There is so much vitriol about this series and while I do agree that some criticism is warranted (i.e. forgiveness given too quickly/no anger about the autonomy denied) a lot of plot and subtext is going unexamined. Perhaps this is the fault of the writers for having underwritten this aspect. But viewers have critical thinking skills and can think deeper than, "you let this miscommunication go on for 8 years- how unrealistic".
I think the lack of communication/clearing up the misunderstanding may be the most mature and realistic thing about the plot line. Akin wasn't centering himself in in his world- because he chose to include Meya and Marwin in his world. Pursuing explanation and closure was not a decision he could make on his own without it potentially affecting Meya and Marwin. He specifically agreed to support Meya, and that support meant not including/contacting Marwin's biological father. He was weighing what was in the best interest of every member of the "family" he created, to the detriment of his own happiness. If anything, this reality/choice intensifies the yearning Akin felt and how ultimately, that yearning was so strong that he could no longer hold true to a promise he made eight years ago.
Now- I truly believe this aspect was severely underwritten, which is why it is being missed by so many casual viewers. But Golf (Akin) conveys this in his performance with subtlety: the lingering look at his cellphone after calls with Meya, his silent contemplation when gazes at Than last a couple of beats longer than they should, his complete commitment to Marwin.
Do I believe the script could have benefitted from revision (excluding some scenes so as to open up opportunities that would have been able to explore all of the above)? Yes- absolutely. But that valid criticism should not erase what this series does get right: representation of the gay experience that mirrors gay experience not often explored onscreen: parenting, chosen family that is centered above self, incidental representation of differently abled supporting characters, et. al. Which brings us to Don- not everyone gets the happily ever after, even when the work is put in. Sometimes we are robbed of what we've worked for simply because of the whim of a rainy road. Sometimes grief is all we're left with at the end of the day. For a series that worked hard (though imperfectly) toward a more realistic, expansive, and inclusive narrative about the gay experience, Don's storyline may be just another achievement of those goals.
It's available on youtube (GMMTV channel), does it work in America ?
yes- clicked the link and it's blocked. I'm assuming it will be available at some point. Release times are wildly inaccurate on MDL. I can't imagine they would block such an A-List project from a significant portion of the fanbase
episodes usually drop on YouTube and MDL says today, but I can't find it yet and it's 1200 pm in America. Pasy episodes have been available at this time.
Even though I'm referencing an American genre, this movie fits nicely into the Southern Gothic Romanticism movement. Bleak, nihilistic at times, and focused on the dichotomy of life and decay, it also offers social indictments on everything from poverty, the working class, rural living, the very real consequences of not providing civil rights for all citizens, and the patriarchy.
And does so against a story of betrayal where there are no heroes and villains- just broken people.
It stayed with me for days after I watched it. The acting of the entire cast is sublime and a master class.
it happened at a fan meet and they did an up close and personal interview after. If you google it, the news stories should pop right up. Sadly, there isn’t too much coverage
congratulations to our male leads for stepping into the light and letting us celebrate a love that started onscreen and became real. You have all our support!
I am coming from the point of view that having both simultaneously reflects the reality that both exist simultaneously…
They could have made the decision as a direct response to increasing conservatism that is silencing voices. Maybe the theme of straight and queer communities coming together is a much needed exploration now more than ever. United, we stand. Divided, we fall.
I am coming from the point of view that having both simultaneously reflects the reality that both exist simultaneously…
it has not always been this “beautiful” in America. Each generation has fought hard for rights, representation, and equality. we still have a very long way to go, but I’ve witnessed the change with my own eyes. Represemtation like this show is doing is just a small part of moving us all forward together- the queer community and allies like me
Intersectionality isn’t a plot device. And a gay story doesn't need a "straight" couple to validate its existence…
I am coming from the point of view that having both simultaneously reflects the reality that both exist simultaneously and play out simultaneously. I am thinking of my students as I watch this. I am thinking of how I have watched this all play out in real time in my classroom over the years. I am reveling in how gay and straight friends help each other navigate the ups and downs and how beautiful that has been to witness from the sidelines. watching this is like watching my own classroom. I adore the aspect of the shows that reflects my students’ lived experiences (and mine- albeit from the sidelines)
I think the lack of communication/clearing up the misunderstanding may be the most mature and realistic thing about the plot line. Akin wasn't centering himself in in his world- because he chose to include Meya and Marwin in his world. Pursuing explanation and closure was not a decision he could make on his own without it potentially affecting Meya and Marwin. He specifically agreed to support Meya, and that support meant not including/contacting Marwin's biological father. He was weighing what was in the best interest of every member of the "family" he created, to the detriment of his own happiness. If anything, this reality/choice intensifies the yearning Akin felt and how ultimately, that yearning was so strong that he could no longer hold true to a promise he made eight years ago.
Now- I truly believe this aspect was severely underwritten, which is why it is being missed by so many casual viewers. But Golf (Akin) conveys this in his performance with subtlety: the lingering look at his cellphone after calls with Meya, his silent contemplation when gazes at Than last a couple of beats longer than they should, his complete commitment to Marwin.
Do I believe the script could have benefitted from revision (excluding some scenes so as to open up opportunities that would have been able to explore all of the above)? Yes- absolutely. But that valid criticism should not erase what this series does get right: representation of the gay experience that mirrors gay experience not often explored onscreen: parenting, chosen family that is centered above self, incidental representation of differently abled supporting characters, et. al. Which brings us to Don- not everyone gets the happily ever after, even when the work is put in. Sometimes we are robbed of what we've worked for simply because of the whim of a rainy road. Sometimes grief is all we're left with at the end of the day. For a series that worked hard (though imperfectly) toward a more realistic, expansive, and inclusive narrative about the gay experience, Don's storyline may be just another achievement of those goals.
And does so against a story of betrayal where there are no heroes and villains- just broken people.
It stayed with me for days after I watched it. The acting of the entire cast is sublime and a master class.