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MY STAND IN is a MASTERPIECE
I love this series so much. The plot is different from other series (I have a love-hate relationship with the storylines but it is the best!) I have a traumatic experience watching but I think it is worth it. The main leads Up and Poom acting are top notch. The character Joe(Poom) makes me fall in love but he is too kind for my liking. He should learn how to be bad sometimes so people won't take advantage. Meanwhile Ming(Up) was a red flag! I hate him so much,but I understand him. Imagine having a first love(unrequited)-mistakenly loved the wrong person. But then met this other person (actually his real love) and slowly developed feelings for him.He was in denial. He despised himself bc he thought he betrayed his first love.So he projected his feelings onto this person and treated him badly. But in the end love wins. But it was too late. 3 years waiting in uncertainty, God gave him another chance to make it right and he did. All his efforts to win his love again turned him into the greenest forest. For me this series is a MASTERPIECE!Was this review helpful to you?
A MASTERPIECE ✨✨✨
This series is really goood.
I rewatched it a couple of times now because I'm running out of stuff to watch this one is just reallly really gooood.
Like the Plot is just chef kiss 💋 I really like how the actors portrayed the emotions and each lines.
It's really coool I've never seen a series that I can rewatch so many times and not get bored. 🥰😍
Much loveeee hope to see more series like this. 😍😍
I like how talented thai actors are. Like how can you become a completely different person from a different series. I first saw P'Poom in lovely writer he was great in portraying Gene and now in this series he portrayed Ming I got back all the excitement I had before it was really awesome 🥰
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This review may contain spoilers
The Story is possible impossible!
Story/:Oh you know it's may be the same soul in a new body but still it feels like different person hahahahahah it's the same actor playing and but whatevs I hope for something and ended up being hopeless.
Acting/: no question! Everyone's great! BIG of applause Joe! And the whole casttt. Loved the couple! specially seeing someone having a top role when he played 0 before hahaha cutie!!
Overall: I Love You
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You can't miss this guys!
Let me tell you this. I actually have no words for how good this series is. But I decided to write it because I couldn't see a single good comment or review about how good this is.The plot is soo good. It kept me interested 98% of the time. The remaining 2% was my impatience to know further.
The cast being absolutely hard working, so professional, so hard core expressions and acting.
All the realistic shit uk. Not some fairytale lovestory that has no logic whatso ever.
I unexpectedly loved all the things in this series.
It was so good worth watch.
I'm not someone who goes deep into the plot and shed light to each and each and each aspect of this series to tell how good this is unfortunately.
Im more of a feeler. And overall this was a good watch. Soo better that good series that came recently.
So if anyone is reading it till the end I urge you to watch this series. I can cry telling how good this series is......😭😭😭😭
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Watch it, don't believe the comments!!!
I binged watch this 12 episode series of My Stand-in today. Seriously speaking, why did I just watched it today? It's frustrating me so much, because of how good it is!The plot revolves around Joe, a stuntman for a famous actor named Tong. In the set, Joe met Ming, brother in law of Tong who is secretly in love with him. Joe got interested on him and Ming found resemblance of Tong in Joe so he got attached to him. They got into a situationship. When Joe became promoted to a main lead of a movie with his friend Sol (Kpop Idol), Ming got jelous, and locked up Joe. Since Joe cannot attend the press conference of the movie, he was removed from it and got banned from any companies. In need of job, he got the job of being a stuntman in an infamous company who is famous for using cheap materials and not caring and compensating the talents who are undergoing accidents. During the shoot, he needs to do stunts while riding a motorcycle in a mountain. Since the harness is cheap, it broke easily, causing Joe to fall the mountain.
When he woke up, he is already in a body of another person, also named Joe. There he met again Ming and the other colleagues from his old body, which basically where the plot revolved around.
The plot is so good and unique! I love it so much because of the fact that it raises awareness towards the reality of behind the scenes of the films we are watching. Towards those extras and stuntmans who are doing most of the work instead of those actors and actresses who are getting the limelight.
This made me crazy, stressed, and obsessed just like Ming, lmao. If you don't like red flag main characters, then this is definitely not for you, because Ming's character is really hateful. There are so many things happening, most especially towards the ending. I'm like "Joe literally just went out of the hospital! Why are you kidnapping him again?"
This series made me anticipate each and every scenes of it. The way I cannot pursue myself to stop watching, that is why I literally binged watch it for a day.
The casts are all so good! The main characters delivered and served the best out of all casts, which made them deserving of being the main roles of this series. This series is just so good because of the chemistry of them both. The way they let out those emotions and script, it was truly satisfying. Addition to that, those NC scenes are to die for.
I'm so frustrated for watching it just now because I am literally satisfied on everything in this series. I love it so much and I would recommend this to other watchers. Hands down to everyone behind The Stand-in!
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Toxic Story and Flawed character but must watch
Initially, I wasn't sure what to make of it and almost stopped watching after the first episode because I thought it would be confusing. However, I'm glad I persevered, as the story eventually clicked into place. If you're tempted to drop it early, I encourage you to keep going.One aspect I appreciate about this series is its portrayal of flawed characters, particularly Ming. While some viewers might find his actions hard to accept, I think it's refreshing to see realistic, complex characters. Ming's journey from a place of hurt and possessiveness to one of growth and self-awareness is compelling. Yes, he crossed a line by hurting and locking up Joe, and being a bad and insulting boyfriend at first. This made some of the viewers tough to watch. But what's admirable is how he acknowledges his mistakes, apologizes, and works towards change.
It's also heartwarming to see Ming realize his true feelings for Joe, distinct from his earlier infatuation with Tong. The character development and emotional depth make My Stand-in a worthwhile watch. If you are not into toxic story then don't watch this. Surely you can't handle this. It's a heavy series and not light.
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The Novel and the Series
My thoughts bout the early part of the series and the differences that I saw between the light novel and the series.LA Joe is different from the novel Ah Xiang. Zhou Xiang is already kind and soft hearted but Joe really took it to another level. (The ending really annoyed me). He still cooked breakfast for Ming🥲. "In the novel, Ah Xiang shoved MingXiu away harshly and fled frantically from his own home. Then he drove aimlessly as he didn't know where he should go. He can't go to Wei Ge's (P'Wut) house because his sister-in-law is pregnant and he doesn't want to disturb them. And so after driving aimlessly in that winter night, he decided to go to the company and stayed in Wei Ge's office."
Joe again is used as a scape goat between Director Pao and that snake. P'Wut also is kinda different from Wei Ge in the novel. I know and I can see the brotherhood between P'Wut and Joe but dyk that in the novel it was Wei Ge who convinced Ah Xiang to accept that lead role offered by Director Pao? Because since Ah Xiang already offended that snake (yes, I'm not gonna say his name even the og from the novel) and he will surely receive some backlash from that snake's fans as it was already rumored (everyone already knows) that the lead role of Director Pao's next project is that snake. Then his reputation will surely hit rock bottom and it'll be difficult for him to get any stunt jobs or any job in that industry. It's a lose-lose situation and so him accepting it won't really change anything. But rather it could give him a slight chance of finally making a break through. That snake and Ming didn't directly kill Joe but they pushed him in that direction. So Ming... grovel hard.
This will probably piss off all of you more. In the novel, after that snake attended the conference as the lead role he eventually dropped the project. He actually didn't want it. He just hated Director Pao and more importantly, he didn't want a mere stuntman to take his "place". So the project was eventually scrapped.
I wish they stuck to the monk rather than a fortune teller. And they changed that connection to his father?? Wth? It was supposed to be MingSu's master. Yan MingSu is Ming's older brother. P'Mike (MingSu) is the older brother of Ming. They're taking the character set-up of P'Mike and distributed it to other characters.
1st, they changed May into a supportive and loving sister (which takes away the character set-up of MingSu in which he's the only one who cared to support Ming after Joe's accident when everyone in the family are turning a blind eye that Ming is suffering due to a death of a male "lover" and he's the only one who accepted Ming for being gay). Which is why he was the only one who knew how much Ming loved Joe. I can accept this because May was such a b*tch in the novel that made me think that she and that snake deserves each other. Plus, more people to love and stand by Ming's side so I'm fine with it.
2nd, as I've mentioned, the monk (in the LA is a fortune teller). The monk would show the supernatural events that Joe went through and the connection between Joe and Ming which involves fate and karma. Changing it into a fortune teller kinda makes it shallow. Moreover, it is an opportunity for them to show their culture. Hence, I really don't get why they had to change that.
3rd, P'Mike having a monk as a master would show that he is not the type of wealthy person whose life only revolves around money and that he is someone who values the teachings of a monk. So when he saw that his beloved brother is almost at the death's doorstep, he sought the guidance of his master.
I am utterly disappointed of how much they downgraded Yan MingSu (P'Mike). He's probably the 2nd if not the top favorite character of everyone who've read the novel. He's the BEST BROTHER anyone could ask for. Someone who'll always make sure Ming is still breathing no matter how far and tired he is. He would fly in and out of the country just to take care of his younger brother. All those sleepless months just to take care of Ming because no one in their family wanted to accept that Ming is gay. He took care of Ming himself all while managing their business. And he doesn't look down on Joe unlike the typical attitude of those wealthy people. I really loved MingSu's character so I'm really emotional with these changes. His role is actually more significant.
I liked how Poom showed Joe's feelings, you can really see it his eyes softening while watching Ming but then the moment he heard how Ming would only smile when he's acting in that snake's movies, you can see how it made his walls higher and stronger.
I don't get why Joe was looking aimlessly around his house. Ming left it EXACTLY how it was 2 years ago as it is in the novel.
I needed THE mental breakdown that MingXiu showed in the novel.. My heart is sad for Ming but I hope they wrote it with something like hyperventilation. I needed the scene where Ming is having a hard time breathing. I just needed more anguish? Because seeing him crying is making me heart ache a bit but I hoped what I felt was heartbreaking instead. I really shouldn't have read the novel first. Up, my baby you did well.
BUT the scene where Ming and that snake are talking in Ming's room is a hella lot MORE satisfying than in the novel for me. In the novel, it was Ming who went to that snake's room. Ming did slam the door after their conversation but this in LA is much much more satisfying. I laughed so hard as it was so satisfying when he casually just pointed the door and did the hand thingy like he's shooing him away and kicked that snake out. He didn't even bother to look at him nor walked him to the door 🤣. And the way he reminded that snake of the fact the of all people, he has the least right to talk about Joe in front of Ming because they were the reason why Joe was pushed into making that decision.
I like the added detail where this is a sequel of that snake's first movie with the same director. I also loved how the director regret his decision of encouraging Joe to sign a contract where he won't be credited.
I've read comments saying it was Joe's fault why his second life is becoming like his 1st one. Like why did he accept Ming's but rejected P'Wut and Sol's help. He and Ing (I finally know her name, I've been calling her Chen Ying) have a 3million thb loan from a loan shark which is really dangerous. And his mother is sick and is in need to receive dialysis every week which cost a LOT of money, they needed a better place to live for Ing's condition. He needed to pay that loan ASAP, have a good place to live, money for dialysis, other medicines, hire a caretaker for Ing and money for other expenses. So, why did he reject P'Wut and Sol's help? Because he felt guilty to receive that AMOUNT of financial help from them. He knew P'Wut somehow still blames himself why Joe died and so P'Wut has been very active in giving him support as a way to release his guilt for Joe's death and Sol practically told him that he's only receiving this much support (the jobs that P'Wut got for Joe2) was because he reminded them of Joe1. He felt guilty of using that to get their help. Jobs are one thing but financial matters are a different thing. So why did he accept to be a "stand-in" AGAIN for Ming? Because with Ming, it is a transaction. He doesn't have to feel ashamed nor guilty (but it must have been painfully heartbreaking for him to practically sell 1 year of his life to ming of all people) because Ming was still gonna screw him over so why not benefit from it? Joe's decision is actually the most practical choice. He wasn't being dumb.
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My Stand-In — An Incredible Story That Deserved Stronger Chemistry
The moment I learned that Professional Body Double was being adapted, I couldn't wait to watch it. The novel is one of those stories that constantly plays with identity, obsession, love, and guilt, creating characters who are often difficult to like yet impossible to forget. Thankfully, the adaptation stays remarkably faithful to that emotional complexity. As a story, My Stand-In is everything I hoped it would be.What fascinated me most is how morally complicated everyone is. Nobody is completely innocent, nobody is completely evil, and every decision has consequences. The idea of living as someone else's replacement could easily have become melodrama, but instead it develops into a surprisingly emotional reflection on identity and self-worth. Even when I disagreed with the characters, I always understood why they made their choices. That's exactly the kind of writing I enjoy.
Unfortunately, my biggest problem has nothing to do with the script.
I've tried several times to connect with Up Poompat as an actor, and this drama confirmed the same feeling I already had before. I never doubt his professionalism or his commitment, but I constantly feel as though he's acting rather than becoming the character. His movements often seem calculated, his emotional reactions restrained, and many scenes leave me with the impression that he's uncomfortable instead of naturally expressing what his character is feeling. That's entirely my personal impression, but it prevents me from fully believing the romance.
The contrast with Poom Phuripan makes that feeling even stronger.
Poom gives absolutely everything to his performance. Every emotional scene feels genuine, whether he's expressing heartbreak, anger, hope, or vulnerability. I never had to wonder what his character was feeling because he communicates it so naturally. Watching the two leads together, I often felt as though one actor was carrying the emotional weight of the relationship while the other remained more distant. Since a romance depends on both performances, that imbalance constantly pulled me out of the story.
Ironically, that's what frustrates me the most because almost everything else is excellent.
The production is polished, the cinematography beautifully supports the darker tone, and the adaptation successfully captures the emotional atmosphere of the novel without losing its own identity. The supporting cast also delivers consistently strong performances, making the world feel believable from beginning to end.
Final Thought
My Stand-In tells one of the best stories I've seen in a BL. The writing is intelligent, emotionally challenging, and remarkably faithful to the spirit of the original novel. That's exactly why I finished the drama with mixed feelings. I loved almost everything about the story, yet I never fully believed the central romance because I couldn't connect with one of its two leads. Had both performances reached the same emotional level, this would simply have been a much better BL.
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give it a try
there are flaws in the story plot but their chemistry was good. kissing scenes were felt real. some reviews state that they dropped because of the lead's personality but people are like that and they change when they meet the right people. they don't know which is right or wrong so they choose the path whatever their heart says. this series is kinda the same. but not that makes you traumatic. decent scenes with mild obsessed psychic kinda lead. it depends on each person's interest. i liked it even though i hesitated to watch after seeing some negative reviews. just go and give it a try.Was this review helpful to you?
I LOVE IT SO MUCH
When i read the review, I almost dropped the series... but I decided to watch it, and it was good, i have to say. Please give it a try...The plot is very interesting although I am not into soul-switching characters. I just accept that this is drama.
Many people say Ming is red flag, but to me , he wasn't really a red flag though. When Ming's dad told Joe about his suffering when Joe died, i can sense that Ming really loved Joe, may be he was not very sure of his feelings at the start.
The actings are on point. I love all the outfit Ming wore in the show.
This rich guy character really suits Ming.
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Worth a chance but remember, this is going to be about the worst job ever!
This was an interesting journey. I ended it on a positive note, but I still found myself quite against most of the couples in the drama.The romance between Ming and Joe has numerous issues. Let’s not kid ourselves. Ming even handcuffs Joe to a staircase at one point – and not in a fun way! However, I appreciated how they learned to communicate with each other instead of making assumptions and hoping for the best. The growth both Ming and Joe go through throughout the story is also, for a lack of a better expression, kind of heart-warming – these are all positive signs for their future as couple.
It was also very cathartic to watch Tong get what he deserved. I was cheering when he got, quite literally, kicked to the curb! Power to May, let’s go!
Sol deserved better, but his constant interventions were off-putting. Like, move on, my guy! He clearly doesn’t want you, and you’re better off without him.
In a way, I think this show effectively illustrates that rebounding or finding a ‘stand-in’ to fill the void of unrequired love ends up hurting everyone involved rather than solving the existing problem. Ming should have tried to move on instead of pursuing Joe. (Him finding out the actual truth behind Tong’s signature back poster was, perhaps, the BEST part of this drama, not going to lie.)
It also presents a compelling argument about how people exploit someone's naivety and kindness for their own gain, and the consequences that follow.
Overall, I think it’s a worthwhile drama to watch. I wouldn’t rush to see it, but I also wouldn’t skip it. The acting is good, the characters’ interactions are entertaining, and the premise holds an important message.
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Repetitive but not bad
Here we come to the oldest story known to women that keep coming back in almost everything: manga, anime , Manhwa and now Drama.it's like chewing the same gum for the hundredth time. It becomes boring and tasteless, but we keep chewing it.
this series is not bad, the actors were good for what they are. But very predictable and boring in everything they did, and all the usual toxic cliché we all "love" to see. and it's not even that deep or complex like people want to think.
Ming the toxic, obsessive, control freak, and crazy jealous boyfriend to ex to boyfriend again cause Joe "change" him.
oh great that something that never happen before, cause it did too many times. why does he need to be toxic from the first place? oh right because he falls in love with someone else "back" ok that makes sense, no it's really not but we have to accept this bs logic.
Joe - the submissive MC that will let anyone treat him like shit and will not fight too much. he is too kind to everyone and sometimes too naive. he can't lie to save his life and I found it funny sometimes how much bad he is at lying.
Here how it always goes: MC in love with toxic boyfriend, toxic boyfriend humiliating them to no end and make them feel horrible, MC end up dead somehow, coming back to life and think it's different and they never fall in love again only to end up with the same toxic boyfriend after a big redemption arc. and everyone happy now.
Not anything original here, just the same old toxic bf coming back to his MC after he learns to love them after they died. too bad they could not do it when MC was alive the first time, but then we won't have this great redemption arc we don't care about, I guess.
I'm not against redemption arcs, there are stories with amazing redemption arcs out there. but this is not it. The moment Ming tied Joe up in handcuffs, he finished with me even if he was jealous.
But let me add something more. Despite the boring romance in here, you can still find great things in this story that the series did great and enjoy it as much you can.
those elements are done very good so I thought I will mention them:
Joe and new mom create a strong bond - Joe finally receiving unconditional love and support that he needed in his first life. and that's amazing to watch every time when they are together. he said he would take care of her, and he did take care of her, despite everything.
Joe and other friend - finding out about his real identity first way before toxic boyfriend which I found the best outcome. it show how much they know and love him in his life. Wut and Sol have the best friendship and I love how both of them offer him help almost the same way, despite him refusing them, I think they are a very important part in his life.
A supportive big Sister - cause we need more of those in BL! she was awesome, honestly too bad she choose to marry a horrible man.
I can say more but I think it's clear why this series has value even if you didn't like the main couple romance. Sometimes the little things do a lot, and I did enjoy those elements despite everything.
Another thing I like is how much self-aware Joe is of how much his toxic boyfriend is toxic and still choose to go back to him and take his help despite having other choices. still I wish he would move on from him and find someone better but we can't win against cliché I guess.
My biggest complaint I have for the writers of this series is why Tong didn't die for Joe?! it would have being so much better to his character redemption arc! what a waste of time.
I conclude of this review - I don't think this series is bad, there are parts that are good and very fun to watch. but it still stuck on old clichés and cringe stereotypes that need to go away already. I have seen them enough.
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