Minoli Palihena

I wasn’t planning on leaving a comment, but if anyone from the production team reads MDL comments, I hope they take this as constructive criticism. Honestly, the first few episodes (1-3) looked like they were leading to something promising, but it quickly started going downhill. It’s not even just about casting a minor or having leads with a noticeable age gap. Sure, it’s a bit uncomfortable to see a real high schooler in such an intense role, but in the end, it all comes down to talent and how the story connects with the audience.

You can’t always compare remakes, but what made Addicted (2016) and Stay With Me (2023) stand out was how they captured the heart of the story in their own way. Addicted adapted the novel closely with all the right intensity and passion, while Stay With Me nailed the chemistry, even with heavy censorship. Sometimes, great acting can let emotions speak just through facial expressions alone.

I think August did well—he’s experienced, but Mac, as a rookie, probably should’ve passed on this lead role. He didn’t seem quite ready for it. At the very least, casting directors should’ve put him through more workshops to prep for such a challenging character. With better chemistry, they might’ve achieved what Stay With Me did, but honestly, the casting there was spot-on.

At this point, it feels like all live adaptations of Addicted are jinxed. Each one has run into some issue, and now the Thai remake joins that list. They had a real chance to get it right, but some bad decisions held them back. My only hope is that maybe Taiwan, or even South Korea, will one day take on the story and finally do it justice.

This might be a very unpopular opinion, but I’m struggling to connect with the chemistry between Charles and Michael in this series. While their acting complements each other, the tension between them just doesn’t land for me the way it does with the second couple. I usually enjoy seeing actors paired with different co-stars in different dramas, but it’s hard not to compare when both Charles and Michael had such incredible chemistry with their previous partners—Anson and Alex, respectively. That might be why I’m not feeling the same sparks here. With only 2 eps left, I’d say the series has been mid at best, but still worth a quick binge.

Honestly, the problems with the show go way beyond the age gap now. The plot is all over the place, and the editing keeps getting worse with each episode. The jealousy trope was cringey, and it felt weird to see Only suddenly get interested in Pop. We're already at episode 8 with just two more left, and it feels like the show started strong but went downhill fast. I think August, as a more experienced actor, is doing okay, but Mac, being a rookie, might not have been the best pick for the lead in this kind of show. At this point, it feels like all live adaptations of Addicted are jinxed. I just hope Taiwan can step in and finally do this story justice.

I came across a few comments claiming the show is homophobic and doesn't deserve another season, and honestly, I feel like that kind of criticism is unfair. Sure, this series isn’t for everyone, but Taiwan is known for its slow-burn BLs that tend to be more realistic compared to the more commercialized BLs we see from other countries. I'm reading the novel, and it has tags like "slice-of-life," "childhood trauma," "step-brothers," "absent parents," "separation" etc. The series follows these themes closely, and I think people forget it’s pretty faithful to the source material.

To me, this show feels more like a slice-of-life drama than a typical BL. No character comes off as homophobic, and I never felt like there was any queerbaiting. The show did a great job portraying the teenage angst, confusion, and emotions of both SW and JT, especially since they both come from broken families and found comfort in each other. When SW realizes that his feelings for JT are the same as Shi Yu’s feelings for his girlfriend, he freaks out—and it makes perfect sense! If anyone thought his realization came out of nowhere, I have to wonder if we watched the same show. Their journey was about them slowly coming to terms with their feelings—it wasn’t sudden, and I love how the creators let us figure it out through small moments rather than spelling it out. That's the beauty of cinema.

People should also remember that this story takes place in an Asian context. Falling for your stepbrother, regardless of sexuality, would be a huge deal, especially in a conservative society. I grew up in a South Asian household, so I totally get how complicated that can be. Being gay is already a big deal in our cultures, and falling for a step-sibling would be even more difficult to navigate. 2012 was still different than now. SW and JT were still teenagers navigating new emotions, and no one’s going to act on things right away when they're still figuring stuff out. The show captures this perfectly.

The creators nailed teenage love, angst, family/school pressure, and so much more through mundane moments rather than over-the-top drama. That’s what made it special. If you love a slow burn, aren’t focused on physical intimacy, and appreciate small, meaningful moments with characters that have great chemistry, this series is definitely worth watching. Sure, no series is perfect, and this one has its flaws, but most of the issues were minor and didn’t affect the main story. This show absolutely deserves another season. It’s such an honest and refreshing take on youth and BL storytelling.

Episode 12 felt like I was walking on eggshells with SW. The tension between SW and JT was insane, and there were so many unspoken feelings it almost hurt to watch. I felt so bad for both of them. Every time SW dodged JT’s questions or called him "Ge," I was about to lose it. And watching JT hold back his anger and tears? Ugh, it was heartbreaking. It was just as tough seeing SW struggle with his feelings for his stepbrother.

But at least we got something good from the finale—SW finally figured out that his feelings for JT aren't just platonic. Hearing his inner thoughts and seeing him come to terms with liking JT romantically was huge, but I still wish we had more insight into JT’s perspective. The ending definitely leaves room for a 2nd season, and I really hope we get one.

I'm a sucker for slow-burns, and this show did it perfectly. They really took their time with SW and JT’s relationship, showing us their gradual journey from the start. I love how they stayed true to the story's essence, especially with them being high school students and still figuring themselves out. The hesitation, the fear—they nailed those feelings so well, and it matched the characters perfectly.

I honestly never felt the need for more intimacy because the way they built the story felt right. Forcing anything just for the sake of it being a BL would have felt out of place. Plus, we have to remember they’re still young, only 17, and dealing with a lot of unfamiliar emotions, while also being family.

This show was brilliant. After Unknown, it’s the best BL from Taiwan this year, hands down. I’m really hoping for another season because I think their story as adults will have even more depth. Huge praise to the cast and crew—everything about this production was fantastic, and it’s definitely one of the best BLs of the year! I'm certainly gonna miss commenting on them hereafter. Wednesdays & Thursdays are going to be boring. Fingers crossed for good news tho!

Holy Sh*t, the ending of episode 11 had me floored! And I’m not even talking about the dad’s infidelity scene—I’m talking about SW finally starting to act on his feelings for JT. I was like, “Dude, not the right time!” and thankfully, he didn’t do it. Good call! The whole scene was intense, especially JT’s reaction, the heavy breathing, the quick glance down... you could just FEEL what was going through his head.

This is exactly why I love a slow burn done right! The tension, the unspoken emotions, and all the little details say so much without needing words. I know some people might think it’s too slow, but honestly, they’ve nailed the pace of a high school romance. Everyone falls in love at their own speed, and this just feels realistic. This is the first BL since Unknown that’s got me this excited to comment.

I’m so ready for the final episode! JT obviously still has some serious trauma to work through, and it’s totally understandable if he’s hesitant. But SW is going to be the key to his healing, it's obvious enough by now. I did hate “JT’s Very Moment” for the first time, though. That poor kid didn’t deserve to see what he saw, and it’s just heartbreaking to think about how much he’s bottled up because of his past.

We might not get a perfect ending, but I have hope! Since this story has more books, I’m crossing my fingers for S2. Everything about this show—from the cast to the production—is top-notch, so we really need a strong comeback! Take your time, analyze all your possibilities, and give us good news!

The Thai remake actually had a pretty promising start, and even with all the drama about the age gap and casting a minor, I was willing to give it a shot and watch it with a fresh perspective, forgetting about the other versions. I read the book ages ago, so I don’t remember all the details, but I do know that the 2016 version stuck super close to the novel. And honestly, if that’s what the Thai creators are going for, this remake just isn’t it fam.

If they really wanted to cast a high-schooler, they should’ve done what Stay With Me did. It was loosely adapted from the original material, and even though it had heavy censorship and played more like bromance, the chemistry was insane. They somehow managed to make it obvious that it was a romance without even needing any explicit scenes. The connection between the leads was so strong that you could feel it in every moment.

But the Thai version? There are too many inconsistencies to overlook. I think August is doing a great job; his expressions are on point, and he really nails those emotional scenes. But Mac, being a rookie, might not have been ready for a role like this. Their characters are supposed to be super intense and passionate, with a toxic, complicated dynamic. But this version feels so watered down. It’s too polished, and the intensity just isn’t there. The stakes don’t feel as high, and the chemistry isn’t strong enough to pull you into their world. Without that raw, gritty connection, the plot loses momentum, and it’s hard to stay fully invested.

It really does seem like Addicted just can't catch a break with live adaptations. Every version so far has hit some kind of roadblock. I’m just holding out hope that Taiwan might give this story a shot someday. If anyone could finally get it right, they could pull it off. Somebody needs to break the jinx and do this story justice!

Such a beautifully crafted drama. I can’t help but wonder if the cast faced any challenges portraying their characters, especially since the series dealt with heavy themes like SA, r*pe, and unaliving. The leads in particular must’ve had a hard time disconnecting from those emotions after filming, but they all did a brilliant job. Watching their trauma unfold was heartbreaking, but I’m glad it ended on a hopeful note, tying back to the title, Happy of the End.
Japan really never disappoints, and I love how they keep pushing the boundaries of BL as a genre. Even though this might not strictly be a BL, but more of a drama with a gay couple as the leads, it was still a great effort. The cast was amazing, and the story is definitely worth investing time in!

It would seriously be a crime if we don’t get a 2nd season. The cast is amazing, and since it’s based on a novel, they clearly have a direction to take the plot. The producers must know by now that this show is a hit internationally, so there’s no need to rush. I just want them to take their time and give us a well-executed S2.
The last thing I want is for it to turn into another WBL situation where the 2nd season was a total downgrade. That would be such a disappointment.

I honestly don’t mind the slow build-up between the leads at all. From the start, it was clear this was a slow burn, so I kinda expected it. It might be frustrating for some, but for a high school romance set 10+ years ago, it really fits. Social media wasn’t huge yet, and people definitely weren’t as open about their sexuality, especially in an Asian setting. We’ve come so far since then.

Anyway, I loved how episode 10 ended. JT's walls are finally starting to break down thanks to SW. Only 2 episodes left, and I’m curious where they’ll leave things. Neither of them has openly admitted their feelings yet, and given the family dynamics, I’m not sure we’ll get a completely happy ending. But that just leaves hope for a 2nd season, which this show definitely deserves! They’ve laid such a strong foundation for their relationship this season, and another season could really flesh it out.

As for the teachers' love triangle, I thought the 2 male teachers were dating, but now I’m confused. The guy who’s friends with the female teacher seems frustrated that she said she likes the other dude. It’s probably just for the drama, but I’d have much preferred a side plot with Pepper and Tian Yang. Tian Yang’s chaotic energy is so fun, and he deserves his romance with his crush on Pepper. Missed opportunity there!

This show has been the saving grace for BLs in the 2nd half of the year, just like Unknown was for the 1st half. Taiwan really knows how to deliver quality stories. I’m gonna miss this after next week, but fingers crossed we get good news for S2—I really want to see their adult love story!

Episode 9 was really fun. While it didn’t add much to the plot, it showed the whole high school vibe perfectly. So much nostalgia, especially since I was in high school back in 2012. It’s just a feel-good, slice-of-life episode, and we got to see SW and JT getting even closer. SW calling JT "Ge" was such a cute highlight! The fact that we don’t get those little special JT moments at the end of the episodes anymore shows how far they’ve come—he’s not hiding his feelings for SW now, he’s openly showing he cares, which is huge. Though, I do kinda miss those secret moments.

Some people are annoyed by the love triangle with the teachers, but honestly, I’ve just been ignoring it since it’s just a side plot. It feels like the two male teachers are jealous, thinking the other guy likes the female teacher. And it also might indicate that one of them could be Bi. But the female teacher hasn't really shown any romantic interest in either of them yet, so I’m not sure where they’re going with that. Her character can be a little too in-your-face sometimes though. Also, that kidnapping scene? Made zero sense and was brushed off way too easily. And JH keeps getting away with all his crap—he set SW up to get beaten and now kidnapped a teacher to threaten her?! He’s digging his own grave with how disliked he is.

Despite some inconsistencies, I still think the plot is strong. Nothing’s perfect, but the slow burn is so well done. Even with just 3 episodes left, I hope they wrap things up neatly, and fingers crossed for another season!

It feels like this version is really missing something that made the other adaptations, like Addicted and Stay With Me, so good. Episode 6 gave the vibe that Pop and Hero have been living together peacefully for a while, and even though they haven’t officially started dating, it seems like they’re already sleeping together? The progression feels weird and kind of rushed.

Mac’s age is also throwing things off for me. If they wanted to stay true to the source material, they could’ve cast someone closer to August’s age or at least older than 19-20. Mac seems promising as a rookie actor, but his expressions need more range. He often has that same annoyed look, and it’s not helping with the emotional depth of his character.

It also feels like they’re playing it way too safe. If they wanted to keep it more "vanilla," they could’ve skipped the fake kisses and sleeping together scenes altogether. Those parts just feel off. Even without a lot of intimacy, Stay With Me nailed the chemistry and plot. And the OG Addicted? that was on another level with its raw intensity and angst. Ironically we never got the full story from either version. The core of what makes Addicted so compelling is that raw, unfiltered intensity between the leads. Their relationship is full of tension, angst, and this constant push-pull dynamic that just sucks you in. It’s messy, brutal, and at times, unhinged, but that’s what drives the whole plot forward. In this version, it feels like that edge is completely missing. It’s almost like they’ve dulled down the very thing that made Addicted so gripping in the first place.

I guess my frustration comes from the fact that this Thai version had the chance to finally complete Addicted properly, but somehow, they’re still falling short. It’s like every live adaptation of Addicted is cursed or something. Maybe Taiwan could step in one day and give us the adaptation we deserve—they’re so good at slow-burn storytelling, and that could work wonders for this plot.

Bahaha, only Japan can do chaotic BLs that aren't so cringy to watch. Maybe we're so wired to their anime/manga aesthetic that I can personally appreciate the exaggerated expressions and dialogues. This show seems like a lot of fun; we just have to sit back and enjoy it without questioning the logic.

This show is a real emotional rollercoaster. Chihiro and Haoran are seriously strong to have gone through what they have. It's a pretty unique series with a dark plot, and the cast is doing a really good job. I wouldn't exactly call it a BL series, as their romance is just a small part of it. Even though their dynamic is kind of dysfunctional and toxic, I think after the events in episode 6, they'll start being more genuine with each other. I really hope leads get the happy ending they deserve.

I have very mixed feelings about the ending. Honestly, I wasn't expecting a happy ending for any of the characters, and since this wasn’t purely a romance, I was ready for an open or realistic conclusion. While they gave some closure to the main couple, there are still so many unanswered questions. Great took accountability for assisting in the murder, but what about the hit-and-run? Are we just ignoring that? Does Tyme even know about it in the canon timeline? And how did the mom suddenly manage to escape the country? I was under the impression she died after getting shot.

As for Tonkla and Korn, their love story was doomed from the start. I don't even know why the writers tried to frame them as a Romeo and Juliet couple—it wasn’t even close to being that kind of honest love. They were toxic to each other, and the whole "sacrificing themselves for each other" felt like lazy writing to me. Bible and Jes had great chemistry, but as a couple, Great and Tyme didn't leave much of an emotional impact. The multiple versions of alternate realities might’ve played into that, as their relationship never felt fleshed out enough to create a meaningful bond.

That said, I really appreciate the unconventional approach to BL storytelling. Thailand is known for recycling the same plots, so this was a breath of fresh air. The cinematography was beautiful, but I was disappointed by the lack of a memorable OST. KP had a killer soundtrack, and it feels like BOC didn’t even try for this series. Great and Tyme definitely deserved their own song!

Overall, it was a good watch, and I applaud BOC for trying something new. I also really loved how Bible and Jes promoted this series. They had their own personal flow during interviews, and there was no forced fan service, which was refreshing. It’s a relief to see that no one was catering to overbearing fans' fantasies or delusions. I’ve long since learned to separate shipping culture from reality, and this is the kind of progress I want to see—for the sake of actors’ mental health and personal lives.

This was such a great short watch! And don't even get me started on the tension between Ho Tae and Dong Hee—it was piercing through the screen. These two had such incredible chemistry in Unintentional Love Story with their limited screen time, and now they got their own show! I was literally screaming silently because their chemistry was just that good!

I know this is a prequel, but honestly, they deserve their own sequel too. Even though we got a somewhat satisfying ending for them in ULS, it felt like there was still so much more room to explore how their relationship progressed after that. I highly doubt we’ll see them as a couple again since K-BLs rarely recycle their pairs, but I’m just happy we got this.

The plot wasn’t the best out there, but it worked well enough to give us a glimpse into Ho Tae’s and Dong Hee’s beginnings. It was pretty clear that Dong Hee wasn’t accepted by his father because he came out, though I wasn’t sure if he was out at school. Maybe not, or else he might’ve been bullied. Either way, it was great to see an openly gay character in a K-BL for once, since they usually clarify liking just one specific guy rather than identifying as gay.

Anyway, the leads did a fantastic job. If you're looking for a quick, short watch, this is a great recommendation. Plus, it’s a perfect start for anyone who hasn’t seen Unintentional Love Story. Since this pair was the second lead in that series, you’ll get to see their story come full circle and find closure there, maybe not fully but satisfactory.

It’s so hard to explain the feeling this series gives you. It seriously reminds me of my high school days, back in 2012, when technology hadn’t completely taken over. We still had offline activities, and passing notes to your crush was a thing. So much nostalgia! The story feels like a warm blanket.

Beyond the BL aspect, I love how they depicted the parent-child relationships, especially how the parents are trying to make up for their sons' childhood traumas. The conversations between SW and JT with their respective parents were so heartfelt. And when SW hugged JT and told him he was home—it was just so wholesome. I love how JT is slowly breaking down his walls, showing more emotion, and letting people in.

The story is brilliantly crafted, and the cast is amazing. I can’t praise the thoughtfulness and emotions behind this series enough. It goes to show that even the simplest or most stereotypical story can feel extraordinary if told with a fresh perspective. Not every BL needs to have a complex plot to have value. Taiwan always nails the simplicity of everyday moments and turns them into masterful storytelling.

This is what sets Taiwanese BLs apart from other BLs, especially Thai ones. I really hope Thai producers learn from this because quality will always win over quantity.

Final thoughts as we say goodbye to this BL: I loved the plot. It was a college romance with really likable characters and two delicate leads. This wasn’t just a romance, but more of a slice-of-life or coming-of-age drama.

**Minor Spoilers** but nothing major—just some general thoughts.

Kohei was stuck in unrequited love for most of the story, and, given Taichi’s character, it took him until the very end to realize that what Kohei felt for him was mutual. Despite these long, painful emotions on both sides, I appreciated how the series shed light on the struggles of being partially deaf. There’s a big difference between being completely deaf and partially deaf, and people tend to overlook the latter. Kohei’s character depicted this so well that I really empathized with him and gained a new understanding of his challenges.

At first, Maya’s character seemed annoying, but when it became clear she wasn’t a love rival but more of a way to show another side of the struggles the lead faced, I found her role interesting and headstrong. It was clear that the creators had thought through these issues from different perspectives.

Kohei and Taichi had such different dynamics in their behavior and traits, but somehow they synced up. However, they both struggled with communication, and so much of their emotional pain could’ve been avoided if they’d just been honest with each other. I think Taichi was still discovering himself, while Kohei was always sure about his feelings for Taichi.

I especially loved how Taichi’s love for Kohei was portrayed, especially in his final conversation with Maya. He liked Kohei so much, even without realizing it, that he wanted to change the world to ease Kohei’s struggles.

Overall, I’m sticking with my 8/10 rating. There were a few minor gaps, but they’re dismissible. I haven’t read the manga, but I’ve heard the series stayed true to the source material. It’s a light-hearted yet emotional series about love and friendship that leaves you feeling calm and encourages empathy. Japan delivered once again. Highly recommend it for a short, heartfelt watch!

This series feels like a poem for the youth. From the leads to the side characters, everyone just radiates nostalgia and those simpler times. I absolutely love everything about the plot. SW and JT are finally on the same page, and the good times are slowly starting to roll in. I’m so glad that now, when the estranged dad comes into the picture, SW is there by JT’s side to give him a safe space.

The slow burn is hands down the best part, and I’m super grateful that the creators took the time to really build up their relationship, showing us every step of their journey. This is easily the best BL airing right now. I can’t praise the plot, acting, OST, and cinematography enough. I’m so excited to see the boys finally start living together!

After watching the first episode, I’m feeling a bit mixed. The concept is definitely fresh for a Thai BL, and I applaud the effort, but the screenwriting was meh. A good chunk of the episode, like those practice fights, could’ve been cut. And don’t even get me started on the bank robbery scene—it felt like a kid’s play! If they wanted to show the start of the hate between Jack and Joker, there had to be more convincing and realistic options. That just wasn’t it.
I love YinWar’s chemistry, especially after Love Mechanics, and I was really looking forward to this new project. The trailer looked promising, but after watching the first episode, I’m kind of doubting the rest. These episodes don’t need to be over an hour long—they definitely need some editing. I’m hoping they’ll redeem themselves, and I’ll give the creators the benefit of the doubt. It’s too early to jump to conclusions, but these are just my thoughts so far.
On the bright side, the cinematography is good, and the random humor, while a bit cringy, kind of works for me. And of course, the leads have great chemistry. We’ll see how things go from here!