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A Gentle Story, Outstanding Acting, and Every Character Matters, Excellent Character Development.
DUTY FIRST, KISS LATER — 10/10
* Positive Points
It has genuinely been a long time since I last gave a BL series a perfect 10/10. After watching so many Thai BLs recently and gradually growing tired of them, I happened to discover the Japanese series *Duty First, Kiss Later*. After finishing it, I can confidently say that this series absolutely deserves its score.
Although it has a few minor flaws, they barely affect the overall quality. From the script, acting, and character development to the cinematography, music, and technical execution, everything is handled so well that I can hardly find any significant weaknesses.
1. Script and Pacing
The story is light and easy to enjoy while still managing to keep the audience curious. The pacing is consistent, never dragging, and the dialogue feels natural without being unnecessary or overly cheesy. More importantly, the series delivers unexpected moments that remain convincing because the characters' psychological development is well written. I was genuinely surprised from the very first episode, something many BLs I've watched recently have failed to achieve.
2. The Two Main Characters
Heisuke Takoi is a mature, affectionate, and lovable character. Some viewers might find his indecisiveness frustrating, but I think it makes perfect sense for someone who is guided by his emotions and has never experienced being in love with another man. His awkwardness and shyness don't make him irritating. Instead, they highlight how endearing and genuine he is.
Shu Watanabe does an excellent job portraying Takoi's emotions, from perfectly timed comedic expressions to naturally awkward and vulnerable moments. The fact that everyone around Takoi cares for and cherishes him also feels entirely believable given the warm personality the series has established.
Shiono Shu, on the other hand, is straightforward and logical, always saying exactly what's on his mind. He can sometimes come across as lacking empathy, but his direct approach to solving problems gives him a unique and endearing charm. Beneath that exterior is someone who genuinely cares about Takoi, even if he doesn't always express his feelings through words.
Shiono's emotional development is conveyed clearly, especially during the confession scenes. Some lines last only a few seconds, yet they are powerful enough to move the audience to tears. This is the result of thoughtful dialogue and subtle, effective acting.
3. The Romance Between the Main Couple
The chemistry between Takoi and Shiono is one of the series' greatest strengths. Their date in episode 5 is both adorable and natural, creating genuine emotional warmth without relying on elaborate dialogue.
By episode 9, their dates and the proposal further demonstrate how mature their relationship has become. Everything feels so authentic that I genuinely feel as though I'm watching a real-life couple rather than two fictional characters.
The proposal scene is particularly touching. Its dialogue is simple but emotionally powerful, never becoming overly sentimental or cheesy. The brief revelation about their past connection is also presented clearly and charmingly without unnecessary exposition. Knowing that Takoi was Shiono's first love makes their relationship even more special.
I also appreciate how they navigate their relationship as mature adults: they communicate directly, treat each other thoughtfully, and don't deliberately postpone resolving issues just to drag out the storyline.
4. Supporting Characters and Comedy
The supporting cast is used very effectively. From the bar owner and his wife to the police officers, every character has their own personality and contributes to highlighting the two leads. Their dialogue is minimal but purposeful, with nothing that feels unnecessary. The bar owner is particularly perceptive, while Kamekichi the turtle is an incredibly adorable little detail.
The series also delivers natural comedy, relying primarily on facial expressions and acting rather than excessive sound effects. For example, Takoi's reaction at around the 6:40 mark in episode 9 is simple yet hilarious, perfectly fitting his character.
This is something I particularly appreciate: the series doesn't need to exaggerate situations or constantly insert sound effects to make the audience laugh. The humor comes directly from the actors and how they portray their characters.
5. Cinematography and Music
The visuals, cinematography, and makeup are all handled with care. The background music is gentle and appropriately placed during emotional and romantic scenes, enhancing the atmosphere without overpowering the performances.
Overall, the series feels mature and grounded in reality. The everyday moments between Takoi and Shiono are especially effective in making their relationship feel authentic, rather than like an overly manufactured romance.
*Negative Points
The only aspect that left me somewhat dissatisfied was the storyline involving the con-artist father in episode 4. The resolution feels somewhat lacking in depth, particularly when it comes to the little girl's psychological state. I think the series could have explored her emotions and trauma more thoroughly to make this storyline more convincing and emotionally impactful.
However, this is only a minor flaw and does not significantly affect the overall quality of the series.
Conclusion — 10/10
It has been a very long time since I found a BL series that made me want to give it a perfect score of 10/10. *Duty First, Kiss Later* gets almost everything right, from the script and pacing to character development, acting, and technical execution.
What I appreciate most is that the emotions come directly from the characters and the actors' performances, rather than relying on sound effects or exaggerated techniques to force the audience to laugh or cry.
In particular, when compared with some recent Thai BLs, especially productions from GMMTV, the difference is striking. I'm honestly so tired of series that overuse sound effects to manufacture comedy, exaggerate characters' reactions, or constantly drag out unnecessary plot points until the audience practically wants to fall asleep. Meanwhile, *Duty First, Kiss Later* proves that a good series doesn't need to rely on any of these tricks. The emotions, humor, and romantic moments all come from the acting, facial expressions, and characters' psychology. **That's what makes a series genuinely resonate with its audience.**
In short, this is absolutely a BL series worth watching. **10/10** — not because it's completely flawless, but because its strengths far outweigh its minor shortcomings.
* Positive Points
It has genuinely been a long time since I last gave a BL series a perfect 10/10. After watching so many Thai BLs recently and gradually growing tired of them, I happened to discover the Japanese series *Duty First, Kiss Later*. After finishing it, I can confidently say that this series absolutely deserves its score.
Although it has a few minor flaws, they barely affect the overall quality. From the script, acting, and character development to the cinematography, music, and technical execution, everything is handled so well that I can hardly find any significant weaknesses.
1. Script and Pacing
The story is light and easy to enjoy while still managing to keep the audience curious. The pacing is consistent, never dragging, and the dialogue feels natural without being unnecessary or overly cheesy. More importantly, the series delivers unexpected moments that remain convincing because the characters' psychological development is well written. I was genuinely surprised from the very first episode, something many BLs I've watched recently have failed to achieve.
2. The Two Main Characters
Heisuke Takoi is a mature, affectionate, and lovable character. Some viewers might find his indecisiveness frustrating, but I think it makes perfect sense for someone who is guided by his emotions and has never experienced being in love with another man. His awkwardness and shyness don't make him irritating. Instead, they highlight how endearing and genuine he is.
Shu Watanabe does an excellent job portraying Takoi's emotions, from perfectly timed comedic expressions to naturally awkward and vulnerable moments. The fact that everyone around Takoi cares for and cherishes him also feels entirely believable given the warm personality the series has established.
Shiono Shu, on the other hand, is straightforward and logical, always saying exactly what's on his mind. He can sometimes come across as lacking empathy, but his direct approach to solving problems gives him a unique and endearing charm. Beneath that exterior is someone who genuinely cares about Takoi, even if he doesn't always express his feelings through words.
Shiono's emotional development is conveyed clearly, especially during the confession scenes. Some lines last only a few seconds, yet they are powerful enough to move the audience to tears. This is the result of thoughtful dialogue and subtle, effective acting.
3. The Romance Between the Main Couple
The chemistry between Takoi and Shiono is one of the series' greatest strengths. Their date in episode 5 is both adorable and natural, creating genuine emotional warmth without relying on elaborate dialogue.
By episode 9, their dates and the proposal further demonstrate how mature their relationship has become. Everything feels so authentic that I genuinely feel as though I'm watching a real-life couple rather than two fictional characters.
The proposal scene is particularly touching. Its dialogue is simple but emotionally powerful, never becoming overly sentimental or cheesy. The brief revelation about their past connection is also presented clearly and charmingly without unnecessary exposition. Knowing that Takoi was Shiono's first love makes their relationship even more special.
I also appreciate how they navigate their relationship as mature adults: they communicate directly, treat each other thoughtfully, and don't deliberately postpone resolving issues just to drag out the storyline.
4. Supporting Characters and Comedy
The supporting cast is used very effectively. From the bar owner and his wife to the police officers, every character has their own personality and contributes to highlighting the two leads. Their dialogue is minimal but purposeful, with nothing that feels unnecessary. The bar owner is particularly perceptive, while Kamekichi the turtle is an incredibly adorable little detail.
The series also delivers natural comedy, relying primarily on facial expressions and acting rather than excessive sound effects. For example, Takoi's reaction at around the 6:40 mark in episode 9 is simple yet hilarious, perfectly fitting his character.
This is something I particularly appreciate: the series doesn't need to exaggerate situations or constantly insert sound effects to make the audience laugh. The humor comes directly from the actors and how they portray their characters.
5. Cinematography and Music
The visuals, cinematography, and makeup are all handled with care. The background music is gentle and appropriately placed during emotional and romantic scenes, enhancing the atmosphere without overpowering the performances.
Overall, the series feels mature and grounded in reality. The everyday moments between Takoi and Shiono are especially effective in making their relationship feel authentic, rather than like an overly manufactured romance.
*Negative Points
The only aspect that left me somewhat dissatisfied was the storyline involving the con-artist father in episode 4. The resolution feels somewhat lacking in depth, particularly when it comes to the little girl's psychological state. I think the series could have explored her emotions and trauma more thoroughly to make this storyline more convincing and emotionally impactful.
However, this is only a minor flaw and does not significantly affect the overall quality of the series.
Conclusion — 10/10
It has been a very long time since I found a BL series that made me want to give it a perfect score of 10/10. *Duty First, Kiss Later* gets almost everything right, from the script and pacing to character development, acting, and technical execution.
What I appreciate most is that the emotions come directly from the characters and the actors' performances, rather than relying on sound effects or exaggerated techniques to force the audience to laugh or cry.
In particular, when compared with some recent Thai BLs, especially productions from GMMTV, the difference is striking. I'm honestly so tired of series that overuse sound effects to manufacture comedy, exaggerate characters' reactions, or constantly drag out unnecessary plot points until the audience practically wants to fall asleep. Meanwhile, *Duty First, Kiss Later* proves that a good series doesn't need to rely on any of these tricks. The emotions, humor, and romantic moments all come from the acting, facial expressions, and characters' psychology. **That's what makes a series genuinely resonate with its audience.**
In short, this is absolutely a BL series worth watching. **10/10** — not because it's completely flawless, but because its strengths far outweigh its minor shortcomings.
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