The Never Let Me Go series that We Deserve
I have to admit, I didn’t plan to start this series when it first aired, even though I was intrigued by the interactions of WinnySatang in their breakout series My School President and the not-so-great We Are.But one day, I had a change of heart and decided to give That Summer a chance. What I didn’t anticipate was the production quality and the chemistry between the leads. Yes, the amnesia trope is predictable and occasionally contrived, but you can feel the show trying to put a different spin on it. It uses unique colour grading, a slice-of-life narrative, and lovable, morally ambiguous side characters.
It feels like a mash-up of Call Me By Your Name, Never Let Me Go, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It reminds you of the aesthetics and sexual tension of Call Me By Your Name, the secluded setting and high-stakes theme of Never Let Me Go, and of course, the “we will try to find each other in every universe” vibe of Eternal Sunshine.
It is an endearing experience. It reminds you of what the other BL series Never Let Me Go, where the major plot is set on an isolated island and the leads are stranded, could have been. The pacing of That Summer is much faster, spanning only 10 episodes. The narrative keeps moving, which is a stark contrast to the “start to drag midway through” approach found in Never Let Me Go and similar shows that have strong starts. However, I sometimes feel it moves too fast, leaving you barely enough room to process events or let the characters marinate in their emotions.
Still, I generally enjoy what the show offers and what it attempts to do. I would definitely recommend watching it for the production value, the WinnySatang chemistry, and the amazing soundtrack.
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The Mature BL series We Need
Moonlight Chicken serves as a realistic take on the slice-of-life stories within the gay community. Starting from the perspective of a mature man, it explores the socioeconomic struggles and romantic worldviews of ordinary city dwellers.In addition, it is one of the very first BL series to introduce a disabled person as a major romantic lead. This refreshing representation not only depicts the authentic struggles of the deaf community but also shows how love and connection can transcend language barriers.
And of course, my favorite actor Khaotung proves himself yet again to be a versatile actor, delivering a deeply emotional performance.
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A Chaotic, Heartwarming Twist on the Genre
Set against a college backdrop, this rom-com is a fluffy and hilarious treat for BL fans. However, by introducing subjects like body image struggles and self-worth, it attempts to reinvent the formulaic university romance genre, shedding light on mental health issues often overlooked in dating culture.The interactions between the two protagonists, PondPhuwin, remain heartwarming throughout. The series also features the breakout BL performance of the actor Louis as the character Meen. His chaotic chemistry with Neo (who plays Duean) quickly became a meme and spawned a massive fandom of its own.
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Art of the Anti-Hero
This is perhaps the BL series that most authentically reflects the darker side of the gay community. It is a remarkably ambitious project that refuses to shy away from the complex, sometimes toxic, reality of romantic and sexual relationships. The series' greatest achievement is the exceptional development of its six main characters: Sand, Ray, Boston, Mew, Top, and Nick.This ensemble is deliberately constructed to be flawed and deeply human, creating a dynamic where their lives constantly interlock, resulting in both passion and self-destruction. Every protagonist makes morally questionable decisions, often driven by self-hatred, emotional yearning, deep-seated insecurity, a fear of commitment, or simple emotional manipulation. They are not written as heroes; they are written as people in varying states of emotional disrepair.
Crucially, the screenwriters don't just present these dark deeds for shock value. They invest plenty of time to explain the rationale, the trauma, and the complex internal logic behind each morally ambiguous choice. This depth is what forces the audience to engage and empathize. We may hate their actions, but we are made to understand their pain.
This unwavering commitment to presenting flawed characters in a mature, non-judgmental light elevates Only Friends from a simple drama to a profound character study. The result is a messy, yet utterly compelling, narrative that earns the audience's sympathy for its sinners, solidifying its place as a groundbreaking piece of modern Thai BL television.
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Absolute Cinema
It is rare to find a series where every single creative element aligns so perfectly, but this show is that rare exception. It is a masterclass in storytelling where the casting feels destined rather than chosen; the actors don’t just play their characters, they inhabit them with a chemistry that feels lived-in and raw. The plot moves with a precision that never wastes a moment, balancing narrative tension and character development seamlessly.Visually, the cinematography treats every frame like a painting, elevating the genre to new heights. But what truly cements this series as a masterpiece is the music. The score is its own character, guiding the emotional heartbeat of the story. The way the soundtrack swells during the final scene didn't just accompany the moment. It defined it. It completely broke me, leaving a lingering emotional impact that I haven't been able to shake off since the credits roll.
No further explanation is needed. This is a perfect 10/10. If you still haven’t watched it, I honestly don’t know what you are doing with your life.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Grounded Political Thriller with A Romantic Twist
Not Me is a political thriller masquerading as a romantic drama. The performance by Gun is outstanding; he tackles two distinct roles with immense depth and nuance. You can clearly see the effort he has put into expanding his acting range.His on-screen chemistry with Off is off the charts as always, anchoring a tragic, gritty, and chilling story that is particularly relevant to today’s political climate.
The ending reimagines the possibilities of what a BL series can be. It is grounded and bittersweet, yet still provides a glimmer of hope for the audience.
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The OG Comfort Show
Theory of Love is one of the very first BL series I watched and it introduced me to the legendary pairing of OffGun. Because of that, this series means a lot to me.The first half of the plot is incredibly relatable to my personal experience of unrequited love. I couldn’t stop sobbing every time I rewatched it. Whenever the theme song "Fake Protagonist" plays, it brings back all those heart-wrenching emotions.
Beyond the emotion, I really dig how the episodes are structured and how the series was promoted. The show honors its film-student characters by heavily referencing rom-com classics in a clever way.
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