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Sad let down
I dropped this after trying to finish Episode 4 because it simply wasn't working for me. The series mistakes random Gen Z "brain rot" humor for actual comedy, relying on absurdity instead of clever writing. The script lacks originality, the acting leans too heavily on loud, exaggerated reactions, and the romance never gave me a reason to care. Worst of all, the repeated jokes about trans women felt lazy and unnecessary rather than funny. This had potential, but poor execution held it back at every turn.Was this review helpful to you?
An unforgettable masterpiece.
Payback has everything I could ask for in a BL: romance, suspense, revenge, incredible chemistry, and a story that keeps you completely invested from beginning to end. This is easily a 10/10 for me and has earned a permanent place as one of my favorite BLs.It's hard to believe this is Min and Toptap's first series as lead actors, let alone their first project together. Their chemistry feels completely natural and effortless. They bring Sun and Yohan to life in a way that makes every scene believable, and I'll never forget their performances. Toptap and Minlee have officially become my favorite actors.
Min's acting deserves special recognition. His performance is extraordinary. He has this incredible ability to keep an almost expressionless face while still letting the audience understand exactly what Sun is thinking and feeling in every moment. That's not an easy skill, and he executes it flawlessly. Even the subtle changes in his hairstyle and hair color help make each stage of Sun's journey feel like a different version of the same person, showing just how much attention was given to his character's growth.
I also loved the overall atmosphere. The series trusts its story instead of constantly interrupting emotional moments with exaggerated comedy, silly sound effects, or unnecessary gags. There are humorous moments when they're needed, but they never undermine the darker, heavier themes. That balance makes the emotional scenes hit even harder.
As someone familiar with the manhwa, I was impressed by how faithfully it was adapted. It captures the heart of the original while still feeling cinematic and emotionally powerful.
Finally, one of the biggest strengths of Payback is that it succeeds in both areas that many BLs struggle to balance. It delivers a gripping, well-written plot and genuinely excellent NC scenes that serve the relationship instead of existing purely for fan service. Finding a series that excels at both is rare, and Payback accomplishes it effortlessly.
This is one of the most complete BLs I've ever watched, and I honestly don't think I'll ever forget it.
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