ABO Desire

Just another review

This was my first experience with the Omegaverse genre. Very fascinating world. I thought this series had potential, but it didn’t quite hold up.

Some scenes felt drawn out or unnecessary, for example, the meal scenes where very little dialogue or plot development occurred. They ate a bite and just nodded. I'm like okay, and? I’m also not a fan of the trope where one character manipulates another into falling in love. I would’ve preferred if Hua Yong had taken on more protective role behind the scenes, allowing Sheng Shao’s feelings to develop naturally. I understand he already does some of that but then the story leaned heavily on Hua Yong creating false scenarios and playing the victim, which left me frustrated and disappointed, especially knowing that Sheng Shao would inevitably forgive him. I just couldn't root for them.

The second lead storyline was what kept me watching. While Jiang Heng’s acting wasn’t the strongest, I enjoyed his interactions and chemistry with Gao Tu. I was really looking forward to seeing his reaction once he discovered his omega’s identity, but the show rushed through it, and Gao Tu just ran away, only to reappear briefly in the final episode for a quick hug. That ending felt disappointing and incomplete. I felt robbed TBH with all that waiting.

Unfortunately, I left feeling disappointed with this series. I would not watch it again but I'm grateful for a Chinese originated BL.

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ABO Desire Deep Dive Diatribe

As I type this, it has been a few days since the final episode of Desire aired and I have... a lot, to say.

Frankly, I should have done a trash watch from the start. But it took 5 episodes for me to realize what a dumpster fire phenomena this was, and by then it was too late. Live and let burn. As a result, I must write a whole thesis on the following formula aka the design of this damn show:

psychotic obsession + delicious toxicity
- chronic neglect of side dish
/ by the sheer madness of this show existing at all

Up top confession?

I loved this Very Silly Show in the worst possible way. And I do mean worst. It really was like watching fanfic brought to life.

Good fic but still... rough in places, in need of a solid edit past, littered with forgotten threads, dropped characters, tired tropes, and weak development.

* The main pair is a work of gd art.
* The filming quality is solid.
* The wardrobe department is unhinged and has issues with shirts (absent or awful, only 2 options).
* Generally, most of the acting had a lot in common with vintage sleds: cold, hard, wooden, and stiff, but still somehow a fun ride.

For what it was (remarkable) and that it existed at all (unprecedented) and how much I enjoyed the experience (despite myself), I went outside of my comfort zone when rating this darn thing. I admit, Desire is an 8/10 show, but I personally am compelled to give it a 9/10 on pure entertainment value.

And without question Desire is an icon of our BL times. 2025 will forever be remembered as the year China put mpreg on our screens.

And now, your actual review of this show:

Close on the herculean strides of Revenged Love, China continued its historic 2025 run on the international BL market with the first true ABO mpreg piece.

There is some semblance of story = about a boy who falls in love with an alpha (top of food chain) right before he manifests as an enigma (secret extra-special tippy-top of food chain) and then obsessively stalks/courts the object of his devotion though means both fair and foul (mostly foul) for the next decade. Why so secretive and manipulative? No reason, just Hua Yong being Hua Yong.

This show focuses on Hua Yong, a perfect sociopath ult babygirl, being a violent, unchecked, conniving, psychotic monster so pretty he will hurt your teeth, intent on possessing, owning, and sexing-up one increasingly confused alpha. (I know honey, we were all confused, it's okay, you're safe. No one else is. But you are.)

And when our little psycho wins? We likey! (So does the alpha.) Somehow everyone, including the audience, has also become toxic trash along with Hua Yong. Fun fun.

There is actual on screen kissing (yes, from China, no it's not very good) combined with some of the world's hottest shirt suspenders and some the world's ugliest shirts.

The end.

That's the whole show.

Oh... there is a nod at an intriguing side couple who ended up being mere set dressing.

And there is also actual ON SCREEN mpreg. Twice.

Plus China aired this by distributing through Hong Kong to a Taiwanese platform and if that isn't How Dare levels of malarkey I don't know what is.

Wild times we live in.

And I haven't even gotten to the Cpop boy group component.

What can I really say about this show?

This show would have been sublimely f'd up and utterly ridiculous even without the ABO trappings, but the world-building actually added to my enjoyment (and I am not an omegaverse stan).

However, there is a ton of Basil Exposition to wade through during the first 3-5 episodes (not unlike this review). If you are not familiar with omegaverse or dystopian alt-reality info-dumping... it's going to tax you eternal.

If utter fascination with Hua Yong gliding sveltely down marble stairs and primly torturing all the wettest-eyed omegas can't hold you through the opening episodes, don't bother with this show. I liked our sweetie Alpha Sheng but it's Hua Yong who rules (and drives) this show. Hua Yong = the most beautiful little obsessive stalker pouty ruthless gremlin ever to swish around in silk pyjamas. If you don't find him riveting from the moment he wades through that pool in the opening scene, you're not gonna like Desire.

If you decide to risk it, please know that this show is very very gorgeous, unbelievably toxic, and completely NUTS. This is the CBL KinnPorsche no one thought to ask for. Only this is KP stripped of all grit, sanitized within an inch of it's life, made larger and icier and very very precise.

All your triggers will be hit with this, we are in dark territory: stalking, obsession, possession, threat, blackmail, dubious consent, and more. There is a large dose of willful misunderstanding, plus a hand being torn off, and (for some labubull reason) stuffed teddybears are adhered to perfectly innocent shirts (that did not deserve such treatment). (Look, that shirt was a trigger for me. And then they had to go and do it again, outside of the flashback. In the future! LIKE THEY STAYED IN FASHION FOR YEARS. Untenable.)

And yet.

I adored Desire for the wild ride and tried not to get bogged down with the details.

And yet.

Here I am typing away... tunneling into the details.

The point is… that it exists at all. Desire is very meta. It is it's own mpreg. Most of us spend most of the time it was airing staring at it in wonder and thinking “How were you born? How do you even exist?”

So putting aside how I felt about it, I am going to talk about why Desire is, against all odds, actually important and crazy in the history of BL. As the self proclaimed most bonkers pundit chronicler of BL's abject nonsense, I feel compelled to make a statement. And also, I need a post to point people at when they ask me about this damn show in the future.

Me explaining Desire to a non-BL non-Ao3 friend.
Friend’s eyes getting bigger and bigger and bigger.
(I actually had to go into everything I am about to cover in this post. It took me half and hour of excited flappy hands.)
Eventually the friend says, “I think I must watch this.”
Me, “Oh no! It’s not good, it’s just a miracle of the modern age.”

[large section redacted that details the history of omegaverse and China's very checkered relationship with BL right up until this moments. If you wanna read it, I put it in full plus images on tumblr. Just search my handle and the title of this review). MDL is China owned, I didn't think it wise to put the reality of the situation here. Plus... word use is more authentic on tumblr.

Notes, Tips, & Tricks

I watched this show on both Gaga and Viki. I think Viki has better subs that better translated the ABO worldbuild into English. But there are strengths and weaknesses to both platforms' respective subs.

The first few eps really do have massive amounts of info dumping. But after that it's "manipulation as a love language" all day every day... and night.
The secretary core/beta assistants are a hoot. I want an Upstairs Downstairs of them dealing with their idiot bosses. It kinda feels like they’re the true masterminds of all relationships. They must be having vicarious fun with all of these hormone-crazed whack-doodle power-hungry (or utterly disempowered) alphas. Just the betas shuffling paperwork, making coffee, and kvetching about what dumbarses their superiors are. I watch it.
It’s hilarious how little work CEOs in Asian dramas actually do. There’s a lot of walking around in suits, playing on phones, passing each other clipboards, and occasionally flipping though a file.
Of course Gao Tu (the omega disguising himself as a beta) is my favorite character. I’ve always been a fan of cross dressing. Don't get too attached tho, his story arc doesn't get much resolution.
Be warned: Shen Wen Lang (his clueless alpha) will never gain a clue or a brain cell. The actor will never be any less uncomfortably stiff. And there will be no kissing for them.
But that said, Shen Wen Lang and Hua Yong's worstie relationship is pretty darn excellent. Lots of fun to watch that one.
Sit back and enjoy Hua Yong's lies. He is so darn pretty, who cares if evil? He can do whatever he wants. Also, do not apply logic, it will never make sense, because he is certifiably insane. No sense or sanity in that pretty little brain. He has 2 brain cells that know only 2 things: manipulation and Sheng Shao You.
At the start, Desire does not feel unhinged, it feels quite tailored and controlled. I prefer my CBL a bit more like Revenged Love (the Taiwanese side) with crunchy edges. At first this show feels more KBL-esk. Don't worry, all the edges will get very very fried. (But the kitchen stays white and immaculate.)
Beware Episode 9 for it is toxic and full of pheromone marks flaring, plus all the rutting dub con (and worse) one could ever desire. *big sigh* Everyone got all messed up by this episode. Over this episode. Because of this episode. The characters in this episode.
From ep 9 on, I pretty much spent every ep kicking my feet, flailing about, and squealing. I love the main couple and their were warped little power dynamic. So damn kinky. Oh the glorious toxicity of it all.

Us = crying screaming puking our guts out. The mpreg boys = pale milk-water maidens delicately coughing into sinks and lying decorously in bed pining for the fjords. Their husbands = clutching pearls.

The final episode was lackluster. At the last gasp they gave us our little gay families but they ultimately misused the excellent side pair.

I too was a bit disgruntled that Desire let us down in the 11th hour.

BUT read the diatribe I just wrote above.

I forgive it its sins.

I kinda feel like I have to.

My goodness gracious, what a glorious ride it was.

Ultimately do I recommend it?

Well YES, but with approximately 4000 words of reservations.

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Once a seek drop is frustrating

Chinese attempt at BL. There must be so many constraints around it that it affects the acting. Maybe they can’t look too passionate towards each other and at times the physical contact looks painfully staged. The S class alpha has ill fitting suits and doesn’t look domineering at all and he’s supposed to be a bit of a man whore. He looks scared.
Yet I’m still watching it because the enigma guy is so pretty and I like watching his eyes go from soft-boy to manipulative in the space of 2 seconds. The budget is low and the chains the enigma has look like they came from Daiso.

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A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

I must confess that I knew nothing, and I mean nothing, about the world of Omegaverse especially as it pertains to the BL genre. I found, overall, this diegesis confusing and the dynamics of the plot messy, empty, and frankly hard to follow. However, that is not the only reason why I so intensely disliked this series. It is a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’, which I detested even more. Whether one likes to admit it or not, this story is filled with pervasive ugly bullying, abuse of all various kinds, toxic masculinity, rape, rampant sociopathic personality disorders, over-the-top arrogance, and perceived entitled overindulgence. Why is all this not seen? Because of the stunningly handsome men who sugar-coat it with wit, charm, astonishing good-looks (eye-candy), and persuasive discourse. In a sense, these super-rich guys can do no wrong for the sole reason being the status of who and what they are. If this series had been portrayed with other than handsome men (e.g. pot-bellied, acned-faced, balding with missing teeth middle-aged guys instead), what would our reaction be?

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Cringe-Worthy Yet Compelling. Why the Omegaverse Drama Has Me Hooked (Against My Better Judgment)

I don’t like the whole aspect of the omegaverse, a new type of gender bending caused by a virus that blurs the lines between male and female. ABO is the new gender. Let’s just say I find it cringe-worthy, but I’m still watching because the whole thing is strangely interesting. I don’t even know why I’m sticking with it, but I guess I’m in love with the second couple, and now I’m emotionally invested against my will.. As for the plot, it’s not terrible, but the business side of things kind of bores me. I guess I just have a low attention span when it comes to that stuff.

=======The main couple: Hua Yong and Sheng Shao You=======

Hua Yong, the enigma, is everything I never knew I needed in a drama character, but also a masterclass in manipulation, and honestly, I’m living for it. I love a good twisted tale with deceit, secret identities, and all the psycho-level scheming. Hua Yong’s got this incredible duality; he’s the innocent, vulnerable, sweet guy when he’s around Sheng, and then the moment Sheng turns his back, he’s a cold, powerful, violent mastermind. It's like watching a switch flip, and I can’t get enough of it.

And let’s be real: Hua Yong’s basically a professional stalker. The man’s obsessed with Sheng, but in the most calculated, methodical way possible. Honestly, I feel like this guy’s got a PhD in psychological manipulation. He’s wormed his way into Sheng’s life so sneakily that by the time Sheng finds out what’s really going on, he’ll be so far gone that he’ll forgive him in a heartbeat. It’s like peak manipulation energy, and yet, I can’t look away. I know I should hate it—stalking’s messed up, and the fact that it’s a little glorified here doesn’t sit well with me, but damn, it makes the drama so much more fun.

Now, let’s talk about Sheng. He’s this S-class alpha, dominant, aggressive, the whole package. He’s got that intimidating, powerful vibe going for him, but this guy is so ignorant and naive. He’s completely oblivious to the fact that Hua Yong is playing him like a fiddle. Sheng’s out here thinking he’s in control, but Hua Yong is pulling all the strings, and he doesn’t even know it. It’s like watching someone walk straight into their own downfall, and I’m here for it. The second Hua Yong’s truth comes out, it’s game over for Sheng. I’m just waiting for that explosive moment when the blinders finally come off.

This manipulative Hua Yong is so absolutely ridiculous. We know he’s scheming and constantly testing Sheng, but it’s peak comedy at its finest. The way he cries and sheds a tear like a vulnerable deer. The way his mannerisms mimic that of a defenseless creature. This guy is just too much; it’s funny. I can’t help but laugh every time he plays his part as the damsel-omega, and Sheng is just there thinking this guy is sacrificing everything for him (especially in episode 10). Now I can't wait for Hua Yong to pursue Sheng now that the secret is out of the bag.

=======The Second Couple: Gao Tu and Shen Wenlang=======

Now these two? My absolute favourites.............The chemistry between Gao Tu and Shen Wenlang is next-level intense, and their story is heartbreakingly tragic, especially considering Gao Tu’s past. And then there’s Shen Wenlang, bless his heart. He’s funny, jealous, and just so aggressively protective, and has a harsh way of speaking, which often comes across as childish. He also has this hilarious, almost toxic “friendship” with Hua Yong, and their banter is honestly the highlight of the show.

Then there’s Gao Tu. He’s just pitiful. Hiding his true omega identity for years, risking his health, and carrying a 10-year crush on someone who doesn’t even know his true self, he’s the one character in the series who really gets to me. Gao Tu decided to conceal his identity after his mother warned him that his father might use it against him. To cover it up, he pretends to be a beta and claims to have asthma, a decent excuse, since omegas are at the bottom of the social hierarchy. What makes it worse is that his long-term crush, Shen, despises omegas, so Gao Tu keeps up the fake beta act just to stay close to him. His reckless use of suppressants and medication is only damaging his health, but even with all that, he’s still my favorite character in the series, alongside his doctor.

I just need more of Gao Tu and Shen Wenlang. I’m completely obsessed with them. Every moment, every interaction, the way they care for each other but don’t even realize it... It’s like my heart can’t take it. They’re my ultimate weakness. Honestly, I can’t get enough of them; I just want more. I’m in love with this couple, and I won’t even pretend to be ashamed about it!

At the beginning of this series, Gao Tu was my favorite, but that has shifted entirely. I truly love Shen Wen Lang. Every time he appears on screen, you know there’s never going to be a dull moment, especially with that mouth of his. He is ridiculously funny, and he truly cares for Gao Tu as well as Hau Yong, but no one can see that.

=======M-pregnancy========

To be honest, even though I don't like the concept of omegaverse, I can't wait to see Gao Tu and Sheng pregnant. I really want to see their kids.

=======The production/music/acting=======

While the acting can be a bit cringeworthy at times, it doesn’t completely ruin the plot. The editing could definitely use some work; some scenes feel oddly angled, and the dialogue drags in places. Despite that, I’m still hooked, even though the pacing can be slow at times. The fighting and mixed martial arts scenes? Just too cringeworthy. I honestly have to look away. They need a serious overhaul, because right now, they’re just painful to watch. The music also leaves something to be desired. The intro is fine, but after that, it feels like I’m stuck in an elevator with a never-ending loop. The pacing is a bit too slow, and certain scenes drag too much. I find myself sometimes speeding it up to 1.5x.

=======Final thoughts=======

Would I recommend this? Eh, not really sure. I'm just here for the cringe that is the omegaverse, and of course, Gao Tu and Shen Wenlang.

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A tentativa de algo

A única coisa que torna esse bl “suportável” por 16 episódios é apenas a premissa de ser o primeiro bl abo, fora isso, tudo nessa história é mal feito. o roteiro é uma bagunça, cheio de mini tramas que não agregam nada para história. o casal secundário é simplesmente ignorado o bl todo, e todas as chances de desenvolver algo decente são descartadas apenas pra reafirmar coisas óbvias sobre a relação deles, que já foram mostradas várias vezes durante a série. para uma história abo, desire não foge do normal, mas parece que a produção não se preocupou em adaptar a história original para a série de uma maneira que fosse interessante para o público, pois nem tudo que funciona em um livro, funciona na tv, e talvez seja por isso que abo desire falhe tanto em vários quesitos.

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Sorry but no.

This is my second time trying to watch this and really get into it, but it's literally just so terrible to me. The actors are like a 7/10 at acting so it feels mediocre, but the storyline is literally just so boring to me. I'd rather watch (I think his name is Gao tu). The main story is just so boring and the editing is pretty bad to me also. I was really excited for an omega verse but I can't lie this heavily disappointed me. I think the main reason it's so boring to me is because it literally just constantly talks about work and business and I hate the type of stories that focus more on all the data and graphics. It feels like I'm in school just trying to learn/keep up with the story. So respectfully this is a full no for me. Maybe if someone told me what the hell is going on I'd enjoy it better. I literally got lost in ep1 and ever since then it led me no where. Hopefully another time I'll be ready to give it a 3rd time, but right now ima rewatch revenged love lol.

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