This review may contain spoilers
Incredibly good story with a bad ending
When I say with a bad ending then I mean the way the director ended the last episode. You get your hands on such a good story, you develop the plot in the tenth episode for another 10 episodes and then I don’t know what happened. We have the eleventh episode that turned out to be boring because it was all spent on their escape from home. What was going on with their parents during that time, with their friends ...... how it affected them. This was important throughout the story but was not shown. So another episode with those scenes could be filmed. I mean, the last episode will show those events, family reconciliation and the blessing of the couple ..... I am looking forward to the twelfth episode ........ it starts, the action continues after 4 years! I couldn’t believe it when I watched. Hang on! The eleventh episode ends, they each enter their own house ....... what happened? Where are the parents' reactions? Where is the defense of your love before them? The right path was to insist on their relationship and reconcile the two families, not break up! Why? What stupid situations and stupid actions in the end! Well that's all in this story totally uninteresting. I have to admit I was expecting sooooo much more! A big disappointment.Actors? Perfect. He would especially say that Nanon became a great actor. In addition, the couple is perfect, cute, ideal for real life.
Music? Excellent in all segments.
See her again? Never! Maybe with a different ending. Or just as a Pran / Pat love story.
My rating until the last episode was 10, and after the last episode 8. The last episode gets a rating of 1.
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Commercial madness
Okay, people will not like what I have to say. Ep 1 to Ep 5 were great. I would recommend those episodes to EVERYONE out there. Ep 6 was rather slow, but okay. But the end made no sense. The whole let's-compete-who-falls-in-love was too childish. After the legendary rooftop scene it was obvious they love each other. But well. Why not? Give them a chance to do some flirting. Ep 7 wasn't to my liking, but the end saved it. Since then the series got worse. And now, waiting for Ep 10, I'm not even sure if I will finish it. To make it short: It became shallow and too commercial. They did a great job in introducing the charcters, their personality, their past, their relationship, their feelings until everything culminated in the end of Ep 5. The storytelling was flawless, the pace just right, the character such likable und good people, their story so engaging. Even side characters were great to watch, also because the acting was soo good. The girls Ink and Pa are doing a terrific job, the chemistry between everyone is outstanding. This series is full of very beautiful, very emotional and very well-filmed scenes with some great background music. So what went wrong? They just overdid it. They overdid it with the product placement, they overdid it with the cuteness and fluff, they overdid it with the prince-charming-personality of Pat, the overdid it with the in-your-face-education about gay relationship and the wifey/hubby thing (show, don't tell! I get it), they overdid it with the action (gun shot), they overdid it with the humor (it's not funny joking about someone getting seriously hurt), they just overdid it. They even overdid it in real life. I'm not a fan of the way how they advertise the series, the merch, the "couple". They exploited their friendship (which is supposed to be a "soulmate" thing, if that's even true), just for attention and popularity. You can disagree about this, but I didn't like Ohm's sappy love confession on that podcast. The marketing is just soooo heavy. It should always be about the art first, but this really is mostly about the money. I blame the actors (especially Ohm for the exxagerated fan-service, which I first found cute and funny, now I find it a bit fishy), I blame GMMTV that can't milk those actors enough, and I blame the director for just holding the camera on them and letting them do their thing. It's not professional. You can do that once, or twice, but not constantly. It's pretty obvious when Nanon does those improvised kisses, because Ohm always looks suprised. I wouldn't give the green light for such a scene. The director and his friends in general seem to enjoy a bit too much how those cute and good looking straight guys are playing gay. What is this even about? The story? Really? There is no story to be found since the end of Ep 5 or 6. At this rate I expect the parents conflict to be stupid and silly. But well, I'm sure they will manage to show us in those last three episodes once again (and again) the Canon printer, and of course the Nivea make-up remover what every guy out there needs, not to forget the oishi green tea drink with so many vitamins, or those seaweed chips or whatever, and how can I forget the inhaler? This is madness. The director apparantly even called that "commercial art". I'm laughing, really. Don't tell me, they need the money so bad. GMMTV became pretty big over the years. They just saw that those guys are good at doing those commercial scenes and milked it. Like they milk everything to the last damn drop. I will change the review if it turns out that indeed they concentrate more on the story until the end. But I have my doubst. Nonetheless I rated it pretty high. It is too good compared to other BLs to rate it lower.EDIT: The parents conflict wasn't as bad as I thought. They also toned down the adverstisement a bit in the last episodes. To sum it up: 10 episodes would have been enough to tell this story. There were just too much fan service and filler scenes. Still the last episode fitted the whole series and they did a decent job. I won't change my rating. The series was enjoyable. Far from perfect, but enjoyable. Compared to other BLs the rating sure is justified.
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ive watched soooo many times
one of my favorites!! i think this is the best enemies to lovers ive watched (and that's saying a lot) they have such a healthy and open relationship, they go through things with the intention of always helping each other out even if they put on a front and act like they don't care. I feel like enemies to lovers is really hard to get right without it being kinda toxic, but this plays out beautifully. the acting is also amazinnggg omg everyone did such an amazing job at bringing the characters to life! also i love inkpa so much because you rarely see gl so im very happy they included them :DWas this review helpful to you?
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A phenomenon in the making....
Absolutely brilliant. The acting, the romance and the emotions are just impeccable. Bad bunny moves away from Thai cliches to bring more realism and emotions with a story line that touches the audience in such a way that the main protagonists journey feels like one of their own. To the male leads who gave an outstanding performance, you have created and uplifted a phenomenon that has lifted the standards of acting. When they feel sad, we feel sad. When they feel happy, we feel happy. It is not easy to portray such lives in such a compassionate way. Bad buddy is truly a master piece.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Great BL with a less than great ending
Though I loved the show from the very beginning, it felt disappointing in the end. First, without spoilers, the cast was amazing. The leads had great chemistry and the supporting cast were all well done. Great acting across the board. There were some wonderful scenes. Heartfelt moments, and of course, the big reveal as to why the feud, was very interesting. My only complaint about that part of the story is that it felt unfinished. You know why the feud but then you don’t deal with it at all. I get why, because no matter right or wrong sometimes people can’t forgive or other people can’t acknowledge their fault. But even the leads don’t deal with it — instead they choose to allow it to continue and even support it in their own way. Which to me felt unfinished and disappointing. Everyone seems very concerned about whether or not the series was enjoyable from a BL standpoint, but even that was disappointing in the end.So here is where spoilers come in. If you don’t want them, stop reading. At the end of the series, they come back from their running away phase and go back to their own houses and break up. Or at least pretend to break up. They go about their lives, mostly apart and only their closest friends know they are still together in secret. They even go to their high school reunion and continue to act as though they dislike each other. Why? I can’t find a purpose. To annoy every person who believed in them? To lie to their parents until they’re on their own and can support themselves? To live in the world without ever having to face themselves? I couldn’t tell you. Eventually their families know that they are seeing each other secretly but they stay quiet because neither side is ready to give up their feud and no one wants to take the first step. Plus Romeo and Julian here don’t ever say, “Could you at least be polite so we can be together?” It’s just as much of a tragedy because to me, this spells the death of their relationship.
One goes off to another country to work and they are apart for two years. Then they seem very happy to move in together and be back but still pretending to most of the world that they are not together. In a story, maybe you can pretend this will work out. The parents will be okay and they will love each other openly eventually. But really good love stories make you believe that it did happen.
In this story, it did not. It’s all pretend. In real life, relationships do not survive this behavior. They don’t have trust in themselves so how could they trust each other? Deep down they are lying to everyone and to themselves. Why pretend? Because it’s too hard. If it’s too hard, I can’t face it. So what happens when it’s something else that is hard? Like coming out to your boss who is homophobic and losing your job? Or like if one of you gets cancer and needs a lot of care? Will you keep pretending you aren’t together in those cases? You came out to your family and the whole faculty but you can’t be strong in the face of an old grudge? You don’t care if they disown you for being gay, but to disown you for choosing someone from a family they don’t like well that is too hurtful so I will just give him up in public and live a huge lie. Disappointing in the end because they were weak and untrustworthy and I can’t pretend that a relationship with that kind of foundation will last the test of time and reality. So it was a great story but it’s not a great LOVE story.
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This review may contain spoilers
Bad Buddy, a Romcom BL drama close to perfection
This show is hands down one of the best BL dramas out there. It was so well down in every aspect possible (of course it still has flaws because nothing can absolutely be perfect) and I found myself becoming so invested in Pat and Pran that when it ended I felt so hollow.For context, I watched this show after watching the 2gether series (I went into a detailed rant about that drama in my 2gether: the series review) and although all the issues I had with the series was resolved in Still 2gether, I found myself hesistant to start another BL drama from GMMTV. However, I saw many people praising Bad Buddy in their reviews and thought that I should at least give the first episode a watch......and boy was I glad that I did.
Bad Buddy did everything that the 2gether series failed to do and more. The actors, Ohm and Nanon, have insane chemistry and were so perfectly cast as Pat and Pran. The two characters felt like a real genuine couple and in more of the emotional scenes, for example the rooftop kiss scene in episode 5 (or even in the whole of episode 11), you find yourself getting so lost in whats happening that you forget you're even watching a show in the first place. That is how strong the chemistry, writing, directing and acting is for Bad Buddy. Another thing I want to note is how the show doesn't seem to be catering to a straight audience/to the heteronormative agenda at all. It felt so genuine with how they portrayed a healthy gay relationship (even having the side couple be sapphic which made this show all the more special). Where the 2gether: the series felt like it was mocking the audience in some scenes, instead of focusing on showing a genuine romcom, Bad Buddy is a refreshing romcom with stellar performances from the main actors, fortunately avoiding all the negative tropes found in other BL dramas.
Despite how much I have praised this show, Bad Buddy is not exempt from criticism. The biggest flaw with the show is the motive/reasoning behind the feud. Considering this show is a spin on Romeo and Juliet (enemies to lovers), one of the more important things aside from the main relationship is the feud. However, Bad Buddy's reasoning is very juvenile, from both the parents side and the friend groups side. It is definitely something that can put you off from watching/ enjoying the show if thats an aspect in the enemies-to-lovers trope that you personally enjoy a lot. Regardless, I found myself really liking the show and its all because of Ohm and Nanon's portrayal of Pat and Pran. You can tell when watching that the team behind the show focused a lot on the main relationship (which is great!) but in doing so the side characters were often neglected at times/weren't fully realised as characters which made them feel like caricatures at times. I think the only side characters where it didn't feel like that were with Ink and Pa (reasoning: they got enough spotlight to develop (while still minor) into a relationship).
Hands down one of my favourite things about this show is how the actors Ohm and Nanon seem to genuinely love doing their scenes and being on this show. From little candid moments where you can see they were genuinely laughing or just how they added their little 'isms into small moments which added so much to the overall scene. I really really want a second season! I have never felt invested into a show like I have for Bad Buddy in quite some time and with how it the show ended there is room to explore the characters further. I wouldn't even be mad if they gave us 5 episodes for s2 like Still 2gether got, I just really want to see more from the characters specifically Pat, Pran, Ink and Pa.
Before I submit my review, there's one more thing I want to praise this show for and its the OST. The OST 'Just Friends?' alone was so good and I even added it to my playlist because its genuinely good. I really liked how Bad Buddy incorporated the OST into the show and you may even catch yourself singing/humming along. The show was able to reuse their music in multiple episodes without it getting old which is a great achievement if I'm being honest.
I highly recommend this show to everyone who ends up reading this review!
My Favourite Episodes: Ep 5 and 11
Rewatch Value: 10/10
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REALLY LOVE THIS SERIES!!!!!
since it’s nanon’s first bl series, i really excited bout it, and came out it’s beyond my imagination. THIS IS BEAUTIFUL SOOOOOOOO AMAZING. I hope ohmnanon has another series in the futureeethe story really entertaining, can make me laughing on the floor, also can make me sobbing in the corner like a kid😭😭😭😭
This is one of the best series and must watch seriessssssss
i don’t know what should i write anymoreeee
sorry for my bad english thukon, I’m not a native speaker
See you in another change thukon
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Loved it!
Don't expect this series to be perfect.Bad buddy series was shot at a time when covid cases were high, hence why the production had some issues you can clearly point out. Both Ohm and Nanon even mentioned that they had to hurry things up a bit and sometimes even felt like they didn't do enough in certain scenes, but alas they had to move on.
HOWEVER!
Even with so many challenges and limitations, this show brought so much good sh*t. It's a must to mention and applaud Ohm and Nanon in bringing Pat and Pran to life. I've read the book and honestly, what you see in the series is how PatPran are in the book..with just some slight adjustments. P'Aof and company made the best decision in making OhmNanon play the main leads bcuz they had actual good as* chemistry, no stiff and awkward movements even in intimate scenes, and the acting was natural. Both their energies leveled up with each other. They both delivered!! The rest of the cast did a good job as well. The story is very simple, cute and realistic and you might find yourself uninterested while reading the synopsis, but do not be fooled! It's worth the watch and HEALTHY AS F*CK. The stereotypical, bad and unhealthy tropes we always see in BL? BBS kicked their as*es! BBS said NO TO HOMOPHOBIA and NO TO TOXICITY! Speaking of toxic, they even promoted a zero-waste lifestyle and how to reduce waste in our daily lives all the while making us cry, scream and die of kilig. Anyway, I won't stay too long here. If you want something realistic, fluffy and very gay, BBS is the perfect choice for you.
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Overall Review on Bad Buddy (2021)
This BL Drama is showcased at a whole new level, it has exceeded my expectations!The acting and storyline was superb & exemplary in my opinion. We can see that the chemistry within the drama and the actors (Ohm Pawat & Nanon) were just breath taking.
Well done on the overall production, everyone and the the screenwriter and P'Aof (Director).
From here, it is to be noted that It's worth the time and effort to fully immerse and enjoy Bad Buddy, hence it is a highly recommended watch.
I would like to note on Ohm Pawat who has vastly matured and improved on his acting since his humble beginning from Make It Right The Series (2016). He has never failed to deliver the best of his capacity when acting, all the best for him in the future and upcoming dramas ahead of him. His pairing with Nanon Koparat is just superb, a perfect match! Hopefully we will be able to see these two get paired for future projects.
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Beautiful series
I have a lot to say about this series but I won’t, since you’ve prob seen a lot of people reviewing it. To me, this is the #1 BL series out of the ones I’ve seen. Their chemistry is out of this world, so natural and so genuine. Their love got the whole world praising and fighting for them. Enough said, You should just watch it for yourself and decide. No spoilers but I’ll list the amazing things this BL series did.They broke the record of:
• Most kiss scene in BL history (33 kiss scenes)
•No cliche BL trope
•Declare that there are versatile
couples out there
•GL and a great supporting female
friend instead of putting a female in to
break the couple.
•No awkward moments
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YES!!!!!
Hands down one of the best BLs out there. Loved the acting and chemistry between Ohm and Nanon. Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope and Bad Buddy outdid it. It's rare to see romance shows with the main couple fighting their battles together, alongside each other as opposed to being caught up in communication-less misunderstandings. And I am so glad BB is the former. A healthy relationship and an even healthier take on gay relationships in general. SUCH a good show, I was hooked to it from start to end. Thank you P'Aof for a masterpiece like thisWas this review helpful to you?
