Pincolino

I cried a lot. I don't remember crying watching BR and TWM. The whole production in this episode and the acting was great. They played some epic music in the background. Really, really well done. Not a boring second.

I feel bad for the actors and the team. Their great work gets not the acknowledgement it deserves. If Max&Tul would be all over each other, everyone would love it. Imagine you have to play the same role, the same character, which cannot be that challenging, and now you try something else, to step up the game, and people are hating it. Even if this is a BL series, it feels like they are breaking out from the genre and deliver something pretty atypical - and it doesn't get any approval.

I will admit it, I'm triggered. I always say, I'm not a writer, I'm a whore of the market. You have to please your audience, that's the first rule. But along the way you lose yourself, because you have to deliver the same old stuff over and over again. You cannot take any risk, you cannot dig really deep, writing your heart out, presenting unpleasant storylines that are putting yourself in a deep emotional breakdown - because people will not understand it and just look in a different direction, bored.

@Pedro: You blocked me? What a child you are ...
Your comment. "They have absolutely ruined Knock, Korn and Farm beyond the point of no return. None of these three characters have shown at any point this season why they deserve any sympathy. They are not even good anti-heroes, because while they are all stupid, self-centred and selfish, they are not having fun with it and relishing in villany. It's just bad."

In life things go wrong if you like it or not. And that has not necessarily to do with being stupid, self-centered and selfish. And even if it does, that's human nature. Don't trash a series and be happy instead that life never told you that lessen. I experienced it the hard way. Some things just don't work out the way you want it. You can do your f*cking best, the result will be the same.

Btw: this was the most emotional episode until now (BR and TWM included).

After watching the new episode we know Knock was scared too. He thought his parents would be embarrassed and kick him out. Korn messed this up BIG TIME. Jesus, no idea how they will make this work again ...

I don't see many. I counted only two (me included).

They know how to shock us that's for sure. My heart is still racing ...

The plot isn't bad if you're willing to think about it and get more into it. In fact it's incredible intriguing, but I agree that the decision to let them not have any good moment was not that smart. I guess they will break up in episode 8 and then? Only five more episodes to come. If they decide for a last minute happy end, then we only get one (!) good scene between them where they are happy and in love. That's honestly frustrating and I wonder why they writers thought that's a good idea.

I wouldn't be surprised if after that kiss (or in the worst case more than a kiss ) many people would stop watching. The writers are really crossing the line with this LOL. We still don't know what will happen, but imagine ... after BR where Korn was constantly accusing Knock of cheating, he was behaving like a possessive lover, all this jealousy, even in TWM he was pretty demanding if you think about it. He stole the boyfriend of a girl and wasn't concerned about it at all. We all rooted for him (me too), because he was so in love and he knew exactly what he wanted. He forced Knock to make a decision when now he himself isn't able to move forward and tell his parents about the relationship - and now, after all this, he cheats on Knock? This is just insane. I always said Knock's best quality is his loyalty and how faithful he is. I really hope they keep that until the end. Knock is aware of his flaws, but Korn seem to think he is always right. It's now his turn to change something about himself.

"(And about the cheating thing, i didn't think they would go for that cuz of fanservice. Korn cheating at this point is no surprise, cuz Knock is rejecting every advance Korn makes towards him, Knock isn't being affectionate. Now he found out that Knock hides stuff from him, I could see Korn at least thinking about someone else.Bu we don;t know for sure what happened so let's just wait)
All in all it's really admirable they risked popularity of the series for a realistic storyline. Whew! This is the longest review i have ever wrote haha"

I think they tried to do something different form the beginning. Two muscular guys like Knock&Korn aren't really the typical main actors of BL series. Still to this day I wonder why they decided to pair those two up. Also, in every other season it was the same: they had problems, did fight, and solved them at the end. It was never lovey-dovey to begin with, never soft or cute. They also took a risk with the Farm/Bright relationship. I think many overlooked it in TWM, because Max&Tul were so hot ;) But Farm and Bright ... Jesus ... that's controversial.

Well, that said, about the cheating: I don't think Korn is doing it out of sexual frustration (if that's your point). Those previews are always somehow misleading. No idea what they will come up with. Can it be too much alcohol? Korn was never drunk before. He also doesn't seem to be interested in the boss to begin with. Even though he is angry and treats Knock badly at the moment, I'm sure he is not doubting his feelings for a second. So I really cannot wait to discover what will lead to that kiss ...

@Freya Harold: I don't think that the chemistry is gone, but I will admit I felt like that at the beginning too. It's just different. In BR the way they looked at each other ... for some reason it was pretty emotional. It seems many people saw the chemistry between those two, otherwise they wouldn't have gotten their own series in the first place. In TWM, well, we all know how hot Max&Tul were. In Next Chapter they are acting more like a couple that's together for a long time. I honestly like it a lot. I see the spark and everyone else would too if Knock would be a bit more responsive. Max is acting very cute in this season (the scene when they were talking at the phone, the scene in ep 6 when he was cuddling and kissing Tul on the cheek, the kiss on the shoulder in ep 5). I really enjoy those scenes A LOT. It's beautiful to see them being at ease, touching each other like real boyfriends. Yeah, there is no crazy kissing going on, but I prefer this over some long stares in each other's eyes and slow motion touching which at the end of the day is just awkward and nothing else. That's the reason why I enjoy this series. They kept it real from the beginning and their chemistry is still the best of all BL couples out there.
Because of the more dramatic storyline they cannot jump each other constantly, yes, but I also think, the writers should have given us more such scenes. I don't think they will break up in ep 7, maybe it will be in ep8 - and then? I'm extremely curious what will happen next. There is not much time left to make up. I don't care about a last minute happy end, but it would have been smarter to show us more romantic scenes between them - just to satisfy the fans. Even on YouTube now everyone starts whining ...

I'm on the edge of my seat ... Korn kissing someone else is HUUUUUGE! I'm pretty sure if Knock would cheat on him, most people would be like "Yeah, Knock is a jerk, poor Korn." But Korn? How will they be able to overcome this? Like ... seriously? I want to see that BADLY! There are some real problems and real issues to solve. Not like in TWM where we all knew that it was just a matter of time until Pleng's evil personality was discovered and they can live happily ever after.
Also Yihwa and Art ... both guys are gorgeous! Yihwa and Art are good together. He is such a funny, nice and caring guy. The chemistry is on point! But Cho ... such a good buddy. He doesn't deserve to lose her ... I'm really excited for what's to come. Nobody knows how this will going, that's what makes it so good.

This isn't bad AT ALL. Knock was always too dependable of others which explains why some crazy girl like Pleng could manipulate him so easily. Now he revealed he only works there because he wanted to follow Cho and Korn (especially Korn). That fits his character and is a problem they hopefully address and solve later on. So lets take a look at Knock's situation: He works at a place where he doesn't want to work, he has to hide his relationship like i't something to be ashamed of, he has to play the boyfriend of some stupid fangirl who constantly annoys him and seem to have an interest in him. And Korn? He doesn't care.
So what about Korn? He wants to make Knock's life as easy as possible (waking him up, preparing his clothes etc.) He is loving, flirting - but Knock doesn't respond.
Yes, it's all a communication issue. Many relationships are going downhill for far less. They both have to grow. But this is not done in one episode. All that problems were there before, they don't vanish miraculously. How they took the characters and brought out their strengths and weaknesses in this new season is pretty well done. It's like you really understand all their past struggles much better. But wait! - it's depressing and there is no lovey-dovey going on and - OH GOD! - maybe there will be cheating - so it's bad, of course.

There are people who come constantly here to this site and say things like "It's so bad" again and again and again and are killing every enjoyment others get out of this show and I'm here the bad guy? I shoudn't read the comments? And if I say, you shoudn't watch the show I'm stupid? Guys, come one! There is really something wrong with most people here. Like I said in other comments there are many shows worth criticizing, but I don't get around and bash them constantly. Critical thinker? It's not sooo bad. Everyone here seems to be an expert when it comes to storytelling. Lately I talked to a girl who had a major in literature (whatever that's supposed to be) and apparently knows everything about storytelling what's there to know.
It doesn't make you smart if you feel the need to bash the show, the contrary is the case. There is some deep storytelling going on in this season and if you cannot see (or feel it) then that's on you, really. I'm a writer myself and experience this a lot. People hate on stories because they don't get them or they expect something different. They are extremely critical because the show doesn't fullfill their needs while other shows are obviously trash, but because maybe it speaks more to them (because it's more romantic or whatever) they love it. I used to write more complex psychological stories - people hated it. Now I make it as simple as possible. Guess what? They find it great. Yeah. Sure.

I don't want to sound mean, but I'm glad that people who don't enjoy the new season leave. I can't stomach a weekly bashing anymore.

"Korn and Knock began and continued for a while with cheating"
It's true, he cheated on Pleng, though Korn is to blame for it too. He knew he had a girlfriend (and he didn't seem to care about that at all), but nobody is doubting him LOL. Also, Knock was drunk when it happened, he didn't do it on purpose the first time. Later on Knock didn't know what to do, he couldn't make up his mind (though he tried - Pleng was manipulating him so he failed again). I don't think you can call that "cheating" like Mew did for example. Knock was confused and unable to decide who he should be with. He felt guilty and sorry (for the girl unfortunately). I just never understood the relationship with her to begin with. She came in his apartment, all dressed up with high heels like she would be ready for the catwalk, and then looked after him like some old houswife from the 50s. LOL. Maybe it has to do with thai culture, no idea. There was no passion, no emotion, nothing. Only some strange obligation to be with this woman even though he knew her only for some months.
I also highly doubt he slept with Pleng since that night he did it with Korn. There was one time they almost kissed, but that was it. That was something I didn't like about TWM and I'm assuming they made that relationship look like this because BL fans don't want to see boyxgirl action (I do!).
But I really think Knock is too innocent to ever cheat on Korn since they are now in a committed relationship (for years). So why doubting him after all this time? I mean, I completely understand Korn and his insecurities. I honestly love it, when he gets jealous, but I think, he is wrong about it and he is hurting Knock. Imagine someone you love is not trusting you, like he doesn't know you at all. I mean, it's not like Knock is some kind of womanizer (or mennizer LOL) who had countless relationships and makes cheating a habit.
Knock is really helpless though, but I love how the characters develops. He isn't that stupid anymore. He knows when he messes up. I'm really excited about this sequel.

@Frey Harold: I was always a Knock lover, I'm now out of the closet LOL. No, seriously, everyone hates him. In BR everyone was on Korn's side, in TWM too. I didn't like Knock's behavior in TWM that much, but in BR I had always a soft spot for him. He is childisch and yes, I agree, he cannot handle stress well, but he loves Korn and he is extremely loyal. That's why the whole cheating thing made me always sad. In BR Cho&Knock happened by accident as much as I remember, but Korn suddenly got all jealous, anxious and obsessive. Knock was hurt by that behavior. For the viewer it was obvious he would never cheat on Korn. So yeah, I'm extremely happy that BR Knock is back and that they handle the storyline better this time.
Regarding Tul: I really thought he wasn't into it. I'm glad I was wrong. Also Max is delivering like always.
You wrote: "When Knock said that Korn might think that he is cheating when the boss tried to take him home from the bar, and when he asked if Korn is embrassed because of him when he threw up in the middle of the meeting, idk why i just felt this huge affection towards Knock in this episode y'know ????"
Yeah, those two scenes were very powerful. I loved them. That's the kind of storytelling that I enjoy.

I don't think we have completely lost him to the dark side. I also feel like the actor has improved a lot. Maybe it's just me ... I admit I skipped many of his scenes in TWM, but in Next Chapter I really enjoy seeing him on screen ...

The chemistry is different this time. At the beginning I thought that's a bad thing, but no, I start liking it more and more. Somehow everything feels more real. That scene when Korn cared for Knock after he vomited, how Knock asked him if he's now embarrassed ... that really hit me hard. How Korn was grabbing his face ... holding him. Or how Knock is aware that Korn will think he cheats on him, how Korn tries not to be angry with Knock because he did drink too much again ... They are showing some growth. The conflict may be the same as in BR but the execution is different. It's interesting to see how their chemistry changed and I must say this level of intimacy they show us is really exciting even tough it's much more subtle. Tul is really acting his ass off this time. I remember when he cried in TWM on that bed after the fight with Mew I was just annoyed and not sad at all (well, I guess the script was to blame), but this time his expression really got me ... Seeing the trailer I thought cheesy and bad drama lies ahead us ... I'm not so sure anymore ... but well, fingers crossed ...

The parents can really act ... their faces, their attitude ... the comedic timing ... I was laughing out loud several times!

I must admit I cried a little. The scene when Knock was drunk lying on the bed with Fai and Korn ... Tul's acting was great. I'm really impressed. They are giving each other a hard time, but it's obvious how deep their feelings are. If they keep this up, I will like this even more than TWM.

@jadea: There are certain cliches they add because it appeals to the viewers. I'm not happy about it, believe me. The whole fujoshi thing is extreme in Asia. Think about all those game shows, where they have to eat a noodle or something until their mouths touch and in the background the girls are screaming like crazy. It's strange and I criticized it on this site before. I also remember that in TWM Pleng and Knock were supposed to be a couple but they never kissed. That bothered me a lot. There was a scene were they ALMOST did it, but no. Why? Because BL fans don't want to see it. They have to remain in that BL universe where only BoyxBoy is allowed.
They added the fujoshi storyline for fun, it worked for me to be honest. The cucumber jokes ... sigh ... I have seen this before. Bananas, cucumbers and sausages seem to be popular for this kind of jokes.
About the ignorance though ... in Thailand transgender woman are perceived differently than in the rest of the world. The ladyboys are well known, maybe that plays a role, maybe not. I really don't know.