This review may contain spoilers
Started off strong but struggled to stay afloat
Between Us was three years in the making. It had an existing fan base for the lead actors and from Until We Meet Again. It was well set up to succeed but, for me, it ultimately failed to live up to the bar set by UWMA and its own early episodes. Though it was one of my most anticipated series - and one which did have moments when it shone - I can't help but be disappointed.Going in, I was expecting it to take place on a parallel timeline to UWMA. I haven't read the novel, so I didn't know what exactly to expect plot-wise, and don't know how much of it is true to the source material. Despite going in pretty blind, my expectations were high and I was excited to see the cast I knew and loved from the original series.
BU started off really well, though it did feel like they expected you to have watched UWMA. UWMA didn't tell us much about Team and Win as characters so they were brimming with potential. The early episodes had me hooked by setting up Team's childhood trauma and subsequent anxiety/insomnia, and hinting that Win also had attachment issues and family conflicts of his own. The lead actors also have great chemistry so that alone was doing a lot of the legwork. However, where the series fell flat for me is that is barely scratched the surface of these character backstories which seemed to be goldmines for compelling arcs.
I think this series was meant to be a character study more than something plot heavy. But character studies take *work* and it just did not feel like the writers put any in. By the later episodes, it felt more like they were trying to cram in tried and tested overly-familiar tropes than continuing to refine and shape their characters. By the end of the series, I felt like I barely knew Win better than I did at the start. As for Team, at least his storyline was resolved, but by the time the resolution came it felt like the plotline had been exhausted without getting much added depth.
As for the side characters, I wasn't expecting much more Dean/Pharm content since they had their own series. But I was hoping we would get to see more of Manow and Phruek since they were pretty sidelined in UWMA. Again, they set up a really compelling story for Manow - a young woman who wants to make in acting but feels like she doesn't have the right "look" - but instead of fleshing out her journey or relationship, they once again got a handful of scenes that seemed like they were just there to placate the audience rather than add to the story.
The new side characters didn't really work for me. I didn't have any qualms about the ABC gang as friends and comic relief, but I didn't feel like the Bee/Prince storyline was necessary. In the same vein, I didn't really get invested in Waan/Tul. These romances weren't explored or resolved well in any case, just going to show that the writers threw more balls in the air than they knew how to juggle. The show also, in my opinion, did a disservice to the friendships already established in UWMA. Though we got a handful of scenes, we barely got to see Win's friendship with Dean which apparently goes back to childhood - in fact, we barely got to see Win open up to anyone. And sometimes when Team would be pouring his heart out to ABC, I would be left wondering why he wasn't having this conversation with his alleged best friends.
Halfway through the show, the plot started to get all over the place - in a bad way. Character development does not have to be linear. Plots can be messy. But the writers didn't seem to have any grasp of how to build tension (and not let it deflate) or the concept of a "beginning, middle, and end" that most of us are taught in elementary school. Plots are meant to culminate in a climax which, by the time it came on this show, was dumbfounding because it felt so long overdue. Team's insecurities that Win was "like this with everyone" started, after a point, to sound delusional since we as an audience never saw him do this beyond looking out for his brothers. The writers could easily have added weight to his concerns by showing Win offering to help other members of the swim team, for example, instead of scenes dedicated to Bee wiping off Prince's makeup while he sleeps. As for Win's inability to commit, the dysfunctional family was more than enough to flesh out where this trait comes from, but, like Team, we basically end up knowing not much more than his coffee order.
Other aspects of the show were also not great. The background music was terrible (and often completely at odds with what was happening in the scene) and the OST most definitely did not need to be performed live during one of the most tense scenes on the show. There were a couple of moments when sexuality was addressed so bizarrely it was hard for me to grasp what exactly the show was trying to say. And the less said about the hair and makeup the better.
Ultimately, the show was kind of a flop for me. It had a talented cast and so much potential, but it almost all completely wasted on an unfocused plot and no clear understanding of its own characters. I had been hoping this would be one for the ages, but I don't think I'll even be thinking about it by this time next week.
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Don’t compare it to it’s prequel Until we meet again.
No action, no mystery - like in the prequel. Watch this first and then UWMA is my advice. I must say that I like this also novel based series a lot more.Several couples, where the main story between Win/Team gets more attention than the other. Great acting and chemistry between the 2 main leads, Boun and Prem. The need a bit of a free hand in the script/acting to give their combined acting potential a super boost - like in episode 11. This was I think not the case in another of their series: Even sun - I didn’t end watching this series.
The depth in this series lies in emotional problems/characters and development in this area. There is attention for thoughts about the heavy consequences of being famous for a private live through the story of Prince/Bee. There’s als attention for starting to know each other online and making the step to a real relation (Wan/Tul). I like it that there was room for a non-BL couple (Manow ❤️/Pruek). The acting from all actors was good. Special attention from me for the 3 fiends A, Bee and Sea. Always worth a good laugh.
Great OST from Boy Sompob.
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Not bad at all but plenty of room for improvement
I have seen UWMA and that’s how I came across Hemp Rope. Expectations were built from 3 year wait for this series.For new artists, the two lead obviously improved in their acting from UWMA. Facial expressions and the pauses in speaking need to improve for all casts. Find it common with Thai series the weird pauses before speaking like they are waiting for a cue to speak and this is during emotionally driven scenes. Awkward to look at. Team being a cutesy, whiny character seems not fitting - it is a college setting. The whining could have been toned down.
The story is good - relating to mental issues and it’s effect on people around us and our own life.
I became a shipper for the WinTeam because of the excellent fan-service these two provide. They are being r their real selves while honestly providing fanservice.
The production for this is great. The hard work is obvious. I believe wardrobe is alright. I just wish they were dressed appropriately for some of the scenes. This is supposed to be college scenario but in some scenes wardrobe is more for teenagers.
Tattoo art is a great addition in character.
Scene when Win was over Teams place and it’s really out there that Team is introducing Win to his parents when they are already about to eat.🤷🏼♀️
Overall, I enjoyed this series. Don’t expect anything exemplary. Just enjoy it for what it is - a light story BL series.
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A big no!
(It's my opinion) i liked until we meet again better because I feel like between us has no real plot (or maybe i missed it) it's overrated just because of the lead couple actors half of the series second season or spin off is a flop and it's the same case with this one it was super hyped until it was released but it was nothing when it started airing. Half of this series success was because of good publicity not because it had good story line.Was this review helpful to you?
TREAT THIS AS A STANDALONE SERIES!
Don't compare this with other series since it focused on romance only. Normally, the plots of this kind of series are mainly centered at the relationship of the main characters which is very admirable and praiseworthy in Between Us.Looking through emotional perspective, the main characters have given a realistic and consistent behavioral response. The inner struggles as a middle child of Win and the past traumatic experience of Team brought the uncertainties of their undefinable relationship. As we explore their relationship development, the relationship, which started from an unexpected sexual affection, slowly progressed into an emotional and romantic ride. The relationship of the other couples (except Tul-Wan) has given satisfying different flavors to the series. For Tul-Wan, their relationship is very promising at first but their abrupt confession is so disappointing (thinking back to how Wan was given emphasis as the storyline goes to Win's family issues).
I think this is my first time that I admire two main leads of a series with less appeals. Their emotional chemistry really proved me wrong to judge without seeing them act. I enjoyed watching this a lot. The casts are great. The music is refreshing and appealing.
Should I recommend you to watch this? Definitely, yes!
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This review may contain spoilers
I enjoyed this one so much!
As a person who is currently watching Until we meet again, which I started after being like halfway into Between us, I enjoyed this drama so much! I love how some of the actors displayed their character, I love how each of them has a different spark to them!The only thing i didn't really like was that sometimes it felt like Win and Team couldn't talk and it seemed like they couldn't find their feelings as well. Overall I liked everything about this drama.
To be honest I'd be super happy if ManowPhruek got their own drama as well. I absolutely adore those two! They would be my definition of a healthy and free relationship. I really hope they'll get their own drama, I'd love to see more! (also I may be totally in love with Sammy for like a year now, but that's a different story)
Also I loved the development between Prince and Bee. They were so pure and so freaking adorable. I can't find a flaw on them. Their relationship is everything I ever wanted and they even got me dancing with happiness around my room like a total freak!
Overall this BL belongs now into one of my beloved favourites and it's not going anywhere else than that. I trully loved it so much!
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Team and Win are mature in considering whether they really want a relationship
It's sad to see so many negative reviews, this drama is slow but that doesn't mean it's bad. Also just because it doesn't have a lot of steamy scenes that doesn't make it unsatisfying.The final confession was only made better by the wait and we could see how carefully the two main characters were thinking. It felt more real compared to other dramas where they don't consider whether to properly date or not. It's as if the characters aren't taught they are eachother's soulmate. They slowly work it out in order to not hurt the other person.
Anyway if you're looking for something you might find on PH this won't be for you, if you're looking for a sweet and caring relationship this may be it.
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Win makes Team feel safe
The storyline is… I don’t really know how to describe it without giving away too much, but I really enjoyed it. It’s a slow burn romance that starts as a one-night stand. I had an approximate idea of how the story will progress as I have watched Until We Meet Again before, but I didn’t really know or expected anything relating to Team’s and Win’s stories. We were not given any clues to it in UWMA, so it was really kind of heartbreaking to see, especially Team’s story.I think the best place to start is the “ABC gang” as Win calls them. I think the three of them are so funny and a complete chaotic mess when put together. They had me laughing pretty much every time all of them were put together.
We do get to see quite a few side couples, and I felt like they were kind of taking up too much screentime away from WinTeam. But at the same time, I absolutely loved WanTul and BeePrince. I am kind of meh on DeanPharm, but seeing I didn’t really like them in their own series… PrukManaow were a bit too much for me too.
Wan & Tul: They are probably my favorite side couple. I love a good age gap romance (even though they are only a few years apart), as well as hidden identity story. I could really feel Tul’s pain when he realized he is in love with Wan, yet he cannot reveal himself without losing Wan. I think that the two had great chemistry. As for Wan, all I can say is that it’s always the quiet ones that surprise us the most.
Bee & Prince: I think they were cute. They were both unsure and they took their time exploring the possibilities. I really liked how they portrayed the struggles of being gay in the world of acting – we don’t often hear about the struggles and everything a person needs to sacrifice or hide to stay in the spotlight. Fans do tend to ship actors together, but reality is often not nearly as idealistic.
Dean & Pharm: I find Pharm annoying. I don’t even know how else to put it or why I feel that way. Dean is a bit more tolerable, but having seen him in UWMA, I am not his biggest fan. This does not mean that the actors didn’t do a great playing out the characters.
Pruk & Manaow: I get it, she is into the theater and all that. But the over reacting made it kind of hard to really enjoy her character. Pruk seems to be very down to earth and a calm person. I do think the two of them match really well, even if they can be a bit too much at times.
Win & Team: finally the main couple. I think the chemistry that the two actors have is amazing, that’s not something that can be denied. I really loved them in UMWA, so seeing them have their own series was really exciting. Their relationship takes time to develop. Win is a middle child and I really like how that is played into the series. The order siblings are born in can really impact their personalities. And while Win has the oldest sibling energy, his fears mostly go back to him being the middle child. It seems that his way of showing his love for someone is through taking care of them. Team is someone who needs a lot of support. I did find him a bit too silly at times though (e.g. the coffee ordering). He is battling his inner demons and he finds it hard to open to others. I am not sure that Pharm and Manaow even know his story. A lot of Team’s emotions and actions are due to his guilt that dates back to his childhood. Forgiving yourself is often the hardest thing to do.
I like how the main conflict between Win and Team was not jealousy or a third person. I think they could have communicated things in a better way and earlier, but with both of them being the way they are, it also made a lot of sense due to their personalities. They were showing they care about the other through their acts, but failed to say so out loud.
I think that both Boun and Prem did an amazing job when it came to portraying emotions. They really know how to make you feel what their characters are feeling. The series explores some very difficult topics and the two of them were on point every time it came to playing those scenes out.
And I cannot skip the topic of consent. It is something that I often comment on when it comes to different series. I think it’s important for the BL industry to move from romanticizing non consent. And Between Us really put consent into the center of the show. Win is in a position of authority, and he recognizes that. I believe that is why he wanted Team to show full understanding of what is about to happen and to fully consent to it. Team had the chance to refuse him, multiple times, with no consequences to his spot in the club. Win never intended to use his power to force Team into anything. And I really liked that. From first episode to the last, if there was any intimacy, consent was always clearly given.
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The Most Anticipated becomes The Most Dissapointing
The first 9 episodes were honestly so confusing, the plot was going nowhere. Just when they start to address the problem in their relationship, the next episode they act like nothing happened and completely ignoring it. Win is confused whether his feelings toward Team is platonic like caring for a brother or is romantic, he also doesn't want to love anyone. Team likes Win but is afraid to communicate his feelings. Just when they have realized that the plot reset back to the start, like nothing happened, and then they back to realizing then back to nothing happened. They start addressing their situation on episode 10 and 11, that is where things start to get better and clearer.Second, too many side couple and situation , while we should be focusing on the main couple and their progress in their relationship. I'm going to say the same thing about the back story of Team's nightmare, I think that's it's good to give a back story but it has gotten a bit complicated, kind of bothering the plot bcs they put this story in the middle of everything and just left it hanging. I think they really should be focusing on clearing their issues and defining their relationship status.
Third, the acting. Boun Prem's chemistry is good but I can't really feel it in this series. Prem's acting is really good, Boun still has a bit to go, because they are the main character and the story needs their acting to be deep and touching. But it's okay.
For me this series is lacking a lot because they make this series about WinTeam being the main character, not just some side stories like they were in UWMA. I'm absolutely disappointed with series, especially the confusing plot and the additional side couple, we have waited years for this to come out but this is what we get.
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Not amongst the best BL series in 2022-2023
If this had been released together with Until We Meet Again back in 2019 or in 2020, it would have been more highly rated. Unfortunately, the series feels a little dated because BL series have largely moved on. I am certainly not saying that a series has to keep up with whatever is fashionable. However, the series does not seem to be able to avoid some of the weaknesses of BL scripts a few years ago.The use of multiple couples without a proper focus on the side couples is one thing that could have been avoided. Despite the presence of Win and Team as a couple in 2019's Until We Meet Again, it managed to focus on Dean and Pharm and the storyline was strong. However, the Win/Team storyline in Between US is not only weaker but also diluted by unnecessary digressions to side couples.
I find myself more intrigued by the story of one of the side couples (Tul and Wan) more than the main couple even though the duo have not even become a couple as of Episode 11. Sometimes, I even find myself enjoying the scenes of friendship (Team, Pharm and Manow) and brotherly love (Win, Wan and Wiew) more than the scenes with Win and Team.
To be fair, the story of Win and Team has potential to be more moving than it is. Win is one of three brothers who never feels like anything is really meant to be his and avoids commitment because of his fear of losing someone he treasures. However, he cannot stop himself from falling deeply in love with Team. On the other hand, Team has been living with guilt ever since a friend of his drowned while they were swimming together as children. A more compelling script could have been created with these ideas. There are some fairly good scenes, such as when Win saves Team from drowning, revealing how important Team is to him as he reprimands Team for swimming by himself. Yet, trajectory of the plot isn't very clear and instead of actual development, we often just see each half of the couple vacillate between realizing that he loves the other person and being in some sort of denial. We don't quite see how their attraction to each other intensifies over time or how each increasingly needs the presence of the other. The story simply goes like: they have a fling, somehow each is very much in love with the other, but oh . . . neither dares to show it because of the fear that the other person just wants a friend with benefits.
Without a strong plot, one might rather just rewatch 2021's Between Us (not an actual series but a few short episodes of random scenes with Win and Team). At least that didn't feel too draggy and there's a focus on Win and Team.
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Great Continuation of previous BL drama
This story highlights the love story between Win and Team. Unbeknownst to myself, they were the side characters in a previous series called "Until We Meet Again" (UWMA) where the main characters were P'Dean and Pharm. In Between us, I was slightly confused as to how Dean and Pharm knew eachother and the flashbacks didn't help much. It was only until I watched UWMA that I completely understood. If you're going to watch this series, I highly suggest that you first watch UWMA. Overall, this series has been a 10/10 for me this far. I'm looking forward to the forthcoming episodes. <(^•^)>Was this review helpful to you?
Made me wish the show never got released
UWMA was one of my first BLs and the side couple were my favourite part of the show, so I was very excited to find out they were going to be leads in their own show. I held strong with the production delays, watched compilations of their moments and the short that was released. All this only for the acting to be cringy at best and atrocious at worst. The pacing was off and the forced "cute" acting just came off as juvenile and immature, making it a hard watch. 10/10 wouldn't rewatch. The poor acting of a majority of Thai BLs needs to be addressed fr, because I'm baffled by the high rating of not only this BL but several others.Was this review helpful to you?
