Whale Store xoxo

Chicken soup for who's soul?

The old adage of 'imperfections make something perfect' can very well be applied to this - but even discounting the imperfections, this is not perfect. And that sounds like criticism even to the person writing it, but my criticism is not as harsh as it seems.

Whale Store xoxo is meant to be a show that's supposed to heal a jaded soul, if you find yourself in a situation, any one of the situations, Wan, the lead, finds herself in - the forty minutes every Wednesday should be the moments you find solace, even if it's through a screen.

Striving to be realistic, it misses a step, because here comes our whale in shining armour - Maewnam, our other lead. She is a jack of all trades, and is always there for Wan, even at the cost of Wan's own personality or growth. When the growth is completely facilitated by someone who is not the one actually supposed to be healing.. it doesn't feel quite as healing anymore..

The romance however, is the show's saving grace. What it lacked in depth, was made up for with one of the most green flag relationships I've seen on screen. It's a mature and grounded relationship - Wan and Maewnam communicate throughout, there are no long drawn out misunderstandings, they're there for each other.. well Maewnam is there for Wan..

.. and we're back to the imbalance in their relationship. Not a red flag, not even a beige flag, but that imbalance is very obvious. In every scene, every episode. Which the writers have made into the leads' personalities.. meaning episode after episode, it's basically the same storyline.

The second couple had the same kind of storyline, a cycle that is going nowhere. Episode after episode Ton and Chompoo deliberate on their relationship, where again, it's what one person says that goes. And it's even worse here because they don't have a relationship you want to root for!

With the leads, I can say that I wanted them to end up together - their issue was something they could (and did) resolve through an open conversation. But Ton and Chompoo were in a situation where Ton was getting battered every single time, even when Chompoo stood by her instead of against her. That power imbalance was evident in their chemistry, their story and screentime - which towards the end really became more about Chompoo and her mother. I wish they'd stuck with the 'exes' storyline from the pilot, I certainly would have enjoyed that more.

That's mostly my problem with this series - all the storylines stemmed from a single conflict or character trait, and none of the characters had any real depth. I still enjoyed the series - it had many moments where it was genuine and expressed emotions and stories that needed to be told. But unfortunately, these moments came only when the characters were growing on their own, and thus, they came rarely.

Even the supporting characters were one dimensional, throughout. It's all very disillusioning is all I'm saying! When a show about healing and growth has healing.. but no growth..

Acting wise - solid as always from Milk. I am getting a bit tired of Love playing the perfect human though, she does it well but I think she can pull of other roles (come on.. Girl Rules!). June and Mewnich.. it's definitely because of the characters writing but I did not enjoy their portrayal of their characters. Give them better characters please. Jingjing and Piploy did do their best as well with what they were given (not a lot).

Once again, it all boils down to the plot for me - it's exactly my type of drama, but it didn't reach it's full potential. But with healing romances, there's always room for interpretation, it's the beauty of writing such a story, and if it resonated with you more than it did me, that's wonderful! I usually say if I do or do not recommend, but here I'm going to say, give it a watch. If halfway through you're still in love, chances are you'll love all of it. If you don't.. that's cool too! Pick another drama that you think will make you feel all warm and happy - and if you love it, drop me a comment here with your recommendation!

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a first ep that pulled on my heartstrings

i wrote this review on letterboxd and now im pasting it here

Yes it’s weird to review a show when only the first ep has aired but I did it anyway.

MILKLOVE are defo my number one gl actresses, they were the first prominent gl couple in thailand (as inkpa in bad buddy) and they are stunning asf and incredible actresses. The fact that they genuinely fought to become a gl couple with eachother always warms my heart and it reminds me how truly special their bond is. I’m really happy to see them in this show because I have always wanted to see them in more mature roles, AND NOW THEY ARE GRADUATED, we cheered frfr.
I would also like to remind people, one of the reasons this cast is special to me is because both love and view are irl sapphics, who have fallen for girls before, which is so precious because it means representation
Regarding junemewnich, as someone who adored Viewjune (and was really sad after their split) I love them so much, mewnich is pretty and she feeds back the same energy June gives, which is what June has always wanted. They are cute and have overflowing chemistry, I do not stand for hate against them by anyone. June is lit glowing and she looks stunning and mewnich is talented asf.

The directing so far is beautiful, the scene where wan drops her umbrella and it creates a spotlight on maewnam is SO SO CUTE. The overall show is well made, I love how it’s coloured, comedic moments are well timed, outfits are stunning. I’m enjoying it all. I especially love how this show is handling flashbacks. Sometimes flashbacks feel sudden and random but this show is literally working them in and they are making the plot feel full and ensuring no scenes are feeling like filler. I will also take this moment to thank the director for allowing milk to look stunning, I feel like every show she has she isn’t styled how she should be but she looks incredible here and is serving. Love is so pretty too and I adore the scene where we are told she is a professor, it makes their characters feel more adult for sure.

Ok moving to the actual plot, I adore it, it’s so fresh wholesome and cute with the right amount of angst. I enjoy how both of them are fully fleshed out characters, although I don’t expect it from ep 1 it is a nice thing to see. Wan (milks) dad dying was smth we all expected, it’s the whole premise of the show but I’m still so sad, and when she expresses her regret to maewnam (love) it makes me so sad. Her telling maewnam that she always felt her dad would be her so she never worried or picked up all his calls, and how she now regrets that broke me. When wan says “pa, I’m here now” my heart shattered, she carried so much pain and seeing her break down when she was finally able to, away from her life’s business, was so sad. Maewnam obviously feels neglected by her family in her own way, and I’m excited to see that explored, so far I think she feels like her parents are to focused on their business, and she feels very pressured by that life. Its interesting to see her service and how her mum sees it as smth taking away from her life, and I’m interested to see why she does that whilst teaching and getting ready for a phd, especially since I do think her family is funding her still so it’s prob not for money. The two meeting made me so happy, they are both sooooo cute. And also, MAEWNAM HAS ALWAYS LIKED WAN EEEEEE. That made me so happy because they are so cute already. And seems like next week wan will fall quick.

Moving on, acting is amazing, MILKLOVE have always had an undeniable amount of chemistry, just them looking at eachother brings sparks. Cast is amazing, stunning fr. Have to take a moment to appreciate them all. I love milk and I’ve loved her since f4, I’m excited to see her in a role like this. Love is stunning and she’s doing so well, no1 girl kisser fr. June is SOOOOOO PRETTY hehehe and I love her so much as I do with mewnich. PIPLOYJINGJING ahhhh I’m so happy I have loved piploy forever and ik it’s been her dream to act in a gl with jingjing, I’m so excited for them to get together. And also NO MEN LETS GOOOOO, we used to pray for these days and now finally we have them, a fully female cast is bliss for gls.

Ok I think that’s enough lolol it’s only 1 ep. When the next ep comes out maybe I will review again or I’ll js wait for the show to finish.

p.s. piploy is so fine one chance please piploy (this is open for the entire cast I adore them all)

OH ALSO GMMTV FUCK YOU FOR MAKING THIS SHOW TEN EPS, IT DESERVES TWELVE HOW DO THE MEN GET 12-24 AND THE GIRLS GET 10, dont u dare give my girls earthmix treatment. Girl rules better have 24, 8 per main couple

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adults who actually act like adults?? whale store xoxo: a comfort gl done right.

i went into whale store xoxo kind of cautious since a lot of people were saying it was boring, or that it wasn’t as strong as the other 2025 gls. but honestly, i ended up really enjoying it. a thai gl where the adults actually act like adults?? refreshing. no dragged-out misunderstandings, no evil fathers, no overly dramatic blowups — just two women who communicated, forgave, and understood each other. even manmook, who was supposed to be the antagonist, had such a well-done conversation with mae instead of being turned into a cartoon villain.

this was my first milklove drama so i didn’t know what to expect, but i thought both leads were great. they were so cute together without being cringey, and whenever things leaned into cheesy, it was played off with humor — exactly what a rom-com should be.

now… the side couple. that’s where most of my point deductions come from. their storyline felt weak, and tonnam didn’t really have much depth outside of waiting around for chompoo. the dynamic was a little too much for me compared to the main couple.

the pacing overall was perfect — nothing felt dragged, nothing felt rushed. i also loved the way the drama built a sense of community. all the side characters added so much, and the show touched on real-life struggles like grief, debt, financial stress, single mothers, and even victim blaming. it slowly started to feel less like just a romance and more like a family story.

my only real gripe is the ending — i kinda wish they hadn’t gotten married. it felt a little unrealistic/too soon, but i get that they wanted a wrapped-up happy ending.

overall, whale store xoxo is an easy-to-watch, comfort rom-com with depth and heart. i’d recommend it to anyone who wants something light but still meaningful. 9/10.

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A very weak series, with good photography and direction, but that's about it.

The series has no problems, no villain, no plot, and not much emotion. A series CAN be good without some of these elements, but unfortunately this one isn't the case. It lacks charisma. The protagonists are very bland, lacking personality. One is confused, and the other is a kind of "good conscience" for the other. They don't seem real, and there's no romantic chemistry. The only saving grace is the supporting couple, who have an interesting plot involving hidden sexuality. But in the case of the main couple, it's just a saleswoman learning to manage a market and another character, a teacher, who does everything at the same time. A very weak series, with good photography and direction, but that's about it.

There was no expectation (on my part) for them to get together. The reason they found in the series to separate the characters was very weak; it almost seemed like they wanted to separate and were just waiting for a reason, any reason. Then the director included a random scene of a random conversation just to break up. Is it really that difficult to find a real, serious reason for them to separate? When I saw the scene, I thought, "Okay, but she's an adult and made a choice about how to resolve a momentary problem. It's not like the character is giving up something forever, so this won't lead to anything, right?" Result: A meaningless breakup scene.

The ending made absolutely no sense! Wan says, "I have to do this or I'll be wasting my potential," and then there's this tense atmosphere of "What happens now?", and in the next scene, she simply appears and says, "I've changed my mind," without any logical explanation. There was no development for her to change her mind; she just changed her mind, and that was it. Because the series was ending, and there was no more time or desire to develop anything to convince us why she changed her mind, she decided to waste her potential. Very lazy script.

PS: Even the secondary couple that was keeping me hooked on the series started to irritate me by the end. Pink is so annoying! She didn't make an effort in three years to resolve her situation with her girlfriend, then dropped the bomb on her mother and got upset that she didn't digest it instantly. Don't get me wrong, it would be perfectly normal for her mom to turn and say, "It's okay, daughter," but since Pink herself said her mom might not accept it well, she could start to instill doubt in her mom's mind so she can start working on the idea of ​​having a sapphic daughter, you know? Not because Pink "WOULD HAVE TO GIVE CLUES" that she's a sapphic, but this is about being smart. If you don't know if your parents will accept you, start giving them clues. Not because you have to, but because that way when you tell your parents, they'll already be suspicious. Imagine this: You start complimenting a lot of women in front of your parents, you start to slowly reveal that you watch GL, you casually ask what they would think if you liked girls, you ask your mom if she's ever felt like kissing a girl, things like that. This will start to instill doubt in your parents' minds. When a doubt arises in our minds, it's natural to start thinking about hypothetical scenarios, so naturally, her parents will at some point think, "What if my daughter likes women?" In this scenario, they'll start to process this information gradually, and when you tell them you're a sapphic, they'll already be prepared for it because they've imagined it a few times, and they'll still have that feeling of "I always knew my daughter was a sapphic," when in fact, you made it happen. When you found out she was a sapphic, it all started with the "What if..." thought too. Plus, Pink only complains to her mother; nothing is right. If her mother stays away until she can process everything, it's bad; if she treats Pink's girlfriend excessively, it's bad; if she buys clothes, it's bad; if she acts strange because she hasn't digested the news yet (but is trying), she thinks it's bad too. What a boring girl!

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It's calm that touch the heart

Review: The Whale Story (XOXO)**

*The Whale Story (XOXO)* is more than just a Thai GL series—it feels like a gentle reminder about life itself. While the story follows the bond between two women, what makes it stand out is the way it connects love, loss, growth, and healing to the rhythm of the sea. Watching it feels like sitting by the shore, listening to waves that bring both calmness and storms.

At its heart, the series teaches us that life is never one straight line. Sometimes we fall, sometimes we rise. Sometimes we face storms that test us, and sometimes we’re given moments of pure serenity. Through the characters’ journeys, the audience is shown how to endure, how to cherish, and how to carry on. The love portrayed is tender but also realistic—it isn’t about perfection, but about choosing each other despite the flaws, the distance, or the uncertainty of the future.

The cinematography, soft tones, and natural settings mirror the theme beautifully. You feel as though the ocean itself is a character, reflecting the emotions of the story. And then there’s the dialogue—simple yet layered with meaning. It doesn’t just speak about romance, but about living. *“Life has a beautiful way. Live it, learn it, fall for it, carry on.”* This essence is what lingers even after the final scene.

In the end, *The Whale Story (XOXO)* isn’t just about two people in love—it’s about reminding us that we only have one life. To live it fully. To embrace the lessons. To love deeply. And to carry on, no matter what waves come our way.

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More Than Just a GL Series "Real, Honest, and Heartfelt"

Regardless of what everyone says about this show, this series will still be my top pick for this year. It’s not just your typical GL series, because honestly, it’s really hard to find something like this with normal characters, normal jobs, and real day to day issues you can actually relate to.

It’s not that I don’t enjoy those rich, toxic, love-hate GL series, but as time goes by, I find myself craving something I can truly connect with. And this series gives me exactly that, the right amount of representation and a reminder of how truly important communication is in every relationship.

This was a good starting point as we head into Girl Rules next and I just know that one’s going to be messy.

This is just my opinion, but I’m really happy that so many people can see what this show is trying to show us.

Quotable quote: “When two people like each other enough, things don’t have to be so complicated.” ~Wan~

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Whale Store xoxo Is the Comfort Show I Didn’t Know I Needed

I just binge-watched all 6 episodes in one go, and this really cemented MilkLove’s place in GL romcoms for me. I’m looking forward to Girl Rules, but I really hope that after that, they return to this kind of soft, warm, and fluffy vibe bec this is truly their territory.

Their chemistry has always been strong and effortless, from InkPa in Bad Buddy (2021) to 23.5 last year. Even when they’re just talking or sharing a quiet backhug (maximizing their Yuri energy lol), I still get butterflies. The sleepover scene in Whale Store xoxo was so simple yet comforting, just the two of them talking and cuddling with their cat. It felt wholesome, healing, and full of warmth.

They said WSX would be an adult, fluffy, feel-good romcom… but I’ve already cried twice, false marketing 😭 But seriously, this series might be underrated, but it’s perfectly aligned with my taste. Feel-good stories like this deserve more attention. On days when life gets too overwhelming, watching a show that brings comfort and joy is honestly such a blessing.

Whale Store xoxo blends everything I love: fluff, warmth, adult struggles, and that touch of domesticity. Wan’s struggles hit close to home esp when she said she got so caught up chasing success that she drifted away from her original goal of taking care of her dad. That hit me hard. It made me realize how I’ve also been brushing things off and saying “I’m fine” just to avoid opening up to my parents, afraid they’ll worry or nag. I also hope we all take time to reflect on the societal messages the show brings up in each episode esp around empathy, family, and the quiet struggles people go through. There's always something meaningful beneath the fluff, and I really appreciate how they weave those themes in without making it feel heavy-handed.

Also, huge props to Noey and the writer. That unspoken subplot of Noey’s hidden feelings was hidden so well even from us audience until ep 6. She never says it outright, but you feel it from her dropping the coffee when she hears Wan kissed Maewnam to how she always goes above and beyond for her. Subtle, but so powerful.

I also love how each episode picks up naturally from the last. It doesn’t feel rushed or disjointed, even though I know they’re working within a tight 10-episode format.

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✨? *Whale Store XOXO – My Cozy Little Escape* ?✨

Okay but seriously, this drama is like a warm hug after a long day. 💖 It’s cute, sweet, and so easy to watch – no stress, no negativity, just pure comfort vibes. I honestly never got bored for even a single moment (and that says a lot, because I usually skip around 🙈). I already loved MilkLove dramas before, but this one really gave me something new – I even fell in love with the second couple! As a sapphic, their relationship felt extra soft and adorable, like watching real love blossom. 🌸

What surprised me most is how it also slipped in some practical knowledge about shop handling and business – like I was vibing with the romance and learning at the same time. The communication between the characters is just… wow, so smooth and healthy. 🫶
And honestly, can we talk about the actresses??? Every single one of them is sooo gorgeous I actually lost my mind 😭✨ Each scene felt brighter and more magical just because of them – like real-life angels on screen. 🌷 They carried the sweetness, the charm, and the beauty all at once.

This drama might not be some big legendary masterpiece, but that’s what makes it special. It’s a relaxing, cozy, almost family-like watch that just makes your heart feel light. 🌈✨ Truly a comfort show I’ll remember with a smile. 💕

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A wholesome GL, but I’m still waiting for MilkLove’s best yet

MilkLove first captured hearts in Bad Buddy but this chemistry was squandered in their subsequent standalone series 23.5, which was not only lacklustre but also a complete waste of their talents.

Thankfully, Whale Store xoxo revives Milklove. Wan’s character proved to be a better fit for Milk, who has definitely outgrown the hapless high schooler role. Wan is a bright and assertive young woman with a “get things done” attitude – but this doesn’t mean she knows everything nor does she have all the answers.

Whale Store xoxo is a story of the underdog – an outsider moves into a neighbourhood and tries to take over a business, only to face an uphill battle of going up against a conglomerate.

As Wan gradually wins the support of the neighbourhood’s residents and becomes an integral part of their community, the series gently reminds us of the beauty of human connection.

The story is particularly rewarding because of its wholesome storyline and likeable characters. But the resolution of the conflicts felt a little rushed, shallow and unsatisfying. It wasn’t the conclusion in itself that was the problem, but how the characters came to this point. There are some “villains” in the show to add some spice and tension, but they weren’t given the arc and complexity that they deserved.

On the whole, was this a good series? Yes it was a comforting and heartwarming GL. But could the plot have been improved? Also yes.

More reviews: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/

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