#thai bl review

[absolutebl]

Destiny Seeker - Thai BL 2023

quickie review 

I binged this one so here ya go! 

Destiny Seeker is a darn near perfect pulp. 

Basically it’s 3 tsundere/sunshine pairings on some iteration of enemies to lovers. At least one half of each does a decent amount of pining and there’s lots of kisses. All pairs are likable. 

There is nothing overly complicated about this show, except the manufactured conflict. Love triangles abound but none are seriously KBL about it. Absolutely everyone is gay (in a 2 Moons franchise kinda way) also absolutely everyone has the same hairdresser (from late 90s Seattle). There is also quite a bit of seriously fun word play and linguistic jokes.

Classic tropes I haven’t seen in ages popped up, like post-it love notes, the sexy water bottle, sponge bath, etc... It’s higher heat but awkward about it (although there is an a--eating scene and that’s v rare). It left a distinct impression that the actors were pushed beyond their comfort zones. So there’s room to be conflicted if you want. I wasn’t. 

The baby freshman (above) have the funnest story arc and wonderful conversations about consent. The most appealing side couple, PikeMeen, had the best chemistry. But having superior sides dishes is par for the course in Thai BL. I hope we see Pre-Saint Nattapat Suwanich again, he’s a cutie. 

The final episode had a 3 year separation instead of KBL’s 1. I guess Thailand has to do everything longer when it comes to BL? Also some super creepy masks.

All in all? 

It’s fun. Better story than 2 Moons 3 but not as good chemistry from the leads, still I’d put it in that camp. As a couple, the leads when they get together are possibly the sappiest ever fielded by a BL. And that is saying something. And what it’s saying is that this show goes to a level of cringe I didn’t actually think I would ever see on my screen after SCOY. 

Final thoughts? 

A decent pulp, few issues, good chemistry and heat from all 3 couples, plus communication and queer rep. Sublimely cheesy but a good rainy day offering with tons of rewatch potential. 

8/10

RECOMMENDED 

find it (maybe) on WeTv

(source)

[jenyifer]

Pit Babe ep 13 initial reaction

Okay let’s do the final photo review. Okay ep 11 10 12 weren’t for me but I think 13 was good. My initial rating has to be an 8/10. A very surprising 8/10.

I was EXTREMELY upset that the racing bl that I had been looking forward to was ABO I like race car driving in general so I really was said abo was gonna happen. However this show didn’t take ABO in the creepy ways I hate mainly the sexism and homosexuality of it all. Honestly it’s straight girl’s fantasy most of the time. As a lesbian I am turned off by the sexism and breeding 🤮. But Pitbabe was interesting and bearable idk if there are subsequent seasons will lean into those tropes but I hope not. I love the actor for Babe he’s extremely talented ep13 only cemented this for me. I really enjoyed JeffAlan, PeteKenta, and NorthSonic I thought they had a good amount of side character relationships. JeffAlan felt very natural and sweet. I loved the characters of Kim and Kenta just interesting. What I didn’t like was how clownery the plot was. It was a little cheesy hokey. I think the writing didn’t do any favors for Charlie either. Charlie is very V A N I L L A I don’t think it’s the actors fault. I’ve decided it’s writing. Although I think the motivation of Tony was cartoon villain the actor really brought the evil to life I enjoyed his portrayal of a cult leader really. Anyways let’s get on to the photo review

Babe in this scene is just chef kiss if people question can bl peeps act show them this. He’s hysterical to see Charlie again. I was worried Babe would just accept Charlie back or be Angry but this is better. You can see he’s hurt but so happy Charlie is alive and with him that Babe is healed in a way. Charlie was being weird but I think it’s the writing. So beautiful in his emotions omg.

Wow… the three of them beating up winner and NorthSonic uploading the video. So cool. Really these scenes had me sitting on the edge of my seat rooting for them. ALSO WE ALL KNOW I LOVE KIM. I’m on board with Kim being a third for NorthSonic. Kim is also very fashionable. He fits in perfectly.

A little fall of rain can hardly hurt me now

You’re here and that’s all I need to know

I’m glad someone died. I do find it poetic and fitting that Way died saving Babe very full circle. I didn’t hate Way as much as everyone else. He was wrong for what he did but… I feel like he had the bones and the actor to make a compelling rejected love interest. I do think babe always cared about way in a true friendship which was beautiful.

Pete and Kenta bad ass bitches getting shit done. I think Kenta might legit be Tony’s child. Like biologically. That would be a good twist. I was said we didn’t get any PeteKenta reunion in the end.

Alan and Jeff are so…

Idk they have very high chemistry. Jeff really feels like a person who hasn’t been exposed to the real world really and he’s truly trying to comfort Alan. To be fair Alan has been through a shit ton but he does feel that pain and seeks comfort in Jeff. It’s very sweet even though we get the sexy scenes for them.

Quick note is way buried at the race track or something?! Why is his grave on his own?! Way’s ghost is going to be lonely…. It’s pretty but still.

The my kid is sick and so I need to sell him trope is sadly something I’ve seen before BUT!!!! I enjoyed the Dad’s acting he seemed really torn about it and he never ever gave up.

North Sonic’s contrast pants and hyping up Kim was perfect. Kim being happy to watch Babe and Charlie is very endearing. I hope Kim and Babe can be besties who push each other. I know Kim isn’t a special alpha but I like the dynamic of him being the best human? Idk. He’s 10/10 I love him.

Idk why Babe is so shy about Charlie lol it was very cute.

ALAN AND JEFF’s BRACELETS AND SNUGGLING ONTOP OF THE CAR OMG UNDERSTATED MARRIED COUPLE THINGS

How beautiful. I really loved this show and I enjoyed the ending. I wish Pete and Kenta had been there but I found this very beautiful and meaninful. Babe and Charlie crashing Alan’s intricate date so they can be found family couples together gahhh I really loved the family aspect to the series it wasn’t super loud or overdone but you knew Babe Alan North Sonic were truly family who added in Charlie Kim Jeff.

Anyways I had fun idk what I’m watching next. I need to catch up on 23,5 or I’ll lose my lesbian card hahahaha but I am quite busy. If anyone has a suggestion for what I should start on next plzzz tell me. Other people motivate me more than myself hahaha.

[minniemariex]

‘he’s coming to me’

i finished it today and i agree with everyone

THIS IS SO UNDERRATED

like

this story is so good. the plot is cohesive and goes forward very well. the characters are developed and their decisions make sense in situations they are put in.

the fact that Thun could not care less about what other people think about him talking to himself when irl he’s talking to Med was brilliant. i thought they would do the thing with headphones or sth to kinda hide the fact he’s taking to a ghost and pretend he’s talking on the phone. but they never did. and honestly?? i’m glad for it.

the coming out was really well done and i loved the reactions of friends and mum. Ohm did an amazing job with his crying scenes and that one scene on the roof top where he basically confesses?? made me cry and also just in awe of his acting but also of the writing in this show.

the ending MAKES SENSE. and i wish we got a 2nd season but also get why we didn’t (plot wise). i also like how they handled the ghost part of the story. how he can touch stuff and not is explained or rather we got a solution taht again MAKES SENSE.

so yeah

overall it’s a nice 8 ep story of a boy falling in love with a ghost. and it may sound a bit weird or sth but it’s not. it all makes sense in the universe of the story.

couldn’t recommend it enough. young Ohm and Singto is great to watch always. add to it side Chimon and First and i’m already in love xD

[kinglenaaaa]

Thoughts on vice-versa: I think it works better as a binge watch, than a weekly watch, because the story goes smoother. It gives a movie feeling, rather than a tv show one. The couple was very cute, I believed they were in love, but never believed they wanted to bone each other. Jimmy is incredibly good looking and charming, but his character felt untrustworthy almost until the very end. Talay is a sweetheart, my child, my baby.

Overall: I really enjoyed the show, the pacing didn’t drag, the leads were veryyy cute, I give it solid 8/10

[leisurereview]

Unforgotten Night first impression (Ep1 -Ep4 )

Unforgotten Night first impression (Ep1 -Ep4 )

are you a avid reader of mafia fanfiction in wattpad? And you just being watch the Kinnporsche the series then this one will definatle serve you right. To be honest i am not a big fan of mafia stories i don’t know i just simple don’t connect with it. Trapped from History 3 is my least favourite one. I know you maybe rolling your eyes but that’s true. I simpley watched Kinnporsche to judged the…

[liyazaki]

they own stock in Windex, actually-

big dragon x kinnporsche

[poetry-protest-pornography]

Read a review for a new BL that was like "it's Not Very Good, And Also Full Of Tropes" and I was like... Yes, and? That's why we're here? To be confused by the plot, and enjoy the mess? That's the point of the pulpy ones?

It also says that "the erotic scene was too long". Like, calm down, pretty people kissing helps make the time travel and the bitchy, poorly characterized women harder to be mad about.

[wontune]

Wannarat ㅤㅤ[ 케이팝 ] ♡ ator lockscreens

[my-rose-tinted-glasses]

Rose Reviews - Colorful Memory

I just wanna preface this by saying, I've had a rough day so this might not be a very forgiving review of this show. Also I couldn't type properly so I dictated most of it, so it probably has a weird rhythm and if there are mistakes, I apologize.

So there are a lot of things in common with 1000 stars. Remote village, voluntary teacher comes to teach music, waterfall shirtless moment, hidden health condition, the villagers get what's happening before the boys do, blah blah blah.

Things not in common - good acting, good writing, good editing, good chemistry, good ending.

Spoilers galore from here on.

So 4 episodes, average 22 minutes each. Music Teacher meets art teacher in bridge before he gets to the village. Music and Art - Colorful Melody, get it??? they're so smart.

Music teacher arrives in village and immediately sings a song (cause everyone begs for it, as if...) making the art teacher fall in love at first sight.

The editing is really weird so it's hard to measure time but I guess they spend like at least a couple days together and they go through all the tropes and then comes the waterfall moment where the violin player music teacher is laying on the lake sleeping, as one often is, and then the art guy goes and kisses him which prompts him to run away.

Then a lot of sadness.

Then the music teacher comes back with no explanation of what happened and they go camping with a quick detour to visit a grave and give us art teacher's tragic backstory (dead parents).

Then, in this order, food, kissing, sex, morning, OMG art guy has a heart condition and could die at any moment, music guy "I will be with you no matter what" confession.

Separation by external factors. Phone breakup by art guy because obviously love doesn't go with fatal heart condition.

Sadness, tears, yada yada yada, 1 year later.

Music guy comes back to help is father with the family business, never before seen in thai bl, and ta-dah - they met as kids moment.

Running man back to the village where he finds out the truth, and the art guy is no longer there so he goes to be sad while watching the sunset and we finish with this shot.

The one closest to us is art guy.

THE END.

In case it was hard to tell, I was not a fan. I've seen it all before, and I didn't need to see it again done worse.

Anyway if you to check for yourself, it's less than 90 minutes long so at least it's not a massive waste of time.

Y'all have a good day and I'm gonna try and salvage mine. 💜

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - The Industry is Having Issues But the Spice Spicy Must Flow

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

March 2024 Wk 4

Ongoing Series - Thai

Two Worlds (Thurs IQIYI) eps 1-2 of 10 - One of those "he's dead Jim so time travel" thingames starring MaxNat. I'm over this concept but I do enjoy MaxNat. Phupha (Gun) and Khram (Nat) love each other but Phupha is murdered. Then Khram is pulled to a parallel world where, years ago, Khram and Tai (Max) were in love. However, Khram was killed by Tai’s dad. Now Tai finds alter-Khram. But then there is ALSO an alter-Phupha to deal with. (Phupha is played by Gun Thanawat who was Khom, the repressed butler bodyguard from Unforgotten Night. We like this, but we scared of the love triangle aspect.) Did that make sense? Yeah, okay, see what I mean?

Initial thoughts?

The subs are troubling but I’m enjoying this show a lot. It’s nice to see MaxNat get something meaty to sink their teeth into - that’s not just each other. Also it’s so smart of them to give us a fully fleshed out entire episode developing the alter romance rather than just a separation + death. It makes Khram’s grief and motivation that much more believable. Also it’s really nice to see Nat have good chemistry with other actors. 

Deep Night (Thurs iQiyi) ep 3 of 8 (10?) - I'm still enjoying it. But Two Worlds is objectively better. So this one has lost ranking. Also, unexpectedly chili (the name of my heavy metal Thai cover band).

Lovey switchy and verse main couple too.

This is all quite pleasing.

The bit where the hosts pretend to be a BL couple actor ship was epic on so many levels.

Also unsettling.

All sex work is performative, and in a way there is something more honest about this depiction, in this setting, than what BL actors are made to do on the promo circuit. Which then begs the question, how different is BL from sex work? That's the unsettling bit, for me anyway. Not to slam on sex work AT ALL, we pro-the-true-pros on this damn blog, but actors have been shaded by association with True Professionals for a very long time and BL has already had one epic shut down in this regard. (See the PerthSaint scandal around Love By Chance, no I will not explain.) Where was I? Oh yes, so anyway, see the Gossip section for the part where they better be paid either way!

Also, since I'm a warped fucker, I found this scene funny.

And then hilarious when all of those BL tropes were just trotted out. Like a greatest hits reel.

Truly beyond meta. (How Absolute BL of them.)

Note he’s even standing in yaoi's patented "hands in pocket with the shoulders back"? 

Meanwhile, the gayest bridge in Thailand made its quarterly appearance:

And lip serviced was paid to the most touristy romantic things you can do in Bangkok.

And I mean lip service literally. 

To Be Continued (Thai C3 Thailand grey) ep 5 of 8 - I’m still enjoying it but getting more and more nervous. We getting too close to Promise territory for comfort. EXPLAIN Ji’s reticence well and do it now or risk audience mistrust. We have to be given a GOOD reason for Ji's behavior, or he'll be irredeemable.

City of Stars (Fri iQIYI) ep 8 of 12 - NO SINGING. Yes smiley kisses and good communication and a nice healthy relationship. But no singing!

1000 Years Old ep 6 of 12 - Dropping in the ranks. I’m sorry it’s just gotten boring. It has, however, inspired me to invest in my own ridiculous cream fuzzy sweater. Which I plan to wear with leather trousers and huge stumpy boots, like the Kpop queer I truly am. Or do I mean vampire? 

Kiseki Chapter 2 (Sun iQIYI) ep 1 of 6 - Seems to be an excuse for a small posse of Thai actors to wander around Tokyo playing tourist and sing in public . Someone stop them?

“Most people think this kind of thing is bad manners .”

Anyway, it’s v boring. I’ll give it one more ep but I suspect I’ll DNF.

Close Friend Season 3: Soju Bomb! (Weds iQIYI) eps 1-2 of 6 - Meh. This is also looking suspiciously DNF-a-licious.  

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Unknown (Taiwan Tues Youku YouTube & Viki) ep 5 of 11 - It's brilliant. I love it. I'm ready to hurt. Let’s do this thing. 

Distribution note: This one has been picked up and is also airing on Viki now, so it may lose YT distribution in soem territories. I like Youku's hard subs better than Viki's subs, but that's a matter of preference not information since I don't speak Mandarin.

Love is Better the Second Time Around AKA Koi wo Suru nara Nidome ga Joto (Japan Weds Gaga) ep 3 of 6 - It is good. Every week I like this show a little more. I'm enjoying a reunion romance explored in Japan's quintessentially contemplative yet slightly surreal way. The juxtaposition of the tenderness of the sex scene with this Japanese brand of authenticity was oddly elegant - for lack of a better way of putting it. All in all, this is a good show. Thought provoking. Stylish.

AntiReset (Taiwan Fri Viki/Gaga) ep 9 of 10 - It remains lovely but they sure are reusing a lot of footage. Also, this was a classic penultimate doom episode. I do wonder how they are going to resolve this show ethically.

My Strawberry Film (Japan Thurs Gaga) ep 6 of 8 - It is what it is, and it isn’t my style of show no matter what country of origin. Oddly that's one of the reasons I don't like it. Anyone could have made this, it's not as Japanese as I want it to be, it's just indie film club high school angst. Yawn.

I watched it, finally

The Servant and the Young Master (Vietnam YouTube) 7 eps - I dislike vertical filming, but I kind of enjoyed this show as a BL. I like class conflict romances. For me the rich kid is a bit too dictatorial (edges into bulling), but it’s kinda works. It’s sparse and underdeveloped and a bit plotless, but mildly entertaining. If you're missing Vietnamese BL you might give it a try. 6/10 

Began Beginning (Myanmar YouTube) 8eps - A Burmese BL that I had thoughts about but actually ended up recommending. Read the saga here:

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

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

It's airing but...

Graduation Countdown (Taiwan YouTube) ep 1 of ? - on one hand it's micro-installment vertical, on the other it's adorable and from Taiwan. I blame @heretherebedork entirely for my conundrum. As indeed, I did for My Type back in the day. (That was Nat Chen's first BL, yes of Kiseki: Dear To Me fame.) So I think I will also simply lean on Here to let me know when it's done and binge all at once. It's just too much to ask me to keep up with 2 minute pieces, I don't have that kind of endurance training, not even for BL.

Time the series (Tue Gaga/YT) 10 eps - it's finished now, I dropped it at ep 4. Should I bother?

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

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

Man Suang that MileApo vehicle from last year is coming to Netflix in the USA. I haven't heard much about it and since the KP stans would have lost their tiny minds if it was any good at all, I'm assuming it's not good at all.

Gossip

Thai BL actor Yoon breaks with his former company and talks about some very very VERY shady goings on in the Thai BL industry. Including not being paid.

And whacha know, same thing happening in Korean BL.

Have I mentioned recently how much I hate the film industry?

Next Week Looks Like This:

Starting Soon

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

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

I wonder if this was part of the hold up, with Geonu on Build Up right now, they might have tried to muffle this one. Or maybe it's just that bad...

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

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

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

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

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

Without ghost girl.

With ghost girl.

I think she may be my favorite part of 1000 Years.

CLASSIC tsundere seme description of a sunshine uke. Like classic'est of classic. (Two Worlds)

Is there such a thing as a tired trope in a BL? Since it is a genre that is made up entirely of tropes quilted together? Your philosophical question for today brought to you by Deep Night's kabedon (Japanese trope) + punishment threat (Thai trope).

Love me a lap sit moment. (City of Stars)

(Last week)

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

The tag BLigade: @doorajar @solitaryandwandering @my-rose-tinted-glasses @babymbbatinygirl @babymbbatinygirl @isisanna-blog @mmastertheone

If ya wanna be tagged each week leave a comment and I will add you to the template. Easy peesy.

[ppeonppeonhan]

Dead Friends Forever Q&A-Style Review

I listen to a movie podcast called The Rewatchables, and they have interesting categories that I want to examine this series through.

Most rewatchable scene: It has to be the last one, because we've been talking about it nonstop since it aired. Plus, it lives in my head, rent-free, like Non is haunting me. Like WE failed him. 😱

But since I'm a BL girlie, who loves a well-crafted sex scene, I also have to include both of Phee and Jin's high-heat moments when Phee's trying to seduce him on the balcony and when they have rough sex in Jin's room. I'm not gonna lie: That was some king shit on Ta's end.

Best quote: "No one could leave this abandoned house — not even one." Come on! It foretold the surreal ending and fulfilled the victim's wishes. Gold.

What aged the best? The way that even the bullies perceived teacher Keng as a groomer, who took advantage of a desperate child — that will most definitely make that subplot still bearable even a decade from now.

What's aged the worst? The unaliving and SA montage in the finale that some have said was insensitive/irresponsible to have included. It was like trigger after trigger after trigger — practically a machine gun of traumatic scenes. The fandom could sincerely organize a class action lawsuit against the writer and director for them to pay for our therapy bills.

Scene-stealing location: The lake. Such a beautiful setting for romance, betrayal, and revenge. 😈

Best shot: Definitely the one of Tan from above when he's successfully drugged all of his victims. Iconic.

Are we sure this person is good at their job? Tee's uncle. The fact that he has so much riding on two teenagers is ridiculous. He didn't just start being a con man / mob boss that week. How does he not have a more stable criminal infrastructure at this point?

Best use of food and drink: Obviously, Tan spiking the beverages, knowing it would be the easiest way to poison everyone.

Was there a better title? Absolutely not. The play on the phrase "Best Friends Forever," an archaic term popularized in the '90s that puts way too much pressure on kids to find their kindred spirit and hold on to them through adolescence and adulthood, was inspired. It truly encompassed the impossibility of it all. There are just so many obstacles ahead of you, like peer pressure, family obligations, love triangles, bullying, ego, insecurity, and cowardice, that it's a lofty promise to make when you've barely finished puberty. Plus, it kind of hints at the ending...

Overacting award: Some could argue Barcode, but part of his performance was meant to be surreal, because it was in the dream state. I, personally, vote Jet (Top). Sometimes I felt like his character was in an entirely different, far more slapstick genre.

The "That Guy" Award: This category is for the actor/famous person you see all the time, but don't know the name of. I noticed a lot of people were excited to see Perth, so I "saw him all the time" on my feed. When I Googled him, that's when I learned that he was on a reality show with other Be On Cloud stars. 

Scene-Stealer (with very few scenes): Honestly, whichever extra/stunt double they had wearing that mask, freaking us out. The most memorable of which was when its creepy hand groped Tee.

Recasting couch:

I think Nanon (Bad Buddy) could've been interesting as the tormented Tan, because we would've bought his innocence longer.

It could've added to the mystery if we had the BL twins, AJ and JJ, confuse the narrative. 

I would watch Neo in almost anything at this point, and he could've played the morally conflicted Tee as he showcased those skills already in Only Friends.

A younger Mark (Last Twilight) would've fit so well into this cast. He plays lost and guilty quite well.

Picking Nits: This category is for pointing out things that just don't add up.

Why didn't Phee's cop dad have more questions about his son's behavior and activities after he saw who his son was involved with?

What teenager is fine going somewhere that has no wifi or reception? Even I wouldn't do that and I've had wifi as long as these characters have been alive.

Why was Non, a teenager, being medicated for mental health issues, but not being monitored by a mental health professional?

If Tee's uncle didn't want to be at a loss if Non died unexpectedly, then why didn't he let him get his wounds treated and get some rest? Unless the plan was always to harvest his organs, which would still have merited rest. Nobody wants shitty organs.

Unanswerable Questions

If Jin and Phee survived, would they have got back together?

If Non were alive, would Phee have ditched Jin?

What did they do with Non's body?

And, of course, after succeeding: Does Tan recover from his grief and move on with his life? Does he successfully escape arrest? Does he leave behind evidence of what the boys did to his family to further persecute them in death? Is his revenge plot really over...?

That was fun! Tag me if you answer the same Qs.

[dropthedemiurge]

My first impression for GMMTV 2024 projects:

Ossan's Love Thailand: Let's just say, first one is instant skip for me, though I am still excited to watch Earth and Mix in something I'll enjoy. I probably should go and watch Cupid's Last Wish instead xD Japanese comedy that is transferred in a Thailand comedy make me fear for my life, to be honest (my tolerance for physical comedy is unfortunately very low). But good luck to EarthMix though, they'll get to play some funky roles, hope they'll have fun!

Leap Day: Woah! It looks very intense and very interesting already. Pond and Dew (who I dearly love since High School series) in a very dark and mystical thriller(?). It's not BL but I love unique plots with darker vibes. Also Gun playing autistic guy (who also gives off creepy vibes because the entire trailer is creepy)? Sign me up twice! I'm going to be checking it out for sure.

The Heart Killers: First and Khaotung wanted to play a cute sweet romcom after all the depressing and dark and difficult characters and tears, right? Well, they also wanted to play mafia or gang roles so I guess that gave Jojo the right to make a ASSASSINS ROM-COM, why not!xD This man is the only one I go for when I want something very refreshing, unusual, gritty, that has flawed and underground characters, weapons and high stakes. It'll probably fumble the ending but I'm definitely going to be here for my Assassin x Tattoo Artist Firstkhao. Also it'll be my introduction to JoongDunk. Second to the top of series I'm excited about!

Friendshit Forever: I actually had to double take because GMM surely loves puns in their titles, right? xD I thought this would be GL but it seems like a very intense friendship-betrayal story, seems like girl actors are able to pull it off and New is going to get caught up between them, sounds interesting but again, not my type of story. Still, points for the shit in the title lol

Perfect10Liners: I literally have 3 couples that I am familiar with because I saw them in other shows, and they all play Thai engineers, and I still have no desire to watch this show? Somehow?! I don't know why but I feel like the writing is not solid at all. Or the premise. I'm not sure what's this show is even about, beside a silly university romcom. I am already craving something more interesting, I'm sorry guys.

Us: I ONLY HAD EMI AND BONNIE FOR ONE MINUTE AND I DON'T WANT TO LET THEM GO! I mean, new discoveries?! This trailer is filmed beautifully, first of all. The acting is already great (also hello, Sing, my beloved!) and the girls have chemistry (I might have a little crush on Emi already). Anyway. I am still waiting for GL that'll be my cup of tea, I hope this will be one.

Hide & Sis: I really enjoy the vibes, the three sisters look badass (and I adore Piploy and Lookjun and Jan), it's very unusual to see Chimon in this role, Gawin continues his police officer streak, but THAT NAME! Who decided on a name for this series and why?xD Probably not going to watch but I give it a stamp of approval.

ThamePo (Heart that skips a beat): Oh! I enjoy idol stories, though I haven't seen many, but I'm always intrigued how shows like this could display the backstage and the complications that come with different positions and spotlight. And thank god GMMTV used their actual boygroup to play idols! And didn't just try to teach actors to dance. I don't know main two actors but they seem to have good chemistry as well?! I'm intrigued.

Break Up Service: I'm all for Off in a very sketchy role (Midnight Motel type of sketchy, only with even higher stakes?xD) but the overall genre is probably not my thing.

Revamp The Undead: I'm sorry but all I know about BounPrem is that these are guys from another agency who desperately wanted to have vampire BL for years or something xD Glad to see the wish being fulfilled! I love how the teaser was filmed, and the plot has a big potential. Don't know the cast but might tune it to check out! Also my guy Kay is here being bad!! (I am collecting my HS gang over all lakorns)

Sweet Tooth Good Dentist: Sorry but I'm going to be mourning Mark Pakin's talent being wasted on series like that x) I don't know the other guy Ohm, sorry, but such romantic comedy where Mark's character is a weirdo and simply falls in love with the client (how was he not fired on the spot) doesn't really intrigue me... But at least it's a step up from his (amazing) side roles.

The Dark Dice: Ooh! I love psychological thrillers and this honestly reminded me of Cube, I just didn't expect Gemini to be the main lead. As someone who watched Gifted, High School and similar shows, this is right up my alley. Very curious to check out and I hope they'll do something deep with it beside a simple mystery.

The Ex Morning: I might be biased but I just knew they would be the last one, what everyone's been waiting for. It's hilarious to think that the plot is based on Krist and Singto's actual lives but I trust P'Aof to write compelling characters and relationships. Also I probably will sigh with relief already because he's one of the very few writers that actually write a complete story with a nice and believable (and not hurried) ending. And I really want KS to come back with a bang, just like TayNew did with Cherry Magic. GMM going exes back to lovers will be very interesting to watch, and Krist Singto grew as actors so much. I'm very excited!

Overall, I'm happy to see GMMTV choosing to try a lot more mystical or dark stories than before, way less school students and also most of these BL stories are about adults! Woah! Finally! The audience is mostly grown up as well, thankfully they realized it. And their announced project about accepting stories and plot from the fans, as well as Interactive Game project by GMM, I wonder how that'll look like.

It's funny how last year I was thinking about making my webcomics and visual novel games with GMM actors and I didn't push through because I had health problems and not enough time, and it's like in 2024 GMM tells me THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT WE WANT. Maybe I should actually make some dating otome novel game or some interesting AU webcomic based on GMM BL pairings, and then show it to all fans and then GMM would notice it xD Who knows? Go kick me so I'd work on one of those projects in my mind.

Anyway, in Part 1 I barely liked any trailers or stories, and I like almost everything in Part 2. I am very very excited.

[bird-inacage]

I’ve noticed an influx of newcomers to the LITA fandom of late and firstly - welcome! I never did do a wrap-up review when the series ended (probably neck deep in hysteria then) so I figured why not write one now. I will keep this brief, as I have a tendency to get carried away with my analysis on this show. You can peruse my index of deep dives for more if you wish. I will largely be referencing the Love Sky portion of this series because... well, my blog says it all really.

LITA is a story of two halves; the first 1-7 episodes focus on Rain's arc, whilst the proceeding 8-13 episodes focus on Sky's. Most BLs tend to have an interlacing structure that weaves multiple couples simultaneously. But LITA has done this to allow for chronological story-telling and doubles up well as a framing device. Rain's arc is more 'slice of life', humorous and light-hearted overall. Whereas Sky's arc is weighty and pensive, involving more serious themes, highs and lows. There is a distinct tonal shift between these two halves that feel like different movements within the same symphony.

As an adaptation of MAME's original novels, 6-7 episodes is a tight window to do each couple justice. This just about works for Rain’s arc over Sky’s, the latter of which definitely needed more run time, and feels awfully rushed at its crucial conclusion. Otherwise the narrative and romantic development progresses at a pretty steady pace.

Difficult topics around trauma and abuse are approached with sensitivity whilst still packing a gut punch. Thankfully this isn’t used as a gimmick but serves as an integral thread in Sky’s characterisation, and is consistently signposted throughout. What I really appreciate is how both couples overcome obstacles in a healthy way and learn to communicate. Our characters are able to learn and grow from conflict, and ultimately move forward in a positive direction.

Main Leads: Why this pairing really works for me is that I enjoy them as individual characters as well as together. A couple is only as strong as the sum of its parts - and for me to buy into a partnership, I need to be firstly convinced that these two people exist outside of just their relationship. Prapai and Sky are well balanced in that respect as they have clearly established identities of their own. This pair also had the added advantage of being introduced in Rain’s arc which really helped lay some ground work. Sky is a character most will easily love; perceptive, reliable and devoted, his insecurities are hugely relatable to anyone who has struggled with self worth. Whereas Prapai may divide audiences at first with his seemingly misplaced charm and (dorky) rich playboy aura, where a multitude of hidden depths are later revealed. You’ll come to adore this man in a similar fashion to how Sky is won over, seeing beyond his flirty teasing to the caring, patient and loving man underneath.

Pairing Rating: [SWEET + SENSUAL] This pair deliver on both soft comfort/domesticity as well as highly-charged intensity, a combination that will make your heart ache and break.

Other: This series very much centres its efforts around the leads. Relationship dynamics outside of our main couples tend to be overlooked and are increasingly forfeited towards the end (most namely Sky and Rain’s friendship which had a great kick-off in Rain’s half but was almost non-existent in Sky’s), likely due to time constraints.

Acting Performance: Relative newcomers Fort and Peat do a stellar job of making their characters feel fully realised and believable in such a short span of episodes. Both actors share uncanny similarities with the roles they are playing, which must have helped and is proof of great casting. I’m also hugely impressed that they were able to work against the reverse age dynamic they share in real life (Peat is 26, Fort is 22). Due to the heavier undertones in Sky’s storyline, this script really allows both actors to showcase a wider range of their acting abilities. Fort is a revelation, providing a very grounded and surprisingly mature performance. Peat does a wonderfully committed job of throwing himself into such a challenging role with enormous vulnerability. I give props to any actor who is willing to ugly cry and I mean ugly cry.

Visuals: Arguably one of the strongest characteristics of the show is it’s pleasing aesthetic that feels bright, clean, and really rather beautiful in certain scenes, particularly when it comes to the use of lighting, colour and camera angles. It’s very easy on the eye and elevates the charm of the everyday as its setting. Imagery is also utilised well when portraying Sky’s trauma.

Sound: The common gripe with LITA is the inconsistent quality of audio. Oh my, the audio. In some places the sound is insanely crisp and loud (think ASMR levels of breathing and shirts crinkling), and yet in others, dialogue is tenuous due to music, ambience or just dodgy recording in the first place.

>>>

FINAL THOUGHTS: It’s the couples that will lure in your heart and hold it captive. Despite the fairly simple trajectory of the storyline, the series is engaging with decent rewatch value. It would have benefited from a longer run. My blog is testament to how much I adore them - having written over a dozen metas on their relationship alone (but hey, I may be slightly biased). I wildly underestimated what this show was going to deliver when the trailer first came out, and my expectations were largely surpassed on all fronts.

(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.)

[blackgirllovesdramas]

Tomorrow is Sunday. You are welcome.

[chrispychanniem]

My Honest Opinion:

I was really anticipating this series and may I say that it didn't disappoint even in the slightest. The plot is rather cliched but the execution is really good. I watched this series when I caught cold and it felt like a fever dream.

Phumjai and Chen hands down have an amazing chemistry and totally are off the charts. Daou and Offroad sure gave it their all and I am waiting to see more series of them.

Despite the first couple getting most of the spotlight, I must admit that it was the second couple which shined bright like a star despite not being the focus. I loved the fact that Tag didn't let Phojai string him along just because he loves him. All in all, this series is definitely worth watching.

[thatgirl4815]

If YinWar's new series does not have any tonal similarities to Partners in Crime, that would be the biggest missed opportunity ever.