Like so many BLs in 2023, the first half was good, but then it lost its way. Between all the unnecessary conflicts and predictably bland ending, I'm left with a feeling of meh. I think more episodes could have improved this, but I would love to see a longer series starring Ohm and Guide. Actually, I hope to see all of the actors again. Everyone did a good job, but the writer could have done better.
This felt like an attempt at a high school production of 2 Moons. But they only knew the names of the original character and didn't have time to read/watch the book/prequels. So they just used the names, added a ton of new characters and made up a generic BL plot. I watched to see the conclusion of the original characters. I definitely didn't get anything close to that. Hopefully that terrible company stops making BLs for good.
Your comment is interesting! Atleast, they tried for the horror genre. They show us imperfect characters, that's…
I've never seen a perfect character. IMO characters like people need to have flaws/nuance, I don't think it's a requirement to have likeable characters in a series. My point was that in horror specifically, it helps the viewer to have at least one character that we want to survive/overcome the horror. Khun was fine this episode, but I don't expect that to last. So the only characters I have left to root for are Qatar and the nephew.
I watched episode 5 today and my thoughts/feelings about the series are unchanged. The amateur production you referenced is even more glaring this week. And Fluke is the only one who seems like a skilled actor.
The horror aspect wasn't the focus this week. But all of the trashy BL stuff made me hit 2x speed and wish this series had less episodes in total. I'd be surprised if this gets better.
That was easily the best episode of the series, because the writers finally decided to address some of the areas that needed improvement. Way and Babe had a real conversation that impacted the future of their friendship and the flashbacks added a lot of substance to their relationship. Alan and Jeff brought a much needed second couple to the forefront. Jeff may not be my favorite character and even though I didn't think Alan should have apologized, I like their dynamic together.
It was also great watching Babe and Charlie have real conversations and share intimate moments. That's exactly what I've been asking for. Not a butler and his benefactor, but two people falling in love and growing in their relationship.
IMO a lot of the good aspects of the episode are coming weeks too late. But I'm still happy with the progress. I'm also really looking forward to learing more about Jeff's powers and finally getting to see evil Way.
I didn't bother commenting on Charlie's character or the actor who plays him, because I know some people here have decided both are infallible and the actor is the greatest of all time. And since I'm not invested enough to continue a silly argument for another week with die hard fans. I'll continue to block people who make personal attacks.
I'm so tired of this company taking shortcuts and it impacting their actors. TayNew deserve better than this. They worked hard and now their viewership is going to plummet. If this is a sign of things to come, I hope they don't make any future series from Japanese properties including Ossan's Love!
As a fellow "nit picker", I agree with everything you said. "And I'm not saying this is the only BL with those…
"The writers seem completely uninterested in explaining these characters motivations or intentions and at this point, it's completely baffling." Agreed. I don't want to keep piling on the series, because there are many things that I do like about it. But all the writing shortcuts become more glaring as the show continues. They seem to expect that all of the viewers will just go along with what we're being told about some characters, but I've been given no reason to do that. I do feel gaslit and that is frustrating because like you said, these issues could easily be remedied. One of the most basic things actors ask before portraying a character is, "what's my motivation". As a viewer, I want to know the characters' motivations even if I don’t agree with them. Here, many of the characters' motivations are very unclear. And we're nearing the half way point. So I expect even more shortcuts and important details like character development to continue to be ignored.
Everyone should end up single, but the writers will force a "happy ending" because that's what usually happens…
Oooooooo thanks so much for clarifying because I was genuinely confused. I see where you're coming from.
When Addicted aired, it was kinda the benchmark for "great " BL. Hindsight has shown us, that it was really toxic, harmful and not something we should hold up as an ideal relationship. I am completely over illogical so called happy endings. And agree that BLs in many countries have these types of endings. And that frustrates me because I increasingly see BLs from multiple countries where there is no logical reason for the people to end up together, but that's what happens because many fans want a "happy ending". That was the point of my first statement in this thread.
But to your frustration about people writing off Thai BL completely, I notice that too. Personally I'm probably too biased towards Thailand. My heart will always lie with Thai BLs. My first BL was from Thailand and so is my favorite. I will always watch Thai BLs, but know many aren't great. But as you said, other countries also have some bad BLs. I won't drag any country, but IMO Thailand does not come close to being the country with the "worst" BLs. But Thailand makes the most each year, so they will have more bad BLs than some other countries just because of how many they make each year. Let's be honest, Hollywood makes a ton of bad movies each year, but pretty much no one writes off Hollywood saying "Hollywood movies are bad". So I think the anti-Thai BL bias is unfair. And leads to some BL fans missing out on some really great series.
No need to apologize, but thanks again for clarifying.
Everyone should end up single, but the writers will force a "happy ending" because that's what usually happens…
I've seen many BLs from many countries that don't have a happy ending. I just watched a Thai BL called Colorful Melody that didn't have a happy ending. So I probably shouldn't have used the word "always".
But I also don't see what my username or that series has to do with this discussion. I think most people these days agree, that Addicted was flawed and had a very toxic relationship. But again, I'm not seeing what that has to do with Bake Me Please. But ok.
I love horror almost as much as I love BL, so I thought I'd enjoy this series. Unfortunately, the horror aspects aren't really working for me and the BL aspects are making me think the people who made the series know nothing about BL.
Horror often works better as a movie than a series because it's hard to sustain the scary/suspenseful elements over many hours of tv. Experts in the genre can do this, but it doesn't happen often. Here we have a lot of elements repeated over and over. Khun spends nearly every episode, terrified, confused, panting and running. Tao cries constantly. There were 3 car accidents in 3 episodes. I found it all to be really exhausting to watch. And the scare factor decreased each time.
But my biggest issue is how horror conventions are ignored. In horror, you generally need a protagonist that the audience can root for and hope to overcome the evil or other kind of obstacle in their lives. But I can't root for any of these people. Here we have 3 unlikeable characters. Khun is in desperate need of help, in patient or out patient therapy and someone to monitor his pill intake, but he has neither. That's sad, but he's refusing to help himself and making a bad situation worse. I appreciate the focus on mental health, but his hallucinations are causing him to physically/emotionally harm Tao. Which is never ok. Tao is tired, but also terrible. And he must be emitting pheromones because nearly every man that sees him wants to have sex with him (that is truly unbelievable for so many reasons). Plus he is constantly making the dumbest decisions possible. And him and Vit have been giving each other f*ck me eyes since episode one. How many BL fans root for cheaters? I'm guessing not that many. Vit is a COMPLETE CREEP. With obvious nefarious motives. So I want to ask the writer who am I supposed to root for and why?
I'm going to stick with the series because I like Fluke's acting and the book spoilers have me intrigued about how it will end. But it's really not working in a lot of important ways for both genres.
*sigh* I'm sad it's almost over. This show excells in so many ways. Highlighting why love makes people do foolish things and showcasing 3 imperfect characters. Guy, Chin and Peach (to a lesser extent) have all made mistakes and even though I disagree with some of their actions, their reasoning makes sense for their characters. I'm going to miss these characters.
"My biggest BL pet peeve since my very first BL, Together With Me, has been the female side character who knows…
For me, Naked Dining was the most frustrating/disappointing JBL of the year, that character was one of the many reasons I didn't like that show.
I really don't know why after so many years that plot point is still being used. When I think back to the early days of BL, it kinda made sense to include a female character as an antagonist. And have one of the main characters "turn gay" over the course of the series. But times have changed and people have better understanding of LGBTQI+ people than they did all those years ago. And there are more LGBTQI+ people involved in the creation of series. Unfortunately, that plot point persists.
As a fellow "nit picker", I agree with everything you said. "And I'm not saying this is the only BL with those…
No worries at all. Knowing that one detail won't impact the story for me. Idk who those couples will be. I can speculate and it gives me something to look forward to.
As a fellow "nit picker", I agree with everything you said. "And I'm not saying this is the only BL with those…
We're definitely on the same page. And omg 6 couples?!?!??! I avoid spoilers and fan service while shows air, so I had no clue there would be so many couples. Unless there is another season already in the works, there's no time to adequately cover 6 relationships in 13 episodes. Especially when 5/6 are non-existent at the half way mark of the series. These writers, smh!
Preach! It is astonishing and sad that some have decided that fan boards should exist only to praise their favs.…
You must be blocking the right people, because I see comments like that all the time on this site. Including this page. I completely agree that respectful bickering is all good.
A simple and pleasant series that feels like a mini-series stretched out to 6 episodes. Overall, I thought the first episode was well made and the actors did a fine job.
My biggest BL pet peeve since my very first BL, Together With Me, has been the female side character who knows the leads like each other, but latches on to one of the guys ensuring their romance will be delayed. There's nothing wrong with that story, but it's exactly what I never want to watch. So I'll be dropping this for only that reason.
1 
On a positive note, the OST was really good.
I watched episode 5 today and my thoughts/feelings about the series are unchanged. The amateur production you referenced is even more glaring this week. And Fluke is the only one who seems like a skilled actor.
The horror aspect wasn't the focus this week. But all of the trashy BL stuff made me hit 2x speed and wish this series had less episodes in total. I'd be surprised if this gets better.
It was also great watching Babe and Charlie have real conversations and share intimate moments. That's exactly what I've been asking for. Not a butler and his benefactor, but two people falling in love and growing in their relationship.
IMO a lot of the good aspects of the episode are coming weeks too late. But I'm still happy with the progress. I'm also really looking forward to learing more about Jeff's powers and finally getting to see evil Way.
I didn't bother commenting on Charlie's character or the actor who plays him, because I know some people here have decided both are infallible and the actor is the greatest of all time. And since I'm not invested enough to continue a silly argument for another week with die hard fans. I'll continue to block people who make personal attacks.
When Addicted aired, it was kinda the benchmark for "great " BL. Hindsight has shown us, that it was really toxic, harmful and not something we should hold up as an ideal relationship. I am completely over illogical so called happy endings. And agree that BLs in many countries have these types of endings. And that frustrates me because I increasingly see BLs from multiple countries where there is no logical reason for the people to end up together, but that's what happens because many fans want a "happy ending". That was the point of my first statement in this thread.
But to your frustration about people writing off Thai BL completely, I notice that too. Personally I'm probably too biased towards Thailand. My heart will always lie with Thai BLs. My first BL was from Thailand and so is my favorite. I will always watch Thai BLs, but know many aren't great. But as you said, other countries also have some bad BLs. I won't drag any country, but IMO Thailand does not come close to being the country with the "worst" BLs. But Thailand makes the most each year, so they will have more bad BLs than some other countries just because of how many they make each year. Let's be honest, Hollywood makes a ton of bad movies each year, but pretty much no one writes off Hollywood saying "Hollywood movies are bad". So I think the anti-Thai BL bias is unfair. And leads to some BL fans missing out on some really great series.
No need to apologize, but thanks again for clarifying.
But I also don't see what my username or that series has to do with this discussion. I think most people these days agree, that Addicted was flawed and had a very toxic relationship. But again, I'm not seeing what that has to do with Bake Me Please. But ok.
Horror often works better as a movie than a series because it's hard to sustain the scary/suspenseful elements over many hours of tv. Experts in the genre can do this, but it doesn't happen often. Here we have a lot of elements repeated over and over. Khun spends nearly every episode, terrified, confused, panting and running. Tao cries constantly. There were 3 car accidents in 3 episodes. I found it all to be really exhausting to watch. And the scare factor decreased each time.
But my biggest issue is how horror conventions are ignored. In horror, you generally need a protagonist that the audience can root for and hope to overcome the evil or other kind of obstacle in their lives. But I can't root for any of these people. Here we have 3 unlikeable characters. Khun is in desperate need of help, in patient or out patient therapy and someone to monitor his pill intake, but he has neither. That's sad, but he's refusing to help himself and making a bad situation worse. I appreciate the focus on mental health, but his hallucinations are causing him to physically/emotionally harm Tao. Which is never ok. Tao is tired, but also terrible. And he must be emitting pheromones because nearly every man that sees him wants to have sex with him (that is truly unbelievable for so many reasons). Plus he is constantly making the dumbest decisions possible. And him and Vit have been giving each other f*ck me eyes since episode one. How many BL fans root for cheaters? I'm guessing not that many. Vit is a COMPLETE CREEP. With obvious nefarious motives. So I want to ask the writer who am I supposed to root for and why?
I'm going to stick with the series because I like Fluke's acting and the book spoilers have me intrigued about how it will end. But it's really not working in a lot of important ways for both genres.
I really don't know why after so many years that plot point is still being used. When I think back to the early days of BL, it kinda made sense to include a female character as an antagonist. And have one of the main characters "turn gay" over the course of the series. But times have changed and people have better understanding of LGBTQI+ people than they did all those years ago. And there are more LGBTQI+ people involved in the creation of series. Unfortunately, that plot point persists.
My biggest BL pet peeve since my very first BL, Together With Me, has been the female side character who knows the leads like each other, but latches on to one of the guys ensuring their romance will be delayed. There's nothing wrong with that story, but it's exactly what I never want to watch. So I'll be dropping this for only that reason.