Therapy Game (2025)

Very strong beginning, but the tension between the characters was lost...

While the main-couple was one of the most appealing we have seen this year, their tension and kissing was not appropriate to the story they told. You will remember "My Personal Weatherman" where the longing for each other where the central point of the story, so they did kiss with passion and at this time this JBL shocked many with their NC scenes. Again, they were necessary for the story. And here is the fundamental flaw in this series. The physical attraction to each other is one of the driving forces of the story and neither the script nor the actors could deliver on it.

In episode 3 they are in that booked hotel and in the manga there is of course a sex scene and here it was refused. I think in this case, that was a bad decision, because during the sex scene Shizuma confesses which makes Minato even more split, which increases tension between the characters.

The resolve of the "bet" was also over in a heartbeat. I think the second half of the series generally did not live up to expectations. While I understand why Minato is struggeling, the series can't keep the tension between the characters high enough and it's doing just ok.

It's not a bad show, it's just that the longing for each other could not be delivered and that's the central point of the story. It's irrelevant if the actors where shy or not, they all knew which material they put into a series. They should have had either a workshop and/or an kissing instructors (yes, they exist) and if they can't do it, then they should not have taken the roles. The side couple was dull most of the time, they acted like brothers not lovers.

The only highlight of this series was the production quality, which was top notch. So overall, this is an ok show which had higher expectations but could not deliver. And again, even the most handsome couple can't elevate a flawed delievery.

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Tries to play with fire but never get burned! Also, lets focus more on therapy than games! xD

This drama feels like it wanted to be bold and emotionally reckless, but then backs out midway. What I expected was heavy tension, a little toxicity, power plays and desire that fuels every action but what we got was actually far more cautious and wholesomeness here and there, considering how messy the premise was.

The story revolves around two different people crossing paths at their very weak points in life. Minato is sarcastic, deeply allergic to vulnerability or showing emotions and in contrast Shizuma is someone who wears his emotions on his sleeve and expresses them every chance he gets.
He is recovering from a recent breakup and meets Minato in a bar. Their relationship begins with a bet and while it sounds like it will be filled with a tiny bit of malice and emotional games, it plays out very immaturely.

What works well is their chemistry. I could feel it from the first scene. I enjoyed the little banters, their sweet moments as a couple. Somehow the opposite attracts trope worked well here. Even though the conflicts were resolved quickly (writing issue), I enjoyed their softer moments together. Their kissing scenes were tastefully done and I am glad we didn't dead fish kisses.

Now, when the premise is messy and a little morally questionable, it sadly never dives deeper into the discomfort long enough to explore the real emotional fallout. This is where this drama falters. For a story that hinges on desire, jealousy, and emotional confusion, it plays things remarkably safe. The emotional conflicts were resolved too easily and felt very softened. The reconciliations were quick and they skipped the necessary accountability and self-reflection, especially for Minato's character. Till the end, I don't think he was ready for a relationship. The story tells us the relationship is “fixed” without showing the hard emotional work required. All that suspense around him and the reveal felt underwhelming.

The second couple was pretty underutilised. We know nothing about them as a couple except playing a catalyst in the love story of their brothers. The other supporting cast, such as Shizuma's friends were pretty ignorable. They literally had no major impact on the story. Very underutilised.

Acting-wise, it was overall okay. I feel like the writing didn't give them enough to fully show the emotional side of the characters but it was good with what they were given. Production and overall visually, this was pretty. We get to see a lot of outdoor locations, like amusement parks, of course the seaside... It was aesthetically pleasing, including both actors.

Overall, this isn't the worst BL out there. It's just that it never embraces its messiness. There could have been a lot more tension and pinning based on the synopsis but it felt like they played it a little safe. Will I recommend it? Yes. It is definitely a decent watch and my rating is more on the critical side because I was expecting more toxicity but what I got was wholesomeness, which isn't bad, just not what I expected. So yes, keep your expectations aligned and you might enjoy this more than I.

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