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A Beautiful, Unfinished Journey – A Must-Watch BL Series That Deserves a Proper Ending!!!
It's an 8, such a great series let down by an open "ending", almost ruined for me if it wasn't for the news and expectations about a possible season 2 coming soon to rightfully wrap up the story the way it deserves. I've read online that these 12 episodes adapted about half of the original work it's based on but still, the creators really put all their chips forward this hypothetical season 2 because as it stands, it's an unfinished story that let's you down by the end of the last chapter. I need an ending to this story and its characters, even that stupid teacher love triangle that nobody asked for (wdym the two guys were giving me secret couple all season by their acting/body language and then they're not even an item and made me think my gaydar was broken, wtf?!?).That all being said, i loved it overall. The acting is palpable, the songs are amazing, the cinematography is enchanting and the story is compelling, memorable and beautifully told.
I definitely recommend it to every BL fan that wants to watch a meaningful story about love, feelings (lots of them), growing up, friendship and family. I will keep this one close to my heart and hope/wait for season 2. And if it does not happen, try to focus on the journey and this one will be worth your while ;)!
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Coming of Age sweetness.
I'm not entirely sure what specific aspect of this drama has resonated so deeply with me, yet I found myself completely captivated from the very first episode. I have a particular preference for 'slice of life' dramas, wherein the plot's progression is minimal, yet character development is notably emphasized. I didn’t even mind that there was little to no BL in this BL show. I figured the producers were banking on making a season 2 to include that slow burn progression, but having looked on Google to see S2 was cancelled, I’m super bummed because it would have been awesome to watch Sheng Wang and Jian Tian fall in love in real time. Because of that, I turned to reading their novel (not finished yet) but ohhhh, it would have been so good on the screen. These boys are so sweet and so in love with each other! (still holding out hope we get a S2 somehow!)I’d still recommend this show to any BL fan. The subtle way Tian will do just about anything for Sheng Wang and how Sheng Wang was always gravitating toward the cold boy.
I enjoyed the support cast too.
Though, he’s somewhat cast in the antagonist role, I did feel bad for Qi Jia Hao. He’s the typical overachiever and can’t accept when he’s not top of the class, becoming resentful.
Also, color me rainbow shocked that the substitute teachers weren’t in a secret relationship. The entire time I thought they were!
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The initial conflict between Sheng Wang (the more carefree and rebellious boy) and Jiang Tian (the quiet and diligent boy) is very entertaining. The series handles well the tension, competition, and humor that arises from their forced cohabitation.
Unlike other dramas, The On1y One dedicates a lot of time to the development of the protagonists and their backstories, exploring themes like adolescent growth, academic pressure, and family problems with great sensitivity. You feel like you truly get to know them.
The romantic relationship is a very slow burn and is built with small gestures, intense glances, and intimate moments. For fans of slow burn and yearning, the series is a wonderful torture.
I only have one criticism I could make, but I'll let you discover it for yourself.
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A good main story, but...
I just finished it and... I... am... confusion. Not really by the finale, although I was sad but in the end, I do get it.But I feel like so many plot points were approched and then completely ignored?
First of all, the sub teachers relationship. Genuinely thought these two were together from the beginning until it was made clear they weren't. I was kind of flabbergasted by that tbh. I had no reason to think they weren't. Pretty sure Benny was introduced as a "partner" but maybe it was a mistranslation on the team's part.
My second point is the dad proposing to the mom. We see it happening and then we never hear about it ever again? No scene where the parents tell the kids? No mention of planning a wedding in the future? Literally nothing at all. What was the goal of showing this scene? I still have no idea.
Third thing is the robber in the dorm. Was this point brought up just to give the MLs an opportunity to sleep in the same bed? Again. It happens, and we never hear about it ever again. Parents weren't made aware? Was the robber caught? Why didn't the MLs tell the dorm supervisor the robber probably escaped from their room? Even if they weren't sure, I feel like it's something you should definitely tell to someone. Why was the whole thing brushed off like it's somewhat of a normal occurrence?
My last but most important point in my opinion.. what the F*CK is going on with the kid that got Sheng Wang BEAT UP??????? AND WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE ENGLISH TEACHER? Why was this mf still in that school after all that? Why wasn't the police called each time? Why was the whole thing with the english teacher completely brushed off like it was nothing? Also, can we talk about how this entire scene literally popped out of nowhere? The entire episode was about the sport competition and then, with no warning at all, this? And then back to the competition? And the sub teacher getting jealous of the other sub teacher taking care of the english teacher that was just kidnapped, tied up and threatened of the most vile fucking things????? And bro is like "oh maybe I should let them have their moment, let me eat some scones in the teacher's room in the meantime because I'm upsetti spaghetti lol", instead of... I don't know, tell the damn HEADTEACHER AND CALL THE DAMN POLICE?
Oh, and the stupid-*ss bet with the headteacher, I was floored. English is not my first language so when I read "streaking", I thought I was misunderstanding and it meant something other than what typical streaking means. I even looked up the translation of the word on wordreference, linguee AND urban dictionary because I couldn't believe it. Who the actual HELL DOES A STREAKING BET WITH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS? ON SCHOOL GROUNDS? WHO THE F*CK WANTS TO SEE THEIR HEADTEACHER'S NAKED *SS? HOW WAS THIS ALLOWED? WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON IN THIS SCHOOL DUDE 😭
Anyway, if not for all that, I would've loved this story. I am sad there won't be a season 2 apparently? The finale was giving season 2 and I thought (hoped) this would've given more context and answers to all those plot points that went nowhere. I will say, though, the f*cked up kid would've been a goner after the first thing for me. You just don't do that and get punished with "lol no podium for you then". Also, absolutely hate this dumb*ss ranking system in the school. Best way to make kids feel sh*t about themselves. Sounds completely unnecessary and easily avoidable to me.
The casting was excellent. This is why I give this show a higher rating despite my grudge with how the story was executed.
Do I recommend it? I don't know. In a way I do because the main plot was interesting and the MLs chemistry was really good. I love a good story about the struggles of teenagehood and how to balance love, friendship, difficult family dynamics, school, self-doubt and the pressure to fit in in a healthy manner... You know, this awkward and confusing time in your life where you're not a child anymore but you're not an adult yet either. I've been there too. I think we all have, and some of us still are.
But I have a really hard time getting over how those subplots were handled. I can't take the story fully seriously because of it and it did leave a bit of a sour taste in my mouth in the end. It feels like a good plot with an interesting (but not new) dynamic between two MLs was wasted with cheap execution all throughout. Because of that, I can't positively say it's a must-watch, at least for me.
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Super Slow Like A Sloth, Lol
My On1y One is definitely a super slow burn, but I really liked how raw and real the emotions felt. The subtle glances, the tension, the way the two leads interact—everything is so understated yet powerful. Jiang Tian is the quiet, reserved type who doesn’t open up easily. You can tell he’s carrying something heavy. Then he meets Sheng Wang, and at first there’s friction, but slowly they start to warm up to each other.Sheng Wang, on the other hand, is the cheerful and easygoing extrovert who easily connects with his new classmates. But underneath that bright personality, he’s still grieving his mom's death. He’s actually pretty soft and sensitive inside, which adds more depth to his character.
Even though the overall concept is kinda cliché, I still found it unique. What stood out to me is that, for once, we actually see students being students. There are real classes, lectures, and schoolwork shown, which is super refreshing—unlike most high school or university BLs that only focus on romance or the characters just hanging around the campus doing nothing or eating.
I do love the actors—they have amazing chemistry—but I feel like it would've made more sense if they were portrayed as university students instead of high schoolers. It would've been more believable, especially considering their real ages. That part was a bit of a letdown. Still, I appreciate that the classmates felt like real high schoolers, which added to the realism.
Since it's such a slow burn and not a lot happens plot-wise, I ended up watching it at 1.5x speed. I don’t mind slow burns if there’s a solid payoff at the end, but the ending here felt kind of unresolved. I heard there was supposed to be a Season 2, but it got cancelled, which is a shame.
Overall, I’d give it a 7.5/10 for the acting and cinematography alone. It’s not exactly my type of show, but it definitely has its emotional moments and a unique vibe.
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A subtle, yet intimate love story
There's something so intimate about two people in a bedroom, in the middle of the night, and just talking. The bedside lamp casting a warm thread of light across their faces . How dark their eyes turn, as if they can’t see, while at the same time they’re more honest than usual.I am obsessed with a blurred line between platonic and romantic love. When they are important to you in a multifaceted way. Covering up your feelings with another kind of love that is just as true. One type of love does not negate the other.
The drama has many good breathing moments, avoiding being overly dramatic. You don’t get exhausted from constantly being on the edge of your seat.
For the cons, I found the side plots unnecessary. I don’t care about this student who doesn’t even have a relationship with any of the main characters, I don’t care about these teachers. Although the parents’s decisions and feelings might affect the main characters, it still felt too much. Nor do I care for the sports day event. With all these things going on, I’m surprised we still got to see the main characters together that much. Still, I wanted to see more of just the two of them.
It feels weird calling it a romance when there are no romantic moments until the end. There are plenty of beautiful and precious moments, but they didn’t feel romantic, which makes me wonder if they even developed those kinds of feelings for each other yet. Maybe they did but were unaware of it. Well, I’m unaware too.
The wisdom and poetry woven into the narration and dialogue. I love how it’s packed with these subtle details.
Their whole relationship is just so wholesome. The way Jiang Tian silently looks out for and takes care of Sheng Wang, with no questions asked. And Sheng Wang moving into the dorms with Jiang Tian so that he can have a place that feels like home. Like, why are they doing this? But at the same time, isn’t it beautiful. It’s really interesting how different they first seemed from one another, but still empathise with each other and comfort each other.
Favourite quotes:
Hey, do you remember the story our old Chinese teacher told us before? It was about a little boy who was also making a schedule. He started it during the summer vacation. Year by year, he carried on, from childhood to adulthood.
But why did he end up crying?
Because he wrote his entire life in that planner. Everything was in the plan. But real life… isn’t about theorising on paper… Don’t live your youth with regrets.
If there’s only one person in the world who understands you, then he’s more important than anyone else. I only know people do what they do at a certain age. When it’s time to be a little crazy, don’t hold back. You’ve got decades ahead to be cautious and hesitant. What’s the rush?
Isn’t there a saying that when you no longer exchange pleasantries with someone and can share troubles and honors with an ease of heart, … it means you are friends?
As the saying goes, lie down where you fall. Let’s rest here for a while. What are you going to do? Might as well lie down here for a bit. Keep me company for a while.
He is like a tree, not knowing anything about joy or sorrow. Half of it rests peacefully in the dust, half soars in the wind, half scatters in the shade, and half bathes in the sunshine. He is utterly silent, and extremely proud. He never relies on anyone, and never seeks.
Humans have fortune and calamity, just like the moon waxes and wanes.
The moon is far and can't be held, yet the sixpence is close and can be held. The moon would take time to get to, but the sixpence is within reach. The moon is a thought since it holds no value that can be seen, but the sixpence is money that can be used! And that's why the moon is love.
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So much potential. Unfortunately not actualized in this season. There is second season. Right?
The output is not particularly high, but I did think this was an enjoyable watch with a lot of potential. I really enjoyed it so I bumped it up to 7.Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian had good chemistry, and albeit occasionally cringe, they held out perfectly fine.
Sheng Wang is adorable and funny and showed physical and mental strength in multiple occasions. Jiang Tian, well he was a bit more flat, until the father story came in.
The plot itself got from basic got super interesting around the last two episodes, that it was just begging (or indicating) for second season. There must be because all things started to hook up in the last few episodes, and then ....pam pam puff.. the end credits...come... with zero meaning.
What?
Is it ending like this?
Did their budget disapear under the snap of the fingers, in the middle of the day, they got the call and went "let's wrap it all up in 5, okay?"
Good prep season but only as a playing field for season 2 that must come. Okay? It must! I NEED TO KNOW HOW HE FEELS ABOUT THE SCAR.
Ok, thank you for reading. Bye.
(side note: a recommend if there is a second season. if not I am throwing hands and rerating this to 6)
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A Total Mess
Dont call it an adaptation if you changed everything! Such a disrespect.I thought having a director whom did a great job with YNEH could also produce another title with the same quality but nope, he destroyed it completely, a disaster.
Dont come at me and say that I'm just a hater, nah I was totally happy with the first eps but then the ending of eps 2 made me a lil bit dissapointed but still gave them chance bcs I thought they would do better. haha I was such a fool, until I couldnt bear to watch it anymore and stop at eps 8. I had no beef with the actors, pure hate on the production team. Even when the drama wasnt aired yet and ppl said trash about this series, I defended them!! They said the plot is similar to addicted and there's nothing new, I corrected them! What a naive me lol I regret it now
The worst part if you ask me? Mischaracterization!! The only character that they did justice was jiangtian's mom, that's it! I hate jingjie in this drama to the core bcs she was sooo ooc, like I couldnt even remember the jingjie in the novel anymore. It seems like to me that the director just borrowing the characters' names and added one or two scenes from the book and for the rest he just made his own story.
I dont want to explain any further.
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So - So
This drama is good, but it doesn’t feel like a BL. It feels like a story of two strangers who became family instead of lovers as there’s no romantic connection, we’re two episodes left and YET there was no scene where it felt like they loved each other. The teachers plot is also so uninteresting. Otherwise I think this show is pretty enjoyable and entertaining.Was this review helpful to you?
Ending was shit.
What hack? Waste of time. Worst ending and homophobic story. They give up on both couple. Even 2nd couple ending with homophobic.I was expected more... Anyway what u can expect from china or taiwan. 😩😩😩😩😩. There acting was good but at the end bottom started to act cute lol.😮💨 I don’t want to be hater but i feel like waste of time after watching end ep. Hope there will be 2 season.Was this review helpful to you?
Its has a slow pace!
Not everyone enjoys a slow pace of romance and love. For me it's different. I love how they progress in looking at each other and getting comfortable with each other. Slowly it looks like it's turning to "I can't spend an hour without you" kind of a feeling. It's extremely hard for me to wait for 6 days for the next episode and I sincerely wish that it was more than 12 episodes overall. I do not like the support role who appeared in "History" because it kind of brought me to sense that the two MLs are actually above High School age. Coz, in reality, you can't remember what they are with the way they are wearing and all. Anyway, I am enjoying it to the max at the moment and I hope for a happy ending as spoilers say it is in the Novel. Very badly want to read the novel so if anyone knows where I can find the English translation free please share it with me.Was this review helpful to you?
DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED
I usually don't give reviews to any type of series/movie but this one has became my favourite one now.. I enjoyed every single bit of this, their chemistry, the emotions, storyline, cinematic just everything, Don't know about others but while watching this I can totally feeling their inner emotions (especially in the last ep) such a great actors they're. The series well potrait the teenage (17y/o) self of the wang and tian. Hope there will be S2 soon.At the end I'll just say if you're not looking for series full of lust without any storyline then GO FOR IT!!!Was this review helpful to you?
