Hidden Agenda (2023)

Relationships Don't End at the Credits

Story: 9.0
I was a bit apprehensive about starting this drama because of how low the rating was when I first realized it was airing, but I forgot how harsh DramaList reviews tend to be for some reason~ I think the story is interesting, and there's some foreshadowing of Zo's reaction to Joke's plan, which made it a bit more suspenseful, but, overall, the story is a cute, straightforward tale with sprinkles of little issues here and there that the characters have faced and will have to face. It has a very big "Don't Judge What You Don't Know" vibe for several characters, specifically Nita, and there hasn't been any toxic women in this drama, so we automatically get an extra star for that lmao There are cute details in it (like Joke confessing his feelings to Zo in the SECOND episode in Chinese lol) that make it cute, but I don't think it's the most ground-breaking in terms of creativity, though I could definitely see this drama being a comfort show for many people. I will say that the second couple feels a lot like an after thought, so much so that I actually forgot to put them in this review at first, which is why I knocked a half star. They're cute, and they're relevant in certain parts, and I even love how they develop, but they still feel a bit more like background characters instead of a full blown main couple~ BONUS: most of the issues are solved in ONE EPISODE. Like, the characters TALK TO EACH OTHER. I fucking LOVE that shit lmaoo We stan healthy communication in this house~

EDIT AS OF 12th EPISODE: I will say that that final episode was a bit more rushed than I would've liked, and the problem in it involving Zo feels a bit thrown in, so I knocked another half star for that. It doesn't necessarily effect my overall feeling of the story, but it does feel like something worth mentioning here nonetheless~

WE INTERRUPT THIS REVIEW FOR A TANGENT: I'm not sure why most of the reviews are talking negatively about how "the show should've ended when they got together; I'm bored!" and "who cares about family issues!?" I want to just quickly throw in here that relationships don't end at the credits. Real relationships continue far past initially getting together, and I think that struggle isn't shown as much in BLs through Thailand as it should be (unless it's one of the main plot points). Of course, one reason could be the short episode count, but I love that about shows, so I'm not gonna complain too much~

This show, though, has managed to give us all of that without rushing, and too many people are too upset with it because they almost fetishize these relationships, and it's mildly infuriating to see such venom about such a cute show. Yes, there are problems, but aren't there always?

Anyway~

Acting/Cast: 10
This was my introduction to Joong (Joke) with someone other than Nine (Kitkat from 2Moons2), and the roll he plays here is such a stark difference from his role in 2Moons2 that I'm so impressed with him??? I knew he'd expand and do great things as an actor, but I think he might be one of my new favorites, and I love Ohm (Pat from Bad Buddy) and Nanon (Pran from Bad Buddy) so much that THAT in of itself should convince you to watch this~ I hadn't seen anything with Dunk (Zo) before, and he's also joining my boys up on the top. I mean, he does such a great job of playing a realistically insecure guy -- he's not over-the-top with it; just overthinks things a bit too much because he doesn't have confidence. Does he have Nanon's expressive eyes? Well, not entirely, but he's relatively new and does a great job for what this character needs. I've seen both JoongDunk dramas at this point, and I'm thoroughly in love with both of them~

The side characters are also great! They're actually relevant to the plotline instead of being simple comic relief, which is refreshing and nice and I love them, so be nice to them~

Music: 8.5
A bit harsh, but I've been so spoiled by Bad Buddy and 2together and even Not Me that I can't help itttt~ I base it purely on whether I add any songs to my playlist, and I haven't done that here yet~ I will say that the background music for the scenes of the show are well-done, though, and I didn't feel like it took me out of the storyline~

Rewatch Value: 10
Like I said, I think this show has the potential to be a comfort show to some people, myself included~ The problems are solved in a relatively healthy manner, the actors have great chemistry, and the storyline is linear without confusing detours.

Fun fact: I did, in fact, end up watching this cute little show several thousand times when I got sick lol

Overall: 9.5
This series is as straightforward as the synopsis says. It's got great actors, good chemistry, and a cute, easy plotline that might give you cavities in the same episode that it pinched your heart. JoongDunk are a relatively new couple in BL, but I hope they get as popular as OffGun or MaxTul or any of the OGs because they're so good, and they can only get better, you know? The side characters are nothing to scoff at. I've seen Louis (Pat, Zo's friend) and AJ (Kot, Zo's more reasonable friend lmao) in a few other dramas, and I love them to bits~

Read More

Okay, but Not Incredible

There have been worse, there have been better. I feel like that sums up the story.

Overall, the story isn't bad. The cinematography is nice and JoongDunk do have nice chemistry with each other. Other than that, nothing to write home about. It wasn't overtly unique, but it was a decent watch.

I didn't regret watching it, but I think I would like to see how these MLs do with a more mature script. Maybe it's because the college/high school arc is getting old, but I'd love to see Thai dramas in general move forward out of the school era.

Overall: Decent watch, but not life-altering.

Read More

Cute Rom Com With Great Chemistery!

If you are familiar with me, you may be aware that I frequently blog about the D/s element in various shows. However, I desired a break from that. I desired something that was cute, romantic, and amusing, which would serve as a distraction from the intense content that I am currently observing. This fit the bill perfectly, and I'm glad I gave it a shot despite the reviews. The fun parts made me giggle, and the romantic ones made me sigh. If you enjoy Rom Coms, then you will adore this hidden gem.

Please refrain from paying attention to other reviews on here that are comparing this show to other shows that aren't Rom Coms and making disparaging remarks. You're comparing it to genres it's not in, it's like comparing a horror movie to a dance show. It's a Rom Com! Maybe don't watch Rom Coms if you don't like them!

I found the chemistry in both pairs to be excellent, the acting felt comfortable and there was never a point in which it felt fake or forced. I didn't have moments where I was thrown out of the series, but in fact was immersed in it. Not only that, but I stayed up far too late to finish it. As far as the story line? I, personally, enjoyed it, it was realistic in a way and there was smooth delivery. Plus, the character communication was chief's kiss. Seriously, ignore these other people and listen to me! It's cute! It might not be Semantic Error cute, but it fits with My Love Mix Up cute.

Read More

Failed Agenda

This was so boring. I feel that fans of Joong/Dunk aren't being honest with them.

Dunk needs to work on his acting and why does he keep moving his head like a bobblehead It's so funny. Zo is Daonuea(From SIMM) 2.0. He hasn't improved his acting skills yet, he showed only limited expressions.

Joong needs to take challenging roles more cos his character was exactly the same as his previous movie(Kluen).

They have more chemistry as Joong/Dunk than as Joke/Zo. They only upgrade was in their kisses, which doesn't matter if chemistry is too poor. They should either separate them to work on different projects and actualize their full potentials or give them better roles and serious acting lessons.

The story was so weak, I skipped so many episodes, it was like a combination of 2gether and Fish Upon The Sky... The background was so cloudy that their faces looked unreal and my eyes were aching from it. The sound engineer was just placing the ost at random places, it was so distracting. Don't get me started on the debate stuff, every member of the debate club needs an apology from them because what was that?
In all weldone everyone. I'm giving this 3.5/10 and that's for Joong's pretty face. 😍

Read More

It doesn't matter if some people hate me. And let me be alone here - but I enjoyed it. A series to have a good evening. I was really looking forward to the end of this series so I could watch it later. And I was not disappointed. I really liked it.
JoongDunk acting has improved. And this is noticeable in many episodes. For example, in the episode where Zo and Joke have their first time/first night. I really liked this scene. Zo's embarrassment, hesitation, awkwardness - how well Dunk portrayed it. You watch it and you rejoice that the writers added conversations and such a scene. In most of the series I've watched, the main characters are so experienced and active in their first time/first night. So this Zo and Joke scene appealed to me.
I also liked the scenes with aggressive Zo. It's probably funny, but it is. I think Dunk manages to portray aggression excellently.
The plot itself is filled with tenderness. It really seemed that way to me. Yes, the plot is not genius, but it's not as bad as many people write here. But I liked the idea of the writers about the plot. And I won't even mention the chemistry between the main characters. It's just unbelievable. The looks, the tenderness, the kisses. Haha

Again, I don't understand some people who obsess over these debates. What's the big deal with it? I don't understand comments like "I forgot that Zo is part of the debate club", "the plot is not consistent, I forgot about the debates". I am not in any way condemning these people. I know that everyone has different tastes. But some of them remain incomprehensible to me. The series' plot doesn't revolve around debates. Imagine if they talked about debates every 5 minutes for 12 episodes. People wouldn't have liked it, they would have said that apart from debates, there is no plot. It's the same thing.
I liked how they tried to show the problems between parents and children here, about unhappy first love. Especially in the 9th episode, they managed to show that relationships are not always perfect, any misunderstandings or attempts to hide the truth can have consequences. Zo and Joke showed us that. And yes, I understand that the reason for their fight may seem trivial/stupid to some. But as I already said, it's about relationships, where any small misunderstanding can have consequences. Furthermore, I can understand why Zo reacted that way. He had an unsuccessful experience with his first love. Moreover, I like such scenes in series, they are a kind of resemblance to real life, and about situations that can happen in real life.
Overall, I liked it. Yes, the plot may be banal, but I liked it. And honestly, I can't understand why everyone doesn't like Dunk's acting? Maybe it's because I liked the series, and I liked the main actors, and I just don't notice it. But after watching the series "Sky and Stars," I still don't understand what's wrong with Dunk's acting. I personally really like it. Especially his smile.

Read More

realistic conflicts & great character dynamics

I can't believe it took me this long to find this series, but it's honestly become my favorite BL. My favorite part of it were the conflicts, and how realistic they were. The portrayal of homophobia with Jeng's team differs from other BLs, where homophobia is either seemingly nonexistent or is overly dramatized, instead showing the everyday normalized homophobia that gay men face. The relationship dynamics, both with Joke and Zo and Jeng and Pok were so well developed and allowed for great character development as well. The family dynamics in this series also hit close to home and left me bawling. Zo's mother doing too much and Joke's father not doing enough when it came to showing up for their sons left them both feeling like they weren't enough and reflecting their parent's efforts back at them. The series also did a great job in showing the theme of forgiveness all throughout it, even in the instance where it showed when forgiveness is not deserved in the case of James and Nita, a conflict which faithfully portrayed one of women's struggles in modern society. Overall, this series was full of angst, though it never seemed to be simply for entertainment, but rather as a reflection and portrayal of real-life struggles.

Read More

Definitely one of the better 2023 BLs

I’ve watched quite a lot of BLs over the past 2 years but this the very first one I feel to add my review on line. I always read the reviews and for this series they were a bit unfair and a total of 7.3 is definitely to low, as the performance is quite above average but maybe not the best of the year.

JoonDunk have good chemistry and this shows throughout the episodes. Still today most of the BLs are too shy with a kiss but not here, those scenes were properly done I liked the sunflower popping up as it reminds of “star in my mind”. The characters are evolving and although the hidden agenda concept is watered down after 3 or 4 episodes other elements are build in like the stalking of Nina and onwards of the main leads. Also both face parents where they have great expectation from their children and the pressure it puts on them. The comments on Dunk’s acting are too strong, don’t forget he plays the role of a guy with low self-esteem who’s looking for himself.

It was also good to see other BL stars popping up from various other BL series.

And so in conclusion, give the show a chance. Everyone is entitled to their opinion of course.

Read More

I do not know what other's are talking about

This was a great show. Honestly, it was simple, pacing was good, story line was straightforward, everything was suggested early enough to address later. This isn't a complicated show and that may be why I've seen so many negative reviews. One person said that star in my mind was better but that show brought an abuse plot and brushed over it and their conflict continued on until the last two episodes. Dunk's acting isn't perfect but he definitely improved and he made me feel the same nerves that his character felt during many scenes in the show. He played the "trying his best" character really well even if it wasn't always perfect. I can't criticize the bobble head comment because I know people in real life that move like that, so it genuinely didn't bother me. Joong's acting was perfect, their chemistry was so natural and it's one of the best potrayals of a dating couple I've seen in a show. The puppy love, the progression, the nerves, the true love (which joong nailed, he was acting incredible from face to body). And it's not fair to compare them to other high quality shows because a lot of those had the romance as the side plot and a bigger plot occurring. This show's main plot IS the romance and the obstacles they face during its progression. Joke explains he developed a crush on Zo because he was the first person to ask what he wants and respect it which made sense when we see how neglected he felt by his parents. Zo is the textbook nerdy boy with his walls up because his mom was strict and his friend lead him on and ridiculed him in the process. The debate club wasn't even that in your face but that was explained because Zo wanted to make his mom proud. They argued when they needed when Zo or Joke were being a unreasonable. The stalker story was explained to be occurring from years before and which didn't need to take up more time than it did and resolved in the most rational way you can instead of brushed over. The parents' effects on the boys were implied from the beginning and then things occurred for them to get closer (Zo's dad in the hospital, and Zo telling Joke's dad that he realized life is too short for him to mince his words and he should tell his son how he really feels). And the biggest criticism I've seen is the hidden agenda. One, the author can name the title whatever it may be, it really is not that serious but MOST IMPORTANTLY, Zo was absolutely valid in his hurt. Zo and Joke put so much importance in honesty and communication and it was mentioned SO MANY times so finding out he came to Zo with hidden intentions definitely made sense in the grand scheme of things especially after his past friend lied to his face and shut him down when Zo confessed. Zo was always upfront with Joke even with the Nita situation. And if someone were to find out that your partner lied to you, especially after being confronted, it makes you wonder what else they may be lying about. It wasn't stretched out too long either, Joke tried to make amends his way and then apologized and Zo stated all he was looking for was an apology. Everything was fleshed out as well as it can be for a cute show like this, so it makes me wonder if other critics and I were even watching the same show. I understand if this might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it felt that some of the critiques were not coming from a fair place. Not everything needs to be shown to be understood and they utilized their 12 episodes really well. There were some lagging moments in two episodes but not enough to turn me off. The side couple were there and cute and did not take too much time but enough to get their story across. There were honestly only about 1.5 NC scenes and the couple others were just kiss scenes and their chemistry was so natural and beautiful, I genuinely believed I was watching two people in love. If the show was as bad as people make it out to be then they deserve a chance to move up from here especially with how many veteran actors have been in worse shows and now are great in their craft. But my final thoughts, I truly thought every aspect of this show was amazing and the dynamics were natural. Watching it from the pov that this is a romance focused or almost slice of life type of drama, it hit the mark and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Read More