Caged Again (2024)

target audience is me

I am clearly the target audience for this and I didn’t know it.

who would have thought we’d get an adorable penguin themed BL? not me but I’m here for it.

maybe it’s the right timing or what not but this is a super sweet, silly, absolutely ridiculous series and I love it. I had the biggest grin on my face watching it.

sometimes we just need something that lets us shut off our bains and enjoy.

I also gotta give it to wetv they are stepping up their game in their productions this year, knock knock boys, monster next door, and now caged again. my hats off to you.

as for the series we’ve got some mystery and magical moments that intrigue me and I’m curious to watch it all play out. I’ve not come across a theme like this before and it’s pulled me in even though I didn’t think id be a fan of they type of series.

casting was fantastic in this. Jay does a phenomenal job at being a penguin.

I’m seated. I’m excited. and I want more.

Read More

quirky romcom with some darker aspects

Overall: I enjoyed the fantasy aspect and the dynamics ,but too much time was spent on the villains. 10 episodes about 40 minutes each. Aired on GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/4962/caged-again-2024-e01 and WeTV https://wetv.vip/en/album/b3s2uqh9es211rf

Content Warnings: fight, manipulation, kidnapping, held against will/injury, bullying, trauma, illegal activities, attempted murder, violence, blood, grief

What I Liked
- dynamic between the MLs
- an inexperienced character who was intelligent and stood up for himself (that walk in that orange top was amazing)
- sweet/caring moments
- the ghost/goddess character
- I laughed several times
- some mystery
- Porsch & Arm
- had a realistic fight followed by apologies
- episode 10 wrapped up well

Room For Improvement
- a bit choppy at times, started with a flash forward and then went back and forth on the timeline especially in the beginning of episode 2, some scenes jumped from one to the next a bit abruptly
- wish they had kept 1 aspect more secret
- odd, why wouldn't he just want to go to the other pole where they do live
- cliche thing that happened in the beginning of episode 2
- that was not enough consequences at the end of episode 2 or later
- (neutral) comedy sound effects, mostly fine except I didn't like the gulp noises
- nonsense/because the writer said so stuff: why was the truck be parked there and how did no teacher/staff notice what was going on, why weren't the police been contacted on multiple occasions, odd reasoning for not going to the hospital
- too much time spent on the villains, could have tightened up pacing in places
- the first time gap was too long without communication

Read More

Junior's Queen Energy Made the Show

What I loved most about this drama was how Sun, a carnivore, was constantly taming his instincts so he doesn't literally EAT Junior for lunch, but Junior tried whatever he could to tempt him. He even used catnip on the panther. Literally, that shameless penguin was born with no fear, cuz he was courting dead the whole series.

Listen, Caged Again was nothing to write home about. The premise of the show was quite unique, interesting and different from the same school based bls we always got. So although I was sceptical, I still tuned in for it. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectation, the execution and the plot was all over the place, and everything was frankly a mess. Some of the characters were dumb as rock, nonsense misunderstandings that could be resolved if they just spoke dragged the pace, how that whole kidnap thing ended was so stupid, I'm still asking myself 'who dafug wrote this?' and I have like a billion questions as to how the penguin and the panther integrated into society with no legal papers. That last villain vs heroes stand-off had me shaking my head in judgement, literally the eff was that?

Yes, so many things made no effing sense and was flat-out ridiculous, but I'll give them this, the two leads, although new, did well with their acting. Junior stole the show for me, that penguin was such a drama queen and I loved every time he was on screen. Not gonna lie, with how the whole plot was all over the place, I thought I'd end up disliking the series, but, I liked this show more than I thought I would. I had some good laughs. Sun and Junior had good chemistry and entertained me with their antics. Their two friends were an okay addition as well, although not really sure what was up with them, and I liked how meta the Goddess was too.

Scenes that made me went hihi:
- In the beginning when Sun saw Junior as food in all those fantasy tripping sequence. Lol, like damn, don't eat your classmate.
- Junior turning his ruined gym uniform into a tank top, and doing a runaway show in the school's hallway. Slay!
- When Junior tried to seduce Sun by wearing that penguin suit. And I can't believe it worked, cuz all he did was lift Sun's arm and put it back down. Sun, honey...stand up!
- That whole catnip scene had me going... boy, do you have no regards for your safety? That penguin was shameless.
- Sun wanting their baby to have the face of a penguin and the body of a panther. Like??? then he got disappointed they couldn't have any. I'm glad they got a fish, hopefully they take it to the zoo and it becomes a person too.
- Junior waiting a few months, then started planning his life of moving to Bangkok and marrying someone else. LMAO, that penguin's sass needs to be studied. Sun lucky he showed up in time, boy was ready to move on.
- How sassy, naive, adorable, innocent, honest and bold Junior was. I loved how he was always true to himself and was unapologetic. He did this whole human thing better than most of us.
- That temple fair date that ended with them in the gambling club, but Junior just went with the flow, putting his dancing and gambling skills to use. Like, children, does this place look like a temple to you?? also how Junior got that piggyback ride... such princess behaviour, I stan!
- Sun's future job where he was an actor/stunt-man. LOL, the part when he fell before they even hit him, then after he was so proud like he did such a good job. Boy???
- That obvious green-screen North Pole :((((
- I also like how deep Sun loved. He found Junior and made him his whole world. Those two truly deserved their happy ending.

All in all a fun show if you go in not expecting anything, matter of fact, don't even question stuff, just go with the flow. You'd like the penguin for sure. So, I'll recommend it if you are looking for something to watch, just to watch something. I look forward to more work from the two leads, Ben and Jay, really liked them here.

Happy New Year.

Read More

They

Okay, first of all, EXCUSE ME, but why did my entire soul decide Jaonine and Nokia were the main couple??? Like, I was already planning our wedding, picking out baby names, and then BOOM—plot twist. It’s someone else. The BETRAYAL. Not gonna lie, my feelings were hurt, but I’m a strong independent viewer who adapts. So I kept watching, and okayyy... the actual couple is kinda cute or whatever. Do I still wish Jaonine and Nokia were the leads? YES. Am I gonna cry about it? ALSO YES. But I’m here, I’m watching, I’m locked in. Let’s ride.

____________________________________

1. Plot

So boom. Junior (played by Jay) is a whole-ass penguin who turned human (yes, you read that correctly). Man woke up in an empty cage like “where tf am I?” and instead of panicking, he said, “Bet. I’mma slay this.” And what does he do? Enrolls in school. Because obviously, when you turn into a human, your first instinct is to get an education.

Enter Sun (DELICIOUS AS FUCK) (played by Ben), who looks at Junior like he just unlocked a secret level in a dating sim. But instead of exposing him, Sun goes full mysterious bad boy mode and starts acting all protective for NO REASON. Then we got Jodd (Jaonine) and Jeng (Nokia), their chaotic besties, just vibing while illegal animal traders lurk in the background, trying to snatch Junior back into captivity. The audacity.

The plot? Surprisingly solid. It stayed on track (unlike my last relationship). Jeng barely got screen time, which I will be filing a complaint about, but overall? Fun, engaging, and THE DRAMA??? Oh, baby, the TEA.

Now listen, I was enjoying my little silly goofy show, and then suddenly… BAM. Sont is the villain. HELLO??? Junior thought this man was his long-lost dad, and now he’s out here selling his brother to the black market??? The way I GASPED. The BETRAYAL. My man was one "I’m not like other dads" away from fooling us all.

AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE MAIN COUPLE? Sun and Junior are giving grumpy x sunshine but make it feral x confused. They’re adorable, but also, Sun… SIR. WHY DID YOU BLUEBALL US IN THE STEAM SCENE? My man was all up in Junior’s personal space, inhaling his neck like he was sniffing premium-grade catnip, and then??? He just??? STOPPED??? LAID DOWN??? SIR, THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO SLEEP.

Also, WHY did Jodd and Jeng just DISAPPEAR in this one episode? “Oh, their parents picked them up.” BABE, Jodd LITERALLY SAID his parents are too busy. SO WHO PICKED HIM UP? A GHOST??? MAKE IT MAKE SENSE.

The ending? It was fine, but I’m PISSED. Jodd and Jeng got no proper closure. No fluff. No cute moments. Just vibes and disrespect. I’m throwing hands.

____________________________________

2. Characters & Acting

Junior (Jay) – Absolute BABY. His emotional scenes? ATE. The sass??? Top-tier. “U bully me? Fine, but I still slay.” ICONIC BEHAVIOR. Also, the confidence this man had wearing that gym unicorn-turned-crop-top??? He SERVED.

Sun (Ben) – The tension was there. The angst was there. But WHY was it taking so long for them to get it together??? Every time Sun got all soft and caring with Junior, I was like “YES KING, THIS IS IT,” but then he’d just… walk away??? For what??? To stare dramatically into the distance like some sad male lead in a music video??? BOY, IF YOU DON’T—. Anyway, he had some great moments, but sometimes his eyes betrayed him. Like, he’d be saying something intense, but his face was like: 😐. Ben’s acting needs a lil’ work because sometimes his eyes betray him. And the action scene? Stiff as hell, but the CGI tried to help.

Jodd (Jaonine) – Jaonine is a crackhead. I already knew this from Knock Knock Boys, but I wasn’t expecting him to play another almost identical role. Except this time, he's giving "delulu but make it funny." The man is out here DESPERATE to join any club because apparently, he has zero talent. (LIES. Slander. The man is FINE, what is the director ON???) But instead of joining a normal club, he tangled with much messy friend group not because of the friendship mess but more like 'someone wants to kill my friend'. But let's talk about Jodd. MY BABY. I love him. His comedic timing? IMMACULATE. Jaonine’s acting? IMPROVED SO MUCH. His eyes??? So expressive now..

Jeng (Nokia) – Nokia’s acting has IMPROVED SO MUCH since Knock Knock Boys. He’s a nerd, but he’s also unhinged. I just wish he had more screen time. Justice for my boy.

Mole Goddess – Scene stealer. Icon. I would die for her.


Overall, Jaonine and Nokia’s performances were on another level compared to the leads but I understand that because it's their first series. COME ON.

____________________________________

3. Steam Scene + Kiss Scene

Steam scene? TRAGIC. The buildup was EVERYTHING. The tension??? Off the charts. AND THEN SUN JUST STOPPED??? Sir, you had ONE JOB. Or is it because they are still underage? Tbh, i'm not sure cause they are 20 years old tho? But if it still consider underage then understandable.

Kiss scenes? LIFE-SAVING. Sun and Junior’s kisses were actually GOOD. Like, shockingly good. The chemistry was chef’s kiss, the tension was there, and it felt real.

____________________________________

4. OST

It existed. That’s all I got.

____________________________________

5. Overall?

8/10.

Lost two points for:

- Jodd & Jeng’s TRAGIC treatment (I’m still mad)
- Plot holes and lack of transition

As previously mentioned, I am not the type of person to rewatch a series unless if its really good.

Would I rewatch? No.
Did I love it? YUP.

DIRECTORS, NEXT TIME, GIVE ME WHAT I WANT. Thank you. 💅

Read More

Aww..

I didn't think I was the target audience for this, but you know what, I absolutely was, lol. A cute love story, adorable leads, and a story with a PSA that actually worked? Nothing about this sounds unappealing to me.

I've also never watched a drama about animal trafficking before, and it just worked out perfectly because in the first few episodes, my immediate thought was that the animal transformation aspect wasn't quite necessary. But that aspect added quite the depth to the PSA part of the story and to the depth of the leads relationship. Who were quite adorable together, might I add. The execution was also up to the mark on the same front, it had the right amount of focus without taking away too much from the leads themselves.

The romantic relationship between the leads also had a well crafted development, but before we get to that, let's talk about the leads themselves. Junior was adorable. His penguin truly penguined and I loved it. His mannerisms, his confident yet guarded demeanor, his adorableness, and his awkwardness, at times were the absolute best. Sun was the exact opposite, and just as adorable. Introverted, but with this aura of strength and bravery and completely awkward as opposed to Ju. Made sense, since they were a penguin and black panther respectively before they transformed after all.

Together, they just fit. The middle pieces of the puzzle, and everything about them complemented the other person. Watching them go from awkward friends to awkward maybe lovers to cutest boyfriends was a genuine pleasure, truly. They had an incredible support system in the side characters, who were always around to directly or indirectly push them towards each other.
The supporting characters were no joke either, by the end of the ten episodes, it wasn't just Ju and Sun who had clearly grown up, every single supporting character had grown in some way or another, and that's not something we see in a lot of dramas.

By the end, I was absolutely into it. Did it maybe get incredulous or a little off track sometimes? Absolutely, but it did nothing to take away from the enjoyment of the story. It was fun, a little campy and just a whole lot of sweet.

Read More

There are many BL series being released in Thailand now, this one is not one you need to prioritize

It is a Thai BL series with a very strange story. The absurdity of a panther and a penguin from the zoo turning into two human boys in high school who also fall in love with each other. Also with action elements when they are hunted by some trafficking guys/hunters and then some invisible goddess who helps them.. it's just a bit too much and so many unexplained gaps in the story.

The two main characters do their best though and the chemistry between them is good, we will definitely see more of them later on. The series has some cute romantic scenes and is one of the most innocent BL series that Thailand has produced in recent years, no nude scenes and no jealousy dramas at all. But no, I'm sorry but this one doesn't even reach an average rating for me.

Read More

A Recipe of Randomness

While I did find the series to be entertaining, there were a lot of things that were happening. You have got to keep count on how many arcs present and time skips there was---especially in the end.

The main premise of the series was brilliant and unique! It is rare to see this type of genre played in the BL scene. However, the execution felt a bit lacking. Some scenes felt rushed, and some were too out of place, and some would be even better without them. We are watching a BL series, not an action series.

The whole ride felt like trying to sew pages of a manuscript that was blown by the wind. That was the main problem I had with the series, especially it only having 10 episodes in total. It would be understandable, or even better if it was a series with 20 or so episodes. Fitting it all in 10 does not really do justice to the plot.

In the visual FX aspect, they did okay. It is hard to have a higher budget on the animals, but given the circumstances, it was good but not great. On the other hand, the pairing of Ju and Sun was great! They had their chemistry, and their acting was on point. You love how quirky and Ju is, and the seriousness of Sun does not feel forced.

There are scenes I would love to see removed or changed, but I also understand why they were there in the first place.

Overall, a good series to watch when you're bored or when you have no more to watch.

Read More

This drama had me in mind as the target audience.

This drama had me in mind as the target audience.
That's why I was waiting for it to finish airing to dive into the story.
The show didn't quite meet the expectations, as it had many shortcomings, but it remained fun.

The premises are refreshing, and I couldn't ask for anything more. I enjoy stories with fantasy backgrounds, but I admit that the genre per se has not come up with new ideas in a while. So, both leads becoming human after spending their lives in a zoo cage was so much fun! Of course, all the small details that show how they were not human before are clever and entertaining.
Even the fact that Sun was a black panther and Junior a penguin was such a nice touch: how could they possibly get close to each other without letting nature do its course? I have to admit that the screenwriters did a nice job portraying this aspect.

What I didn't like were the many shortcomings that showed up throughout the story. Without getting too deep, I must say that the romance between leads didn't seem to grow naturally, as it started in a slow-burn kind of way and skyrocketed in the middle of the show.
Also, at some point, I felt screenwriters just focused on minor parts of the plot and opened Pandora's box of plots that were not addressed in the end, just to be abandoned when time began to shrink. The viewer simply can't get things sorted in their head due to the amount of pieces of information and loose ends thrown at their face.

As for me, I enjoyed the drama despite its problems, but I think I went in with high expectations that could not have been met in the first place.


PROS:

- Cute and emotional
- I loved the premises: such a refreshing and much-appreciated background 
- The Mole Goddess was such a mood for me

CONS:

- The plot could have been executed better
- PLOT HOLES EVERYWHERE > Too many loose ends that were just abandoned midway
- The VFX department felt a bit cheap, but the drama wasn't high-budget 

Read More