3
This review may contain spoilers
More enjoyable than the series
I placed spoilers at the end of this review.The movie/series: This had some great story concepts. The script was good and tried to address some important topics. The acting from most of the cast was good considering this was their first series. There are some issues with the audio/sound quality.
The movie: Overall, they did a good job editing this into a movie and was able to weed out some of the unneeded storylines from the series. However, there were a few scenes that were deleted that I wished they kept. See spoiler alert at the end of this review if you want more information. This is a good example on the importance of editing. The series suffered from some poor editing choices that made some of the episodes a little confusing. There were also some scenes in the series that did not make sense. They were able to fix a lot of these problems for the movie version. They were also able to cut out scenes involving few of the supporting cast members over the top/bad acting. As for me, all of the changes increased the quality and enjoyability level of the movie.
Random Notes:
I recommend watching the movie version first instead of the series version. If you’re in my region (US) it should be on MFlow Entertainment YouTube channel.
Was the “movie” that Plengrak and Duean Yi watched in episode 3 of Coffey Melody an Easter egg indicating this was going to be made into a move?
The opening and closing credit still say Second Chance the Series. This could have been an easy fix, but maybe they were just lazy or did not care.
******Spoiler Alert******
I wish they kept some of the scenes involving Near being bullied to give more context on the character and the reasoning behind his actions.
Why did they keep the scene with Sky and Paper under water at the end? By cutting the first scene from the series, this scene doesn’t make sense anymore.
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This review may contain spoilers
Overall, a very cute series.
I placed spoilers at the end of this review.I did not see any of the seasons of the original series (Love Playlist), so I did not have any expectations coming into this series. Although the story concept is nothing new, it’s one that many can relate to. The script is good, but I was confused at times because of the time flashes back and forth. However, this may be due to editing choices. On a personal level, I loved how they handle the character Moon Tae Young and his storyline. Well, with the one exception. See spoiler alert at the end of this review if you want more information. I thought the cast did a great job with their characters.
Random Note:
For those that did see the original series, I’m sure you will enjoy the actors from the various seasons guest roles throughout this series.
******Spoiler Alert******
I like how episode 6 was devoted to Moon Tae Young. It gave a very mature insight on the struggles of dating when you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. My only complaint is they wait until the very end of the last episode to introduce a possible love interest for him. However, I’ll forgive them if this becomes one of the storylines for season 2.
Let’s face it, there will probably be a season 2. My wish list is that they don’t screw up the relationship development with Do Min Joo and Park Do Yoon. They can focus more on the possible love interest for Moon Tae Young and introducing one for Kim Yoo Jin. They could even possibly create a love story between Yoon Seul and Ahn Jin Woo. Anything to prevent the tired “We broke up” over nothing storyline that plaque so many sequels
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Not a Magical Watching Experience
I love series with supernatural storylines, but this one is a bit bizarre (even for me). The concept was interesting but the script had elements that don’t make sense. It starts off slow, but it does gain steam by the end of episode 6. However, the last two episodes are pointless. I like the cast, but the acting is ok. The sets and locations they used throughout the series were nice. It also had great special effects.Random Note:
Once again, the synopsis on VIKI is not accurate. Basically 90% of the information is inaccurate. I’m use to VIKI having synopsis that don’t completely match the series, but this one has a lot of wrong information.
The synopsis on MDL isn’t any better. It’s doesn’t even describe the series at all.
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This review may contain spoilers
Another Must Watch!!!
I placed a potential spoiler at the end of this review.This had an awesome story concept. The series grabs your attention in the first episode. It does get weak around episode 7 but please stick with it. It picks up again and keeps you guessing up to the end of the last episode. See potential spoiler alert at the end of this review if you want more info. Some people may find it repetitive at time, but it is a series about a time loop. The time loop scenes were done to show how the butterfly effect worked. I felt they did a great job keeping the views interested. I think the medical scenes are very realistic, but I have no medical training. The script was good, but not great because some of the logic does not add up. However, it’s only minor and does not distract from the story. The script did succeed in showing how all the characters are connected in some way. I like the cast which did a great job portraying their characters. My only complaint is how the character Jinta was portrayed. This character comes across very condescending and annoying. I hate every scene he is in except the very last one. I know Jinta is this mystical character, but he could have displayed some compassion when interacted with the other characters. Jinta only displays this in the very last scene he is in. In fairness, I don’t know if this was a problem with the script or how the actor was told to play the character. As for production, the cinematography and locations were great.
Random Note: It’s cool that this series shares the same universe with Manner of Death.
******Potential Spoiler Alert******
The very last scene with Dr. Bun indicates there may be another series in the works that is set in the same universe. I don’t think it will be a second season of this series, but we may see some of the same characters.
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This review may contain spoilers
Good with One Exception
I acknowledge this review will have an unpopular opinion.This had a great storyline. This is a BL series that also exposes the many problems with the BL industry. It had an outstanding cast which did a great job portraying their characters. I also like how many of the characters did not have your standard ideas of gender norms. However, there are some problems with the script. There are problems with the story continuity, especially with the age difference between Gene and Nubsib. Here is my unpopular opinion, I have a huge problem with the full ending of the series. I was good until the very end of episode 12 (part 4 of episode 12 if you are watching it on YouTube). This is where I got angry. Yes, I actually got angry about it. The full ending felt very lazy, as if the writer got tired with the series. I felt it also downplayed all of the problems of the BL industry that the series was trying to expose in the previous episodes.
Random Note: There are grammatical/spelling errors with the English subtitles if you are watching it on YouTube.
******Potential Spoiler Alert******
This is more of a recommendation than a spoiler. You should stop watching episode 12 after Nubsib whispers into Gene’s ear about how Gene should end his novel. You are really not going to miss anything by skipped the rest of this episode. This is how they should have ended the series.
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It Was Different
I placed any potential spoilers at the end of this review.This series had a refreshing storyline. Although it is set in a university, at least it does not involve engineering or medical science students. However, the execution of the storylines is not the greatest at some points. It does have great cinematograph. The acting was also good considering many of the actors are new in the field.
******Potential Spoiler Alert******
My only criticism is the 6-month time jump was not done well and did not help the series.
I would like to see a second season or spin-off series with the two side couples. Especially for the characters Dome and Vee, maybe incorporate the word “waiting” in the series name. Just a thought.
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Give it a Chance
This series is not for you if you don’t like paranormal story lines with a side of sci-fi. If it is, you are in for a treat.I love this series even with the bittersweet ending. It had a great original storyline. I also like how they incorporated several nods to Lovely Writer in some of the earlier episodes. Great script, beautiful cinematograph, and very good acting. I love the music and the special effects weree used very strategically.
However, the editing of the free cut version is not the greatest. They cut a lot of scenes which makes some of the episodes disconnected and/or confusing. The uncut version is definitely better. The cut version has many scenes missing that are needed to help the viewers fully understand and appreciate what is going on. They also cut scenes that help with the backstories of the side characters.
Disclaimer: I did a slight edit of this original review and changed the Story, Rewatch Value, and Overall Rating sections to reflect the cut version of this series. Edits were done on 1/6/2024.
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This review may contain spoilers
One Good Win
I placed spoilers at the end of this review.Overall, this was a very good series. This had the right combination of comedy, drama, and heartfelt moments. The first few episodes are rough around the edges, just stick with it because it does get better. I have to admit that the script was not perfect. It had parts in the beginning that made me want to drop it, but then gave me sections that made me care about the end game. What the script did a great job in was having very well-developed characters in which the cast did an incredible job making you either love or hate them. I also like how some of the characters fell in the gray area and had more than meets the eye. The music and cinematography were awesome.
Random Note:
Two minor critiques: There was one character that received a weak redemption arc and there was one missed opportunity in the last episode.
******Potential Spoiler Alert******
The weak redemption arch involved Na Gyu Won (Seol Hyeon’s father), but at least he admitted he was correct his mistake.
It would have been nice to see a scene with Yun Seong Jun’s mother meeting him after watching his match in the last episode.
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- Did it add anything to the original series
- Was there either an absence, advance, or regression of character/couple development
- Was the story concept interesting
- Script quality
Although it did not add anything to the original storyline, it was nice to see them during their “break-up” college days. This episode was cute and the acting was good, but it didn’t have the same magic as the main series. The background music choices were great, but I was not a fan with some of the sound effects. My only complaint is the crossover component. I would have loved to see Pat and Pran get two complete episodes instead of almost one full episode.
Random Note:
I’m probably in the minority with not liking this crossover. I’m just a little disappointed with it. Bad Buddy and A Tale of Thousand Stars are both my top favorite BL series, but I really wish this series stayed consistent with the 2-episode per couple format. I have a theory as to why this was done but I’ll keep it to myself.
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Just One Unpopular Opinion
This series did not click with me. Something just seemed off from the very beginning which prevented me from enjoying it. After the first 3 episodes, I felt like I watched a very long trailer. I got a rough outline of a series without actually getting the full content. It did not help that the script was not the greatest. It did not do a really good job introducing the characters which were also not fully developed. I simple didn’t find the storyline or the characters very interesting which is an important factor for me. Another problem was the pacing was inconsistent. There were times sections either happen too slow or at a rapid speed. There were also points where scenes seem to just randomly happen for no reason. On the positive, the overall acting was good considering the cast is new to the field.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I placed any potential spoilers at the end of this review.The acting was great and it had wonderful cinematography. However, the story concept was ok. The script started off strong, but it lost steam by the end. I personally think that episode 8 could have been handled differently. The series is also too long. It has 20 episodes and each episode can be over 90 minutes long. This is also why it took me so long to finally commit to watching it. Because of the number of episodes, the series felt repetitive at times. The series could have been 14- or 15-episode series max.
******Potential Spoiler Alert******
I did not like the ending, I wished the character Jang Han-seo lived.
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You will have to adjust your mindset as you watch it.
I placed spoilers at the end of this review.I usually don’t start with this but it’s important to know the series description on this page (Director’s Cut) is not very accurate. That being said, it would have been hard to write a series description without giving away the main storyline. Although it’s not accurate, it is the best one because the description on GagaOOLala and the MDL page for the regular version are completely wrong.
Overall, this was an awesome series. This may be an unpopular opinion but the main story concept was great. With not given too much away, the beginning of the series started off with episodes (1; 2; 3-4; 5-6) showing standalone storylines using the usual BL concepts. However, all of them are connected in a very unique way. My advice is to pay close attention to the closing credit scene at the end of episode 2 and the extra scene at the end of episode 4 because both did a very good job foreshadowing what the series is really about. The script was good, but it was not perfect. It had a very strong beginning, but became weak around episode 6. At this point the episodes dragged a little and there was some wasted screentime. The entire cast was wonderful. A big kudos for the two main actors because they did an incredible job getting into their characters with each different storyline. I didn’t feel like I was watching them portraying the same character over and over again. It also helped that the styling department did an incredible job creating different looks for the different characters.
Random Notes:
The location used for Namping’s house (episodes 3-4) was also used in the series “Knock, Knock Boys”. The house location used for episodes 5-8 was also used in the following series: “Twins” (Sprite and Zee’s childhood/father’s house), “GAP” (Mon’s house), “Enchanté” (Akk’s house), and “Something in My Room” (Phat’s house).
******Spoiler Alert******
MDL for the Director’s Cut series description is the best one because it doesn’t give away what the series is really about. However, I did go into this thinking the love story concept involved either reincarnation or multiple alternative universes.
I thought Top and Mick did a great acting job. It is not easy to portray multiple characters, especially in the same series. Not to mention portraying a character that is an actor that is acting on a fictional series set.
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What’s Not to Love!!!!
Warning: Do not watch this if you are offended by nudity.This was an incredible series. It’s always wonderful to watch a mature series that involved adults. I was scared to watch this at first because a series that centers around sex can go very wrong, really quickly. Thankfully this series had the right mixture of mature content, comedy, drama, and heartwarming moments. I loved getting to know the main characters and their storyline had a good progression throughout the series. I may not have liked all of the characters (I have my favorites), but they were well written. The best part was the friendship dynamic between the main characters. They didn’t always get alone, but they were always supportive of each other. The cast was wonderful and did a great job portraying their characters. This had great music and cinematography.
Random Notes:
It’s not a major one, but there is a cliffhanger in the last scene. It gives a hint of the possibility for a second season which I would love to see.
My only complaint is the English subtitle timing is too quick on GagaOOLala.
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This review may contain spoilers
Home Sweet Home
I placed spoilers at the end of this review.Here is my usual warning that I am a sucker for series with a paranormal/strange element to it. This was a fun series. The first few episodes were a little rough around the edges, but the following episodes get better. Overall, the script was funny and heartwarming. I really liked the mini storylines involving the guest roles. The script also did a great job tying all of the various storylines together. Three out of the four main characters started off a little annoying and/or unlikable. However, the script did a great job explaining reasonings behind their behaviors as the series progresses which made them more likable. My only minor complaint is that I was able to guess some of the plot twists beforehand. As for the entire cast, they were amazing and did an incredible job with their characters. The cinematography and special effects were also amazing.
Random Notes:
The closing credit scene showed various stages of the team’s relationship development was very cool. I normally don’t watch closing credits, but found myself doing so because of this.
The saying on the neon sign with the burned-out letters was hilarious.
Home’s condo in America is the same one used in the series “Wandee Goodday”, “Only Boo”, “My School President”, and “Good Old Days”.
The smaller globe next to the one Home was staring at in episode 8 was the same one used in the series “Be my Favorite”.
******Spoiler Alert******
The beginning of the first episode threw me off because I didn’t realize that Home was in America. They could have incorporated some other hints to this other than the news. It did not help that I recognized the place from other GMMTV series.
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