BL Ratings

Awakening the Steppe really made me question what kind of emotional phase the people behind these projects are going through. After watching The Heart of Tsukuyomi, Until We Drown, and now this, it genuinely feels like someone at Secret of Us (or whoever is in charge) is not okay. Why does everything need to end in sadness or emotional damage? Out of all their short series, this one is easily the weakest. The story is oddly structured, lacks depth, and throws information at you so fast it feels like it’s trying to seem meaningful rather than actually being meaningful. The only truly special thing here is the scenery. Honestly, the moment I saw it, I was sold. Quiet, open, peaceful, absolutely somewhere I’d love to disappear to. Visually, this series does the most. Narratively, not so much. The chemistry is… questionable. It’s not nonexistent, but it’s definitely not convincing. The way the characters fall in “love” feels rushed and unrealistic, and the kissing scenes honestly look more like they’re wrestling than connecting. Maybe it’s supposed to be passion, maybe it’s lack of chemistry, maybe it’s both. But I simply cannot buy someone being head over heels for a complete stranger they met a day ago, especially when the foundation of that connection makes zero sense. Which is a shame, because this story had potential. With that setting alone, it could’ve been something really memorable. Instead, the script feels like a fever dream. And just to really seal the deal, they throw in a terminal illness at the end. Of course they do. Then we get a dramatic return on a horse, which left me sitting there wondering, is this symbolic? Is he gonna die? Is he gonna heal? Is the horse a metaphor? No idea. And obviously I’ll never know. Overall, it’s not terrible, but it’s not strong either. I’m officially exhausted by sad endings and last-minute tragedy. Please, I am begging, let one of these stories end without emotional whiplash.

Overall: 7/10