Lily Blossoms

Started Off Dull, Got Funny, Then Fell Apart: A Drama That Lost Its Way

**Episodes 1–4: What Did I Just Sign Up For?**

My Girlfriend is the Man had promise, but instead of the comedy/bromance I was promised, I got an emotional rollercoaster. The trailer lied—talk about a bait-and-switch.

The plot revolves around Ji Eun, who transforms into a boy (Ji Hun) and switches back and forth due to genetics. The main conflict centers around her boyfriend, Yoon Jae, who struggles to accept her transformation. Instead of comedy, Yoon Jae goes on a constant nostalgia trip every time he gets close to Ji Hun, remembering his moments with Ji Eun. This emotional reflection kills the comedic timing, leaving us with more sappy moments than humor. The bromance is practically nonexistent, and while there are a few funny moments (like when Yoon Jae gets drunk), they’re far too few to make any real impact.

Yoon Jae learns more about his girlfriend as a man and falls more deeply in love with her through these challenges. His love for Je Eun transcends her physical form, and he's willing to stay with her even if she changes (remember, he’s straight).

Ji Eun's friendship with her best friend is annoying, and the 'spoon woman dance' that's supposed to be funny just feels awkward. Meanwhile, the second female lead, who likes Yoon Jae, is arrogant and rude, and his constant pushover behavior gets old fast.

The series spends too much time on side stories, like the parent-child bonds, sibling romance, the café part-timer, and the building owner. They feel like a filler, and I found myself skipping through them, especially when things got too sappy.

**Episodes 5–8: Unexpectedly Hilarious (Finally)**

This is where things started to pick up. The drama goes from overly sentimental to chaotic and funny—and I was finally entertained. One of the funniest moments is when Ji-hyun gets involved in her best friend's romance. It’s hilarious when she kisses her best friend, and the boyfriend is just standing there, thinking, “Why am I watching this?”

Another funny moment is with Yoon Jae’s study friend (Chuu). This friend makes Ji Eun (Ji-hyun) so jealous, and it’s just hilarious to watch. Then this friend moves next door to Ji-hyun, becoming even more entangled with them.

I also find it sweet and funny how supportive the sister and the part-time café worker are of Yoon Jae and Ji-hyun's romance. They’re totally okay with the two men being in love because they can see how much they genuinely care for each other. (They don't know that Ji Eun can change into a boy)

That said, I still don't like how much of a pushover Yoon Jae is.

**Episodes 9–12: Chaos and Disappointment**

I finished the series… and honestly? I kind of hated it by the end.

While the middle episodes were funny and entertaining, the final arc just became a mess. I started skipping scenes just to get it over with, and that’s never a good sign.

However, I felt like there were too many side characters and subplots thrown in. The love triangle between the three adults (the sister, her first love, and the café owner), the café part-timer, and the best friend—was that really necessary? There was barely any screen time for them, and it felt underdeveloped. Then there were the grandparents, Yoonjae’s parents, and even Yoonjae’s sister—all of it felt haphazard and rushed. Nothing was fully fleshed out or wrapped up properly. Yoonjae’s sister, in particular, seemed to exist just to gush over her brother being gay, without any real depth or contribution to the plot.

One thing that really bothered me, though, was how the mother handled everything. Why didn’t she just explain the situation from the start? Waiting until she got caught and then finally revealing everything felt unnecessary and frustrating. Like, okay—it runs in the family, but wouldn’t you think something that major deserves an honest conversation with your daughter from the beginning? For example, explaining how her grandpa is actually her grandma, or that she might remain a guy forever, or that she has to keep changing genders.

And to be honest, Ji-eun and Ji-hyun felt like two completely different people. They didn’t feel like the same person at all, which made it hard to connect emotionally with the main character’s journey.

The plot also kept going back and forth too many times, which made the pacing feel messy and inconsistent.

That said, I appreciated how Yoonjae finally came to accept his girlfriend at the end, regardless of whether she was in a male or female body. It really emphasized the idea that love knows no bounds. He worked through his own issues, and that development felt real.

**FINAL THOUGHTS**

My Girlfriend is the Man had a great premise, but completely fumbled the execution. The first few episodes were slow and overly sentimental, the middle episodes were genuinely funny and engaging, and the ending fell apart under the weight of too many characters, side plots, and inconsistent pacing.

But overall? This drama was sloppy, chaotic, and full of wasted potential. I wouldn’t recommend it, and I definitely wouldn’t watch it again.

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Love, Betrayal, and Kingdoms. A Historical BL That Will Leave You Breathless

I’m absolutely hooked! 😍 The chemistry between the two male leads is electrifying........seriously, the way they look at each other, the way they hold hands in such a sexual manner? The tension in every single glance? It’s pure chef’s kiss 😘🔥 And those kisses… wow. There were so many, especially for a C-BL. Honestly, I was not expecting that, but it was great!

=====PLOT/CHARACTERS/SHU HE AND DU ZI ANG======

The series centers on the battle between two kingdoms, the South and the North, as both plot and scheme to gain the upper hand in an increasingly tangled conflict.

We have Xiao Shu He, the 6th prince. He’s clever, considerate, kind, and charming. He reconnects with a childhood friend, Duan Ziang, who saved his life not once but twice (the second time was intentional to get close to him so he could find a way to assassinate the crown prince, since the first attempt had failed). They’re both ''somewhat'' scheming, but in completely different ways. One is sharp, intelligent, and perceptive—always staying one step ahead—while the other is driven by a thirst for revenge and hatred. The tension between their motives makes their dynamic all the more compelling. But fate is cruel. Despite their growing connection, neither can truly be happy—duty to their respective kingdoms always stands in the way. Yet in a shocking turn at the end of episode 8, Duan Ziang kills the South’s Crown Prince… to protect Shu He, fracturing their relationship.

You know, I kind of feel bad for Xiao Shu He. He just wanted to be a wanderer, free to do whatever he wanted: play music, write poetry, and create art. Meanwhile, Duan Ziang wanted nothing more than to be by his side through it all, even if it meant defying orders and refusing to kill.

Five years have passed, Du Ziang is now the emperor, having waged war across all the kingdoms, securing power, only to be with Xiao Shu He. This is truly a "kill to love" story. Du Ziang, in his relentless pursuit of love, has done whatever it takes: killing enemies, betraying his own blood, and destroying anyone or anything that could threaten the memories and moments he cherishes with Shu He. Du Ziang is ruthless and consumed by his desire to have Shu He; driven by love, he rules with an iron fist, while Shu He governs with a gentler hand. It’s no surprise that the South’s kingdom crumbled under the weight of the North’s invasion, and Du Zi Ang captured Shuhe as his war prisoner/male pet.

Du Ziang remembers every intricate detail of the 6th manor, every corner that once held fleeting moments of peace and love between them- so much so that he rebuilt it. His devotion to Shu He is absolute. What began as a close friendship blossomed into love, but eventually, it all fell apart, which led to a painful emotional fallout. While Du Ziang’s love for Shu He remains unwavering, Shu He cannot forgive the betrayal of trust and the murder of his brother, the Crown Prince. Now, as rulers of opposing kingdoms, their relationship is torn apart by loyalty, duty, and the deep scars of their past actions.

Both men, trapped by their kingdoms, haunted by the choices they’ve made, and still deeply in love ❤️, must confront whether they can ever find happiness together—or if their destinies are too far gone to change. Like the red thread, a bloodied knife that cuts both their hairs, ties their souls, only to be reunited in another life. LOVED the ending.

=====OTHER CHARACTERS====

Of course, this was in the first few episodes: I’m also loving the tension and dynamics between the doctor, the crown prince, and his servant. The crown prince is envious of his brother, Xiao Shu He, and wants to kill him. I blame their father, honestly—classic favoritism. Anyway, the crown prince assigns his servant, Huo Ying, to spy on his brother. While doing so, Huo Ying meets the doctor, who genuinely cares for him. The crown prince’s thirst for power and need to prove himself backfired, leading to his downfall—ultimately resulting in his death at the hands of Duan Ziang. Not going to lie, I was deeply annoyed that he died so early. I really wanted to see the love story between Huo Ying and the crown prince develop further. But that death scene? It was so emotionally moving. The way it was handled, with all the tension and unspoken feelings, really hit hard. Even though it left me wanting more. Also, I liked that the brother of Du Ziang was always by his side when they found each other again.

=====ACTING=====

The acting starts off as average but gradually becomes more compelling. By the middle of the series, you can truly feel the hate, longing, love, tears, and heartbreak in the performances. The actors really bring these emotions to life, making you root for the characters, even when they're making morally questionable choices. Episodes 8, 9, and 10, in particular, stand out for their emotional depth.

=====PRODUCTION=====

The editing is somewhat sloppy, especially in the fight and intimate scenes, which often lack coherence/weren't done properly. One episode felt off from the start, with jarring transitions and unclear timelines; it took me a minute to even tell what was happening. That said, Episode 9 was an absolute standout. It was easily my favorite part of the series. The storytelling was on another level; everything from pacing to emotional depth felt well-executed.

The wuxia-style costumes are stunning, and the beautiful landscapes combined with impressive cinematography create a visually captivating experience.

=====FINAL THOUGHTS=====

There is so much going on in the series that this review doesn’t even begin to cover it. I was hooked the whole time—no skipping or fast-forwarding, which is rare for me! Barely any filler, which feels like a miracle in my book 📖. The pace is a bit fast (maybe because there are only 12 episodes), but I’m loving every minute. If you’re into historical BL, love kingdom battles, and crave characters who are deep, driven, and full of drama, then trust me, this one’s a must-watch.

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A Proper Way to Mess Up a Series

I went into this drama expecting a gripping revenge arc—or at least a compelling love story. What I got was… complicated. The premise had real potential, but the execution left me confused, frustrated, and occasionally entertained—though not always for the right reasons.

I didn’t really like how this drama unfolded. Hiro wants revenge, but the way he goes about it feels completely wrong. He’s not even trying hard enough, and it’s honestly frustrating. I wanted revenge. I wanted to see the plans he came up with, but everything falls apart so quickly once he realizes he misunderstood Natsuo’s actions in the past.

Hiro only misunderstood him because Natsuo never expressed himself properly. Like, come on, you were a jerk on the rooftop! Natsuo didn’t want anyone to know he liked Hiro, let alone confess to him, so instead, he acted like an even bigger asshole.

Now that Hiro knows Natsuo has always liked him, why is he even staying? He doesn’t want to be touched, doesn’t fully open up emotionally… but slowly, he starts to develop feelings. Hiro begins to see Natsuo as someone who’s always by his side—like during the competition, when Natsuo tried to support him emotionally, or when he helped him after Hiro injured his hand.

Hiro was an outcast in school, and later in life, he changed his style just to fit in. He likes plants and even taught kanji to Natsuo (which is why Natsuo liked him in the first place). He’s just a nerd, and it kind of bothers me that he felt the need to hide that. Shouldn’t you just be yourself?

As for Natsuo, he’s a whole mood. I actually like his character. He’s ridiculous, his smile is huge, and he clearly likes Hiro. He’s way more open about his feelings now and more considerate than he used to be. That said, he’s still so naive and honestly kind of stupid sometimes. Like, how does he not realize that the guy he likes now is the same guy he liked back in high school? It’s kind of unbelievable.

Still, I felt like the show was so focused on the past that it forgot about the present. The flashbacks—how Hiro felt back in school, how those feelings evolved—were interesting, but they took up too much space. Once Hiro realizes Natsuo had always liked him, his whole perspective shifts. And that could’ve been powerful. But by then, we’re so bogged down in backstory that it loses its impact.

Also, what was with all the filler episodes? I did not sign up to watch a hairdressing competition or meet Natsuo’s friend who looks exactly like Hiro. All of that felt completely unnecessary. What I wanted was to see their love story develop and grow, not be half-baked.

Did they have chemistry? I guess so. But it wasn’t until the final episode, the most raw and intimate scene, that I truly felt it. That’s when their connection, love, and chemistry finally hit.

Their acting? It was okay. Nothing stands out, but nothing terrible either, just average.

🌀 Final Thoughts: What Was This Even About?

Honestly, I don’t even know what this series wanted to be. Was it a revenge plot? A lighthearted drama? A story about two people navigating love and trauma? It felt like it was reaching for something deeper, maybe even sadder, but it never fully committed. The tone kept shifting, and instead of blending genres in a meaningful way, it just left me confused. Some moments hinted at emotional depth, but they were lost in scattered storytelling and unclear direction.

Would I recommend this?? Honestly, it’s like sipping lukewarm tea, kind of meh, not worth the hype, but you might finish the cup just to say you tried it.

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How This Drama Rained on My Expectations and.......Gave Me Fish Kisses

I don’t know how to feel about this drama. The premise and title made it seem like it could be something deeper. But what I ended up with? A light-hearted feel-good drama with a sprinkle of parent and workplace drama, and that’s about it. It’s just so forgettable. I literally don’t know what to write here (literally not me saying this nonsense and then proceeding to write a whole essay). It felt monotone, bland, and dry in my mouth. I needed something to shake it up, like a rainstorm to pour over me.

=======Kanade and Mashiro======

The premise? Pretty simple: Kanade reconnects with his childhood friend at a café. Great starting point, right? (Note the sarcasm.) Honestly, what bothered me the most was how Mashiro was so clingy and pushy at the start, like he just had to reconnect. I get it, but it pissed me off. Read the room, dude, Kanade doesn’t want to, but he kind of does. We all know Kanade secretly wants to reconnect with Mashiro, but why are you making such a big deal?
And can we talk about Kanade crying in the café? Dude, chill. He’s so sensitive. But I get it, since he has trauma from a past gay love rejection. Then he’s like, “I’m GAY! and I liked you,” and walks out into the rain like he’s starring in his own moody indie film. And of course, Mashiro, being himself, chases after the “princess.” 🙄 As expected, he doesn’t want to lose Kanade. Anyway, they sort out their feelings and navigate their relationship.
Kanade was a bit reserved when it came to getting intimate, and Mashiro wanted more but respected Kanade’s pace: I liked that part. I’m sorry to say this, but their kiss felt awful, like two school kids kissing. Japan, get it together and don’t give us a fish kiss here. 🐟💋 Their NC scene was awkward and looked uncomfortable. I wanted passion, or at least a kiss that felt/looked real. They were gentle, bland, and had no intensity. The chemistry was definitely lacking. I felt no heat/burning passion in their eyes. Maybe that’s how the drama was supposed to be, and I missed the memo (I know that this drama was supposed to give warm comfort vibes).
The flashbacks to their younger days were surprisingly effective. They gave just the right amount of emotional backstory to explain the present without drowning us in nostalgia soup.

========Workplace===========

But can we talk about the workplace women for a second? 😤 Ugh, they were so annoying. I was ready to yank my hair out. The young woman who confessed to Kanade was like, “Hey, I like you, you have a GF ?” and he responded, “Yup.”. Fair enough. But what really got me was that old office lady who told Kanade he should talk to the young woman who confessed. Like, who are you, Grandma, to be giving love advice when it’s not your business? Thank goodness Kanade had a spine and told her off, the best moment of the series. At least he knows when to set boundaries. Then suddenly, these two women and Kanade become buddy-buddy. Just kidding—they work it all out, of course, and they even help him with his love life with Mashiro. I liked how they bonded and offered genuine advice.

========Parent Issues==========

The mom drama with Mashiro was honestly not satisfying enough. First, he was ignoring most of his mom’s calls. I can’t blame him. I’d do the same if I had an overbearing mom calling me multiple times a day. Attachment issues from her husband’s death. She even made sure, during high school, that Mashiro would come home immediately. Damn it, Mom, you’re just keep pushing Mashiro further away. Anyway, she doesn’t approve of her son’s gay boyfriend, Kanade. Finally, Mashiro snaps at his mom, which was a huge relief.. And I think, after that, she sort of reflects on it? (I can’t quite remember.)
Since Mashiro had mommy issues, Kanade has daddy issues. No surprise there. His dad is like, "You’ve got to be a man," and whatever nonsense this dad was spewing. Like, I get he wants his son to toughen up and not always cry, but you’ve got to understand the dad’s a traditional guy and is set in his ways. But when his dad caught him with Mashiro? Woah. That scene was intense. It was the most fire I’ve seen so far, yet we got their NC scene, which didn’t live up to that tension at all. I liked that the mom and sister knew Kanade was gay, but it took him this long to confess to them. I get the dad. You can’t talk to him about things, but the mom and sister are so sweet and less judgmental. It makes me wonder if Kanade was always reserved and never forthcoming with his feelings, holding everything inside until the last minute. I have to say that the talk he had with his dad was the deepest moment in the whole series. It felt real, raw, and finally gave me the emotional depth I’d been craving. That’s saying something.

=========Best Part==============

The best part of the drama, hands down, was the friendship group reunion. It was wholesome, sure, but it also totally exposed Mashiro as the jealous mess he is whenever Kanade gets close to anyone. This guy’s jealousy knows no bounds. He even got jealous when Kanade posed for a BL poster design with a male coworker. I couldn’t, I was dying—like, I legit needed a tissue from laughing so hard. 🤣

========Final thoughts===========

This series was boring with a few funny moments (very few). Their love was sweet and wholesome at times 😘, but it lacked passion. The pacing was alright. Did it have character growth? Yes. Did they resolve their parent issues? Yes. But overall, it felt too safe, too predictable. If you're in the mood for something light with a touch of drama, you might enjoy it. But if you're craving something with real intensity or depth, this one might leave you wanting more. One redeeming thing? The intro song—“It’s Morning Morning.” 🎶🎶 The OST lifted my mood and spirits every time.

Would I recommend this series? Honestly, if you want to make yourself suffer like I did, go right ahead. But hey, to each their own. 🍷

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Chemistry That’ll Slam Dunk Your Heart

While this drama may seem like a typical boys' love (BL) story with all the common tropes, what truly sets it apart is the dynamic between the characters. The communication between the two leads is refreshing and really pleasant to watch.

The main leads, Ji Won and Jeong U, truly elevate the drama. Ji Won is a retired gymnast who, after facing difficulties in his career, decided to leave the sport behind. He’s a captivating character—though he’s never been in a relationship before, which leaves him lacking experience when it comes to love. When he meets Jeong U at university, where he’s majoring in photography, he begins to fall for him. Ji Won is a bit awkward, yet there's so much depth to him. He understands himself well and is constantly reflecting on his emotions. At times, Ji Won’s decisions may be frustrating, but given his past and fear of hurting others, his cautious approach is understandable.

Jeong U, on the other hand, initially comes across as the typical 'playboy' character, but there's much more to him than meets the eye. He’s a basketball player who understands that being in the spotlight comes with its baggage, so he’s empathetic towards Ji Won. He’s incredibly understanding and isn’t afraid to communicate his feelings. Jeong U is confident and, when he likes Ji Won, he doesn’t hesitate to go for it. He knows what he wants and isn’t concerned with what others think about his relationship with Ji Won, unlike Ji Won, who is more guarded and worried about keeping their relationship secret due to their public profiles and the risk it poses to Jeong U’s career.

The chemistry between Ji Won and Jeong U is electrifying. Their kiss scenes are especially well done and their relationship feels incredibly genuine. Their relationship is sweet, with moments of fun and goofiness, but there are also times of seriousness and heartbreak that are conveyed beautifully.

The pacing of Ball Boy Tactics is well-balanced, and the script flows smoothly. Ji Won and Jeong U’s conversations feel natural, making their connection both believable and engaging. Their relationship develops steadily, never feeling forced.

The two side characters, Ji Won and Jeong U’s friends, are hilarious and comforting. They’re incredibly supportive when Jeong U comes out to them, and it’s done in such a heartwarming way. They also stand by the couple’s relationship, which adds an extra layer of support. I do wish the drama had explored their relationship a bit more, but since it’s a shorter series, there wasn’t much time for that.

Overall, I’d absolutely recommend this drama. It’s the perfect binge material, packed with character development, sizzling chemistry, and so engaging that I had to put my tea down just to process everything.

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The Stalker Next Door

What Was I Even Watching? This series was terrible in every possible way. Let’s break this down, shall we? First off, the main love interest, Cir, is a creepy stalker. He knows everything about his crush, like, everything. We're talking about the color of his underwear and his house password. I don’t care how cute you think this is supposed to be; that's a nightmare, not romance. If this was supposed to be sweet, someone seriously missed the memo. Anyway, Cir gets injured, then goes to Phu and says, "Hey, I'm from another world!" Just so he can get close to his crush and manipulate him into falling in love. And Phu... this poor guy actually believes it. Phu, buddy, you need to step outside and get some fresh air. You're getting played. Phu himself was an annoying, useless character.

Now, the plot. Oh boy. I thought the whole "boy from another world" thing was going to lead to some mind-blowing parallel universe adventure. Instead, I got... nothing. Absolutely nothing. The title was a lie. There were no parallel worlds, no sci-fi twists, nothing. Instead, we got a bunch of random scenes with different worlds and timelines that made no sense and left me more confused than ever. The director seemed to have no clue what they were doing, just throwing in bizarre moments to trick us into thinking something cool was coming. Spoiler: It wasn’t.

And can we talk about the random superpowers? Jin can read minds, but it serves no purpose at all. Like, absolutely zero. This isn't a plot device, it’s a plot inconvenience. And then, just when you think, "Okay, maybe this will come into play later," his mind-reading powers vanish. Poof. Gone. Why? Because now that he’s all lovey-dovey with Wim, apparently they’re close enough that he can’t read Wim’s mind anymore. That’s right, folks, Jin’s entire superpower just gets conveniently swept under the rug because… romance. How brilliantly lazy.

Save yourself the headache and watch literally anything else. Trust me, there’s no world where this show is worth your time.

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Sticking Around for Mek and Dech, Because the Leads Are Just... There

This series? Honestly, pretty boring. I kept skipping through scenes that felt either irrelevant or just downright dull. The leads have this calming effect—too bad it just made me want to take a nap. Sure, they have some sweet moments and the usual funny jealousy scenes, but the plot? Not my cup of tea. In fact, the side characters are far more interesting and hilariously funny than the leads. Dech and Mek? Now they have chemistry, energy, and a storyline that actually keeps me watching. I just wish Rati and Thee had the same effect instead of putting me in a coma.

=====MAIN COUPLE RATI AND THEE=====

Rati stays in Thailand for a year to help Thai officials learn French, as part of an effort to strengthen the Thai-French alliance. Phi Thee, a marquis in the Ministry of Education, is the one overseeing Rati’s stay. Their love blossoms over time, but it feels too fast. Thee falls hard for Rati and relentlessly pursues him, sometimes forgetting that they live in an era where being gay is taboo. I’m going to be honest—I don’t care about their love story. It’s all sweet, gentle, and yawn-worthy; if you’re expecting some spicy romance or drama that actually moves, nope. Instead, you get a painfully slow love story that feels like a history lesson no one asked for. After fast-forwarding through most of it, here’s what I got: jealousy? Check. Rati's mom's issues? Double check. Thee’s engaged to a woman? Triple check. The fiancé seems very understanding — kind of like that. Grandma doesn’t like that her son is gay (I mean, can we blame her? This is set a long time ago).

Meanwhile, Mek’s dad is out to get Rati. That’s the only part I actually like. He brings all the fun factor and chaos. Honestly, every time Mek’s dad shows up, you know things are about to get wild, and I can’t help but root for his glorious downfall...... because, honestly, the guy’s stupidity is top-tier entertainment.

Rati leaves and returns after 5 years, reuniting with Thee. I really dislike time skips, but GMMTV seems to love them. Do they have CHEMISTRY? Definitely, they do—but it’s so sweet and gentle. The last episode was so romantic. Their love seems to burn forever from the moment they first met.

=====SECOND COUPLE MEK AND DECH=====

The second couple, however, is far more interesting. Mek is a hardworking, lovable character, while Dech is the son of an official who secretly participates in Muay Thai fights. He stands up to his father, calling him out for his wrongdoings, showing a lot of strength and moral conviction. Their love story starts as a friendship and slowly deepens into something more. They become each other’s safe haven, finding solace in each other's presence. They confide in one another about their hopes, dreams, and ambitions, supporting each other along the way. Their love is sweet and genuine, and honestly, that’s what’s keeping me watching. Not going to lie, they make this series so much better. They make you smile like crazy, and I can’t help but enjoy their moments together. Their chemistry is fire 🔥..........

I’m honestly obsessed and wish they got way more screen time. Dech constantly helps Mek improve his life—even when Mek suffers partial hearing loss.—and preps him for a French translator exam. (Thanks, Mek’s grandpa, for being a rare beacon of sanity.) And then there’s Dech’s dad—oh, the villainy! He makes me so mad, but I have to praise the actor. That water scene in episode 11? Pure gold. I felt their love deep in my soul. But real talk—did he seriously use turmeric to scrub Dech’s back? That yellow stain was hysterical. I’m still laughing, thinking about it!

Ahhh, someone get me some water, like AouBoom was serving in the last episode.

=====SOUNDTRACK/PRODUCTION/ACTING========

I don’t know why, but the soundtrack in the last episode was just great. I don’t know why I didn’t notice it before. I liked the costumes and set design for the series—it truly looked like it was set in that time (that's what is looked like to me). I think the actors did a great job, especially the older actors.

=====FINAL THOUGHTS======

Would I recommend the series? Meh, only if you’re here for Mek and Dech. (Let’s be real, I’m just watching for them.) They bring the kind of heat and chemistry the main couple can only dream of—honestly, they’re struggling to keep up. The show seriously lacks that wow factor, but honestly, it’s Mek and Dech’s love story that saves this snoozefest from total disaster.

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Pitstop Where the Plot Hits the Brakes

This season was unnecessary. There was hardly any plot or story development. In this season, Charlie and his team are searching for an antidote or cure to eliminate their powers. Spoiler alert: they never get around to developing it by the end. Tony is somehow alive (he has resurrection/healing superpowers — no surprise there), and becomes the villain of the series, working on a way to enable ordinary humans to gain superpowers. However, this plot felt weak and ultimately fell flat. We had 13 episodes, yet they all felt like filler, with barely any progression.

The couples throughout the series were just plain annoying. BabeCharlie had way too much screen time. The actor playing Babe (Pavel) can act, but his partner, Charlie (Pooh), seriously needs acting lessons. Their storyline in this season wasn’t that great; they should’ve focused on other couples. Also, why are there so many couples? It seems unnecessary.

As for the next couple: Way's twin, Chris, and Pete — they were just ridiculous. Pete is mesmerized by Chris because he looks like Way, and by the end of the season, Chris tells Pete that he needs to move on from loving Way before they can be together. The dynamic between Pete and Chris was just weird and annoying. It was supposed to be a love story between a scientist who looks like his dead twin and a boss who finds comfort in that.

Next couple: Sonic and North — why bother with them? Yes, they have chemistry, but they’re hardly shown in the series. Another annoying thing was that they kept avoiding addressing the issue between them until the very end. Very lazy writing.

As for the next couple, Alan and Jeff, I felt like they were just okay, I guess. They can act, but in my opinion, they had zero chemistry.

Now, my favorite couple, Kim and Kenta, had the least amount of screen time (I only watched for them). They have chemistry and a solid storyline. I really wish they'd gotten more focus. Also, they had the best acting alongside Pavel.

Willy, in this series, was decent. I liked his time manipulation powers, but they weren’t fully explored. How typical of the production team to not make the most of anything.

Dean had a redemption arc, which was good but too short. With so many side characters and couples, everything felt messy and rushed, and no one was fully fleshed out.

Winner helping Tony felt unnecessary and pointless.

The scientists helping Charlie find an antidote were equally unnecessary. Despite having 13 episodes, there was no real progression.

So what was the point of this series if the plot didn’t even live up to expectations? It was like the plot wasn’t even plotting.

Lastly, I want to say that the writing was just terrible. It felt lazy and rushed. The plot barely moved forward and was downright ridiculous. All the unnecessary meet-ups where they just discussed how to eliminate Tony felt pointless. Even Tony, the supposed villain, couldn't figure out how to manipulate or take down the Pitbabe crew. The writers should have made him much more cunning and clever. The production really needs to focus on better plotlines, stronger character dynamics, and more engaging writing. Why did I watch this, you might be wondering? Well, I liked the first season, which was much better, and I had high expectations for this one. In the end, though, I just stuck around for Kim and Kenta.

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A Love That Sparkles and So Do I

Sparkle in Your Eyes is a slow-burn romance that explores love, jealousy, longing, and personal growth. From their very first interaction, the chemistry between the two leads is undeniable. The way their eyes meet, the intensity of each glance—it’s almost palpable. Even without many intimate scenes, the emotional tension between them feels raw and intimate, drawing you in. The cinematography is visually stunning, with breathtaking landscapes and vivid colors that enhance the atmosphere and subtly foreshadow the darker undertones to come.

The series excels at portraying the gradual development of the relationship between the two leads. What begins as playful banter slowly evolves into something much more serious. Su Yi has always liked Pei Jia, but it’s Pei Jia who slowly falls for Su Yi, as he grapples with his growing feelings. This slow, steady build-up is incredibly engaging, and the dynamic between the leads shifts beautifully over the course of the episodes. The direction and script are well-crafted, keeping the viewer invested in their journey. It’s the kind of romance that feels earned, not rushed, and it’s refreshing to watch a love story unfold so naturally.

That said, the second couple, Su Bai and Yi Cheng, in the series doesn’t quite hit the same mark. Their chemistry at times feels forced, almost like a performance rather than something authentic. This secondary romance was a bit of a letdown, and I found myself wishing the series had invested more in developing their dynamic.

A standout aspect of the series is the cousinly bond between Su Bai and Su Yi. Su Bai’s support during tough times and his guidance in the entertainment industry provide a heartwarming counterbalance to the intense romance.

The antagonist—a cold, manipulative CEO—adds tension with his thirst for power, continuously creating obstacles for the leads. While the actor does a fantastic job making him despicable, the resolution of his arc feels rushed. Given the exploration of the darker side of the entertainment industry, I would have liked to see him face more significant consequences. One of the most poignant moments comes near the end when one of the leads loses his eyesight. Even without his physical sight, the emotional "sparkle" between them remains, making this moment of vulnerability one of the most touching aspects of the series.

In conclusion, Sparkle in Your Eyes is a beautifully crafted show with a compelling romance, well-developed characters, and stunning visuals. While the secondary couple didn’t quite resonate, and the antagonist's arc could have been more fleshed out, the central love story is both engaging and satisfying. If you're a fan of slow-burn romances, this one won’t disappoint.

A love so beautiful, it makes me wish for something as sweet as what they have.

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Sweetheart Service? My Heart’s Still Waiting for a Refund

I went into this series with high hopes, but I was in for a disappointment. Now, you might be wondering why I even bothered finishing this series. Honestly, I have no idea either. Each episode was so short that I thought maybe something interesting would happen, but nope. Nothing much.

This series had the potential to be great, but after episode 7, it went downhill so fast that I need to call a mechanic to fix it. The plot completely faded after that point, and I honestly felt like I was watching a totally different series altogether.

The premise started off promising: Min U hires Yu Ha to be his fake boyfriend, feeling pressured to marry. Naturally, a contract relationship blossoms into something real. Sounds cute, right? But unfortunately, the story lost its focus, and there was no clear direction in the second half of the series. It became a mess.

The Plot: After the initial setup, things just went off the rails. The series introduced unnecessary side plots that didn’t tie into the main story at all. One of the most pointless was a minor female colleague who asked Min U to pretend to be her fake boyfriend to help her get rid of her ex. Why? Because it made Min U jealous—but that didn’t save it from feeling like filler that added nothing meaningful to the main narrative.

The Leads: Screen time for the main leads decreased dramatically in the second half, making it hard to stay connected with them. And when they were on screen, there was no chemistry. I couldn’t feel any of their emotions or what they were trying to portray. The acting was below average, to say the least.

The Second Couple: What was even the point of them? Their screen time was minimal, and they had absolutely zero chemistry. It felt like the director had no idea what to do with them.

Yu Ha’s Relationship with His Brother: The show became overly focused on this subplot when we all tuned in for the romance. The second half felt more like a sibling drama than a love story.

All in all, this series was poorly executed. Chemistry? Nonexistent. Plot? Not plotting. I wouldn’t recommend this series. It was a wasted opportunity. My tea didn’t even spill; it was that dull.

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10 Things I Regretted Watching Before I Turned 40

_(aka: The Anti-Bucket List of This Drama)_

1. **The Lukewarm Execution**
I wanted to like this—slow romance, feel-good vibes, meaningful premise. But the execution? Lukewarm. Tojo’s journey has heart, sure, but the chemistry is nonexistent, and the pacing drags.

2. **The Premise That Fizzled**
Tojo’s dull life slowly gains color as he tackles a list of meaningful tasks—with help from Keishi, a caring coworker who quietly nudges him out of his comfort zone. Their relationship grows at a tortoise-slow pace. It’s not slow burn—it’s slow blur. The show explores how personal growth doesn’t stop with age and how small actions can lead to a more fulfilling life. But that promise never fully delivers. The emotional payoff never arrives. I needed some fire, just a flicker, but it never came.

3. **The Chemistry/Kiss**
What I don’t like about this series is the CHEMISTRY between the leads. It's just so bland. I mean, their chemistry is about as fiery as a cold cup of tea. Not going to lie, but that KISS scene was a bit cringe.

4. **The Platonic Vibes**
Honestly, they feel more like co-workers or friendly acquaintances than, you know, a couple supposed to be romantically involved. There’s barely any physical affection, and you start to wonder if they even know what holding hands feels like.

5. **The Tentative Relationship**
The relationship between the two feels overly tentative, like two people tiptoeing around each other, more focused on being polite and accommodating than actually building romantic chemistry.

6. **The Downhill Spiral After Episode 7**
After Episode 7, it goes downhill. I started skipping scenes and fast-forwarding—never a good sign.

7. **Tojo Doesn’t Really Grow**
He goes through the motions, but there’s no real change. The tasks don’t lead to transformation—they’re just distractions. By the end, he’s not wiser, braver, or more open. He’s the same man, still hiding, just with a few errands checked off.

8. **The Forgotten List**
The list gets neglected, which is wild considering it was the main focus in the first place.

9. **The Filler Overload**
Filler episodes accumulate, causing the story to lose focus.

10. **My Time**
Would I recommend it? Nope. This was a romance brewed without heat—zero chemistry, zero spark.

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I Tried—But This Drama Tried Me: Started with a Bang, Ended in a Mess

You know, this drama had a good premise—at least based on the trailer. Fake dating? Pretending to be in a relationship to help Junxi with his "love lessons" so he could confess to his female best friend? Yes, please. But I was completely annoyed by the fact that it only lasted two or three episodes. Like, what am I supposed to watch next—their love story? 🤦‍♀️

I get that the whole plot is supposed to be about the romance (blah blah blah), but I wanted some tension. Maybe keep the fake dating going until the middle of the series? But nope. What do we get instead?

A Tuo, who has been in love with Junxi for, what, 10 years? And he’s been dating girls who liked Junxi just to keep them away from him. This guy is super duper jealous, and I hate it. I hate how he’s moving so fast and refuses to accommodate Junxi’s pace.

You want to kiss? Sure—let’s do it right now in the cinema bathroom.

You want space? Nope—let me apply ointment on your sunburn.

You’re not ready to date yet? Too bad.

You won the rock-paper-scissors game? (Junxi, I have to say, you are pathetic—you only won once.)

You want time? Nope.

You want no touching or dating for a month? Forget that. (Even though he won the rock-paper-scissors game) 

Let’s just skip straight to the sex part, shall we? 😳

And speaking of that—playing rock-paper-scissors in bed to decide who tops? We know who wins, because Junxi never wins that damn game. He loses and, yep, loses his V-card. I said it.

Another thing: why are there so many flashbacks about their childhood? I don’t want to see that—it’s just annoying. Two kids and how A Tuo fell in love? I already know that. One or two flashbacks were fine, but now it just feels like you’re trying to fill time.

The only good thing in this drama is the female friend from the trio of friends—she’s a ray of sunshine. But even she’s getting on my nerves for being overly protective of her two BFFs. Like, girl, chill the heck out. No, but on a serious note, this girl is the best. She understands her two BFFs and makes things easier for them.

Do you know that saying... absence makes the heart grow fonder?
Well, that’s exactly what happens in Episode 7. Junxi doesn’t see A Tuo for a few days because of his busy internship schedule, and suddenly—bam! He misses him. Not only that, but now he wants to live with A Tuo. Yep, same idea. Looks like A Tuo’s clinginess is starting to rub off on him. Great. Now we’ve got two emotionally impulsive people in one apartment.

And the jealousy... jealousy over a literal child. Like, man, can you grow up? You already have Junxi. He’s not going anywhere. You had your time. Chill, boy. 😤
Just kidding. Honestly? This part was hilarious. Like, seriously—he’s jealous of a kid. A literal child. Best part of the whole drama, unintentionally. He wants Junxi all to himself so badly that even a 5-year-old feels like a threat.
Can it get more pathetic? Actually… probably. But let’s not give the writers any ideas.

Let’s not forget A Tuo’s daddy and mommy issues. Like, poor you. Honestly, I don’t care. His dad’s barely around—but can you really blame him? He’s out there working hard, providing for your education. And let’s not pretend he’s the only one at fault—cough cough, your mom abandoned both of you, including your father. I get that A Tuo probably felt neglected growing up, and the only parental figures he had were Junxi’s parents. But now that you’re an adult, maybe try to understand your father’s perspective instead of holding onto that same resentment.

Now, acting-wise—sorry, not sorry—but Junxi looked constipated every time they had an intimate scene. His facial expressions were just not there. It was hard not to notice. Can they kiss without making it cringe? Most of the time, it was ok. Do they have chemistry? I’d say yes, it’s definitely there

I tried. I really tried with this drama. But for the love of me and my sanity, I just couldn’t keep watching. The pacing is way too fast, and the fake dating plot—one of the most interesting parts—was tossed aside almost immediately. Now, it’s just their love story (and yes, I get that romance is the main plot, but I wanted more than just that), and we’re stuck watching them awkwardly “navigate” it. A Tuo is extremely jealous and pushy, with no regard for Junxi’s pace or boundaries. Meanwhile, Junxi feels passive, inconsistent, and honestly just hard to root for. There’s barely any character development to keep me invested—just a repetitive cycle of jealousy, awkward moments, and misplaced drama. Honestly, it felt like a wasted opportunity.

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The Next Prince: A Kingdom of Snooze... A Royal Disappointment.

I had high expectations for this series, especially since it took almost two years to release. But what a disaster it turned out to be. It was boring, bland, and a complete waste of time. The main characters, Khanin and Charan, were dull. Seriously, Charan needs to work on his acting; it was stiff and lifeless. The romantic moments between them were underwhelming and just didn’t feel genuine. As for the other couples, Ramil and Paytai had potential, but their storyline barely got any screen time, which was frustrating. Jay and Calvin? Were they even necessary? They had zero presence in the series, and it felt like a huge missed opportunity. Ava and Mira didn’t fare much better. Mandee annoyingly prefers to focus solely on the main couple, and it's a shame they completely ignore the side couples. Also, the NC scenes were just too cringeworthy. Beyond the couples, the only character that brought any life to the show was Chakri, though even he got annoying at times with his constant fangirling.

One of the biggest disappointments was the lack of focus on Khanin’s biological father. Why didn’t they explore their relationship more? It just felt odd that Khanin seemed completely uninterested in bonding with his father. That subplot felt underdeveloped and completely pointless. The "Battle of the 4 Kingdoms" to determine who would become the new king of Emmaly also fell flat, especially in the first 9 episodes, where nothing really happened. There was hardly any progression, and the competition felt stagnant. They barely explored the other heirs, leaving their storylines weak and underdeveloped. Khanin’s grandfather, who plays a major role in the power struggle for the throne, came across less as a formidable figure and more as an annoying, irritating presence. Even Charan’s police friend, who was investigating the death of Khanin’s adopted father, felt like a completely unnecessary subplot. It was underdeveloped and added nothing meaningful to the story. The soundtrack was just not great. It felt whimsical at times, but it was too bland and didn’t fit certain scenes. The overall acting in this series definitely needs improvement. The younger actors were below average, especially when compared to the more experienced older actors.

I get that they invested a lot in this series, especially with the costumes and locations, but they really should have put more effort into the script. It just didn’t live up to the production quality.

All the characters were flat and uninteresting. The storyline was pointless and lackluster, making the whole series feel like a drag. Honestly, don’t bother watching this series. It’s a complete snooze fest. Even making a cup of tea would be more entertaining than this. I didn’t even finish the series; I dropped it after episode 9.

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Bromance Beyond Revenge

I loved this bromance. It never felt dull. The plot revolves around the main character, Jianwei, seeking revenge for his parents. He infiltrates the enemy’s stronghold by getting kidnapped and disguising himself as a girl. Once Xiaoxi discovers the truth, their relationship shifts from enemies to friends, and eventually to brothers/bromance. The two gradually warm up to each other, caring for and protecting one another while slowly revealing their vulnerabilities and learning more about each other.

Friendship and bromance are central themes throughout the story, with each relationship beautifully developed—from the father-son dynamic to the tender bond between Aunt Qing and Chen Weishan, and of course, the bromance between the leads. Xiaoxi’s sister, a side female lead, is sweet-natured and cares deeply for everyone around her. All the characters are well-developed, and you’ll find yourself liking each of them. They each play a key role in moving the plot forward. Aunt Qing, in particular, helps Jianwei with his quest for revenge, and through her guidance, Jianwei uncovers the truth behind the events o that happened twenty years ago.

The pacing is well done, with a plot twist toward the end that keeps things interesting. A few moments of humor lighten the tone, but overall, the series is a beautifully crafted story. I’d definitely recommend it if you're okay with the bromance aspect.

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The Series That Couldn't Land a Punch

I didn’t like the way Knockout started. It failed to grab my attention right away and lacked a clear direction. The plot felt aimless, which made it hard to get invested from the beginning.

The main couple, Keen and Than, got together way too quickly. There was no real build-up or tension, so I found it hard to care about their relationship. Keen's debt storyline also felt off—Than clears Keen’s debt after knowing him for only a few days, which didn’t seem believable. Then, the boxing match plot quickly became repetitive. Than would fight, whether he won or lost, get hurt, and then Keen would get physical with him. This cycle repeated over and over, making the story predictable and, frankly, annoying. One of the most frustrating parts was when Keen organizes a boxing match on his home turf. There’s some jealousy thrown in, but it didn’t land the way it should have. As for the second couple, they had slightly better chemistry, but overall, both couples felt overly sexualized, which completely overshadowed any emotional depth. The final straw for me was when Keen’s boyfriend was poisoned, and that’s when I decided to stop watching. The series just seemed to be heading downhill, and I wasn’t sticking around for the ride.

There was also something missing from the show—it felt like there was no real antagonist or villain to push the plot forward. Without a strong opposing force, the stakes never felt high enough, and the show lacked the tension and excitement I was hoping for. The lack of direction and a clear villain left the entire show feeling flat.

The music was forgettable, mediocre at best. Keen’s acting was painful at times, especially when his voice would shoot up an octave, making it all the more cringey. The other actors were just as average, with no one standing out. With better direction or some proper acting workshops, maybe it could have been better, but as it is, it’s hard to take seriously.

I don’t recommend this at all unless you’re into wasting your time on poorly written, badly acted, and directionless shows. The only real tea here is how this series fails to deliver on every level.

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