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It has been one hell of a ride of PeteKao from being a small part of Kiss and then one of the parts in Kiss Me Again; and finally DBK - one for them...
This journey has been wonderful of seeing the most talented sweethearts TayNew as PeteKao...
During this journey, every part of PeteKao's life has been amazing and beautifully portrayed...
No other couple could have been this significant for the roles of PeteKao other than TayNew...
TayNew has made everyone fall in love with them due to their adorable and breathtaking chemistry...
Love and chemistry between TayNew work out so naturally beautiful between them...
Their real-life friendship is also adorable and cute...TayNew together is just utter love...
For me, they are the best BL couple now and forever...My sweetheart pairs and darlings...
Will be missing the journey of PeteKao so badly...
I literally crave more from PeteKao's life like seeing them after this, their marriage and their love after marriage; and probably kids...
I love TayNew madly...
Though my mind knows that they are best friends, my heart longs them to more than that...
Though PeteKao's journey has stopped here, I'll follow TayNew's life throughout...
Love you a loads TayNew...Both be blessed...
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This review may contain spoilers
My jumping into Thai entertainment has been a fun ride so far with many satisfying discoveries. I was first introduced to the couple affectionately known as #PeteKao when YouTube recommended a three-part compilation of scenes from the series Kiss Me Again which featured the characters Pete and Kao.How YouTube recommended it to me may have to do with me looking up Love of Siam after I watched it for the first time in late 2018, I think it was.
But I ended up waching the #PeteKao compilation. I then went on to watch Kiss: The Series (which I learned actually aired first, but its events take place after Kiss Me Again). And then I ended up officially becoming a fan.
So count me as one of the many people who looked forward to their story continuing with Dark Blue Kiss (รักไม่ระบุสถานะ). The series aired from October to December last year and I watched every episode the day after they first aired in Thailand. (Had to wait for the English subtitles of course, but all episodes were quickly uploaded to GMMTV’s official YouTube channel. Thanks GMM!)
Dark Blue Kiss was a fun, turbulent, but fully satisfying ride. A very soapy ride, to be sure. But a very satisfying series.
Dark Blue Kiss focused on Pete and Kao’s relationship hitting a bumpy patch with the arrival of troublemaker Non. Setting his sights on Kao, Non was the scheming villain wanting to steal the leading man away from the, well, other leading man.
It undoubtedly frustrated many fans watching the series. I can understand, but not agree with fans only wanting to see all happy scenes. Romantic scenes with kisses and perhaps more… action. Dark Blue Kiss was a drama series that showed how Pete and Kao’s relationship was tested and how they overcame it.
It had the type of story where the frustrations, misunderstandings, hurt feelings and difficult moments all piled up to help set up and culminate with a thoroughly satisfying conclusion. A conclusion that resulted in our main couple being stronger than they were at the start. But understandably, reaching that point requires an investment from the viewer. A commitment to see the entire series through in order to reach that fulfillment instead of just giving up on the series halfway through because there haven’t been enough kiss or bed scenes.
Now that’s certainly not the case for all fans. But it was a very loud faction of the audience and it was unfortunate that they were missing out on a well-developed story and thoroughly fun ride.
The second couple of Sun and Mork were also a highlight and perhaps got even more growth and development in the series than Pete and Kao. Of course, Sun and Mork were only peripheral characters in the previous Kiss series, so this was their opportunity to shine and have the spotlight on them.
Both couples’ stories though were equally engaging and in different ways. An established couple hitting an unexpected speed bump. And another couple just coming to terms with their new feelings for each other.
Dark Blue Kiss also had some very poignant and emotional moments, especially when it came to Kao struggling to keep his sexuality from his mother. Perhaps the best scene of the entire series was the moment Kao is able to honestly speak with his mother who comfortably reassured him that he never had any reason to worry about her possible reaction in the first place. A wonderful moment of unconditional love between a mother and son.
The series also certainly had plenty of lighthearted moments and balanced the heavier moments well.
The cast delivered good, solid performances. No question about the chemistry between Pete and Kao themselves, Tay Tawan Vihokratana and New Thitipoom Techaapaikhun. They have an undeniable chemistry that pops off the screen and are talented actors that can deliver any type of scene required of them, whether dramatic, romantic or something lighter.
Podd Suphakorn Sriphothong and Fluke Gawin Caskey as Sun and Mork also shared a great chemistry. Their complicated relationship was believable thanks to their performances.
AJ Chayapol Jutamat as Non, however, was a revelation. Having to walk the tightrope between a villain you love to hate and a broken character you can empathize with takes some skill. And AJ was able to show he could handle it.
Pluem Pongpisal as Sun’s brother Rain and the Gang of Sandee, Thada and June (Mild Lapassalan Jiravechsoontornkul, Mek Jirakit Thawornwong, Nicky Nachat Juntapun) helped provide much needed relief from the drama. And Ploy Patchatorn Thanawat as Manow rounds out the cast.
Oh and can we also appreciate these epic opening credits?
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Good BL with a Killer Soundtrack
While Dark Blue Kiss may not go down as a BL classic, it is absolutely a must-watch.Dark Blue Kiss is a continuation of the “Kiss” and “Kiss Me Again” series, with a focus on the side couple PeteKao. While I don’t think you have to watch either of these to enjoy and understand Dark Blue Kiss, the background is nice for anyone that might be interested in how they got together in the first place.
There are some continuity issues between the earlier Kiss series and Dark Blue Kiss, but it’s nothing so off-putting that it’ll completely take you out of the show.
Overall, it is a bit of an angst fest, but I felt that the conclusion was so satisfying that it made up for much of the pain that I experienced throughout. The finale kiss was definitely a “Dark Blue Kiss” that was so epic that it made everything worth it.
Unfortunately, many of their problems throughout were caused by miscommunication (or a lack thereof entirely), which is always frustrating.
Both of the main couples had great chemistry and played off of each other well. MorkSun was an unexpected yet pleasant surprise. Always love a good enemies to lovers storyline and they certainly delivered.
I’ve gotta mention the stellar soundtrack. I have no idea if this was just me, but I absolutely loved the OST. I usually skip over openings, but I never once skipped this one. The music slowly builds a great sense of drama that I felt really suited the show.
I would absolutely recommend this to any BL fan out there that loves drama, a great soundtrack and a satisfying conclusion.
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Solid and Well-Acted
What this series did tackle well is the incredible support that they received from their parents. I applaud the writers for taking this path as it allows people to see that not every parent is always uncomfortable with their child’s sexual preference. This is just a very charming series that pulls it off in the end. While it does not quite get to an intense level for me, I liked it a lot. It is worth watching, if nothing more than for the scenes with their individual parents. If you want, you can read my full review (free) at my blog site at ppbongo.medium.com.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
AMAZING PLOT X AMAZING CAST!!!
Holy shit. I don't even know where to start. First of all, i just came back from watching Kiss Me Again because i don't want to be left out when i am watching DBK but they didn't mention much about what happened in KMA so its all good! Just you need to know that Pete has a lot of ego and such a troublemaker. He rather use his fist first than talk out of it.Pete x Kao. Ah. What do i comment about them. They are perfect! Love hate relationships at its finest. Pete is a little bit selfish and has too much pride in him though. I was shocked that he actually okay with Kao lose a student of his tutor just because he hates Non. Of course that Non can gtfo because he is such a devil in disguise. Bought his own merchandise and likes. Wtf?!!! But i don't think Kao is at fault since he is the victim of the situation. He need to choose between his boyfriend and his family. His sister need to have a part time job though, she keep on asking money but she doesn't want to have a job while studying???? But of course, after the rumours got worse, Pete come to the rescue!!! 💕💕💕💕 CAN I JUST SAY HOW MUCH I LOVE PETE'S DAD AND KAO'S MOM. THEY ARE SO COOL WITH THEIE KIDS BEING GAY. Especially Pete's dad. Lmao he even gave him condoms. AHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAH. Seriously, A+ for the kiss scene. They doesn't have much steamy and hot scene but the kiss scene is sufficient enough as it is HOTTTTT?!!!! THEY KISSED UNDERWATER THOUGH AND IT DOESN'T LOOK SLOPPY AT ALL. TRUST ME.
Sun x Mork. OH.. MY.. GOD... SUN IS SO HOT!! HNGHHHH i love him so much! Just that he is quite hot-headed when Mork is about to explain to him what is going on and i don't really have much complain about this couple. I think they are really cute and i like it that they have the same screentime as the main pairing.
This is exactly the closure that i need after watching KMA. IT'S SO GOOD!!! I LOVE THE WAY THEY SHOOT THE OPENING VIDEO LIKE THE GOOD OLD TIME LAKORN. LIKE FULL OF DRAMA. I LOVE IT UGHHH AND NEW., IM COMING FOR YOUR ASS. AND I I FINISHED THIS LAKORN IN ONLY 2 DAYS. GO WATCH IT YOU FOOL!! 💕💕💕💕💕💕✨✨✨✨
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Highly recommend! Give it a go :)
INTRO: Let me start with the intro of the series. It was beautiful and gave subtle hints of the storyline. I loved how they filmed and acted out the intro. You could get hints of the characters' emotions that will happen in the series like anger, sadness, etc. I usually skip intros but I made sure to watch in every episode as it was very nice along with the music. Top 1 Bl intro ever!ACTING: I loved everyone's acting in this series both the protagonists and the second lead. I couldn't find any awkwardness between them at all they flowed together perfectly. Tawan who played 'Pete' and Thithipoom who played 'Kao' had amazing chemistry. I could feel the fun, cute relationship they had. It was super cute to watch the way Pete teased his partner and the way Kao reacted cutely.
STORY: The story was alright very typical storyline of dramas created by misunderstandings and lying. But still, it was really nice to watch! The one thing I didn't like was the character of Pete. He was a very controlling, possessive, and jealous boyfriend who didn't understand his partner's feelings or listened to them. He was very immature and couldn't bother to listen and understand Kao's situation at all and would always sulk away and get angry and judge quickly. The second lead couples' story was a little different but I found that Sun's character was a little similar to Pete's in terms of the inability to understand. But Sun was very patient and soft with Mork.
Overall I really liked it and recommend to watch it as it was pretty good :)
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Underrated Series Please Watch!
This series blew me away! I went in with zero expectations, I didn't even know it was a sequel series (yes I went back and watched all of Pete and Kao's scenes from the other show, though I don't think it was entirely necessary) so I went in knowing nothing. First off, the intro sequence is everything. Such drama, such vampire realness with their dark suits, blue lighting and wanting stares. I was immediately brought in by the adorable pool scene between Pete and Kao, so cute and I must say those 2 actors somehow got WAY more attractive in this series than the other one. So did Sun, thank god.The show tackles the struggles of coming out to a parent and friends, which was fantastic. We also get great pacing and respect between our couples which is much needed in these series. None of the tension felt unwarranted from either side during arguments which is great. I actually could identify with every party going through various struggles. The show also made some really really sweet realistic moments and I was HERE FOR IT. There's a discussion of gay marriage not being legalized in Thailand yet, which impressed me that they talked about. Also the discussion of becoming a better person for your significant other. Really well done.
Now obviously I think Pete and Kao were great, but they did have more development because of the other series. However, I was pleasantly surprised that I really enjoyed Sun and Mork's story too. We get a best friends brother scenario which was interesting and those actors had great chemistry as well. We don't need steamy scenes every episode to drive forward a plot, actually it gets in the way a lot of the time so this show didn't do that and I was relieved. There's solid side characters in Pete's dad (only supportive dad figure I've seen thus far), Kao's mom (sweetheart), Kitty (beautiful and says she likes girls which is HUGE), etc etc. Honestly 95% of the characters I loved, aside from 1 of the friends from the "gang" and Non. But obviously you aren't supposed to like Non, I wish we would've gotten a better conclusion to his arch but maybe that'll happen in a sequel? Other than that great cinematography, like really good and solid music. WATCH THIS SERIES!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
I have watched this series twice. I think you will enjoy this series if:-1. You view it from Asian lens (further details in the review below)
2. You do not really give heavy emphasis on the inconsistencies within the Kiss series (ie some knowledge will be useful such as Pete and Kao are already together for 3 years, Pete's dad knows about them, etc)
I have not watched the earlier 2 Kiss series in entirety. So perhaps this might be the reason I enjoyed DBK immensely.
What I like about the series are:-
1. Each main characters were thrust into realistic situation that any gay man may encounter in real life.
Pete - having to constantly being compared with his dad's friends' sons and worry being a disappointment to his dad.
Kao - being a breadwinner for his family with his sis still in college. I felt his story arc was important but somehow misunderstood by some viewers without the understanding of the situation he was in. Coming out may put his and his mother's reputation at risk. This will certainly have economic impact (ie loss of students for Kao and promotion for his mother) even if he has strong support system and acceptance from friends and family. I felt this fear is very real especially in Asian society.
Sun - somewhat estranged from his dad because of his sexuality and the dad tried to bargain with him in return for his acceptance.
Mork - accidentally outed by a good friend (with good intention nonetheless) but reiterate to that friend that coming out is a very personal thing that can only be decided by himself.
2. The awesome opening intro with the dramatic music and symbolic action/item hinting at the storyline (ie the coffee bean and breaking of glasses) as well as the theme song.
Now this series is far from perfect. I wish they had done certain things differently. I felt the introduction of Non was to tie in to the Kao's fear of coming out but somehow the execution was muddled. There was no background to Non's action as to why he kept pestering Kao. Perhaps some flashback might be useful.
Nonetheless, this is my fave 2019 BL series for 2 simple reasons:-
1. Realistic scenes that any gay man would face. I especially like the conversation between Pete and Kao on needing to be a better person simply because they are gay.
2. Sizzling chemistry between the 2 main couples.
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-The main character's parents (Pete and Kao) are some of the best parents in the BL universe. I'm not even exaggerating. Both of them are iconic.
-SunMork. I don't want to spoil it for you but I can't help but praise these two actors. There did a phenomenal job with their characters. Truly amazing. The development is incredible, the fluff is there, the chemistry is outstanding, the acting is great too. I watched it for PeteKao but I'm so happy I loved this couple's story as well.
-PeteKao. Of course, our main couple. I fell in love with them when I watched Kiss Me Again, and they were literally the only good thing about that show. I'm glad their friends and their relationship has another chance and is developed in this show. I reaaaally loved New and Tay's acting, it improved a lot. Also, their chemistry is no joke. I'm just super happy we got a whole new season with just these two amazing couples!
-Realistic relationships. The way the characters dealt with the problems that they had to face was very mature and realistic. I, for once, didn't blame the characters for being straight up stupid. Very well-developed plot.
I think you can watch it without having to suffer through Kiss Me Again! Just go for it and have fun. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
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"Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion, it is not the desire to mate every second minute of the day, it is not lying awake at night imagining that he is kissing every cranny of your body. No, don’t blush, I am telling you some truths. That is just being “in love”, which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident."
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