Spoiler: ending discussion. I am seeing quite a few comments expressing how they were disappointed by the ending. So as a response to all those who disliked the way things turned out, let me provide you my reasons for why the ending for the series was the best it possibly could have been in the given context, tone, and 'message' of the series. It seems to me that the reason why people did not like this ending (do prove me wrong if I am incorrect) is that people probably desired this specific ending: Gene and Nubsib don't give in to the staffs' pressure and end up revealing their relationship to the public. Aoey perhaps redeems himself too by admitting to his lies and the truth comes out to everyone. Then the series ends with Nubsib and Gene, confidently out in the open as a couple, etc. Now, if this ending had actually occurred, I personally wouldn't have minded it, but it would have felt flat and predictable, at least to me. But the biggest reason why I would have objected to this direction in the story is that simply put, it's unrealistic. It is important to remember that the plot revolves around the "behind-the-scenes" of the Thai BL world. Can anyone tell me when two BL actors/BL staff have ever come forward to confirm that they are in a relationship? I can't even think of one. Gay marriage is also still not legal in Thailand. There's still a lot of homophobia, and coming out as a couple (especially when you're famous), is still a risky move. What I think many people missed with the comical play out of Disneysque endings, is that they were showcasing the traditional routes love stories take. Snow White = Happy Ending. Cinderella = Unresolved Ending. Romeo & Juliet = Sad/Bad Ending. Cleverly, what does the story choose in the end? A non-ending love story. Sure the series technically 'ended', but their love story hasn't. This not only leaves space for an organic second season (not one that comes out of nowhere), but even if there isn't a continuation, it offers a realistic result: that their relationship is still ongoing so Gene can't possibly just finish it (since he is still "currently" living his love story, an unfinished story - think of it as a parallel universe where they really exist). The story is as though it was Gene narrating to us all along as the series merely plays back the origin story between Gene and Nubsib into the present moment. I thought this was pretty spectacular for an ending and definitely went above my expectations. It also managed to subvert the cliché of a BL ending with a kiss scene. Finally, the series really makes a point about how our own lives inspire us to write stories. Most obviously with Gene, but also through Hin, who is inspired by his environments at the publishing company to write his story (editor x writer). And finally with the actual writer who makes a cameo at the end, who literally gains inspiration to start writing after seeing Gene and Nubsib together (and with the series actually ending on the editor saying over the phone that the story, Lovely Writer, will be published). It's a way to extend that meaning of continuation. The story never ends as the torch of inspiration continues to be passed on, from an individual to another, to the broader audience who then consumes it. I hope with this post more people can appreciate the authenticity and thought that went behind this final episode. I find it sad to see that not enough people are acknowledging it. I'm not sure if I myself expressed everything as well as I could have. In any case, this series to me, with this final episode and with everything it covered, has elevated itself as one of the best BLs out there in my mind... I appreciate anyone who has read this until the end, love you <3
In Palace of Devotions defense that drama was edited with a chain saw and it also sucked to high heaven.But I’m…
Hey! Sorry this is random but would one of you guys mind sharing the youtube account of the chinese guys that you've mentioned? I'm just curious to see reactions for WOH, particularly from non-BL fans :)
"Oh no they still haven't inhaled each others' brains out through their mouths the world is gonna end!"If we plot…
I kind of disagree with you personally because I watch a lot of LGBTQ+ content because it allows me to feel represented and it comforts me. I've seen plenty movies/series that I have loved where the characters never kiss or have any sort of sexual scenes, hell, it doesn't even have to be focused on the relationship aspect (like Love, Simon which revolves around coming out, more so than the romance). Some people might be disappointed because of expectations of the sort that you mentioned, but I think that for a good portion of people (in my case for instance), are noticing the lack of depth in Sarawat's and Tine's relationship. The characters can be inconsistent and their "intimate" scenes are reminiscent of fanservice. In a Bl or GL, people want to see a believable romance. What I mean by that is that the cast and the writers of the show have to develop the characters and the story in a way that enthralls us and gives us a sense of reality, even though it is fiction. Hello Stranger, Gameboys, The Untamed, Advance Bravely... those shows are very romantic despite not having any "yaoi" types of scenes and these are all popular, well-loved BLs. But one thing they all have in common is that their bond was portrayed, NOT as a gay romance to fetishize whilst actually being a bromance (ex: The Boy Next Door is a korean drama that is clearly bromance even though they have moments that make people 'misunderstand'), but as a bond that started from A and went to B in a fluid, intricate and thoughtful manner. Now, 2gether and Still2gether are right in the middle of the bromance, queerbaiting type and actual BL. This series feels unclear and a little out of place in the sense that this time, the characters are indeed canonically "in love" without that love having been explored properly nor developed thoroughly. Ultimately, the audience senses that this relationship doesn't quite grasp the authenticity of love, but just plasters the label on it. I hope you understand my point of view :)
I am seeing quite a few comments expressing how they were disappointed by the ending. So as a response to all those who disliked the way things turned out, let me provide you my reasons for why the ending for the series was the best it possibly could have been in the given context, tone, and 'message' of the series.
It seems to me that the reason why people did not like this ending (do prove me wrong if I am incorrect) is that people probably desired this specific ending: Gene and Nubsib don't give in to the staffs' pressure and end up revealing their relationship to the public. Aoey perhaps redeems himself too by admitting to his lies and the truth comes out to everyone. Then the series ends with Nubsib and Gene, confidently out in the open as a couple, etc. Now, if this ending had actually occurred, I personally wouldn't have minded it, but it would have felt flat and predictable, at least to me. But the biggest reason why I would have objected to this direction in the story is that simply put, it's unrealistic.
It is important to remember that the plot revolves around the "behind-the-scenes" of the Thai BL world. Can anyone tell me when two BL actors/BL staff have ever come forward to confirm that they are in a relationship? I can't even think of one. Gay marriage is also still not legal in Thailand. There's still a lot of homophobia, and coming out as a couple (especially when you're famous), is still a risky move.
What I think many people missed with the comical play out of Disneysque endings, is that they were showcasing the traditional routes love stories take. Snow White = Happy Ending. Cinderella = Unresolved Ending. Romeo & Juliet = Sad/Bad Ending. Cleverly, what does the story choose in the end? A non-ending love story. Sure the series technically 'ended', but their love story hasn't. This not only leaves space for an organic second season (not one that comes out of nowhere), but even if there isn't a continuation, it offers a realistic result: that their relationship is still ongoing so Gene can't possibly just finish it (since he is still "currently" living his love story, an unfinished story - think of it as a parallel universe where they really exist).
The story is as though it was Gene narrating to us all along as the series merely plays back the origin story between Gene and Nubsib into the present moment. I thought this was pretty spectacular for an ending and definitely went above my expectations. It also managed to subvert the cliché of a BL ending with a kiss scene.
Finally, the series really makes a point about how our own lives inspire us to write stories. Most obviously with Gene, but also through Hin, who is inspired by his environments at the publishing company to write his story (editor x writer). And finally with the actual writer who makes a cameo at the end, who literally gains inspiration to start writing after seeing Gene and Nubsib together (and with the series actually ending on the editor saying over the phone that the story, Lovely Writer, will be published). It's a way to extend that meaning of continuation. The story never ends as the torch of inspiration continues to be passed on, from an individual to another, to the broader audience who then consumes it.
I hope with this post more people can appreciate the authenticity and thought that went behind this final episode. I find it sad to see that not enough people are acknowledging it. I'm not sure if I myself expressed everything as well as I could have. In any case, this series to me, with this final episode and with everything it covered, has elevated itself as one of the best BLs out there in my mind...
I appreciate anyone who has read this until the end, love you <3