Editorials 
*This* is what a vampire BL should be!
First things first: This is definitely *not* a 'brain-off' type of series-- there are a number of things that are (purposefully) not *explicitly* spelled out/explained in detail; viewers need to pay close attention to everything-- and I actually rather loved that. There is of course a place for shows that are less analysis-intensive, and I do enjoy those, too; however (particularly in this unfortunate era of no-attention-spans and dismal-media-literacy, where a lot of show writers have apparently just given up and are not only explicitly spelling everything out but are then practically beating people over the head with it ad infinitum as well 😅) I really, *really* like when a show actually trusts its audience enough to let its viewers either figure out or infer things on their own. And, IMO, Nour did this quite well. 👍 So, while I can understand why some viewers might have wanted more solid detail on certain points, personally I actually really enjoyed that aspect of the writing here.
As for the show itself: This series combines romance, crime procedural, and (a different, very interesting version of) vampires into one great package, topped off by *fantastic* acting. (Actor Tongtong {who plays the main protagonist}, in particular, was a revelation-- and the way he uses his eyes {and other microexpressions, too, but the *eyes* in particular} is just *incredible.*)
The main protagonist is very sympathetic, and I really liked the personality of his love interest (who is not only a reckless, impulsive gremlin {lol} but is actually also very intelligent, both in terms of pure smarts *and* in EQ-- which is not really all that common in characters with his archetype, at least in current BL). (I would talk about the other two couples as well, but I feel that it's best to go into this without much commentary on either of them, as they sort of balance out the narrative in ways that are too involved for a general review.)
In terms of the vampire lore, I really liked how the writers both removed some and then added some of their own little details to previously-existing lore to make it a little more unique, and also that they very much emphasized the actual *horror* of vampirism, and the reality of it often being a curse more than it's a blessing as well. (Adding to this, IMO it was genius how they incorporated a couple of other general {not-vampire-specific} folktale/fairytale tropes into this in a slightly-twisted way, too! 👍)
The show also explores several different very interesting themes (along with parallels and contrasts between those themes via the different characters), including (among other things) some beautiful commentary on selfish vs. selfless love, and a great full-circle bookend for the main protagonist. (I've also seen some discussions elsewhere on how the arcs for the characters seem to be very in-line with Buddhist teachings, which-- given the fact that the creators of this show specifically wanted to make vampires that are distinct to Thailand, and Buddhism plays a big part in Thai culture-- should definitely be taken into account when processing the outcomes of certain characters' fates. In this regard, IMO all of the main characters got *precisely* the endings that made the most sense given their past actions and character arcs.)
(Do note for content/trigger warnings' sake though that the topic of suicide-- both attempted and actually committed 😅-- does play a large part throughout all 4 main characters' arcs as well, so please be sure to be in a good/safe headspace first before watching! 🙏)
Now, all that said: This wasn't perfect-- yes, there were a few small moments of editing-disjointedness, and perhaps a little plot or pacing hitch here and there-- however, overall, I really commend the show's creators (and actors-- they put their *all* into this!) for not only creating an excellent vampire show, a great BL, and a show that makes you think all rolled into one, but also for doing something that is very unusual nowadays (and which was, quite frankly, very refreshing). I will absolutely be rewatching this, and I heartily recommend it! 👍
As for the show itself: This series combines romance, crime procedural, and (a different, very interesting version of) vampires into one great package, topped off by *fantastic* acting. (Actor Tongtong {who plays the main protagonist}, in particular, was a revelation-- and the way he uses his eyes {and other microexpressions, too, but the *eyes* in particular} is just *incredible.*)
The main protagonist is very sympathetic, and I really liked the personality of his love interest (who is not only a reckless, impulsive gremlin {lol} but is actually also very intelligent, both in terms of pure smarts *and* in EQ-- which is not really all that common in characters with his archetype, at least in current BL). (I would talk about the other two couples as well, but I feel that it's best to go into this without much commentary on either of them, as they sort of balance out the narrative in ways that are too involved for a general review.)
In terms of the vampire lore, I really liked how the writers both removed some and then added some of their own little details to previously-existing lore to make it a little more unique, and also that they very much emphasized the actual *horror* of vampirism, and the reality of it often being a curse more than it's a blessing as well. (Adding to this, IMO it was genius how they incorporated a couple of other general {not-vampire-specific} folktale/fairytale tropes into this in a slightly-twisted way, too! 👍)
The show also explores several different very interesting themes (along with parallels and contrasts between those themes via the different characters), including (among other things) some beautiful commentary on selfish vs. selfless love, and a great full-circle bookend for the main protagonist. (I've also seen some discussions elsewhere on how the arcs for the characters seem to be very in-line with Buddhist teachings, which-- given the fact that the creators of this show specifically wanted to make vampires that are distinct to Thailand, and Buddhism plays a big part in Thai culture-- should definitely be taken into account when processing the outcomes of certain characters' fates. In this regard, IMO all of the main characters got *precisely* the endings that made the most sense given their past actions and character arcs.)
(Do note for content/trigger warnings' sake though that the topic of suicide-- both attempted and actually committed 😅-- does play a large part throughout all 4 main characters' arcs as well, so please be sure to be in a good/safe headspace first before watching! 🙏)
Now, all that said: This wasn't perfect-- yes, there were a few small moments of editing-disjointedness, and perhaps a little plot or pacing hitch here and there-- however, overall, I really commend the show's creators (and actors-- they put their *all* into this!) for not only creating an excellent vampire show, a great BL, and a show that makes you think all rolled into one, but also for doing something that is very unusual nowadays (and which was, quite frankly, very refreshing). I will absolutely be rewatching this, and I heartily recommend it! 👍
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