FreshKicks

The ending of Episode 8 has many of us expecting something tragic. It occurred to me last night that the tragedy might not involve YXG at all, but instead have happened to Hao Ting's parents and/or sister. When YXG left the apartment Hao Ting's parents were expected to arrive at any moment.

So I was wondering what if the parents were killed in an auto accident. In that circumstance Hao Ting would become responsible for taking care of his sister. It might require him to drop out of university and begin working immediately, while YXG continues his schooling. This would disrupt Hao Ting's relationship with YXG to the point that it would have to become less of a priority, and perhaps only six years later would they get back on track.

Otherwise, for HIStory to have tragedy directly impact the main couple in this series and have it end their relationship forever -- and to have it all unfold right before Christmas -- would not only go against their earlier series but be really mean. They would risk creating a lot of fan resentment. After all, if this series ends sadly then who will want to watch a HIStory 4, or even the movie they're making as the sequel to Crossing the Boundary?

Here's my prediction for the finale.

The story picks up 6 years later, which is interesting because XHT told his dad that even though he (XHT) will graduate in a few years, XYG will continue his schooling. So I think to finish his degree XYG will go to a university in another country or far enough away that he and XHT couldn't live together anymore, while XHT works.

In the final episode we'll see XHT picking up XYG at the airport after XYG has finally graduated and come home, and they'll live Happily Ever After. The End.

This is what I'm thinking too. One thing I've noticed about the previews for this series is they always make you think things will be bad but they turn out to be just fine. These people are experts at choosing the visuals and dialog that will do the most to scare the bejesus out of us.

The music for this episode was magical.

Based on the preview for next week's episode, I'm wondering if Non will put the blame on Kao when his dad walks in on them. It would certainly be a reality check for Kao.

I know almost everybody finds Non annoying, but I hope after the dust settles there will be some kind of intervention so that he can get away from his toxic dad.

I love everything about this series except the two stereotypical fangirls.

What team would want cheerleaders who cheer for only one of the players? lol

New’s acting is starting to pale next to the way his co-stars deliver. It has surprised me.

Non is a cutie pie. I want him to get his own spinoff series.

Yep. Pete with no shirt = tasty snack.

I feel the same. There’s only so much of her “cute antics” I can take.

Thank goodness. She’s so annoying.

Such a great review. I feel the same as you, that what we do get after all the censorship is is still sweet and beautiful. This drama made me smile so much, and as you say, the second couple is wonderful as well. Both Da Yu and Zhi Shui are lonely, vulnerable and guarded, but eventually you come to see that these boys will be together for a long time.

I truly respect the producers, directors, and actors who persevere to bring out such a series in China. No, we don't get to see any kissing and sex, but these things are certainly alluded to. As an example, my favorite "wink at the audience" is when Xia Yao and Yuan Zong tumble onto the couch together, with Xia Yao on top. He stares into Yuan Zong's eyes and as he seductively loosens his necktie he tells him he's not going to move. The scene then cuts to the bedroom with Xia Yao sitting up on the bed, playing a game on his iPad. His hair is mussed in a way that someone as vain as him would never allow, but we soon see that Yuan Zong is seated nearby. Immediately we know just how Xia Yao's hair got so messy and why he's in no hurry to put it back into place.

In some ways, these moments that substitute for more overtly staged acts require more care and creativity to pull off. In this regard Advance Bravely consistently delivers the goods with tenderness and humor.

thank you for the link and for your absolute love for this series .. your posts make me smile.

The second segment of Episode 9 made me sour on Type as well. And it irked me that they end that segment with Tharn getting kneed in the groin by his "boyfriend" and then as the next segment starts the two are back to normal as if it never happened.

The whole "jealousy" thing is being overworked. We get it already! And it puts both guys in a bad light.

Fortunately, I think for the rest of the season we'll be facing far more consequential issues.

Since we're hearing only the punchline of the joke and not the setup, I don't think we're meant to get the joke at all. Rather, I think the dialog was intended to show how comfortable the two boys have become around each other.

LOL seriously. I guess in Korean drama they know who to call when they need an evil principal haha.

I'm three episodes in and enjoying the series a lot, but the FL ... wow, such a loudmouth who over-acts from start to finish. Nobody else in the cast is yelling their lines like she does and it makes her stand out in the worst way. Plus she's clearly too old for the role.

I don't suppose there's any hope of her toning it down as the episodes progress? It says a lot for how good the series is that I'm willing to keep watching despite her.

Wonderful analysis!

Same leads as "My Youth" ... it's all about the chemistry!

I think he did well in the emotional moments toward the end. His character is reserved to start with -- always in control, striving to be perfect. It makes it even more impactful when we suddenly see emotion breaking through.