CapitalW

You have a point. The production values over at, say, GMMTV are much better, so it might be a question of funding.

"Top Secret" was produced by Star Bangkok, which is the talent studio that has signed all these boys, so I think it's intended mainly as a showcase for them (for better or worse). Line TV might have been able to pick up the series at a low cost.

Regarding the reviews, I always think it's best to sample every series that interests you whether the reviews make it sound good or bad. I've truly enjoyed series that have been very poorly reviewed on here, such as "Brothers" and "Cupid Coach", and I've strongly disliked some that have gotten mostly rave reviews, such as "Gameboys" and "Theory of Love".

Many of the m/f dramas I've watched use jealousy as the engine for the plot, and almost all of the time I think it's just lazy writing. One person sees their bf or gf merely talking to someone else and they don't bother to ask about it, they just assume they're cheating and the conflict begins. There's no attempt at communication whatsoever.

(I think the striving to do something different is one of the things that makes "Given" so exciting to watch.)

I'm curious if the beach scenes were filmed more recently. To me the guys seemed more mature and Copy looked like he'd put on some weight.

And whatever Eak's personality issues he sure looked dynamite in that sleeveless tee and swim trunks!

Both and Newyear are the least essential to the series. I prefer even the shorty basketball player and his bf to those two. And you're right, it's pretty stupid for them to be depicted as wise elders and then have this misunderstanding over Night. (I skipped those scenes but it was pretty clear what was going on as I bypassed them.)

While Eak looked exceptionally good this episode, his behavior was exceptionally bad. You pretty much lay it out as to why.

Damn the missing subs, does anyone know what Eak said to himself after Phob walked away from him on the beach??

The most adorable "bully" I've seen in any series. Omg he's so cute and funny. He can bully me anytime.

His voice is everything! Gives me goosebumps.

That was my first thought when I came to this page. What the hell. Every episode hits so hard and leaves me so hungry for more.

It would explain a lot, wouldn't it.

The series is almost over and I still don't know what the deal is with the "golden blood".

Omg it's like you read my mind! Even my friend who doesn't care for BL really liked Young Royals.

My favorite that's airing atm.

That Title is a discovery. Stunning to look at and very good in his first role.

For anyone upset over the Big C diagnosis, the dialog doesn't say that Phob is visiting because he's dying -- he's visiting because he's about to go away for some major treatment. This makes me think there's no plan to kill him off.

(On the other hand, there's that "In Memorium" dedication ... hmm.)

I find the pacing to be about as luxurious as being stuck in traffic in downtown Manhattan. ;)

I like the naturalistic way it's filmed. I just wish it was more disciplined.

I'm not a fan of the flashbacks. I generally don't like them. Sometimes here it's like Mean must think we have the attention span of a goldfish. In this episode there was a flashback that occurred almost immediately after the scene it was flashing back to.

No, you're right. Not only that but Part 3 has a huge chunk of BTS.

The only thing I'd change is how long the scenes feel drawn out. I think Mean is like a novelist writing their first novel -- lots of words, and more descriptive prose and dialog than necessary. In Mean's case it's him feeling so invigorated to be directing -- and loving the material so much -- that he indulges himself and can't bring himself to trim it down. To me it's an endearing quality but it can stretch the material a bit too far.

I bow in respect for this most insightful comment.....

See how you feel after Episode 10.

It has become more and more clear that Shinwoo is our man.