1
1
This review may contain spoilers
Beyond Life and Death – A Standout BL That Touches the Soul
I randomly stumbled upon "My Stand-In" while browsing iQIYI, not expecting much — and I ended up binge-watching all 12 episodes in one sitting (over 15 hours with breaks!) because I simply couldn’t stop. I still can’t believe I missed this gem when it aired. Every second was worth it.
This is my first time seeing Joe (Poom) and Ming (Up) — and wow, both are absolutely stunning. Their acting is phenomenal, their chemistry is electric, and they brought so much depth to their roles. Joe, especially, completely broke my heart. Growing up as an orphan, all he ever wanted was something so simple: a home-cooked meal and someone waiting for him. His journey, the pain he hides, and his quiet strength made me fall in love with his character.
As for Ming, I honestly don’t get the hate. Yes, he made mistakes and came off as toxic in the beginning, but context matters. It was a misunderstanding, and by episode 9, everything changes when he realizes it was Joe, not Tong, who he fell in love with at first sight. He fought his entire family for Joe, starved himself to the point of hospitalization, and gave up everything — money, family, reputation — just to be with him. And when Joe got kidnapped, Ming was ready to trade his life for him. That’s not a red flag — that’s a man who learned, changed, and truly loved. He even apologized with sincerity. To me, Ming turned out to be one of the biggest green flags in any BL I’ve watched.
And let’s talk about that moment when Joe shielded Ming and took the bullet for him. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is.
I also adored their home — finally, something different from the typical uni dorm! That city-view balcony where they shared so many moments felt like its own character in the story. I also liked the bodyguard Jim, and I really wish we had more screen time with Mike!
From the cinematography to the music to the unique supernatural twist — this show had it all. The plot was emotionally layered, never predictable, and handled so beautifully. It made me cry, smile, ache, and hope. I’ve watched over 200+ BL series, and I can confidently say "My Stand-In" is in my Top 5 of all time.
This isn’t just a show — it’s a story that stays with you. An absolute 10/10.
This is my first time seeing Joe (Poom) and Ming (Up) — and wow, both are absolutely stunning. Their acting is phenomenal, their chemistry is electric, and they brought so much depth to their roles. Joe, especially, completely broke my heart. Growing up as an orphan, all he ever wanted was something so simple: a home-cooked meal and someone waiting for him. His journey, the pain he hides, and his quiet strength made me fall in love with his character.
As for Ming, I honestly don’t get the hate. Yes, he made mistakes and came off as toxic in the beginning, but context matters. It was a misunderstanding, and by episode 9, everything changes when he realizes it was Joe, not Tong, who he fell in love with at first sight. He fought his entire family for Joe, starved himself to the point of hospitalization, and gave up everything — money, family, reputation — just to be with him. And when Joe got kidnapped, Ming was ready to trade his life for him. That’s not a red flag — that’s a man who learned, changed, and truly loved. He even apologized with sincerity. To me, Ming turned out to be one of the biggest green flags in any BL I’ve watched.
And let’s talk about that moment when Joe shielded Ming and took the bullet for him. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is.
I also adored their home — finally, something different from the typical uni dorm! That city-view balcony where they shared so many moments felt like its own character in the story. I also liked the bodyguard Jim, and I really wish we had more screen time with Mike!
From the cinematography to the music to the unique supernatural twist — this show had it all. The plot was emotionally layered, never predictable, and handled so beautifully. It made me cry, smile, ache, and hope. I’ve watched over 200+ BL series, and I can confidently say "My Stand-In" is in my Top 5 of all time.
This isn’t just a show — it’s a story that stays with you. An absolute 10/10.
Was this review helpful to you?
