CoNeTrIC

I think "happily ever after" is what Kurosawa described in his text message and in his poem during the bus ride -- spending the rest of their lives together, happy, and satisfied. (I don't think Kurosawa wants Adachi to remain a virgin for much longer.) I just wish the writers had more episodes to make me believe. However, I won't be too surprised if they pull it off in the few remaining since the writing has been amazing so far.

Adachi talks about losing his virginity and magic in the first or second episode. So the comments people are making about that are not misplaced and I doubt they have anything to do with people being Pinoy/Thai BL watchers. Sorry if I didn't make myself clear. I have not been watching this show expecting to see a sex scene, and that's not what my comment was about. I was just wondering whether the few episodes remaining in this season will allow for the further development Adachi's character needs. He's still never been kissed and just learned how to hold hands. Sex in a relationship can be delayed, but not indefinitely. The writing has been excellent so far, so I suppose I shouldn't worry too much about the last episodes feeling rushed or leaving us with doubts about the long-term viability of this budding relationship.

Isn't it premature to talk about a HEA? Adachi is still wrapping his head around the idea of being in a relationship. Do most people think Adachi will surrender to passion and lose his virginity (and magic) in the few episodes left? A lot of character development would have to happen for that, right? We need a season 2.

This is a crazy, lovable, over-the-top BL series in which lusty, shirtless young men confront profound, timely political questions about historical revisionism and truth. Gotta be a first! I have a feeling the Marcos/Duterte supporters in the Youtube comments will end up disappointed. Maybe reason enough to keep watching. :-D

This theory is brilliant. Thank you.

Perhaps I was a little patronizing in response to your comment, which seemed dismissive and patronizing towards mine. Anyway, I apologize for that. Thanks for elaborating. It helped to find out what exactly you were responding to initially. Yesterday's thread with an exchange between @LoveSojiSub51 and @98x? I for one will be happy and amazed if the final episodes make us feel that carrying on a sexual relationship with a sibling's boyfriend on the DL is merely common bad behavior and all should be forgiven because ... passion and destiny! I believe in redemption and I love a happy ending. Also, I am wishing Kokoy much success. He's an amazing actor.

I'm glad you felt validated by someone agreeing with you. But, as I tried to explain in describing Mando's character, the critique is not just that characters are flawed.

You mischaracterized or misunderstood the critique. I don't see the hypocrisy or "Christ on a bike" attitude you accused people of having. No one wants a preachy sermon or a "faultless prince" because that would be boring. The Barry character just isn't working, apart from being an object of desire. His monologue was OK maybe, but it didn't explain his subsequent behavior convincingly. (Diaz's acting could be part of the problem too.) Mando's cowardly, naive, and conflicted character is more fleshed out and better portrayed. The character is flawed but still comes across as sympathetic, redeemable, and interesting. The Krisha character is just an empty plot device, which is typical in BL, unfortunately.

Episode 4 was very hard to watch. I figured the Barry character was damaged and desperate, but I thought I should give him the benefit of the doubt. He's supposed to be older and experienced, and he said he loved his sister. It turns out he's just an unbelievably selfish asshole. Seriously, what the hell is Barry thinking?! The only explanation we got was that Mando and Barry are horny and they have been having the same dream. Maybe if they'd used the humor and fantasy elements that worked so well in the earlier episodes, this development would have been fun and the love story would have made more sense. But the way they did it just seemed lazy, cringey, and confusing. This series no longer feels special. Yes, it has its politics, but even that is coming across as superficial. Kokoy is a good actor and the Mando character seems redeemable, at least. Maybe that's enough reason to continue watching. IDK. :-(

Yes and yes. Barry is hurt/damaged and has something to prove, and the attraction is undeniable. But Barry isn't just being selfish, I think. How else can he help his sister get out of a bad situation before she gets in too deep? Telling her that her boyfriend is closeted probably wouldn't help. The teaser hints that Barry's actions may have an unintended consequence, however. (Mando panics and tries to use Krisha to prove his "manliness". Yikes!) I hope Barry's motives become clearer in the next episode.

Memo to poor baby Mando: Time to face your demons, kid! You're fooling yourself only half the time. And you're not fooling anyone else, except Krisha for the moment I guess. But she's no dummy. Barry sees you fronting. (1) Barry keeps saying he's OK but his ego is definitely hurting and he's on the edge. This is reason enough for him to play with your mind. (2) He is not gonna let you keep dragging this out and hurt his baby sister. (3) There are only 3 more episodes, so ... DRAMA! :-D

Agreed. This episode was a catharsis for each and every character, I think. Not easy to pull that off, but they did so well. A new year can bring a new beginning, an opportunity to let go of past failures and disappointments. Powerful! I really felt this.