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Innocent and sweet even if it's nothing special
This series is a good example of how a BL can be average in most ways and yet still manage to be a satisfying watch. There is nothing special about the story, but at least there is coherent and properly structured story. There are three BL couples, and they get roughly equal attention. This makes Second Chance way better than some BLs with meandering plots that don't go anything and multiple couples thrown in perhaps just for the sake of attracting viewers with quantity rather than quality. Second Chance manages to do everything quite decently within just 6 episodes while some series (like Brothers, which I recently reviewed) hardly go anywhere after 10 episodes. The storytelling can be surprisingly economical without being confusing (for instance, the brief flashback to the scene when Tong Fah's father passes away).It's very easy to like the generally innocent characters. They are young and perhaps not that mature, but they are also not silly and childish. Their insecurities and impulsivity are sensitively portrayed. The main characters may do wrong or do things they regret, but they aren't toxic characters whose toxicity somehow gets forgiven (like in Tonhon and Chonlatee)--in fact, this is why the series is about second chances. It is a story with happy endings for all the couples, but we also get the hint that second chances are not always available. I'm not too sure about the advice about love that the series dishes out (perhaps a tad too didactically) but at least it has a point.
There are series with more interesting starting points that end up failing in so many ways. This series is different. The story is standard fare that just happens to be executed quite well. It's like a simple pot of porridge that is satisfying because it is cooked well, which makes it better than some dishes that tantalize but end up disappointing because they have been marred by a bad cook.
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Slow and predictable, but safe
I'm not going to lie, I really had to force myself to finish this series. The first episode throws a lot of information and plot at you and then it just really slows down after that.So I'll just go through each category individually.
Story:
Pretty bland, milquetoast if you will. Pretty standard use of tried and true BL stereotypes and tropes. Doesn't really do much expanding on them. Nothing too out of the box, but it's fine if that's what you're wanting.
Acting/Cast:
The main male leads were all pretty good. Some of the female side characters were pretty cringe, and not really in an endearing way like I think they wanted us to see them as. My biggest gripe is who thought it was a good idea to cast two brothers (who look nearly identical) and then never explicitly state the difference in their characters (who aren't related in the show btw) and then wait until the very last episode to even put them in the same room together? I saw so many comments stating that people thought they were the same person for basically the whole show. (I could only tell them apart from their different colored book bags). Whoever decided to do this was foul.
Music:
Eh. It was fine. The main theme wasn't really anything spectacular. I don't remember any other music so it must not have been that memorable lol.
Production Value:
I swear every single Thai BL show that I have watched thus far has had bad audio mixing for at least a few scenes (if not the entire show). I'm pretty sure in the good year of our Lord 2022 that production companies should be able to afford decent microphones (or better yet quality sound engineers) There was a scene in an early episode where a teacher was addressing a group of students at the front of the classroom and whenever it switched between the two scenes, there was a very noticeable change in audio quality. For me that just completely takes me out of the story and makes me question just who directed this and listened to this scene and thought "Yeah, that's good." and then just kept it in?? Maybe I'm just nit-picking, but I digress...
There were so many plotlines (and potential plotlines) that were touched upon or mentioned, but never explored deeper. Just to name a few:
-Arthur?? My guy?? Like I get he's there to move the plot along but that sudden 180 he did at the end really threw me for a loop. Then he just dumps all his feelings out and complains that nobody loves him? Where was the character development? Where was the exploration of how/why he felt genuinely bad for how he treated Jeno and truly wanted to repent? He plays a main role in the first two episodes, then gets expelled (we are led to believe) and then just shows up at the prom and airs it all out? They could have done so much for with him as a character but I guess it is what it is.
-Chris and his studies. It's brought up multiple times throughout the show and we are made to believe it's a very important part of Chris' story: What exactly does he want to study at University? The answer is...We don't know! He never decides, or at least he never states it out loud. Guess it wasn't that important, but then why dedicate multiple scenes to him lamenting on it? Wild.
-What actually happened to Tong Fah in his accident? They didn't want to dedicate any screen time to it, so did it get mentioned, even in passing, what happened to him? Absolutely not. I guess it's up to our imagination.
-Literally what is the point of the pool scene in the first episode? It's never explored or even shown again in the series later on, until the very end of the last episode, and I guess it's then that we learn it didn't really ever happen? Maybe it was just a metaphor for Tong Fah's feelings. Still, it felt a little out of place.
Overall:
Pretty standard, safe BL trope. It didn't quite give me the warm fuzzies and I ended up having to try and convince myself to even finish it. Maybe it was a bit boring for me? Either way, it was fine for what it is. I probably won't end up re-watching it though.
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Not for me, I'm sad to say
God, I feel really mean giving this show the lowest rating out of all the shows I've reviewed, but this just missed the mark so thoroughly for me.I usually love slow-paced, character-focused stories with an emphasis on human connection and the varied queer experience, but personally I got none of that from this show.
I couldn't really connect with any of the characters, as sweet and harmless as they are.
The visuals and music were alright but nothing specifically stood out to me.
I didn't really like the pacing or any of the character arcs, they all just left me feeling indifferent at best and dissatisfied at worst.
But it's not like the show particularly does anything wrong either. Almost all of my gripes with it come down to taste and what didn't work for me might just be perfect to someone else.
And I'm really glad that this show seems to have a small but dedicated audience that clearly got a lot out of the story and really seem to love it with all their heart. It genuinely makes me happy to know this show is making someone's life a little better even if it did nothing for me personally
So if you like sweet, low-drama high school romances or Thai dramas that don't feel like an endless parade of product placements (not to rag on those types of shows too much, they've got their perks too) then I'd suggest giving this a shot.
There's clearly something worthwhile hidden in this show if some people adore it this much - who knows, maybe you'll find it even if I couldn't.
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Ok, here's the thing
Ahhh, I am conflicted. I liked the show but at the same time, I disliked it. I didn't like Paper from the start, with that opening scene(I'll get back to that) making me angry on TongFah's behalf. After that, I couldn't really like him. Then his overly harsh rejection of TongFah just added more salt to the wound. So I was kind of hoping TongFah would get with someone else. Then there is Clear and that cafe guy. How old is that guy? Clear is still in high school and he is never refered to as being over the age of 18. Idk about Thai laws but to me, a boss and his high-school aged employee just didn't sit right. But the show is saved by Chris and Jeno. When Jeno rejected Chris, my heart broke and I was so sad. Chris is so fun and great but I understand why Jeno would reject him at first. He was scared of going through what he went through with Arthur all over again. (screw Arthur btw, he should be in jail). When they got together in the end, I was super happy.Now, another gripe I have is where the fudge is that pool scene? I watched the official english subbed version but I didn't see it so did they cut it out? Also, what happened to TongFah? Why was he in the hospital? What happened to him that put him in that multiple days long coma?
Overall, watch this if you want but I don't think it is a must watch. There are better ones that you could occupy your time with.
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Second Chance Needs A Third Chance
So "Second Chance" both exceeded my expectations and fumbled in its execution. I don't know how that's possible lol but it happened with this! Some things were done extremely well, like if they had carried on with those things this could've been top tier material! But there's crap in between that kinda needs to be skipped while viewing and that's never a good sign.For example. Every scene with those 3 girls made me want to scratch my eyes out and skip. They were so annoying! I don't know why they were even necessary at all. That time could've been used to further develop the couples! The 2 leads (Paper & Sky) were so freaking sweet and the side couples were adorable. Though the amount that I hated that his name was Paper....my lord lol. Also if you're trying to make me think Paper is in high school it ain't happening lol. I like the actor a lot but he does not look like a highschooler lol. Dudes literally almost 30. He is the best actor though in the series! He's such a good emotional actor and who would've known! TharnType didn't give him too much to work with.
I liked the whole idea of the one brother (Near) not knowing its his cafe boss who he's going out on a date with. That was interesting. The 2 brothers were hard af to distinguish sometimes I swear. I thought they were the same character for a hot minute. Especially because I don't think they share one single scene together until the very end! Which is weird.
The other couple are from TharnType too (Chris & Jeno), along with Paper's actor. That was funny to see them actually do couple things and be actually really upfront! Rather than play characters that are offbeat roommates. I liked the kinda plot twist of the bully being the ex. Some super internalized homophobia there. Though the bully didn't need a redemption tbh, there wasn't enough time in the show for that.
Moving onto the chemistry. I appreciate an actual kiss! A really good one from Paper and Sky! Lowkey was expecting to be a peck or some crap. The breathing was A LOT too, like hello close-ups. Their second kiss was just as good too, loved it. The secondary couples kiss during the dance was good too! I wish we had more time to develop stuff! If I've learned anything from BL's its that many of them either don't utilize time well enough or lack episode length. There are few that successfully developed everything 100%, ITSAY included. So I hope series take a page from that. Pretty music in this, like really pretty! I need the soundtrack. Again too short though, 6 eps isn't enough to get super invested. Such a good ending to this, in the acting and set up. The underwater scenes at the end were really nice too. Check this out but don't expect anything too crazy!
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Forget it; I did.
This show is forgettable. And I mean this in the most literal way: I first watched this series some time the summer of 2022. When I came across the title again in the autumn of the same year, I had no idea what story this was supposed to be -- only during watching had I the feeling that I knew it somehow. And that happened again a few weeks later.I have no idea why the series was such that I forgot about it -- even after I watched it a fourth time. This is what could have contributed:
* The storylines are stereotypes -- friends to lovers / trusting a new relationship after a bad one / secret identities; they all seem to develop slowly but fast at the sam time? Maybe three couples was a bit much for 6x40 minutes. I am not even able to give a description of the stories (see above).
* The actors all look the same to me. Not only those who are brothers IRL, but also Chris and Ton Fah looked rather similar.
* The music was amazing in itself but made the whole show feel a bit dreamlike and apart from reality. I think a second soundtrack for the more dramatic and the emotionally heavy scenes would have helped.
* It feels as if there's a lot of backstory that we don't see, and there are also several inconsistencies.
All in all, I don't think I've made a connection to the characters in the series, maybe due to one of the points above, maybe not.
That said, the show is not bad, even mediocre is not the right word for it, it's just ... bland.
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Feel Good, Feel Happy!
I Love his series. Definitely a feel-good series to be watched more than once.The chemistry between the two male leads is amazing, the kisses sweet. Both of the other couples' stories were very good as well. Even the females were fun and entertaining. The story line moved along and was never boring.
The acting, music, cinematography, directing, everything was perfect. Although six episodes was enough to tell the story, I kind of wished it was longer, because it was such a feel-good series.
Definitely a high rewatch value for me.
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Cute and Engaging
In this refreshingly altered state of reality, boys are nice to each other and can even cry over a broken bromance. Ok, there is a bully in their midst but even he sheds tears at the end and is comforted by his bros. There are girls here, but they seem to be sort of asexual cheerleaders to the boys in love. The basic plot elements we've seen before, but they seem fresh here. Mawin Tanawin Duangnate is the standout as Chris. His character seems to be the glue that holds all of these bromances together -- and he has the acting chops to pull it off too. If I were just rating him, I'd give him an 11. But the other actors are giving it their all too. "Second Chance" doesn't get too distracted with the cultural taboos of same sex romance, but we still get a bit of the male gender role discomfort of displaying any kind of affection. "Second Chance" also spares us from the girly-man stereotypes -- all of these guys are handsome, masculine and even play sports! Wow! Thailand continues to set the gold standard for BL dramas. "Second Chance" is beautifully photographed and the direction is right on point. I regret I can't give it a full 10 score because we never get past kissing with these couples, but that seems to be as far as audiences (and the straight boys who play these roles) are willing to go. But, we're making progress.Was this review helpful to you?
the perfect bite-size story
this series is right up my alley. its main focus is that romantic tension and buildup to becoming a couple.the story was really enjoyable considering how short it is. i was addicted from the first episode. the relationships are beyond healthy. thai dramas are known for their over-the-top editing, but this series was calm and sweet; really different from some of the other recently produced shows. i was definitely more into the main couples than Near and M; their story felt rushed and last second. though it was still entertaining, i wish they would've scrapped this third couple and spent more time on the other two.
i can't stress enough how happy i am that the female roles weren't obnoxious or in the way. all of the women were supportive; especially jeno's sister. i really liked their characters; they were all very unique and true to themselves. i didn't mind the fact they were loud or semi extravagant. i think it fit all three girls really well. they didn't fetishize or monopolize on any of the relationships in the story. they were there to support all of their decisions, and lead them to making the right ones.
i also love how nobody is afraid to own up to their mistakes. there's no beating around the bush with these couples; there's always something going on with one of them, and it keeps the story interesting with each episode. i really like how being gay and/or having crushes on guys isn't a big deal whatsoever. nobody gives it any special type of treatment. that's what makes it feel so natural.
i would absolutely recommend this series. it's sweet and healthy. it'll have you hooked from the beginning.
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Well it was what it was and I don't regret watching it
I don't even remember why this was in my plan to watch list but hey here I am. Now I don't think this is gonna win any awards. Didn't really break new ground either. It was its very own thing and just did what it had to do to drive the story. It felt a little cluttered at times but still somehow squished in all these storylines into six episodes. it was wholesome and healthy, a bit ridiculous but in a good way. It was a show about the life of teenagers going through teenage stuff and dealing with difficult feelings and it doesn't pretend to be anything different or grander.Was it fantastic? Nah. Was it an enjoyable sweet watch? Yeah I'd say so. I wasn't bored at any point and always wanted to keep going to see what happens next.
Recommended for if you need some down time or just something to put on and relax.
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Definitely recommend it. It's short and sweet.
I didn't wanna watch it at first but so glad I decided to give it a try. Loved it a lot.First, the music was GREAT - Normally I don't notice music in series but this was Very calming and matching to the situation.
Actors - I can't believe they are rookies, they did very well, better than some of the top-tier actors.
Story - Nothing out of the ordinary, a little confusing but not boring. The ending was a little rushed but very sweet.
Had some of the best kissing scenes.
Definitely want to rewatch it v soon.
I want to see ChrisJeno and SkyPaper in more series.
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Friends to lovers
I have a real soft spot for the Thai BL pulps and this is probably the best pulp of 2021 (for Thailand, Vietnam is nipping at the heels). It brought us back into the high school sphere and YA angst in a big way. I happen to love this setting and these tropes (what can I say, blame my early days of Love Sick and Make it Right).All three couples had good chemistry (half the main cast was already comfortable with BL) and while there wasn’t much story, the acting and production values were decent. Considering the last few years, I’m disposed to be very pleased with this offering.
Is it poor on post production, small cast, and terrible script? Sure it is. Is it weird that the Sirorattanaphanit brothers look like twins but this is never acknowledged? Yeah, it’s weird.
But the boys are charming. CHARMING I TELL YOU.
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