thewayuarent

[thewayuarent]

Fadel might be a hitman but he is also truly the spirit of every very tired retail worker out there who has ever palmed a knife and wondered how much trouble they'd be in for stabbing the customer that just snapped their fingers because you didn't respond fast enough. He was protecting every retail worker when he dragged Style out by his feet. A+ vibes.

[thewayuarent]

I'd like to drop some of my thoughts about The Heart Killers here.

You know I'm kinky ace, my love of Pete in the VegasPete days was quite evident as well as my belated realization that I forgot I've always been kinky on some level.

I get that show like Heart Killers is not everyone's cuppa and it's totally fine to be sad about not being able to watch show with your favourite actors for whatever reason.

But.

But this is a show made by a queer man about fantasy queer men.

If you start hating on it (based just on what was shown to us in a trailer) just because you can't watch it and/or it's too sexual or kinky for you ... that's not a problem of the show.

That's a you problem. If you don't like, do not watch and for fucks sake do not start with moralizing.

I'm more than happy to be surprised and I'm on the edge of my seat looking towards what the show is gonna be like bc they didn't give us any concrete hints.

FUCK YES.

I also think that First and Khaotung are literally powerhouses regarding acting and I can't wait to see them in completely new roles we haven't seen them before.

It's surprising, yes, considering how fluffy and cute and comfy vibes they're excluding in their own personal lives but what do we know?! Maybe they wanted to try smth new or maybe they are multifaceted people who like the roles for personal reasons?

Not my place to speculate.

But to see people insisting on them being pushed to filming scenes like that against their will or feeling like they are 'too pure' for kink or sex scenes - that is outright disrespecting their integrity and free will and truly viewing them as only a dolls fans can play with and dictate what they can and cannot appear in.

They are talented, mindful and picky actors, who have enough of will and freedom to choose whatever roles they wanna explore.

P'Jojo is adamant about actors being okay and comfortable filming scenes like that and it was also mentioned that the final nc scenes are always first approved by the actors who star in them (as mentioned in the OF bts).

So knowing all that, insisting on FK being somehow unwilling participants of that, is reeking of homophobia and fan entitlement to actors choices. Stop that.

I went on a tangent a bit.

What I wanted to share as well though is the joy and anticipation!!

I struggle with series that literally rely just on sex scenes, while the plot, cinematography and editing is shite. In those cases sex scenes (though filmed well) are not enough to keep me interested.

In case of Heart Killers I am only excited. I know Jojo's work, so that's in itself is guarantee of quality as well as authentic queer experience (or fantasy in this case).

The soundtrack again will be a blast bc of Jojo's excellent taste and ofc Khaotung singing the smashing ost.

As for the genre I still have no fucking clue what's that supposed to be but I'm swinging wildly from action to romance to crime to comedy to thriller.

(side note: why are people now complaining about it being "soft/lith porn" is beyond me when similar people were excited about porn in different series ??? explain?

sideside note: also manymany straight media is basically porn hiding under fantasy or romance genre but I don't see people accentuating those being porn when talking about them

sidesideside note: also reducing the series that HAVEN'T EVEN COME OUT YET to mere porn is outright disrespectful to creators as well as actors)

The plot (excluding any possible spoilers since I avoid them like a fucking plague) seems engaging and interesting and full of twists and it will probably be not what we imagine or expect but that's exactly what I ehehe EXPECT of it.

As for the sex and kink.

Why should it be smth bad or morally wrong just because it's a bl? Just because it's a gay sex and kink?

I swing wildly between finding sex scenes boring, fascinating, completely no shut it off and being horny cause it's hot.

It's just how I am.

THK has the advantage that it has FK to keep my hyperfixation happy and considering the filming crew, the aesthetics and general vibe of the nc scenes will be bloody fucking beautiful.

I was fully hooked from the trailer and I can say that the combo of FK talent, sub/dom vibes, bondage and probably whole layer of christian guilt (saw you Jesus on a shirt, I'm so sorry) will be my downfall.

[thewayuarent]

mom I’m famous 😭

What is your opinion on people saying poor FirstKhao being held at gunpoint to shoot the kinky scenes (by evil Jojo and gmmtv peeps)? Like they were forced. And that came from many accounts !!

this is the only thing I have to say about that. goodnight ✌🏻

[thewayuarent]

Only Friends | EP12 Behind the Scenes: 'It's a wrap'

[thewayuarent]

Okay so you’re telling me that Boston apologized for the video he took of Ray and Mew but like. No one is gonna apologize to him for passing around two of his non-consensual sex tapes???

[thewayuarent]

my favourite unhinged besties 😍

[thewayuarent]

JENNIE???!!!?!!?? MA'AM.

[thewayuarent]

I said these two will be besties and I stay by it.

Look at them. They love each other I don’t care.

Now, you two, put your asses together and go to a fucking New York to join a fucking countdown.

You’re gonna travel all around the world anyway.

[thewayuarent]

Always love your takes and thoughts about Ray’s addiction and how they’ve handled it. This isn’t really so much as about the show and their handle of it but certain things I see in the fandom and I’d like to hear your thoughts: for some reason I’ve seen people go “Sand he’s drinking because of you it’s your fault” towards Sand one too many times (like in the pool) and I’ve never been so frustrated with reading something. Not only is saying something like that detrimental to someone trying to recover (for many reasons like putting the blame on someone else instead of the addict themselves) but also putting all the responsibility on someone else for “keeping someone sober” and if they upset them it’s their fault is just as detrimental. For their relationship and just in general for both of the the people involved (in this case Ray and Sand).

Hi, anon, thank you for enjoying my thoughts.

I didn’t see those comments and thanks god, I’m so sorry you have to read it. This is just people being uneducated and ignorant and guilt tripping someone - in this case fictional character, but in the situation that very common in real life.

I agree with you, and I want to say that this is very, very dangerous type of commenting. There is a huge difference between supporting someone with addiction in their recovering process and taking responsibility for that.

And I really appreciate how show handles it - with Ray saying himself that this is his journey, and his problem do deal with, and while Sand is there for him to help and support - which is a huge thing - this is ultimately Ray who makes a decision.

Blaming someone like that is just wrong for both parties.

For Sand, or someone in “supporter” role is denying his right for making mistakes, and overall to have feelings. Live your life constantly being afraid that you can cause an addict to relapse is not healthy. You can lose yourself in a process and became a shell of a human you were and it’s not gonna help anyone.

But it’s also unfair to Ray, or any person with addition. It’s a reduction his whole personality to this one thing - this is a very common mistake with people with addiction or mental health problems. You can’t put him in a box where the life is perfect and nothing bad ever happens - and even if you could it’s not going anywhere.

Ray is right, triggers will be everywhere around him. And sad events will happen in his life, and his relationships - including Sand. Recovering from addiction is not about removing all stress factors, is about learning to deal with them in a more healthy way. And I would say Ray does a pretty good job there, because after that one sip he handles the whole stressful situation being completely sober.

He is only at the start of his rehab. And there is and always will be a risk of relapse. This is a long journey. But Ray is the whole person, he’s way more than his addiction. Sand is his whole person, he’s way more than someone who loves a person with addiction. He dumped his job at the bar, and it’s fine because he didn’t really like that one. But he’s gonna have liquor making business, and it’s also fine, because if Ray wants he’ll find a way to drink with Sand’s liquor or without that.

But Sand never behaved in some particular way only for not upsetting Ray - and this is a good thing for both of them. I wish people to understand that.

That’s my very unnecessary long way to say that I agree with you. Don’t read those comments, people are ignorant and that’s their problem. Thank you for giving me a chance to talk about one of my favorite topics in this show, I appreciate that.

[thewayuarent]

Only Friends Episode 12 | No one messes with Ray's man

I plan to go into a deeper post on this, but I really like how Ray went into protective mode over Sand here. When Ray had doubts about whether Sand may be tempted to get back with Boeing, he prompts Sand to make that decision for himself. Whereas once he finds out that Boeing never genuinely cared about Sand in the first place and his attempts to 'rekindle' were purely a game, Ray was having none of that, and quickly declares he'll be taking matters into his own hands. Knowing that Boeing hurt Sand once, he's not going to allow him to do it again. Not on his watch.

It shouldn't be taken lightly that Sand allows Ray to fight his battle for him here. Sand, who is usually so stubborn on trying to handle things on his own. He gave Ray full permission to exert his boyfriend card, whilst he stood back and looked so goddamn proud.

I also just really enjoy Mew being the captain of the Ray/Sand ship. He was all for them from day one, and he genuinely wants to see his best friend happy. So in no way was he going to let Boeing mess this up for the both of them. Seeing them band together to give him what he deserved was so satisfying.

[thewayuarent]

Always love your takes and thoughts about Ray’s addiction and how they’ve handled it. This isn’t really so much as about the show and their handle of it but certain things I see in the fandom and I’d like to hear your thoughts: for some reason I’ve seen people go “Sand he’s drinking because of you it’s your fault” towards Sand one too many times (like in the pool) and I’ve never been so frustrated with reading something. Not only is saying something like that detrimental to someone trying to recover (for many reasons like putting the blame on someone else instead of the addict themselves) but also putting all the responsibility on someone else for “keeping someone sober” and if they upset them it’s their fault is just as detrimental. For their relationship and just in general for both of the the people involved (in this case Ray and Sand).

Hi, anon, thank you for enjoying my thoughts.

I didn’t see those comments and thanks god, I’m so sorry you have to read it. This is just people being uneducated and ignorant and guilt tripping someone - in this case fictional character, but in the situation that very common in real life.

I agree with you, and I want to say that this is very, very dangerous type of commenting. There is a huge difference between supporting someone with addiction in their recovering process and taking responsibility for that.

And I really appreciate how show handles it - with Ray saying himself that this is his journey, and his problem do deal with, and while Sand is there for him to help and support - which is a huge thing - this is ultimately Ray who makes a decision.

Blaming someone like that is just wrong for both parties.

For Sand, or someone in “supporter” role is denying his right for making mistakes, and overall to have feelings. Live your life constantly being afraid that you can cause an addict to relapse is not healthy. You can lose yourself in a process and became a shell of a human you were and it’s not gonna help anyone.

But it’s also unfair to Ray, or any person with addition. It’s a reduction his whole personality to this one thing - this is a very common mistake with people with addiction or mental health problems. You can’t put him in a box where the life is perfect and nothing bad ever happens - and even if you could it’s not going anywhere.

Ray is right, triggers will be everywhere around him. And sad events will happen in his life, and his relationships - including Sand. Recovering from addiction is not about removing all stress factors, is about learning to deal with them in a more healthy way. And I would say Ray does a pretty good job there, because after that one sip he handles the whole stressful situation being completely sober.

He is only at the start of his rehab. And there is and always will be a risk of relapse. This is a long journey. But Ray is the whole person, he’s way more than his addiction. Sand is his whole person, he’s way more than someone who loves a person with addiction. He dumped his job at the bar, and it’s fine because he didn’t really like that one. But he’s gonna have liquor making business, and it’s also fine, because if Ray wants he’ll find a way to drink with Sand’s liquor or without that.

But Sand never behaved in some particular way only for not upsetting Ray - and this is a good thing for both of them. I wish people to understand that.

That’s my very unnecessary long way to say that I agree with you. Don’t read those comments, people are ignorant and that’s their problem. Thank you for giving me a chance to talk about one of my favorite topics in this show, I appreciate that.

[thewayuarent]

Was gonna gather my thoughts and write a post tmr on the general mood in the ofts space after the finale bc I feel like a whole bunch of people overthink the amount of editing that was supposedly the result of "promo couple fans complaining too much" but I literally cannot sleep before I get this off my chest so here goes nothing:

Do you guys not understand how tv show productions work....

The script was written, reworked, and then finalized before they even began filming. Yes they might have changed some stuff between the initial scrips draft they had before the mock trailer and the true beginning of production this year but considering that they booked two at the time new but well received promo couples (remember that this show was already in planning at a time when Enchené and The Eclipse were still very very fresh), TopMew and SandRay were always gonna be endgame. It's especially obvious now that the full series is out bc if you go back and watch the mock trailer, all the same storybeats are there. This is how the story was supposed to go from the beginning. They most likely cast two promo couples on purpose because of the added bonus of pre-established compatibility and chemistry needed for endgame couples in such a messy series.

Then they filmed stuff. They finished filming I believe the day that episode 3 aired, so they could not have changed any of the ending based on audience reactions (as I have seen multiple people suggest), since we were barely a few epiaodes into the story. The book based on the series was also already finished and in the last stages of preparing to be released. The only thing they actually did was edit out parts of scenes or full scenes that they found did not add anything at this point in the story (like the sandray garage scene) or would actively harm what we, the audience, are supposed to be understanding and feeling right now (like the Mew smashing shit scene and Top attempting to sleep with someone else, which both were explained to have been cut because audiences were reacting strongly negative to Top even a few episodes into his redemption arc, when we were clearly supposed to start being on his side). They might also have moved some scenes around to aid the story flow but I am unsure of that one (I suspect the scene where Ray and Mew finally solve their shit out was supposed to be directly before the SandRay donut scene bc of obvious clothing reasons, bc they either fucked up hardcore with clothing continuity or moved the first SandRay rehab discussion to after the RayMew talk because it made more sense that way when seeing it played out on screen. If that was the case I am glad for it bc it would have felt a bit weird the other way around idk...).

All of this is however not new. It happens all the time in film and broadcasting production (also in book publishing....this is why editors and alpha/beta readers exist. I mean Brandon Sanderson's books famously go through four (?) stages of feedback before they get published...). Some scenes just get dropped in editing because when you see it on screen it feels redundant or not quite right, so it gets taken out before it changes what they want the audience to take away from other scenes. Movies and tv shows that have months between filming and airing dates usually solve this issue with test screening audiences and several runs of editing. There have been instances of Movies having test screenings at cinemas and then having their release date scrapped because they have to be re-edited completely as a result of unexpected audience feedback. GmmTV series being on smaller budgets and timeframes results in this time window falling away and relying on observing audience reactions to already aired episodes closely and then editing the next episode close to its release is one strategy to still ensure that you bring across what you wanted to (Kdramas also do this very frequently). It might not be ideal but it's not unusual and it certainly does not mean that anything substantial from the story was changed. All the storybeats as well as the character and relationship development remained the same because they already had everything filmed. They did not do reshoots or we'd know it. The story was planned this way. It was in the script. If you did not like it, then you did not like it. But don't accuse the directors of "bending to the will of fans" bc that's just plain wrong.

I too have my issues with some of the writing and some of the characterizations. But let's keep the criticism where it is actually deserved ok?

Edit: I have also seen quite a few people over here and also on Twitter say how disappointed they are in the "editing based on audience reaction" and that they should release a "directors cut" with all the scenes but like....this IS the directors cut. THEY decided how to edit this because the original intent is not always what arrives in the brains of the audience. Storytelling is a two-way street and if a massive chunk of your audience interprets a part of your story so differently to how you intended it to be understood, edits are necessary. Because that means that your intent is not communicated well enough.

[thewayuarent]

now that only friends has finished airing, i'm redoing my best completed jojo tichakorn series poll with ofts as an option. let's see how much that changes the results 👀

[thewayuarent]

Only Friends Character Rankings Episode 12

And that's all she wrote friends! And how she wrote it was...weird? The show definitely pulled some punches at the end there, trying to thread a needle and ending instead in a kind of wishy-washy damp squib. The couples landed up right, but in the wrong way? Guu mai chorp. But these hoes still need their final sorting. Nick led the pack going into the finale, will he end up on top at the end? Only the mains this week in my final rankings, but first...

⭐A1. FUCKIN' MIX!

Then…can I be your friend too?

I'm sorry I can't hear y'all over my screams at the MESS Minx Mix looks set to cause. That man is too pretty to be allowed in public. I WANT IT JOJO, I WANT IT NOW!

🔻🔻🔻Z∞. Boeing (8)

I just happen to want something strong tonight.

In the end, Boeing is just a lonelyboy like all the rest of them, which is fine, but he also just...disappears after the Ray/Mew Voltron vanquishes him and he gets a consolation makeout from Boston, which is not. Anyway, Mond is a good actor, also he's hot and got to kiss a bunch of boys, so winning.

Top tier show sidepieces: Yo, Plug, Summer, Freddie Mercury 2, Sand's Mom, Ray's Dad, Daddy Dan, April, Mew's Moms (barely)

These characters were mostly on the side of the angels, and I thank them for their service.

Bottom bitches: Cheum, Atom, Gap

Yeah they apologised, but fuck em.

Onto our main six!

🔺1. Boston (2)

I'm friendless.

In the end, Boston's at the top of my mains pile, because MY MANS DESERVED BETTER. Not in terms of Nick, I think that actually ended the absolute best way: Boston made his case, Nick made his decision, and they parted more or less as friends (and I loved absolutely every conversation those two had in this episode). No I mean in terms of his shitty friends, especially MEW. Cheum at least apologised, even if perfunctorily, and he apologised for sleeping with Atom (yeah, he really shouldn't have done that). He and Ray let the water wash under their particular bridge, and seem set to be cool. They never really had much in the way of beef to be fair. But Mew...actually you know what, good. Some people you don't need to be friends with, especially people who are gonna judge you and try to make you feel shitty about yourself. The narrative leaves Boston literally alone at the end though, legit the last time we see him is sitting on the curb with tears in his eyes as Nick walks away. Thanks, I hate it. I hope New York is better to Boston, and I hope he continues to learn and grow and tackle those impulse control problems.

🔻2. Nick (1)

You should go back to living a fun and sassy life that you prefer instead of trying to please a daydreaming guy like me.

YOU COULD HAVE ACCEPTED THE GODDAMN PHOTO NICKYBOY. I mean I get why not, but justice for my mans. Anyway, Nick's legit my second fave main here, as he grapples with the in-your-face realities of Boston's separation of love and sex, and decides he can't handle it. And that's good, that he loves Boston enough not to judge him, and loves himself enough not to put himself through something he knows he doesn't want. Every single choice and every conversation these two have had since Nick apologised has been nothing less than stellar, and that's because Nick took accountability and chose honesty. Well done baby boy.

🔺3. Sand (5)

You're right. When I love someone, I become a dog. But at least my owner loves me.

Pathetic to the very end, consistency thy name is Sand. He could have at least thrown his bussy into that threesome, but nooooooo, he got jealous IN TWO DIRECTIONS AT ONCE 🤣. He's fine with both boys slangin the dick his way, but calls a halt when they leave him out? Sir that's when you stand back and admire. Sand's pick-me ass ain't never gonna be my absolute fave, but his self-awareness and humiliation kink work together to be kind of endearing in a guileless sort of way, and at least he's learned to take the money if he's going to accept the ownership. It's sweet in a weird kink way. Also, his and Nick's loser friendship pushes him several points higher up the scale. There's growth and acceptance there, and he's 21 so I'll let him have it.

🔺4. Ray (7)

You still love him so I dragged him here for you. But I wanted to join just a little.

Well when he's not drunk night and day Ray's still a rich asshole, but he's a ton more fun. I love that he knows the kids at community service don't like him🤣. I spot rehab therapy working on him a bit. That threesome set up was WILD, and I personally had a good time with it, but it's probably best that it led to talking rather than fucking. Ray's got a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG way to go, but at least he treats Boston like a human being (I AM SO BITTER AND I'M NOT GETTING OVER IT). He's never gonna clock Mew's shittiness (BITTERNESS ACCELERATING) but you win some, you lose some. By the way sir, don't listen to Sand, he absolutely will be your sugar baby if you beg a little.

🔻5. Top (4)

Because I have you, everything is fine.

Top's smugness was the single most genuine thing about him, so I actually quite enjoyed watching him be a smug motherfucker this ep as he gets everything he thinks he wants. You know what I enjoyed more though? Watching his soul leave his body when Minx!Mix walked into the hostel and laser-targeted Mew. Mew putting Top through hell is legit my favourite flavour of their weird little fucked up relationship, and I'm sorry I won't get to see Mew eventually fall for Mix (you KNOW he wants to top somebody, YOU KNOW IT) and Top cry about it while he screws a bellboy in a service closet.

🔹6. Mew (6)

Are you about to say "But you're my last, Mew"? If so, I'm going to go puke in the bathroom.

OK, that line was funny, but jeez what a prig. What a sanctimonious nag. What a judgy little hypocrite. In his own conception he 'won' but Mew's the biggest loser in my heart. No he didn't have to forgive Boston, but come on, he could've kept it cute OR kept it moving full speed instead of the fake nicey nicey only to stick the knife in after. It's good that he walks away from Boston in the end, because with friends like Mew you don't need enemies. He makes Ray worse. And he and Cheum form the feedback loop from hell. Bookie sold the fuck out of this character, I have nothing but praise for him, but Mew is the living worst. I won't mention the character he reminds me most of in all of fiction, but if you're a certain age and you think about it a little, you can probably guess.

[thewayuarent]

Only Friends Episode 12 | The Sand/Top Kiss: Revenge tastes sweet

I knew straight away that Mew was going to ask them to 'kiss and make-up'. Top looked so goddamn terrified the entire time, I was laughing so hard.

[thewayuarent]

I, for one, will forever be grateful to Only Friends for giving us Boston.

Because to take a character the narrative has condemned and make him not only the most loved but also the most sympathetic character while also being the messier and having his own deep struggles is a thing of beauty and talent.

But I especially want to highlight a few things about Boston. Because these are all the ways I came to love him.

He's a born this way gay man who is never shown to question or doubt his sexuality.

2. He is openly promiscuous and not only enjoys sex but enjoys having sex with multiple people. (He's an asshole and his moral code is his own but he sticks to it.)

3. He owns his own filth within said moral code.

4. He is the first person to say you can't turn someone gay.

5. He thinks he knows how to throw a punch but really doesn't tend to despite his own words.

6. Openly distinguishes between sex and romantic love

7. Is the only one of his friends capable of a sincere apology when he was wrong and wronged them and will go out of his way to make a sincere one with them even if they don't deserve it and would never admit to owing him one at all.

In fact, he does it twice.

8. He knows when not to apologize.

And, most importantly of all... he can be a petty bitch.

We stan him and we apologize for him and we love him for all of it.

Boston, the king of the sluts, the character who was condemned by the narrative for his ways but that the fanbase will forever love because he was something so unusual in BL that it made him beautiful.

[thewayuarent]

ONLY FRIENDS (2023)

episode 1 // episode 12