Book Spoiler ahead (if you want to read lol)-------Pete couldn't report to Kinn because he was being held captive…
Oh yeah, that does make sense, thx! But does Kinn (or even Porsche at this point) not realise that Pete is missing for a month? 🤔 Its making me more and more curious now haha
The wait for the next episode is going to be tough!! I have had my qualms about some of the pacing and the soundtrack, but let me tell you that the piano version of the OST during the love making scene was so beautiful that I nearly shed tears. Of course, concerns over consent are being brought up again, which is fair, and the answer to it remains ambiguous. Edit: after reading more about people’s opinion on this (and statements from reaction videos), I will say that it’s true that the scene is disturbing due to Porsche not being able to fully consent and that we should indeed question whether or not the series is romanticising NC. As others have mentioned, I think Porsche’s perspective is crucial in determining whether or not the act was a violation of his body. Sure, he fended off against Vegas yet flirted and encouraged Kinn, but it’s good to keep in mind that this might be conveying toxic ideas of romance.
What is certain, however, is that the feelings of the characters are mutual and it is what drives the two to pursue their affections(in this fictive setting). Porsche, with some degree of consciousness, is reacting to his own growing attraction (still, this is not an excuse of course, as we should be wary of rationalising potential SA, esp if this is what Porsche feels next ep). Kinn, on the other hand, is still hesitant and afraid to act, due to his scars from the past. Yet, whilst sharing this moment with Porsche, he is pulled not once, not twice, but a multitude of times toward him. It is only when Porsche recalls their previous kiss from the pier, hinting that they both feel the same way (as forgetting it or not mentioning it is equivalent to a lack of significance for an individual, and is what Kinn had assumed for Porsche), that he finally gives in. Not simply to his own lust but to both of their desires.
Just like with the first kiss, the sex scene feels more like a moment of vulnerability for both, but especially for Kinn, a moment that allows Kinn to cast his deepest fear aside and open up to another person, on a physical and almost spiritual level. I believe that is what the choice of music tries to convey as well. It’s a moment of tenderness and warmth, not just an impulse to have sex, or Kinn would have refrained himself. It is a way for Kinn to finally « admit » to both himself and Porsche, that he likes him. Though, don’t get me wrong, the scene is artistically sensual and in a way that reminded me of mature Gay movies/short films from the 2000s. The body is a canvas of desire and it is being painted intimately, desperately (though morally questionable).
The two have feelings but it has yet to transform into a love that grants clarity and courage, a love that enables the kind of complete trust in each other that they would be able to go up against the world together. We’re not there yet, and given the spoilers from the novel that I’ve seen, that lack of absolute confidence will lead to a retreat from both. Kinn might act coldly and push Porsche away, Porsche might be shaken, unable to fully acknowledge the intimacy they shared. And hopefully, this stage of confusion, of panic, of escape will only reinforce what they had previously confirmed: their ardour for each other can no longer be restrained, contained, dismissed.
Phew, all of that to say that this episode was the death of me, and I’m not sure i have the patience required to breathe until the next ep, but we’ll see once we get there. I’d like to also mention Kim and Porschay, whom I thought were introduced/re-introduced simply but efficiently. The episode nicely set up a link between the two: Porschay being a fan of Kim and even choosing his faculty because of him (making their meeting seem less forced and coincidental), then Kim realising he is Porsche’s brother and taking up PC’s offer to tutor him. Again, I appreciate the detail about how Kim initially refused PC, and only accepted when he had use for him. It’s more realistic that way, and doesn’t fall into the cliche of love-at-first-sight.
Speaking of which, another detail is that Kim does not notice Porschay in the crowd until PC speaks up, which again, is more realistic. Oftentimes, two characters meet eyes the moment they enter the scene, sharing an attraction already (which is fine but just overdone esp in BL),. The execution here is more natural. It also means that the gradual softening of Kim will be more believable and satisfying, especially given how cautious and reticent he seems to be right now.
I mentioned it before but I really love the hidden identity trope, and this is EXACTLY what I wanted. I thought that, at most, Kim would hide his identity but would become friends(and later lovers) with PC, with no ulterior motives. Even, perhaps, staying in the dark about PC’s connection to Porsche entirely. But Kim getting closer to Porschay deliberately like this to get more info on Porsche is certainly very intriguing. Can’t wait to see how it plays out. Someone else here had also mentioned that KimPorschay reminded them of 2gether and the ressemblance is uncanny, it’s not even funny💀. I personally was not very fond of 2gether, but it’s funny to see the commonalities between them since I’m becoming very invested in KimPorschay.
Lastly, just wanted to mention PeteVegas. In the ending scene of this episode, we see Vegas smirking whilst touching the injury he got to his jaw from Porsche. I like how it foreshadows his sadism, and how it might have even triggered his desire to pursue a sadomasochistic relationship (which we know Pete will be a victim of). My question is, given that Pete does not consent to the earlier sex that he is brought into by Vegas, how does he not report it to Kinn the first time it occurs (since it becomes an ongoing trauma for him from what I heard)? I’m going to assume that he is too ashamed or perhaps even threatened to keep it a secret by Vegas but I feel like it is more intricate than that. So yeah, if someone wants to, they can spoil me about that.
Well, that was fun to write. Oh yeah, forgot to mention Tankhun slamming Vegas with the tray. Could there be anyone more iconic? Also, forgive me, but they lowkey had some chemistry in that scene, it wouldn’t hurt to imagine… In any case, once again, those who read till the end, you are the best <3 Feel free to comment anything you agreed or disagreed with or even just smth you wanted to add to my review :) Peace out
i can see that, and most likely not as I don't usually read the novel but if I feel particularly inspired after the series i wouldn't mind giving it a go! I think i'd just be troubled by how different kinn is in the novel compared to the series (which the first trailer seemed to emulate more)
that's neat, i havent read the book so im v curious to see what he's like! esp with everything ive heard, I'll prob deeply sympathize with him or straight up kind of dislike him I feel
Me 2! I gotta wait till 19:00 actually and even than...I decided to watch it with my friend so I gotta wait for…
Oh nice! European fan struggles indeed, goodluck with the wait then!! On the positive side, we don't need to wait another week this time (gosh that was testing me)
I live in Europe so I'll have to wait until 6PM to watch the new ep tmrw, im so impatient, it's killing mee (there better not be any delays this time), in any case, who is everyone's favourite character? I need some distraction
im genuinely kind of curious about how much they will show given the +21/+18 rating. As a comparison, is Cutie…
true, the way I feel like we're either going to come back empty handed tmrw or get a full course menu Either way, what interests me most is actually how Porsche will feel about this. Unlike Kinn, he doesn't seem to have had any prior experience with men so I look forward to seeing a potential reflection on his identity or even a crisis
It's 1am rn and I wanna see someone naked in ep 4. Already imagining. Wild.
im genuinely kind of curious about how much they will show given the +21/+18 rating. As a comparison, is Cutie Pie also 18+? Cause last ep or two they showed wayyy more than I anticipated
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Thx for replying!
Its making me more and more curious now haha
https://twitter.com/liltsulil/status/1520524731652489218
What is certain, however, is that the feelings of the characters are mutual and it is what drives the two to pursue their affections(in this fictive setting). Porsche, with some degree of consciousness, is reacting to his own growing attraction (still, this is not an excuse of course, as we should be wary of rationalising potential SA, esp if this is what Porsche feels next ep). Kinn, on the other hand, is still hesitant and afraid to act, due to his scars from the past. Yet, whilst sharing this moment with Porsche, he is pulled not once, not twice, but a multitude of times toward him. It is only when Porsche recalls their previous kiss from the pier, hinting that they both feel the same way (as forgetting it or not mentioning it is equivalent to a lack of significance for an individual, and is what Kinn had assumed for Porsche), that he finally gives in. Not simply to his own lust but to both of their desires.
Just like with the first kiss, the sex scene feels more like a moment of vulnerability for both, but especially for Kinn, a moment that allows Kinn to cast his deepest fear aside and open up to another person, on a physical and almost spiritual level. I believe that is what the choice of music tries to convey as well. It’s a moment of tenderness and warmth, not just an impulse to have sex, or Kinn would have refrained himself. It is a way for Kinn to finally « admit » to both himself and Porsche, that he likes him. Though, don’t get me wrong, the scene is artistically sensual and in a way that reminded me of mature Gay movies/short films from the 2000s. The body is a canvas of desire and it is being painted intimately, desperately (though morally questionable).
The two have feelings but it has yet to transform into a love that grants clarity and courage, a love that enables the kind of complete trust in each other that they would be able to go up against the world together. We’re not there yet, and given the spoilers from the novel that I’ve seen, that lack of absolute confidence will lead to a retreat from both. Kinn might act coldly and push Porsche away, Porsche might be shaken, unable to fully acknowledge the intimacy they shared. And hopefully, this stage of confusion, of panic, of escape will only reinforce what they had previously confirmed: their ardour for each other can no longer be restrained, contained, dismissed.
Phew, all of that to say that this episode was the death of me, and I’m not sure i have the patience required to breathe until the next ep, but we’ll see once we get there. I’d like to also mention Kim and Porschay, whom I thought were introduced/re-introduced simply but efficiently. The episode nicely set up a link between the two: Porschay being a fan of Kim and even choosing his faculty because of him (making their meeting seem less forced and coincidental), then Kim realising he is Porsche’s brother and taking up PC’s offer to tutor him. Again, I appreciate the detail about how Kim initially refused PC, and only accepted when he had use for him. It’s more realistic that way, and doesn’t fall into the cliche of love-at-first-sight.
Speaking of which, another detail is that Kim does not notice Porschay in the crowd until PC speaks up, which again, is more realistic. Oftentimes, two characters meet eyes the moment they enter the scene, sharing an attraction already (which is fine but just overdone esp in BL),. The execution here is more natural. It also means that the gradual softening of Kim will be more believable and satisfying, especially given how cautious and reticent he seems to be right now.
I mentioned it before but I really love the hidden identity trope, and this is EXACTLY what I wanted. I thought that, at most, Kim would hide his identity but would become friends(and later lovers) with PC, with no ulterior motives. Even, perhaps, staying in the dark about PC’s connection to Porsche entirely. But Kim getting closer to Porschay deliberately like this to get more info on Porsche is certainly very intriguing. Can’t wait to see how it plays out.
Someone else here had also mentioned that KimPorschay reminded them of 2gether and the ressemblance is uncanny, it’s not even funny💀. I personally was not very fond of 2gether, but it’s funny to see the commonalities between them since I’m becoming very invested in KimPorschay.
Lastly, just wanted to mention PeteVegas. In the ending scene of this episode, we see Vegas smirking whilst touching the injury he got to his jaw from Porsche. I like how it foreshadows his sadism, and how it might have even triggered his desire to pursue a sadomasochistic relationship (which we know Pete will be a victim of). My question is, given that Pete does not consent to the earlier sex that he is brought into by Vegas, how does he not report it to Kinn the first time it occurs (since it becomes an ongoing trauma for him from what I heard)? I’m going to assume that he is too ashamed or perhaps even threatened to keep it a secret by Vegas but I feel like it is more intricate than that. So yeah, if someone wants to, they can spoil me about that.
Well, that was fun to write. Oh yeah, forgot to mention Tankhun slamming Vegas with the tray. Could there be anyone more iconic? Also, forgive me, but they lowkey had some chemistry in that scene, it wouldn’t hurt to imagine…
In any case, once again, those who read till the end, you are the best <3
Feel free to comment anything you agreed or disagreed with or even just smth you wanted to add to my review :)
Peace out
European fan struggles indeed, goodluck with the wait then!! On the positive side, we don't need to wait another week this time (gosh that was testing me)
Either way, what interests me most is actually how Porsche will feel about this. Unlike Kinn, he doesn't seem to have had any prior experience with men so I look forward to seeing a potential reflection on his identity or even a crisis