My Stand-In: Uncut

I was completely hooked on this from the very first episode all the way to the finale. I absolutely love UpPoom, their chemistry is incredible and they carry the emotion so well. By the time I reached the tenth episode, I honestly didn't want it to ever end. I just wanted to stay in this story forever. It is rare for a show to keep me this invested without dropping the ball at the end, but they actually pulled it off. Joe's tragic fate as a stunt double and the intense, toxic history with Ming added so much weight to the plot. Every single emotional breakdown and confrontation felt heavy and earned.

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Slow burn --- almost not worth it

I personally had a difficult time getting through episode one. I was kinda bored with episodes two through four as it is basically a long flashback. Episode five is where it really picked up for me. I enjoyed the prospect of exploring the idea of loving someone's soul, no matter the body it's in. Overall, the show is worth a watch.

I watched the uncut version, but in my opinion it wasn't very NC. There was two or so actual sexual scenes. One seemed awkward with the blankets moving and the other was kinda short as it panned offscreen for the sneeze. It really focuses more on the relationship between the two leads rather their sexual relationship.

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Simple, Yet Intense.

I just completed this around a year after starting it, and I have to say, I probably would've rated this much lower had I finished it back then. Keeping it aside for a while managed to bring about a gap in understanding the characters’ actions. (I had stopped at EP8.)

When a humble stuntman named Joe accidentally encounters Ming, the brother-in-law of the famous actor, Tong, whom he performs for, sparks fly instantly.
Unbeknownst to him, Ming is secretly disgruntled and upset about being inadvertently ignored by Tong, whom he had a crush on. He takes the chance to bait the easy going Joe as a distraction and soon strikes up an ambiguous relationship with him. However, the lonely Joe's life is brightened by his presence and he falls deeply for Ming. Things turn dark when the truth is out and Joe is cornered and forced to pay with his life.

He wakes up in the body of another man named Joe, who had had an accident the same time as him. Now, with a new body and an ailing mother to take care of, Joe decides to start over his life and quietly assumes the identity of the body's owner. However, Ming once again re-enters his life.

☆ My Thoughts:

I remember several discourses going on in the comment section of the drama while it was still on air. Particularly of the ‘red flag’ and the characterization of Ming.
He might also be a difficult character to portray as he doesn't really talk much at all – always bottling up his frustrations and hiding behind a wall. Which is why most of his actions (some which he did purely due to his confidence in the power of money, a “very strong” theme which is scattered all over the show) come off as almost sociopathic.

While it might not be clear to some viewers, it's evident that he was using Joe as a distraction from sadness right from their second meeting. The trouble was, Joe was too humble minded and open hearted to see this. To him, Ming was someone who would return home to him; wait for him at home, cook for him and abate his loneliness.

For a guy who could get anything with a snap of his fingers, Ming doesn't realise the damage he was doing to someone like Joe.

Which is why, him going after Joe a second time annoyed me to no end.
Mr. Pinky aka Sol was right in several instances. Though, I have to say his care for Joe stemmed more from regret rather than actual emotions, I am glad that he was literally the only level headed character who could meet Ming head on.

Both the leading actors were really,really good. Like… I could find no chinks in their armour. The production value for this show seems to be rather high. So, I guess that this was a serious project. Also, Ming's wardrobe was particularly noteworthy. Heck, some of his outfits didn't even look as if they'd be considered normal outside of the runway (that pyjama style set), but he managed to pull it off.
The lighting and camera work were apt and not overdone. The aesthetics were also pleasant so, it was easy on the eyes without going overboard.

I particularly liked how the relationship between families was portrayed. And how important it was to their relationship. Though, I have to say, Ming didn't get punished enough for his thoughtless actions.

Also, the theme of the power of money and how people are ultimately forced to bow to it. This is a sad reality of life. Joe and his coworkers would always be underlings to the mighty and rich. It reminded me of the recently released movie where the main message was how the main character was ultimately not respected even as a basic human.
For example, there is one character in particular who got off scott free. But, it was going to eventually happen anyways.

☆ Final Thoughts:
I wouldn't call this drama a master-piece or something out of the box. The story is very simple and straightforward, but the conflicting emotions it manages to bring about is definitely something. So, kudos to the writers for that. Also, the cast and crew has put in A LOT of effort to bring their vision to life, so this is a must-watch if you are looking for something simple, yet intense.

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Was it toxic? Yes. But was it extremely engaging? Also, yes.

I put this story in the same category as stories like The Novelist, My Personal Weatherman, My Beautiful Man, KinnPorshe, The End of the World With You & to an extent, Love Mechanics. They all have some level of toxicity (albeit in varying degrees) that absolutely no one should want IRL but they do make good plot.

IRL Joe should have completely disappeared and never let Ming back into his life, but as someone said, the heart wants what it wants. And Ming did get a redemption arc and changed for the better. My only gripe with the story is the Tong and Ming's parents' situation. Tong should have been kicked out of the family and lost his career, but they just gave him a slap on the wrist and paid off his debts for the sake of his kid. That was not ok.

Also for Ming's parents, the mum did the quickest turnaround ever after threatening to out his son. Also the Ming's dad threatening Joe with a gun... The explanation that he gave saying why he didn't want Joe and Ming to be together was kinda dumb.

So, yes, the last 2 episodes had some absurd bits and felt a little rushed, but overall, I really loved the story. I hope we get more interesting stories like these in the future. They don't always have to be toxic, but just, good and engaging plot

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Watch if you like questioning your own morals

It’s been a while since I’ve been this invested in a series and the weird thing is I don’t even know what exactly I think of it.

I love hated almost every minute of this. Story was new and entertaining. The actors were absolutely brilliant. I don’t think I was a big Up fan before but I am now. This man made me love hate him (his character) the way only Damon Salvatore has managed to before…

Not much to say honestly… watch it if you enjoy: what, wtf, why is this happening, what is happening, arrgggghh and naked backs.

The ending was a bit too “happy end” imo, but that didn’t take away much from the whole thing so I still enjoyed watching. And I don’t remember the last time I wanted to rewatch something right after finishing it…but I do kind of want to do exactly that.

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Another take on the Dark/Toxic romance BL genre

Ming is Extremely toxic at the beginning of the drama which is difficult to watch as you know the main leads will end up together anyway. Despite this and the fact he uses Joe for his own benefit and claims ownership over joe instead of loving him as a person. Somehow the Drama manages to turn this all around by the end part and show us people can can make mistakes, even toxic ones that have serious consequences and still be able to turn things around. I am not going to defend Ming, he is a strange individual with many privileges that allow him to get what he wants but still is able to come across as sexy and complicated, leaving you wanting to understand him.

Joe is such a sweetheart and experiences many unfortunate events but just wants to be loved, look after his mother and maintain a stable career and relationship. He has a heart of gold and luckily is able to break into Ming's cold exterior.

The show is exciting and thrilling to watch nonetheless. Both lead actors are brilliant in their roles, showing maturity, complex emotions and believable romance scenes. I will defiantly watch both actors in other dramas.

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Damn. I've not watched a series quite like this since only friends and Kinnporsche. It definitely had us on a rollercoster from day one.
Ming that everyone agrees is toxic whether from his background being rich so always gets want he wants but this time he doesn't as he gets the next best from. I don't believe he truly loved Joe at all as when Tong says jump he says how high, he is in love with Tong
Unfortunately, Joe fell for the wrong person and didn't get the support he needed as no one made it clear how toxic their relationship was toxic and how to get out. He was sexually and emotionally abused constantly.
I generally quite liked Sol but at times he was being extra when given the second chance.

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I just want to rant

MING!!!!!!!!!!!!!
this particular character in my stand in had me clutching my pearls from the sheer audacity he possessed.
And regardless of what everyone including myself might think JOE DIDN'T WANT TO BE SAVED, period.
He was down bad for a vain self-important peacock like ming and that alone is evidence of his lack of self-preservation.
And in my opinion the "redemption " arc was so half-baked i never got over mings attitude.
Ps: why does joe sneeze while doing the boombaya and why in the ever loving hell does ming use that as proof that the person in the other joe's body is the joe, he ABANDONED.
In conclusion i loved and despised ming in equal measure.
Ps: the actor that played joe is so pretty, im obsessed .
PRETTY CRIER FINAL BOSS fr.
Please watch my stand in and join the ming hate club.

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Wow! What’s not to like about this clever plot line

If you’re looking for a story with sizzling chemistry, great acting, surprising redemption arcs and a very clever plot line then this could be one for you.

The opening scene shows a stunt man, Joe as he plummets into a ravine during a motorbike stunt gone wrong. The next scene shows him waking up in hospital, in a different body, next to a woman who claims to be his mother and calling out his name - apparently he’s been in a coma for two years. The next few chapters, mainly through a series of flash backs from his past and snippets from the present day, explain the events that led to the opening scene as well as Joe dealing with this new version of himself two years later. Through these episodes we are introduced to Ming, who was his wealthy and entitled boyfriend. Tong, Ming’s morally bankrupt brother in law. Wut, Joe’s supportive father figure and agency owner and Sol, a young man from the same agency. It’s obvious from the get go that things between Joe and Ming are not what they initially seemed to be. Ming turns out to be an *sshole of epic proportions and Joe is caught up in a battle he clearly cannot win and which ultimately leads to his death.

Fast forward to 2 years after the accident and it’s clear that Joe’s death has had a profound effect on those closest to him but will Ming pull him in again and will history repeat itself?

I loved Joe2’s mum. An absolutely gorgeous woman with a heart big enough to melt an iceberg. Strangely though the actor’s not in the cast list on this platform but I would love to see what else she’s been in.

I’ve barely seen such a clever plot line so kudos to the writers. The production values are great with the exception of the inside of Ming’s family home which is highly conservative with an almost black, panelled interior and at total odds with the ultra modern, glass walled exterior (which appears in Love in the Sky as well as several others).

Would I watch this again? You betcha I would!

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