted and panicked, while the female doctor is immediately like, I GOTCHU SIS, and steps in to help her as she proceeds to STAB A DUDE IN THE CHEST WITH A SYRINGE.

She's so pretty with blood on her face.

We're in episode 4 by this point, and its the "Festival Episode" common to many isekai romance manhwas, but of course, Elise is a doctor and so she's working the ER instead of attending.

However this is the episode that proves there is magic in the world, and WE GET A SECOND VA FOR THE PRINCE. He transforms into "Lord Ron". We also get a glimpse of his tragic back story!

His bodyguard gets a knife pulled on him and THEN A GUN. New Technology Discovered: Guns! I should hope they had those figured out before IV tech, but you think they'd know about general sanitation being important as well.

Dude's been shot in the SPLEEN!!! OW MY SPLEEN! They don't have a splenectomy in Fantasy Europe, oh no!

Elise puts up such a persuasive argument, and the dude is dying, so they might as well let her try to save him. And look, the prince Lord Ron has field surgery experience and offers to help!

SUDDENLY THERE IS ELECTRICITY. WHAT WERE THOSE OIL LAMPS IN THE GRIMEY DEATH WARD???

MS PAINT SCALPEL FTW!! It's not bad for the limited time they likely had to anime each episode, and the fact that they're putting more emphasis on the conversations. For comparison, this scene in the manga ↓

Surgery is a success! Yay! Elise is asked to write up a report abotu the surgery as it will be the first ever recorded splenectomy.

and then. Blushing Prince is Adorable, even in disguise. Love us some blushing boys.

But by far the most accurate part of this show so far...

Even in a Fantasy Europe Hospital the doctors have shitty handwriting lmfao

[mikuni14]

Only Friends Ep 1

Mybe it's because I watched Only Friends right after Laws of Attraction and Be My Favorite, which delighted me, but Only Friends, unfortunately, did not impress me. If you're a fan who can't stand criticism of your favorite series, you can stop reading here 😉

Compared to these two series, OF seemed to me lacking in imaginativeness, originality and, worst of all, entertainment. I literally had the feeling that most of these scenes, the dynamics between the characters and actors, I've already seen (including Sand's room, which I've seen in at least 3 series before lol), how many characters like Ray, Top, Boston and their token girl friend have I seen? First and Khao play almost identical characters as in The Eclipse, and Force and Book give the same vibe as in ABAAB. Conversations in OF mostly seem flat and about nothing. The characters have nothing interesting about them, they are one-dimensional and painfully stereotypical, and their lives are simply boring. But maybe that's how it's supposed to be? Maybe they are like all the young people out there? But then again, I watched series about young people living like those in OF, and yet I wasn't so bored! What also strikes me is how unlikable these characters seem to be (except Sand I think?). And yes, including Mew, who is portrayed as a "good, sensitive guy", only the plot contradicts itself, because if Mew really was like that, he wouldn't have invited Top over and started making out with him in the first place. And the "sensitive types" fall in love AFTER CUDDLING, not after sex lol and again I must ask, if Mew thinks so anyway, then why did he invite Top over in the first place???? The most relatable character is Sand, I literally felt tired and annoyed with these kids, just like him. The only interesting character to me was Nick, who also had the most interesting scenes, perfectly showed crushing on someone and was the only one to have an sort of innovative story (I don't think I've ever seen hitting on a guy like this in the BL series before?). Besides, despite many sex scenes, only his were hot for me 😋 for real, I didn't know that he can be so passionate and kiss like that!

Will I keep watching? Yes, I intend to, because maybe just 1st episode is like that and later it will be better. And of course I want to watch it for Mark who is just wonderful and who I've been a fan of since MR. TIWSON 👑. But for me, to make a drama about sex that isn't just irrelevant background and an excuse to show hot scenes, you have to have an interesting story to tell and/or at least be entertaining (like Bed Friend or even, and I can't believe I'm writing this, TharnType 😬). I just don't see this interesting story at the moment, although it may eventually appear 🤷‍♀️

[ruiniel]

TYSM again for your encouraging words on the WIP, and for allowing further discussions! :D So, just to let you know right off the bat that it's a heavily centred Al x fem!FC (fan character) fic playing on the typical 'girl ends up at castle' setting (I truthfully didn't have the faintest clue that this was basically a trope going into the fandom! :O My heart kinda sank, ngl, thinking I had something vaguely original, buuut... I was crazy deep into the idea already and it gave me such a dopamine boost that the problem practically became a "Ahh, screw it, gonna write it anyway!" situation. ^^; Anyhoo, everything is canon compliant until S4 (it's a bit of a reimagining - starts in Al's scene in the first ep). The first chapter is a bit weak 'cause it's mainly just the entire scene in word format with a few altered bits. Purposely done though, in order to 'merge' the story into canon, so to speak... <.<; After that, however, everything will be new text until the end-ish. This does effect the length of the timeline, by... a couple months(?) so I'm hoping it's not too farfetched (I must actually rewatch some parts to see just how badly it alters it <.<; ), but even if so... Eh? (Shrugs)

*Coughs* Needless to say, it's a very self-indulgent fic. I just really adore the idea of Al in this kinda setting; getting to know someone new completely after the trauma he endured without too much interference from the rest of the world, thus allowing them both to grow close, share their stories, and just to... heal, cut loose, be 'themselves' ;) and just... to play! (Because there's gonna be decent chunk of that happening). I know CV's not exactly the most fluff-filled series, but it has its moments, and I wanna add to it 'cause I'm soft like that and I just want good things for our boi...

That being said, there will indeed be plenty'a angst, hurt/comfort, drama, S4!Horse is a prominent character, and a boatload of fluff... I'm also delving deep into the effects of trauma, fear and loss and how they influence a person's actions and thoughts (just hope I can pull them off realistically enough ^^; ).

But yeah, that's pretty much the gist of it without going into TOO much detail. It has become my baby so I do wanna continue it, if even just for myself. ^^; Thank you again, though for allowing this! :D Really appreciate it! <3

glad to share and what you have planned here sounds fab! ah on 'ending up at the castle' - don't feel discouraged lmao i wrote it too, and wasn't the only one! i still like it and what happens from there is always different even if the context is the same, each fanwriter has their own additions/interpretations of the characters. i'm doing this fun little project with a friend (lotr fandom) we're writing the same story but with different endings. we use the same OFC, same pairing, canon MC with the same affliction. we read each other's chapters so far and trust me they're very different. it's a fun exercise both for us and people who follow both stories. I think you give two people identical starting points and you'll usually get two different stories anyway and we readers love more of a favorite type of cake (at least I know I do)

It'll be your unique spin, glad you're continuing it! the S4 horse dlfkdlof poor boi did so much for that happy ending, deserves the attention! happy writing, let me know how it goes!

[dragonsareawesome123]

2, 5, 8, 19 & 25 for the end of year tv shows asks!

2. Favorite TV show you’ve watched/discovered this year.

-I'm gonna exclude Bad Buddy from this bc only the last few eps aired this year and say A Tale of Thousand Stars and Triage. I actually put off watching ATOTS for a bit bc the plot synopsis on MyDramaList didn't really interest me but boy was I wrong about that initial first impression bc it's now my number 2 fav BL, closely after Bad Buddy. Rich college boy almost dies, gains a new perspective on life, and decides to go teach in a poor village and meets and falls in love with another guy there. Lots of pining, staring and fated romance ensues and creates a story so romantic and emotionally moving, helped by Earthmix's incredible chemistry. It's the BL to me that feels most like reading a really good romance novel. What's not to love? Triage is now my number 3 fav BL (topping WOH, which surprised me bc I didn't think that I'd be moving WOH from that spot for a good while). Resident doctor gets trapped in a time loop and can't get out until he saves the life of a rich college boy, and in the process, falls in love with him of course. However while trying to do so, the resident doctor discovers that this may not be that simple as he begins to uncover a whole conspiracy that's been happening right under his nose. I've been hyperfixating on this show for months now and still am (although I think Never Let Me Go coming out in a little over a week might pull me out of that bc I'm already going feral over that show). It's time loop medical drama romance with murder and corrupt higher ups and it's also basically a spinoff of Manner of Death since they take place in the same universe and this show sets up the plot of Manner of Death's sequel, Transplant. Tin and Tol are my blorbos who I would die for and I'm so happy that they got to have their happy ending after the hell they went through to get it (They better have a cameo in Transplant where they're just vibing like Tanbun's cameo in Triage). Honestly I've already said so much about this show these past few months so I'll just leave it at that before I start writing a dissertation about how much I love this show. Am just gonna add that I'm very mad about AIS Play for making this show basically impossible for international fans to watch legally. I hope they make this show more accessible to international fans sometime in the near future especially since it's gonna be necessary to watch this before watching Transplant.

5. Favorite ship you discovered this year.

-Tian and Phupha from A Tale of Thousand Stars and Tin and Tol from Triage. Village gays and time loop gays my beloveds <3 (Also thank you P'Aof for giving Phutian back to me next year even if it's just for an ep!!! ATOTS special ep let's go!!!!!)

8. A ship that finally got (back) together this year.

-Erin and James from Derry Girls!!! I'm so happy that Season 3 confirmed that they were each other's endgame romances. Oh, and also while this hasn't aired yet, it's gonna start and finish airing by the end of the month, so also Lyra and Will from His Dark Materials. I know their romance doesn't really last that long because I've read the book but it's still going to be incredibly sweet and heartbreaking while it lasts.

19. A TV show that shouldn’t have been cancelled this year.

-First Kill. FUCK Netflix for cancelling this show when it literally had the views! Netflix hates sapphics and it shows.

25. Rec me a TV show I should watch next year!

-Hm, well I'd obviously recommend Triage to everyone bc it's truly one of the best BLs of the year and it's criminally underrated. I'd also recommend GMMTV's The Gifted and The Gifted: Graduation bc they're just so good. It's a series about a school with a program where they basically train kids with superpowers. Nanon Korapat plays the main protagonist and he's absolutely INCREDIBLE in it. It's not a BL but there is definitely something gay going on between Nanon and Chimon's characters, especially in The Gifted: Graduation.

Ask me about TV shows I watched this year

[shippingmyworld]

tagged by @gallopinggallifreyans

last song: Outliars and Hypocates: fun facts about apples by Will Wood (this man's music is unhinged and i love it)

favorite color: cobalt green. a green that's so lush that if you stare at it for too long you'll convince yourself you've stepped into an evergreen forest

last movie: Ghostbusters: The Frozen Empire. I should have listened to the reviews because god was it torture sitting through that movie. It was an absolute dumpster fire and by the time I'd decided it was so, I was already too far in and forced myself to finish the movie out of sheer spite.

sweet/spicy/savory: Depends on the mood I'm in honestly. But if I had to choose one, sweet since I have an insatiable sweet tooth. Fun fact, I literally cannot control myself around Oreos so the only time they exist in the house is when I'm making an Oreo-themed dessert for someone else. If anyone else buys them for themselves, they know to not keep them in the pantry lol

currently watching: Kinda a lot tbh. On a weekly basis when new eps come out it's Oshi no Ko, Code Geass: Roze of the Recapture, and Futurama. Otherwise the show my bf and I are currently watching together is Hometown Cha Cha Cha (K-Drama's are his weakness).

relationship status: @emperawrsy is my bf <3 (but he doesn't use tumblr anymore)

current obsession: the nicktoons unite gang is currently occupying like two-thirds of my brain. currently it's leaning more toward fop content tho cus I'm low-key obsessed with a few AU's where Timmy get's adopted by Cosmo and Wanda

last thing i googled: gandalf big naturals ...look had a dumb thought to make a danny phantom meme and needed a reference

tagging: @candy-swol-man @aether-night @jicamasticks @toofpaste-art and @mynjnx

[ghcstvalleychief]

I fear this is going to be long so I'm sorry in advance. I've been made aware unfortunately of the latest drama of the authors on twitter because of their unsurprisingly new dumb novel and it made me think. If boc buy the rights they should be able to do what they want in the new season. So I don't understand. Sure they can say no but would they really say no to money. Because that's what they get out of it at the end and if they really love trash they can just write garbage novels on their own. I'm thinking about Bridgerton right now because one of my friend watched season 2 because it was her favorite book from the 8 books and she told me the only thing that was the same as the book was the name of the characters because their storyline was totally different they basically throw the whole story in the trash for their own adaptation ( in this case it was a mistake because the book was better ) but what I mean is they can do that for season 2. Seriously who would want to do another season of basically the same thing with porsche vegas running away together and working together while lying to kinn. There's no characters development, no development for the relationship it's boring. After the season we had and their last scene we should have kinn and porsche as a unity I know it's not always gonna be like that for 1 whole season because of their personal feelings for their families and the angst but at least we should see them try! Talking about angst, one thing that annoyed me is if you gonna make porsche be with vegas behind kinn's back you better give me the payoff. I want to hear what kinn feel about that, I want him being allowed to be disappointed because porsche don't give him the choice to choose what to do. And this what why they fail between ep 13/14 because this is kinn's story. Being hard to trust someone because his lover isn't honest and with their conversation at the grave scene and in the previous ep abt lies like previous anon mentioned, I expected to have something. How and Why porsche could have his disappointed and mad moment at kinn in ep 12 for something kinn did when porsche was a stranger to him but you gonna give nothing from kinn side now 🌚 anyway my point is they have a good fondation now for kinn and porsche they shouldn't ruin this because the authors doesn't know how to write something. And they change a lot of things this season from the novel already so I hope they buy all the rights now and say fuck to the novel completely. The way kinn and Porsche series are my babies loves and I couldn't care less abt kinn/porsche novel we talk a lot about how in the novel kinn is a asshole but I don't forget that novel porsche is homophobic. His reaction when he learned kinn is gay wasn't the same reaction my love porsche serie had. And as you already said the thing that was awful and annoying for the show was how the fandom talked more about the novel than the show ????? It was always and when kinn do that for weeks( the worst he did in the novel ) yet in the show NOTHING like please watch the show and talk about these characters and what they are doing not why the novel characters did. The authors really just wrote problematic shit after another. And now they want to act as if the success for the show is on them please. P'pond better have my back again if he really want a season 2 and give me characters development, a couple who love each other and try/fight for each other, give kinn a pov and a voice when shit go down and write things that make sense to the characters. Let them learn from their past mistakes and not doing it AGAIN unless we see they have no choices. And please let the show being about kinnporsche against the world as this should and not vegasporsche against the world. I already don't care about vegas but this doesn't help. We never saw kinn and porsche working together can you believe lmao wtf I think if season 2 happen it will be in 3 years from now so I hope that will give them time to do the right thing. 🤞

You actually raise a good point, but I think someone on Twitter mentioned that it's different in Thailand. Like, in regards to royalties, creative license, rights, how much power and influence the author truly has over a show/movie once another company/network takes over to bring it to our screens.

I included some pictures of what I'm talking about, and this user goes into better detail on this topic. I only included 2 snippets of the thread but you can go here if you want to read the rest of it.

Because of this, Daemi could have 'resigned' from BOC as of May 2022 (as a staff member claimed today) but their presence is still very much felt and heard because I doubt this show will ever fully be 'free' of them. Just as long as these authors are the creators and owners of this series (or rather the novel it's based on), I don't think BOC can actually do anything in this sense. I don't know if Pond could even do anything in this situation either, because I'm not fully aware of Thailand's laws surrounding this aside from what the Twitter user stated above.

We know Daemi allegedly has an issue with keeping their hands to themselves and refraining from making weird sexually inappropriate comments. We've also allegedly seen instances of them trying to ice Apo out for some reason, even though he is the lead character. It's strange, isn't it? Daemi decides they want to do a photoshoot to make book covers for the box set edition of the show, but they exclude Apo. How the fuck does that work? Considering the fact that Daemi enjoys certain characters over others and are extremely friendly with a certain cast member, then I already know what a S2 is going to look like. Click on that link to see who Daemi made sure was present and accounted for along with Mile. Follow your nose, friends! Follow the trail of breadcrumbs. If you know, you know. I'm just throwing some things out there to get you guys to think about the consequences of all of this. You could get a S2, but what do you think that's going to look like?

As always, implicit bias will always reign supreme. It will always affect everything you produce, because no one is objective. If you as an author hate an actor that plays one of your characters, then what do you think is going to happen to that character? Do you think that character will live happily ever after? This aspect of this argument isn't important at all in the grand scheme of things, but it is important to note how all of this can and will affect a possible season 2. I'm not trying to make it seem as if that's the most important thing we need to be focused on here because it's not. I'm just connecting the dots here so you can see how all of this is just a spider web of bullshit.

[thii-nii]

BL ~ Drama Asks

I was tagged by @pharawee. Thank you!! 🌺

1. If you had to watch one drama forever what would it be?

I don't rewatch dramas a lot. Usually, I really love something while I'm watching it and it means a lot to me in that period of time. But when I try to rewatch a drama months or years later, it often feels really awkward and I hardly ever finish them. So most of my favourite dramas occupy a special place in my heart, but I'm reluctant to rewatch them. (+ There are always so many new dramas that I want to try and that are waiting for me to fall in love with them! XD) That said, if I had to choose one, right now I'd pick Kinnporsche. It's a combination of different genres, so I'd be able to enjoy lot's of different emotions. Additionally, there's just so much to love in Kp, lot's of awesome themes, intense moments and lovable characters. I actually want to rewatch Kp right now, because there still are so many things I want to try making, that I didn't get around to before... but I'm still in my procrastination period. lol

2. If you could change the ending of a drama which one would it be?

Well, Kp ended most recently and we might not get a season 2, so... I'd want to see a different ending for Kim and Chay. I mean, if we actually get a season 2 I'd love to see them find their way back to each other (while also getting to see more of angry/feral Kim & rebellious Chay), but if this is the overall ending, it feels a little cruel to have both of them be in so much pain. (Not to mention that no one even knows they were a thing?? I need them all to spend time together and for Porsche to kick Kim's ass a bit for hurting Chay.) And, of course, "History is only written by the victor" .... ???? Well, well, well, wellll..... I need some conclusion to Korn's messed up games.

3. Name your favorite drama and tell who your favorite character was.

I'm so bad at choosing favourites. But, uhhh, Kinnporsche (Porsche, Kim, Vegas); I told Sunset about you & I promised you the Moon (Teh, Oh-aew); Not Me (Yok).

4. Name a drama you dropped within the first few episodes ~ we all have at least one!

As I said earlier, I love trying out new dramas. But that also means I end up dropping a lot of them. Of the ones airing right now, I dropped Unforgotten Night, Check Out (I enjoyed Ep 0, but I couldn't even get through the first episode 😞) & Even Sun (just last week; it has Boun & Prem and such a beautiful setting, but I noticed I wasn't really paying attention anymore, so I let it go).

5. Name a popular drama you've never watched and why?

Hmm, The Untamed & Advance Bravely. I don't know why? I've seen them around a lot and I feel like I should've at least tried them when they were airing, but somehow I didn't and still haven't.

6. Name a drama you regret watching.

I usually drop them before I have too many regrets. But there were a few really popular ones that I continued watching, simply because I kept seeing so many gifs of them, only to still feel kind of meh about them at the end. >_<

7. Name a drama you thought you’d never watch but did and did you end up liking it?

The only one I can think of that might fit this question is 3 Will Be Free. It wasn't really on my mind before, but since I was in the mood for something a little darker, I remembered gifsets of this drama and wanted to give it a try. I've seen two episodes so far and am still interested!

8. Name a pairing you want to see?

Ohhh, as long as it has one actor I like, I'd already be super happy. But hmmm, maybe Mond Tanutchai & Gun Atthaphan (since we never got Gramblack and I like their bickering friendship); Jeff Satur & anyone that's not a baby.... Jeff Satur & action scenes... no wait, where am I going with this...

9. Name a pairing you didn’t think had chemistry?

Nat Natasitt & Max Kornthas in the few episodes of Cutie Pie that I've seen.

10. Name a pairing you have seen in another drama that you like?

??? I'm interpreting this as: a pairing I've seen in a drama that I haven't (fully) watched? Yim Pharinyakorn & Tutor Koraphat (also Cutie Pie). I liked them enough to look up their clips on yt after I dropped Cp.

[to-come-alive]

The Dizi Tag Game

Rules: Answer the questions and then tag people you want to participate! (Also tag it #The Dizi Tag Game so we can see everyone’s lists)

Tagged by: @thescorpioracer thank you!!

1. Your first dizi and how you discovered turkish dramas

Medcezir. It was back in 2014, I encountered this gif of yamira on the internet. After that I searched for other gifs and watched random scenes without subs (I didn't understand anything). Only in 2015 I decided to look for the show to watch with subs, and finally watched it.

2. Shows you're currently watching

I'm not watching anything right now. I'm giving a break from dizis, but I'll come back.

3. Your favorite genre of dizi (romcom, mafia show, contemporary drama, historical/fantasy, etc.)

Romcom. I love comedy and I love romance, so that's the perfect genre for me. But a show that has a cute pairing and a story that revolves around them it catches me. Drama is not my favorite genre bc I always lose excitement for the show after some time, but I tend to give it a try. I haven't tried any other genre, and I don't intend to.

4. The show you rewatched (parts of) the most

Medcezir. It's the first one, so it's the one I'm always coming back bc it's special. But Love 101 comes right after, it was the first dizi I watched after a long time, and it was in the beginning of the pandemic so it's kinda special to me too. It was like an awakening.

5. Favorite turkish actor and actress (feel free to pick multiples)

Serenay Sarıkaya, Çağatay Ulusoy, Hazar Ergüçlü, Demet Özdemir, Engin Öztürk, İpek Filiz Yazıcı, Kubilay Aka, Alperen Duymaz (although I haven't watched anything from him, every gif and video I see from his latest shows he's just funny and cute, maybe one day I'll watch something from him).

6. A show you quit before finishing

Kara Para Aşk, İçerde, Arıza (I tried but I have a problem with mafia shows). And Erkenci Kuş and Sen Çal Kapımı. One day I'll come back to EK, but SÇK I just can't anymore.

7. Favorite songs you have discovered in dizis

Bana Öyle Bakma from Teoman I discovered in Bana Sevmeyi Anlat; Kanatlarım var Ruhumda from Nil Karaibrahimgil, Isyan from Halil Sezai and Aşk Kırıntıları by Teoman I heard in Medcezir; Resmen Aşığım from Nil I know from SÇK.

8. The show whose plot disappointed you the most

Sen Çal Kapımı, after Serkan's memory loss I just couldn't continue. And Her Yerde Sen, everyone says they love this show but the way Demir handled their relationship problems by simply locking her up until she accepted listening to him was just toxic for me, and I just don't understand how nobody sees it. I just finished bc when I couldn't stand anymore it was the second to last ep already.

9. A show that was cancelled too soon/ran too long

Fortunately for me I never watched a dizi that was cancelled abruptly. As for the ones that ran too long, EK and SÇK. SÇK should have ended before all the memory loss thing.

10. Favorite characters

Mira (Medcezir); Sanem (EK); Sinan, Osman and Işık (Love 101).

11. Your favorite romantic pairings

Yamira (Medcezir), they don't do romantic scenes like theirs anymore, it's amazing the amount of times they make out in this dizi. Seriously. And they're so cute and good with each other, I love them; DicBar (Menajerimi Ara, I never watched this dizi but every gif and scene I see they're just perfect); Sinan and Işık (Love 101)

12. Favorite side characters

CeyCey (EK); Melo (SÇK); Mert and Eylül (Medcezir); Mühtar and Turan, only when he was with Mühtar (50m2)

13. Best kiss

It's Yamira's of course. It was hard to pick just one bc, like I said before, it's just too much making out. But after thinking about it, it has to be this one. They were both mad at each other so I was not expecting that kiss.

But there's another kiss I can't forget. Sinan and Işık are simply beautiful together.

14. An underrated show more people should watch

Love 101. I just feel that this show deserves more love than it has.

15. A show everyone loves that you aren't interested

Her Yerde Sen. I've already said my reasons, basically Demir was toxic and didn't respected Selin's choices. He treated her like a child at times, locking her up and not giving her time to digest the way he lied to her, and it bothered me, although she really behaved like a baby sometimes (which bothered me same). I couldn't ship them and sometimes I just watched bc of the side characters. Burak and Eylül were waaaay better together.

Other than that, I don't feel like watching Çukur, Hercai, Kiralık Aşk and many others. I have a friend who's watching KA and she's loving it, but I just don't feel it, you know.

16. A show you want to recomend right now

Medcezir. Just watch it if you like drama and romance. The first season is good but the second manages to make it better, especially the second half of it. Mira and Yaman's relationship just evolves to a new level, they trust each other and take care of each other, it's just beautiful (and most importantly, through most of the series they are together, they broke up twice in 77 eps, and the second time they spent like idk 10 ep apart, but when they get back together they don't separate anymore). And Serenay and Çağatay are just amazing in this dizi, they're great actors. And I recomend Love 101 too. It's funny, dramatic, romantic. The pace of the story is great, the relationships in this show evolve beautifully and we really get to root for the characters.

17. The next show on your list

The summer dizis: Cam Tavanlar, Baht Oyunu and Kazara Aşk. And I'm still waiting for Ada Masalı's teaser, but I'm planning on watching it.

Tagging: anyone who wants to do it! C'mon guys, it's fun!!

[yuhaosturtle]

BL Tag Game

thank you sumaya @morksuns for tagging me!💕💖 I haven't done one of these in so long it was fun to see how things have changed!

1. Your all time favourite bl and why

you know... for the longest time it was history2: crossing the line. It's been so long that I can't believe I'm saying this... but recently? color rush 👀 (and semantic error is looking at me too hshshs). I'm a sucker for the soulmate trope

2. That one bl that scarred you for life

I'm not sure there is one tbh? I only watched history3: modc via gifs/clips when it aired so I wasn't that invested. and I've always skipped the kengkla parts in lbc. I joined the fandom when most problematic shows had already aired too so I knew to stay away from them. so maybe sotus or addicted? those were some of my first bls and... they're not the best lmao.

omg no wait you know what really scarred me? the novel to addicted. bc after I watched the show I wanted to know what happens afterwards and 😬 don't recommend that one.

3. Is there any bl that made you feel very single?

most of them? but tbh saifahzon in why r u? made me feel extra single bc they're just so gentle with each other and I want that someday. also wangxian in the untamed.

4. If you could change one thing from a bl, which one would it be?

someone tell xi gu that he can season his food with soy sauce if the salt is out, no need to get run over

5. Your top 5?

that question is just not fair. how can I decide? idek what shows I've watched in the last years hshshs. my top shows are just ones I like, not ones I think are the best. ok here we go, an attempt at my top 5:

1. color rush --- 2. cherry magic --- 3. history2: crossing the line (nostalgia) --- 4. light on me --- 5. semantic error --- 6. theory of love

yes these are 5 please avert your eyes lmao. tbh this changes constantly and I probably forgot half of the shows I love so take this with a grain of salt (or soy sauce). also not me the series is a valid contender but I'm writing this before the finale airs!

6. that trashy bl that you lowkey like

I enjoy watching trashy shows tbh. atm it's probably cutie pie the series

7. your favorite korean bl (it’s important we know)

color rush!! I just love the whole concept and setup. it's about the angst for me

8. but also your top 3 for kbls

oh this is hard...ok I can just copy from my top 5:

1. color rush --- 2. light on me --- 3. semantic error --- 4. where your eyes linger

yes this is 3 idk what you're talking abt. (also why are so many of these school themed?)

9. Season 2? Which one?

tbh I wish we would get less second seasons... I think a good standalone show is lovely. of course I love the couples but not every story needs a pt2 just because it's popular, sometimes I wish ppl would let it rest 😅

that being said, I'm really excited about the cherry magic movie and to my star s2! since the couples only got together at the very end it makes more sense to me to have a s2.

10. a bunch of dramas will air soon. which ones are you the most excited for?

I'm not really informed about everything that'll air if I'm honest. I mostly decide to watch a show after a couple of eps have aired and I see gifs of them that intrigue me. I'm excited about kinnporsche though (is that even a bl?)! other than that I will probably start enchante and cherry blossoms after winter soon, but those are already airing

11. favourite underrated bls?

I think mr. heart is such a cute show! I also think that lovely writer has fallen under the rock a bit but that show was so good too!

12. Tag them!

how to make manja anxious 101 🙈 I'm on-and-off here too much to have regular interactions, so if you see this and want to do this go ahead and tag me! I want to see ppl's rankings 👀

[saranghanuuu]

10 SIMILARITIES ALL INSTALLMENTS OF REPLY SERIES (Reply 1997, Reply 1994, Reply 1988) HAVE

1. Ze temperamental female lead & ze mighty and genius male lead who can tolerate her

2. Parents who are in a love-hate relationship, but care for their family more than anything

3. There should be at least one doctor in the circle

4. And at least one friend with celebrity-like fame who has a huge crush on our female lead

5. The crackhead friend in the group

6. The oh so perfect second male lead you would care less even if the female lead ends up with him

7. Relationships on the side as thrilling as our main ship

8. Answering the confession with a kiss - do it with your bodyyy

9. Unparalleled friendship we are all jealous of

10. Idol actors whom we are thankful of for bringing their wonderful characters to life

After all these years, I finally finished watching the Reply series. This is the best Korean anthology series I watched ever! I know, I know I'm so behind the fun.

So, why didn't I watch them while ongoing?

Reply 1997 aired when I was on my senior year in college and Reply 1994 when I just graduated and is transitioning into being an officially unemployed kid. Talk about the dreadful college stuffs like thesis, exams, pre and post-graduation stress, quarter-life crisis, etc. - YOU NAME IT.

I was still a newb in watching ongoing Kdramas during the time when Reply 1988 was aired. I can only watch one ongoing Kdrama at a time back then.

And why did I decide to watch it recently?

Blame the main contributory factor – i.e., Hospital Playlist. I've been kinda obssessed with it 'coz it's so heartwarming that it helped me with my anxiety attacks. I reckoned I should watch dramas with the same theme for now instead of complicated ones. After I discovered that the writer and director of Hospital Playlist are the same ones who brought the Reply series, that's when I knew I should watch them.

I found Reply series informative, too, that I'm amazed on how well-researched these dramas are.

If you want to know about the extreme fan culture during that time when 1st Gen Idols ruled South Korea, watch Reply 1997. I actually became a fan of SECHSKIES after watching it (sorry Si Won!)

If you want to be informed of some of the historically and culturally significant events that happened in South Korea during 1994 and succeeding years, watch Reply 1994.

If you want to have a glimpse of the familial and filial bond in South Korea during the late 80s, watch Reply 1988.

In what sequence did I watch them?

Reply 1988 > Reply 1994 > Reply 1997. I recommend this too in case you haven't watched anything just yet.

Since I've already watched the three installments, the big question is — which among them is my favorite?

This is an easy question for me. I became fond of them all, of course. But I can say that among the three Reply installments, Reply 1994 holds a special place in my heart.

Perhaps Si Won and Yoon Jae's push and pull relationship (imagine it took them 12 episodes to finally confirm their feelings) and Duk Seon and Jung Hwan not ending up together affected my choice. But that's not all there is to it.

Unlike Reply 1997 and Reply 1988, Reply 1994 characters were in a college setting – that phase in their lives where only the fittest survives – even getting out of the comfort of their own families and living together with strangers in a boarding house. I adored how the characters maturely dealt with the challenges and problems in life, finding solace in each other during difficult times. Watching Reply 1994 is like reality hitting me hard. It is true that we enjoy being with friends, but we must do it whilst being responsible and accountable for our future.

Reply 1994 has the best OSTs among the three as well (at least for me). The 6 main characters even had their fair share in singing OSTs for the drama and all of them are bop. I didn't know Go Ara can sing!

Also, they took the mystery of Na Jung's husband into a whole new level. It was produced in a way that would get the viewers thinking all main male characters can be the prospective husband, and as the episodes unfold, showing us why this particular character cannot. I guess it would have been far more exciting if I had the chance to watch it way back when this drama is still ongoing. I prolly get all giddy in anticipation as to who ends up with Na Jung.

And... sorry as this is a bit of a SPOILER. Honestly, I shipped Na Jung with Chilbong. Up to the last few eps, I hoped she ends up with him. While I am upset that Duk Seon and Jung Hwan's ship didn't sail, that was not the case after I knew who Na Jung's husband is. The scenes before the reveal were so emotionally detailed. I very much understood and wholeheartedly accepted at once why Chilbong is and cannot be the one. Luckily enough, all main characters of Reply 1994 had a romantically happy ending.

Reply series officially made it into my Kdrama treasure trove. Why not? This series is indeed a gem.

[accidentallyadramablog]

Review: Down With Love (2010)

I felt a little nostalgic this week and decided to rewatch Down With Love, a romcom out of Taiwan featuring Ella Chen (from Hana Kimi) and Jerry Yan (Meteor Garden).

This is more of a brain dump as opposed to a real review. More below the cut.

Let me just start with the fact I love dramas with tomboys, gender benders, and gender non-conforming women and girls in general. I'm a 40 yr old gnc bi-woman, so some of these storylines really resonate with me - despite the trend of making those female characters glaringly stupid and pitiable.

Tags: Nanny, Love Square, Tomboy, Male Chases Female First, Sismance, Rich Man/Poor Woman, Pretends To Be Gay, Single Parent, Sisterhood, Boss/Employee Relationship

Our girl Ella Chen plays tomboy Yang Guo. Yang Guo works, has friends, and a shitty boyfriend of 5 years. She acts naïve, but she actually has a lot of life experience due to a *tragic backstory*. After her mother died, her father ruined the family business. Their family plunged from riches to rags and their father abandoned them. Yang Guo is 6 when this happens and it falls on her older sister Yang Duo to raise them both while homeless, starving, and navigating the homeless camps in the parks of Taipei.

Yang Duo (Kelly Huang) has raised her little sister by herself, beginning from poverty and homelessness to having a house and making a life for themselves. They bicker good-naturedly, but Yang Duo is very protective and supportive of her sister. She's managed to earn a job at a prestigious law firm as an admin assistant with strong accounting skills. She is seen as frugal, clever, and competent. Several characters make comments throughout the series about how it was a shame that she didn't go into certain careers because she's so accomplished despite not having a formal education. It's obvious that Yang Duo has put her own dreams and happiness on hold to make sure that she and Guo have financial security. Yang Duo is my favorite character btw. She is a supporting character that is multi-faceted and has her own character arc. I really like seeing her growth in this drama, and she gets some cute side couple action later in the series. Skip the last episode.

Due to growing up in poverty and scrabbling to lower-middle-class, the two girls work nonstop. After Guo is fired from her job waiting tables, Duo gets Guo a job as a nanny for her boss Xiang Yu Ping by lying and saying Guo is a lesbian.

Xiang Yu Ping (Jerry Yan) owns his own law firm and is seen as cold and overbearing. He is raising his dead brother's kids and none of the nannies he's hired have lasted either due to being chased off by the kids (a la the Sound of Music) or by trying to seduce him because he's a rich handsome lawyer. Relieved to have found a nanny who definitely wouldn't seduce him (because he thinks she's a lesbian), he just pays an unreasonably huge salary to keep her there with the kids despite their abuse.

Supporting characters: Amanda Chu as the best friend Yan Ling with the messy dating life is also delightful, but I've enjoyed all her roles. I may rewatch Lion Pride for her, now that I'm walking down memory lane. The office of 'just some lawyer dudes being dudes' are funny. I love when they gather around to watch drama and place bets on what's happening. They're also slackers. I would love/hate to work with them.

So that's the setup.

Honestly, I hate the 'pretends to be gay' plots. It's typically really offensive and this was no exception in a lot of places. (It's not at the same level as Personal Taste, but it's bad.) One of the cases Yu Ping takes on is unlawful termination and blackmail of a gay teacher and he asks for Yang Guo's advice to help the man. Taiwan was trying in 2010, but it wasn't exactly good representation to have a fake lesbian help an actual gay man faced with employment discrimination and blackmail over his orientation. When I compare this with Love is Science (2021 twdrama) that has two out lgbt characters employed in their office with significant roles, I'm just so happy that lgbtq media representation is still progressing.

I don't care about Yu Ping's best friend Qi Ke Zhong or Yu Ping's ex-girlfriend Ding Hui Fan because they're both terrible people that don't deserve forgiveness and their only purpose was to drag out our leads getting together. Since this was a rewatch, I knew how much I hated their scenes and skipped them as much as I could. You're not missing anything. Someone on YT needs to just make a Yang Duo/Xiang Yu Ping cut, tbh. Also? Go ahead and skip the deadbeat father.

The nanny bit only lasts three episodes (the kids are adorable), but it's long enough for Yu Ping to catch feelings and think his lesbian nanny is cute. He actually is not cold and overbearing as episode 1 makes him out to be. Yu Ping is supportive and tries to be a good friend to Guo. When he thinks her 'girlfriend' is cheating on her, he absolutely flips out because he feels she deserves to be respected and loved in her relationship. He learns about her family. He learns about her friends. He knows where to look for her when she's upset. He knows how to cheer her up and later, he knows how to make the perfect date. When he finds out she lied about being a lesbian, he's not even mad. He admits it was his fault for making certain demands in the employment contract. He's just upset that he's lost chances to flirt and court her.

Listen. It's a dumb premise in this drama and the misunderstandings suck. But it's so refreshing to see male leads be decent to women that are romantically and sexually unavailable to them. The bar is so low, in RL and in dramas, that Yu Ping belongs in the top tier of male drama leads. This dude was just going to continue in a supportive friendship for an undetermined time, both when he thought she was a lesbian and later when his shitty weasel of a best friend dated her under false pretenses. He didn't burden her with a confession until her relationship was over. And whenever she asked for space, he gave it to her. And when she confronted him on instances of jealously, he apologized and gave her space.

Yu Ping never tries to change Guo. He doesn't give her a makeover. She has a makeover scene that is instigated by another character and all he does is try to make her comfortable when she's so obviously uncomfortable. Then he cheers inwardly when he sees her overcome her awkwardness and have confidence. But by the end of the drama, she is still dressing and acting the same as in act 1. It honestly reminded me a little of Coffee Prince in that the fancy male lead is still just as enamored with his gnc woman by the end and the way she presents herself doesn't have an effect on their romantic relationship. Again, this is content catered to me as a bi & gnc woman in a relationship with a cis-het man. I often am mistaken for a man when I go out with my spouse and he's still super into me so let's normalize gnc people with gc people already it's 2021.

Anyway, if you watch romances for kisses, there's really only a couple of pecks and one nice passionate kiss and they're all in basically the last 3 eps of the series.

The last episode sucks. Stop at episode 15. Seriously. Don't watch episode 16. Why oh why do you let terrible people back in your life? Qi Ke Zhong and Ding Hui Fan are toxic and should but cut out of their lives. The end of ep 15 had a happy ending with a family-style breakfast for our two sisters with their boyfriends. Ep 16 threw in some more misunderstanding, jealousy, and separations followed by a time skip for no reason and brought back my two least favorite characters.

Anyway, I will live in my little world with Yang Duo and her sweet lawyer boyfriend Liang Zhi Hao (Ian Yim/Cyran Yan/Yan Yi En yeah, this actor has three stage names) that supports her interests and self-determination while they save money on mass transit by using his motorbike. And they build her dream home that she designs. Perhaps they put aside funds for her to pursue a degree in what she's passionate about.

[weilongfu]

(Anon for before) yooo I'm still sad for TinCan from season 1 so I'm with you there <3. But omg for every ep in LBC2, I am also constantly sobbing bc of Ae LOL. I am having not a good time but hoping for the best with TinCan!! and WOW we stan a trilingual KING ahah, why do I only know one language but at least I have an Australian accent ALKDJKL.

Anon, I have NOT EVEN STARTED LBC S2 yet. But @earthfluuke keeps telling me that Ae Is Sad and I am like TORN because Perth Tanapon cries really pretty. Like my favorite Perth expressions are: OMG SMILE, OMG CRYING?!?!, OMG FUCK A BITCH UP, and Pft Ain’t Mean Nothing. Literally my first tag for Ae was something along the lines of “Ae stop making my heart go doki doki.” But yeah, I want Ae to be happy. Oh to imagine the S2 that could have been were it not for the bullshit greed of men...

But from what I’ve seen on the TinCan front, everyone is mostly unhappy that we got a reset/retcon of the events of S1. And since I’ve heard about it, I’m honestly Not Surprised(TM) because New Siwaj had attempted to jam two books worth of main relationships together and didn’t really... succeed. Which I’m already far too deeply on the record for regarding as A Bad Idea. And now that TinCan gets a nice roomy season all for themselves... Guess who had to backtrack on all the bullshit he pulled! 

Anyway, back to Perth Nakhun, it’s also crazy that he’s learned Japanese rather well “late” in his life. By late, I mean it’s harder to learn new languages when you aren’t a kid because :waves hands: brain plasticity. It’s not impossible, my very minor “fluency” in Chinese indicates that, but it’s not always easy. Still, I’m looking forward to more videos from him. Might have to revisit those “How to Speak Thai” videos he made. I’m also surprised how I’m NOT catching how tonal Thai is in these dramas because he’s explained that several words do have rising and falling tones just like in Chinese and I’m mystified at how I failed to pay attention to that.