EmperorCaligula

Three toxic characters in a captivating story

BURNOUT SYNDROME – REVIEW

Today with the 10th episode „Burnout Syndrome“ finally ended. It surely is a more controversial series, and the early episodes I assume decided for many to stay or to go. Let me be clear about two things. First, all three main characters are broken and downright unlikeable characters at least for me. I would want none of them in my circle of friends or closer than a continent away from. Second, I cannot say I liked the series in a basic way.

However, writing as a critic, I had to take another perspective. First, I didn't dislike watching the series, despite the drama and the toxic main characters, because it was the premise of the series from the get-go and I can measure a series only from what it set out to accomplish: showing us human flaws and deeply flawed characters. People being burned out. With Jira the painter who played both men to fulfill his whims, Pheem the Casanova suddenly falling into some possessive love and the cold hearted capitalist Koh who regards people as material, none of them was anything but red flag characters. But in this, the series and the acting excelled to the best skill of cinematography which I have yet seen. Each has biographical reasons to be what they are, each made bad decisions to become the burned out person they are, and each manipulate and ruin each other during the entire series. The underlying topic, even broken people desire true love, was one of the saving graces. Through all the cracks and toxic traits, you see vulnerable human beings struggling to break out of the habit of their flawed personalities, stubbornly clinging to their character traits which add to their own misery. And that was extremely well depicted in directing, acting, cinematography, sets and music.

It was one of the few series where I was and still am uncertain whether I like the ending. In my age I find it hard to believe that human beings truly fundamentally change, and sometimes it is better to have a a quick end with terror than terror without end. The ending, while apparently giving hope of healing, remained ambivalent to me, and I assume that is the best such a setup can deliver. There is no guarantee of magic happiness. Only the “for now”, and as Koh admits, he doesn't know if it will work out. That is a daring honest ending, for what else could the reply be.

As someone who was, despite several times trying, unable to watch “Heart Killers” and “Only Friends” because it was just way too heartbreaking and depressing, I went along with “Burnout Syndrome” well. Partially I admit because I am not so emotionally close to OffGun, in contrast to FirstKhaotung, so I guess how easy you are able to take it somewhat depends on how you feel about Off and Gun. For me it was their first series I watched, so I had not such a close emotional bond or expectations, which certainly helped me to bear some inner distance. Also the drama was mostly not with super intense eruptions which might have unsettled me (in contrast to Heart Killers and Only Friends, which was wrecking me so I had to stop), but here acting the inner pain and trauma was more subdued, as befitting of characters who are “burned out” and deprived of emotion by the traumas they had. Artistically it was a masterpiece, and I have to add, it sadly reminded of me gay friends I had, who were the entire time I knew them constantly attracted to people profoundly unhealthy to them, which I assume goes for people of all sexual orientations. So how to rate it? I wonder. Measuring by what it wanted to be, it succeeded with flying colours. I doubt it is for everyone, especially if you hold Off and Gun in your fandom heart, it may be hard to watch. It IS a dark drama, that is to be known. Still as a piece of art, despite my personal reservations to the characters, I find nothing in itself to criticize, and with a few implausibilities especially in the end, subtracting one point, I give it a

9/10

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Great visuals but a bit a convoluted story with mixed acting

After having watched the first two episodes when they were new, I was so bored I decided to stop. But so many people talking about it and liking it, I continued. I can say there were many moments in the following episode which were fascinating and interesting. The cinematography, the sets and the visuals were all top worthy of 10/10.

However the MC acting was not convincing me very much. The Shaman Master is a model of super good looks, but I found his acting stiff and bland, Khem was a bit better but I have seen way better and complex acting skills, so the love feeling and drama didn't really show. Even when Shamanmaster is down and defeated (apparently) he has this almost passive stare. I have seen many BL series where actors were able to express much more with their faces. (Like First or Fourth, who can make much emotions out of small events, whereas here the MC actors went through huge drama and their faces and body language just doesn't show it. So unfortunately I found them the weakest link of the series. Acting of the second couple was much better in relation, even if they too are quite away from the really good Thai BL actors.

The entire karma and destiny story was interesting but way too overloaded, so many scene, backflashes, and so many scene so slow I wanted to play it 1.5 times faster. Silent stares, you get the idea. There were just too many characters, mini-arcs, items asf added. Like when Charn and Jet outed themselves to Jet's father, I could not remember ever having seen him, and kinda failed to see the relevant to suddenly out themselves to a dad that wasn't even there in the story.

Anyway, it was good, especially visuals, but not the super hit that others feel it is. As such a generous
7/10

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THE NEXT PRINCE - 14 Episode Final Review

THE NEXT PRINCE - 14 Episode Final Review

SPOILER WARNING! --- SPOILER WARNING! ---- SPOILER WARNING!

Okay, this was a REALLY long run. Is that good or bad? I am somewhat uncertain, it depends on my current mood, the series itself, but I usually like balanced length, and this - similar like REVENGED LOVE before was really on the "too much" and I just gave it a very good rating because it was really excellent. Still it is as much as I would wish to see, tbh, given on average we have one hour per Episode and a lot of characters.

ACTING:
On the acting I think this was a very good show, beautiful, distinct characters, the good, the gray and the evil characters alike. Still I felt it was not on par with the superb acting of other series, some emotions remained very good but not top. Especially the two MC's who were supposed to carry the show, seemed a bit too much "characters" and too less "persons". Just a tad so ACTING 8/10

VISUALS:
Whee, this highly depends on your taste. It was in a fairy tale like Kingdom, some sort of modern with still a highly fantasy tough. Personally, I am not a fan of prince costume fests, but I found nothing objectively to criticize in this. There were many different places, tons of gorgeous costumes, almost perfect camera and lighting, so within the given aim of Fantasy Kingdom I find nothing lacking in terms of the lush visuals: 10/10

STORY:
Also a hard one for me to judge. See I REALLY passionately dislike Feudalism or Oligarchy in any age or form. With duties and serfs and absolutist feudal lords, even in the best sense, I just dislike that. Still, the story had many interesting plot-lines, unexpected twists, good character development arcs, thought as in other long shows, the non BL tended to overshadow the BL, which as ever you prefer may be good or bad. I usually LIKE that, for when a story is basically only about the BL, the characters tend to remain a bit two-dimensional, so for me that was a bonus, as we come to understand the MC love and the two also interesting side-couples. I had wished in the end we would have seen the two side-couples with a hint into their futures though. If I push aside with much effort my Feudalism dislike, the story itself is a good 9/10.

OVERALL:
It was a story and show worthy to watch, even though the MC, especially the older "knight", I didn't really get the vibe why to root for him as a lover so much to be honest. I understand his position in a feudal society made him act stern, but I did subtract a bit from his potential charm. On the other side the Prince made it up all the way, as a charming, lovable character. Again, I had wished to see more hints of the future of the Kingdom and side couples, but I guess that is standard in BLs. I don't think it left that much of an impression to me that I will "forever remember", but in itself it invested MUCH into displaying an entire realm with MANY places and setups, and I grow tired of BLs having basically only 3-4 places, which boosts this one a lot in my book. Weighing all the aspects, and trying not to give my preferences missed (Feudalism) too much space, I am willing to give it a solid

9/10
Recommended

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10 Things to Do Before Turning - 40 Review

Well, first thing: I absolutely did NOT want to watch this, and I'll be frank why. I felt it would hit way to much "home", being a older gay guy. I was... afraid to watch it. I could SO related with Suzume, feeling old and average and rather not making someone younger unhappy by having ME. It was as if I could feel inside of him.

Well, but how was it? Japanese BL series are often known for their more goofy approach, mimicking the funny acting of the manga their BL series often are taken from. Something I did not mind. But this... this was serious. I felt the "dramatic episode 11" was really always looming over it, because I so knew how I would have felt in Suzume's place. But there is something someone wise a long time ago, when I was a young gay man with full hair and Berlin was a village with a well: That YOU do not like to be your ideal partner is normal, it would be narcissist if it were so, but that doesn't mean you cannot be someone else's type!

Well, this was a fairy tale and reality is reality. But every good fairy tale gives a bit insight into what can be, and in that good storytellers are important to life. And this was a story of value and meaning. To not give up, to allow life to surprise you and ultimately, to dare to make a leap. I had consciously stopped at Ep. 10, wishing to watch 11 and 12 back to back, and I did not regret this decision, so I avoided the sad night after the usual sad 11. All in all it was a beautiful series with just the right balance of speed and depth, and the only thing I had wished was a 13th episode to see them being accepted. But that, maybe, is a story for another night. :)

Daring to go into a somewhat risky area, as such finding no flaw as the aforementioned, I can give it it good conscious a true:

9/10

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A daring idea as a wholesome experience!

The Promise of the Soul - Ep.12 Final REVIEW

Now with Episode 12 this very challenging topic was resolved. I know some disliked the premise, but as some who enjoys... how can I say - broad perspectives on life, I really enjoyed this series a lot.
For all those who followed it to the end and liked it like me, I wonder if you found the ending a Happy one? For I surely did. I was really afraid at Ep.11, the famous drama apex. I feared, shall we say morality would hold them back. First, it was well acted, beautiful set in scene and the difficult part of the one MC was well played by the actor. It does have a sad element, and I am usually one to quickly find such... dilemmas bad. But I felt it was finished wholesome and meaningful and I for one shall keep this in fond memory for a long time, as wholesome hope giving story. For in the end, as it was wrapped up, I feel it was a good ending for everyone.

For the courage to seek out different perspectives, without regret I give
10/10

Life is large. 🥰

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The Perfect Love Story!

SECRET LOVER - REVIEW

Sooo, with a bit delay, since my attention jumps all over I finally binged the second half today. Phew.

It was a strange start, I have to admit. It wasn't a series that caught me from the get go, I assume that is why I went away without deciding it so. Probably also because some big famous shows drew my attention away, and then I forgot about it. So this wasn't a love a first sight for me. Not for any negatives, but where other shows were loud and shiny, this seemed a bit too calm and flowing silently beside me.

Now having gone back, I must say the show really grew on me a lot, so much that I would even say, it is an almost perfect Love Story! There is not too much other stuff weighing in down like Revenged Love with its many layers and sub-stories, SECRET LOVER was a pure love story. I really appreciated that they did not take the all too samey looking MC actors. Both stood out memorable, when many Thai and Korean BL series tend a bit to same-cast these days.

I really liked that it did not play into any seme-uke or big guy - small guy stereotypes, but each MC was a well rounded character in himself. The childhood flashbacks were a bit too much for my taste, but bearable. I really liked how they developed along with the other characters, all how had a good presence and chemistry in the cast. Especially the last three episodes made it skyrocket in my view thinking like, yes this feels like the Perfect Love Story to me. Drama, misunderstandings, love - but neither overplayed nor with any silly instant solutions, all went very organically together to a very happy ending.

Also the scenes between the MC were believable, touching and convincing and more realistic than many other BL stories. It is a show I am sure to remember and rewatch. As such, with all things good to me, I give it a

10/10

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Feelgood GMMTV craft, but a bit yesteryear's best

MY MAGIC PROPHECY - Review

With Episode 10 "My Magic Prophecy" ended today with a slow but warm and wholesome ending. As usual the chemistry between Jimmy and Sea is a well oiled machine, perfected over time. It is a nice thing for fans to see the actors and their roles mature. In the acting Jimmy always had a bit the upper hand, he just seems a natural.
Altogether the show had a good cast, an interesting side-couple, a tragic villain - well played - and just enough of the balance between lovey-dovey and drama as usually the better and best shows of GMMTV. Sometimes with the masses quality suffers several times, but not so here. Each character had a good, well understandable background, character development to be convincing. It also shone with interesting sets and a good sense for fashion being neither over the top not boring and always the same.

I always felt music was never a particular strength of GMMTV, but then it rarely is in BL series IMO. Now talking about my elephant in my room: the show is a 2025 show and as such stands in competition to the current time, and as such... it did not rise of the heights of drama the like "Revenged Love" and others had. It is more the reliable yesteryear type, even though among the best of that, I felt the system started to feel a bit outdated to me, given the risque and new areas other shows and developers made in 2025. So there is nothing bad, but after having been spoiled it felt like 2024's 10/10 but not 2025s. Still I have nothing negative to say, and so putting it in a place I feel is fair, I rate it a very wholesome

8/10

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Mr. Unlucky has no choice but to Kiss! - Vintage BL review

Fukuhara Kota (Sota Ryosuke) is a living danger zone of constant catastrophes happening to him and often enough involving those around him. As he meets Mr Lucky Naoya Shinomiya (Yusuke Sato) an interesting story evolves around them.
"Mr. Unlucky Has No Choice but to Kiss!" is a nice Japanese BL series, which I enjoyed to watch, especially I remember the Manga, which I liked. Given, it is a short series and more a snippet of a story. What was there was enjoyable and the actors, especially Kota's two personalities, how he deals with his permanent real bad luck.

While it is nothing big to write home about, and alas, we get no real BL scenes, I could... "assume" they were in love, and they say it, at least. Still the lack of intimacy if there had been no dialogues just watching might have just the same been good friendship, which in BL I am getting a bit tired of. As such between having fun and lack, I am not clear of a rating. But since unlike others I use the full spectrum of 1-10, despite enjoying it, and recommending it for a lazy day or to steam off after deeply emotionally pushed by some uber emotional BL to relax, I shall give it a
6/10
considering it has barely real BL, but the story and acting is alright and fun enough in itself. Whether you like it or not will however highly depend on what you expect in this more than in other shows. (Note: It has the typical retro Japanese Anime over-acting, which you may like or hate.)

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Nice try, somewhat fun, but not really worth the time

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COUNT - Review

Man, what to say. It is like a split within myself, one side kinda linking it, the other sort of not. Let's break the basics down. The story about Prince a sort of star in a fictional country like Thailand. Now the assessment of who he/she is is difficult because Thailand knows a term called "Kathoey", which as far as I tried to find out has not 100% equivalent in Western terms. In the subs it is translated as "trans-woman", but kathoey seems to cover more, like the Thai "Ladyboys" who not so much are like trans people and all the way to entirely transitioning man to women. But then, read up the term. It just left me personally irritated that I didn't get what Prince/Worradej wanted to be. But then that's just me.

For western eyes, since we do not have the Kaothey culture, I cannot say how much his overacting as extremely stereotypical (some may say caricature) of female identity feels offensive or entertaining. And truth me told: I have no clear mind about it myself. Basically: it is pure cringe. Sometimes cringe can be fun, sometimes not. I can live with a lot of cringe, and that was not so much puzzling me here, when I take my brain out and enjoy the comedy side. On the other had, I DO feel irritated like: is this doing trans or queer or gay people a favor? And being honest, I think not. But then, a series doesn't HAVE to be realistic. Make of that what you wish.

The acting was ok-ish. I found none of it really great in all roles. Then going into a past of Thailand or Asia is always a problem, where does it go into a fantasyland far away from realism, and let's be honest: any attempt to turn a conservative, religions, slave-owning 1400s society into a modern, progressive Republic is... hogwash. Sorry, both as historian and as BL fan, this was just way too much to believe. Suddenly in the end everyone is happy and dancing, villians included, and of course nobody is really dead, despite "dying" many times. This was just... no. It was too much make believe. I heard the webtoon continues after this in the modern world, but then I most certainly have no interest to know MORE about this world.

Was I entertained? Yes, I mean it took much time and I had fun overall, despite the story being hilariously absurd and making no sense at all. Like there is an entire Kingdom, apparently made up of 300 villagers and everything else is "off screen", so politics, army all suddenly seem to play no role. The nobles go, the army vanishes and all end in some Disney-song ending. It was partially like a feaver dream. It felt like a far cry from way outdated slapstick times, but I understand it can be VERY divisive for reasons mentioned. I don't want to be too negative, but overall, despite being okay entertained, I can only rate this a "nice try"

4/10

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Much ado about nothing

Oh dear. Where to beging. I am writing a review on the 2022 BL Thai Series "Cutie Pie", featuring NuNew and Zee as MC. The first thing coming to my mind after it FINALLY ended was what Bilbo said in Lord of the Rings: feeling thin like butter stretched over too much bread. And for once, I have a hard time to seperate my feeling for the story itself from the quality of the series, which I usually try to keep seperate.

If you ask me just personally, not trying a somewhat objective review yet: this was one of the most absurd selection of couples, behaviors, setups I have seen in a long time. I groaned the last three episodes, praying for a quick end because the "issue" went on and on and on.

But let me try to step back into more subjective terretory. The plot was that for some relatively illogical reasons a grandfather asked an older child to forever take cake of his grandson. Maybe if I watched it three or four times more I may get why anyone would do so, but then, I'd rather not. If there was a somewhat reasonable motivation, I missed it, for it made no sense at all. Everything seemed to hinge on this idea Kuea (NuNew) was seen as sort of inept to care for himself until a point he believed it about himself too, without any reason why HE would think that about himself for any other reason than everyone treating him like that. The grandpa arraging marrying an older guy, the mother keeping all things secret and his to be married Lian Wang (Zee) keeping him in this perspective. Something that so much borders gaslighting, that no matter with how many romance, music, kisses and "oh but I love you" I could not overlook.

The ending was kinda suggesting that both were to blame equally, since Kuen too had a life he hid from Lian, but objectively see this is quite some hogwash if ever I heard one. Kuen was expected to show a perfection, told so by his family and fiance, so he was pushed into this fear to hide his true self, whereas Lian enjoyed knowing all about him and letting Kuen make a fool out of himself being in the dark throughout almost the entire series. Above love there is truth and trust. I understand such things grow. And maybe I am just weary of this "childhood friends to lovers" theme, because TBH I find this quite unrealistic. We all know the friend zone issue. Maybe in 2022 it was okay, because it was an early time for BL, but I am used to this plot device from Manga and Webtoon for 20 years, and it has gotten old and implausible for me. And then people who want to stay together have to share some interests, have to have something in common beyond just love. Love is just not enough. And Kuen and Lian... what did they have in common? But then, this is an issue alas with many BL stories.

It also didn't sit well with me how strongly especially Lian/Zee was glued to the role of the "emotionless" top/seme trope I am so tired. I have seen NuNew and Zee in this prince thing, and I can't say how much the actual acting range of Zee is, but in both I felt it isn't much. A bit sad, a bit surprised, a bit serious, and I can't say if it's the actor or the directing, but it was boring. I am not fond of stoic tops. NuNew surely was acting very good, also a good singer and the highlight of the series. But 12 episodes of indecision... and then we have not one no TWO side couples with the same issue.

No comminication. I have seen Max who play Yi in several series, and somehow he always seems to play the same role: he stares like a villain, I never can buy his "I am in love" expressions in any series, and while his ship partner Nat who play Khon Diao has more to offer, it was the same stoic top vs overly emotional bottom just with even LESS story and logic. We had a third love story with Syn and Nuer, but I won't say anything about this other than it felt entirely superfluous to the plot whatsoever.

The problem I mainly had was it was unplausible to me. Keeping banale things a secret in fear to not fit to expected values may be plausible in Asia, but I can only speak from the lens I am accustomed to, and if at least the secrets had been super dramatic, I could understand. But loving to make music and studying car engineering instead of computer engineering and not being a doll? Wow, that surely is one set of secrets to be totally dramatic over... NOT! But worse, the transactions to save Kuen's family fortune doing it behind his back to "not trouble him"? BOTH mother and fiance? Seriously?

You know I grew up with a mother who to this day things I am quite inept do handle anything harsh, so MAYBE I am more sensitve to REALLY being ANGRY about the idea to being treated like that. But I would surely NOT marry a guy who treats me like that, love or no love. Overall, this series in long parts simply bored me. It was fluff, it had its moments, but I KINDA feel like I want my time back. I can't say it was horrible either. And before I tired you with an endless review I give it an okay

6/10

With an extra 9/10 to NuNew for acting and singing.

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Truly wholesome captivating BL with everything in it!

Well, I just finished this series, and indeed, it grew upon me. At first I wasn't too sure whether I would like it. New life in another world, many comedic elements and in the beginning the other MC seemed a bit stoic.

However, I was glad I stayed, and the more I watched it, the more this series grew unto me. To see Suriya slowly get out of his shell, to see Apo/Phopthorn grow to handle his part with some setback but growing to be the strong center was truly amazing to watch. What I really liked was, beside the many breathtaking sets, the truly wonderful music.

The drama with the various family members was interesting and keeping me wanting to "know what happens next" without ever getting into too dark areas where you might have really evil parents, as is in some other series.

And compared to the abysmal handling of divine powers in "My Little Ghost", this showed how to make proper use of Divine Intervention! At the end we got one of the most beautiful weddings and a truly happy end for everyone who deserved one. And a quick ride to hell for the one who didn't. *waves sarcastically goodbye*

The Apu/Phopthorn actor was surely the highlight of the series. A bit out of the usual looks, he really was the star of the series and managed to play both characters very convincing and carried the show through many moments. Not a moment of boredom, so I can easily rate it a fully recommended:

9/10

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Solid BL

The Story of Bi Hyeong: Enchanted Master of the Goblin - REVIEW

First, I began this series twice, wasn't soooo hooked feeling as an okay story, I know binged it from 3 to 12 the entire day. I wonder and ask you: does it sometimes make a difference how much you like a series based on watching it weekly or binge? Because honestly, I felt like I liked series more when I could watch it in a few days and not live week per week. Actually I really dislike this, unless some really unique STORY beside the BL happens, like now with "Goddess bless you from Death" with PavelPooh, because the ghost story keeps me remembering it a week pause more.

Strangely this series had a bit a vibe usually from Thai series, more fun or lighthearted despite the series ongoings.
I thought the two MCs and the side couple were interesting, especially Geum Bok playing the constantly "innocent maiden" in need of help. Only when he played the superstar at the end for a bit you could see he really can play more, which is an opportunity we rarely get in series. The Goblin King Bi Hyeong played the role okay, but he could have shown a bit more emotion. No crying, and the love scenes between them where a bit superficial, not sooo much like being crazy in love. I really loved Geum Bok's deep voice.

Settings, scenery and music were all well, though no really memorable places like from other series. Mixing mystic/magic into a BL - or generally anything other than "just" BL - is always a very welcome bonus to me. The end leaves a few questions open, like Geum Bok being mortal and ageing and that evil "dragon guy"; are they hoping for a Second Season? Personally I am not sure the series is THAT great that I am much longing for one. I think of "Pit Babe" which was basically a closed story and while it was really good, the 2nd season felt a bit tacked on. So I am not sure if we really need one?

It was nice, definitely memorable, I had a good time, but as you know I use the full 1-10 spectrum, I still believe it a good series when I say it was a

7/10

I know in film and gaming the rating is now different like 7 is bad anbd 6 is abysmal, but I stick to the old full 10 star idea where a 5/10 would still be halfway good and reserve 8-10 for really breathtaking series, otherwise if everything is 10 (as in many user reviews on the websites) 10 loses its meaning, so don't regard this as a harsh rating.

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The perfect Korean short BL drama

YOU MAKE ME DANCE
Korea 2021 - Review

Another oldie review, and the kind I like a lot: Korean BL dramas. Why? The Koreans have this special touch to make short BLs which resemble the theatre from of the "Kammerspiel" - chamber play or chamber drama. I am rating a short in great part according to the aim, and a chamber play has a totally different goal that a grand series. It contains a short story with very few actors, usually a short time. Everything is limited and it reflects the beautiful art which Korea and Japan are so famous for: minimalism. To express much with very little.

In that it were 8 Episodes of around 15 minutes each, a story between a dancer in debt and his debt collector and their falling in love and overcoming difficulties. It was not one of those loud Thai BLs with BINGS and sounds and all, but a slow paced drama unfolding in its own perfection. The display of two people coming together and overcoming odds was like this minimalist, but not too little that brought this small serious IMVPO to a near perfect short series to watch. Like the genre of Korean short BL it was tender and had a harmony of its own like a center of gravity where any more would have been too much and any less to little. Like in dancing. Or cooking.

It is one of the few BLs I can clearly think to watch again sometimes, something I rarely feel about BLs, even when I like them, and most of them are these small, short Korean Chamber Play Dramas like this. As such measured on its aim and me having nothing much left to wish at the end, give dare to rate it a

9/10
Oldie Classic

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Oldie but Goldie Police X Mafia BL Drama

HISTORY 3 - TRAPPED Review
(Taiwan 2019 - Spoiler)

Having just finished another of the HISTORY series, I have seen some ups and downs in the various takes. This is about a policeman and a mafia boss both being at odds and then in love.

Overall I liked the ten episodes. It had interesting characters, generally good acting and all a policeXmafia love drama should have. Unlike others I never felt it was over the top dark, since the darkest parts all happened off camera, so despite usually being sensitive towards to dark depressive plots, I didn't feel dragged down emotionally. I assume I owe it much to the actor Jake Hsu, who played the ever optimistic beacon of light police officer Meng Shao Fei, and grounded the show, preventing it from falling too far into depressive waters with his acting and presence.

While the end might have had a bit more positive resolve, much of it would have been too unrealistic. When the MC mafia boss Tang Yi, it is a kinda semi-sad ending where you just feel the trust they will meet again, but I would have liked to SEE it, although the tonality of it gave me the trust that it will be so. (Hopefully not after 24 years, lol.)

Anyway, it was a nice series with interesting plot twist, unique characters and what I liked especially a cast that didn't look like a model-walk copy of the N-th beauty catalogue. As such I give it a confident

8.5/10

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More a very good teaser that a real story.

Eight episodes of each 10 minutes, so we get some real short series here. Sometimes I felt it was more long trailers of an actual series, like skipping so much content, which is "between the lines" of what we do not see. Or think of it is an 80 minutes long good music video.

I am not sure why this story with potential was so short and skipped so many possible moments. What was there is good, even thought the BL element was until the end more "in the imagination"; not in a bad way, but still kinda unmanifested. The highlight of the series was aptly to the theme and title the really beautiful music, which truly stood out.

Still, it was a good appetizer for a full show that this wasn't. But what it was were 80 good minutes to spend.

As such
7.5 of 10

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