This review may contain spoilers
Kink and Trauma Healing (Episode 8)
I love the show so far for many reasons and I think the ensemble cast has not disappointed for a single moment. With that said, this review is specific to episode 8 because I just had to talk about Ramil/Pay’s relationship and JimmyOhm. I don’t know who on the writer’s team is part of the B D S M community but I found their portrayal of the dynamic between the two so beautiful, non-stigmatizing, and fairly realistic from the little I know personally. At first, I was concerned that Ramil was taking out the powerlessness he felt because of his father onto Pay and utilizing his power over him in a harmful way. The incident and subsequent play scene in episode 8 made me realize that they are both using their don / sub dynamic to subvert the degradation and abuse they suffer at the hands of the the king, regaining their power by taking pleasure from similar acts in a consensual, trusting relationship that they both benefit from equally. At the point where Ramil puts the whip and the collar down, it’s as if he is acknowledging that the trust/love they have is enough to heal the trauma they share. While they brought both pleasure for a time, he no longer needs them and is open to explaining his vulnerability and nurturing instincts toward the man he loves. I thought this portrayal was a great departure from the often stigmatizing and reductive view we often get of kink on screen and showed the reality for many people which is that kink scenes can be healing for all involved. As for JimmyOhm, they are quickly becoming one of my fav BL couples and I love to see them confidently exploring in this show with the foundation of trust they’ve clearly built with each other off screen.Was this review helpful to you?
