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This review may contain spoilers
THE STALKER DOWNSTAIRS
But for real though, Cir needs therapy not a boyfriend, cuz this man has a master degree in stalking and graduated with honours in lying. Still, did y’all see that CAKE?? Lord have mercy. Anyway cake aside, what in all things confusing was 85% of this drama? Is that fine delulu stalker from a parallel universe or not?
Now, before we get into the review, let’s put the confusing plot, characters and the drama itself aside for a moment and talk about that CAKE… I meant, Cir, and kissing. The chemistry in this drama between the leads was insane, though, I’m still laughing at that scene in ep6 when Phu pulled down those pants and went into shock. LMAO what did that poor boy see with his eyeballs? Anyway, the CAKE, I mean Cir, makes kissing look like an art form. That stalker needs to give classes on kissing to some people. I don’t know who, but some… oh, who am I kidding, I already have a list of who:
PEOPLE WHO NEEDS TO ATTEND CIR’S KISSING CLASSES.
1. Who: PEEM. Drama: We Are. REASON: Y’all saw him kiss Phum at the beach right? Poor Phum would have had a better time making out with that canoe beside them instead.
2. Who: STYLE. Drama: The Heart Killers. REASON: I’m sure his twins Daonuea and Zo would agree with me, that you need to open your mouth to call it kissing, otherwise what’s the point?
3. Who: KONGTHAP. Drama: My Love Mix-Up! REASON: Boy was giving Atom nothing, and Atom was trying very hard.
4. Who: SAINT & SHIN: Drama: High School Frenemy: REASON: They gave us nothing, literally, nothing. Their faces and lips didn’t even touch, not once. Boooo, out there using the excuse of bromance. Talking 'bout we're just friends. Booooo.
That being said, imma also need either Joke, Bison, Joe or Third to teach Cir how to cry beautifully cuz… damn fam, he’s crying during that scene when he returned from the parallel world, and it’s all sad and I feel for him, sure the CAKE was like right there too, but for once it’s not the focus cuz my thoughts went: ‘damn, is that the crying we going with?’ Brotha, why?
Also, is every lead character allergic to the rain? Why these people out there acting like they’d die or melt if they get wet? Let us be serious in this life peoples! It’s just water, you will not die. Cir rushed in there, CAKE and all, wet himself, like Phu was seconds away from dying and if he didn’t bring him that umbrella he’d turn into the wicked witch and melt! Dude—W-A-T-E-R! Or am I just bitter no one brings me an umbrella? Whatever, it’s still h2o.
Anyway, not gonna lie, it took me days to watch the first episode of this drama, cuz it was so dull and boring it put me to sleep each time I tried. I read the novel, I knew what was happening, still, five minutes in and I was counting CAKE, sheep. It took about 3-4 episodes before I got into the rhythm.
First off, to me, this is genuinely the most interesting Me Mindy drama I’d ever watched, and that’s saying something cuz we got what we got here, lots of stuff, confusion and no glue to hold it all together. Even so, the premise was interesting, super confusing and lacked substances, yes, but interesting nonetheless. And apart from that we got a decent acting from Boss who’ve improved sooooo much. Applauds, dude, you did a good job with this CAKE, mhm, sorry, this character.
Listen, I read the novel before this aired, and like many of you was super disappointed when the conclusion was that Cir was a stalker this whole time. Immediately, I wanted to throw my tablet away cuz dafug? I’ve been rooting for a delulu stalker this whole time, and I’m supposed to be happy he got his happy ending? Nah fam, get that boy some help, don’t make him come add his trauma on top of Phu’s own. But—but, I was still happy they at least found each other, healing together and whatnot.
PLOT:
Interesting premise, but as mentioned, confusing, and they could have done so much more with the execution and the characters. All the back and forth of whether Cir was from parallel universe or not, only for episode 8 to say yes, and then episode 9 to completely undo it like: 'nope, he’s just a CAKE...mhm, sorry, a stalker. Like, pick a lane drama, what are you trying to sell me?
Side note: why the hell did Cir keep that book with pictures and evidence of his stalking? Child, at least be professional and hide it under the bed or something like a proper creep. It was like he wanted to get caught. And as for Phu, all those years and you telling me he didn't notice him once?? Literally, he was everywhere, close, stalking you. Come on child!
For anyone who is still confused, let me try and confuse you some more by explaining the plot how I understood it:
—The parallel universe thing is as real as that CAKE. When Cir got hurt in ep1 trying to stop those thieves from stealing Phukan’s car, his soul was exchanged with one of the Cirs', or at least he went to that white room where he saw the lives of the other CAKES, hmm, Cirs with their Phukans. He saw a similar universe to his own, where instead of not answering that cup telephone in his universe, in that universe he did. So, when he woke up, thinking it was only a dream, cuz he wished he’d answered that cup call, his lying arse was like, ‘damn son, I almost died, and I still don’t have this boy I’ve been stalking since high school, so let me rush over there and tell him I’m from another universe'. Either that or he was still high on the dream , or that CAKE he’s carrying around made him tired and he actually thought everything he saw in the parallel universe was his real life that's why he rushed over to Phu, but by the time he came to his senses it was too late, Phu already believed him, and he was closer to his heart desire now and didn’t want to loose him. So then, the lying games begun.
So yeah, parallel universes exists, the CAKE is real too, and Cir just thinks they are his dream cuz it’s the lie he told Phu and he thinks it's why he’s dreaming about it. Cuz the P’Payu looking Cir did not have a scar and stalker Cir had a scar, so there must be a parallel universe, right? or at least some soul/body changing stuff going on. Plus I think in the finale they eluded to Cir himself knowing/believing the parallel universes exists.
Anyway, that’s what I understood from both the drama and the novel, and it make sense in my head, so yaay for me. Also, I was happy the writers decided to give us more indepth-ish explanation of the parallel universe than we got in the book, cuz it helped explained a thing or two. Another difference between the novel and the drama is, the novel was sadly devoid of any CAKE. For shame.
CHARACTERS
I liked Cir and Phu together when all is said and done, cuz they needed each. After the truth came out, they realised they were the light in each other's lives. Yes, Cir was a lying stalker with trauma the size of the iceberg that sunk the titanic, but underneath it all he was a caring boyfriend. I’m not excusing his behavior, just stating facts, cuz when he did get Phu he treated him right, like he was the most precious thing in the world, which he was, to him.
Still, Cir was a stalker. Yes, he was handsome and had CAKE, but what we won’t do is excuse his actions. He did stalk Phu for years, asked about where he'd attend uni, and even moved into the same building as him. Like?? and how the eff did he know about Phu's private stuffs and the passcode and whatnot? This dude manipulated Phu into thinking they were together by knowing so many private things about him, and some of y’all don’t find that alarming? Sure Cir was scared of what his crazy mother would do if he went after Phu, still, he didn’t need to turn into a professional stalker. Plus even when he pretended to be from a parallel universe so they could be together, the mother still tried to have people ran Phu over with a car, so…?
Phukan on the other hand was very demure to the point of naivety and needed to be slapped with a rubber chicken a few times, cuz who would even believe that parallel universe nonsense? But then again, if that CAKE, I mean, Cir, had shown up on my doorsteps soaking wet and saying we were dating, heck I’d have done the same. I’d have been like: ‘Yep, I super remember. You're my boyfriend. You went out to get me bread and didn’t come back. I thought yous was dead, glad you aint though, welcome back baby boo.’
When all is said and done, they both needed each other. Phu is alone, his mommy gone cuz she couldn’t handle the father’s death. Cir is whatever he is now cuz his mother is a psycho and his father is whatever. Together I’m sure after all the trust have been rebuilt, they’d healed each other and be amazing together. Acting wise Boss improved from what I saw in LITA. Noeul... well, there’s always the next drama. But when it comes to chemistry, hands down these two are one of the best in the bl world. WOW.
Secondary Characters:
I liked Jin and Wim, so straight to the point, refreshing. Though that mind reading powers did Jin so dirty when he needed it. I’d watch a whole drama with them if they give us one. They could have done more with Jin though, he just smiled and stared at people and that was it. What a waste of an interesting power. I'm glad they had their happy ending, though in the finale when Wim was confessing with all that mmms and his back to Jin, I was like, 'Well, congratulations Jin, I guess you're now dating the back of his head.' LMAO, I get he was shy, but it made me laugh. Also, Wim was a good friend to Cir.
The two girls were very protective of Cir, but like, a bit chilling please. Then again Cir was so naive, like you’re in uni, you’ve been letting Cir and his CAKE do stuff to you, start acting your age so your friends don't treat you like a child who needs protecting all the time.
Achi, dude was self obsessed and so dumb, then again a beautiful girl was involved, which brings me to the wannabe fiancée. I am sorry, but if I looked like a tall beautiful goddess like she did, I would definitely, 100% not be chasing after any person. Sure the CAKE was a plus when it came to Cir, but like, to look like that and have people labeling you crazy cuz of some dude who don’t even want you is next level sad and pathetic. And Cir's mother... that woman needs jail or rewiring. Cir's parents were the worse. Not his brother though, he's the best. Saw Ozone and went... 'Omg X, what you doing here? Is Namping still dead?' nooo Nampinggggggg :(((.
One thing this drama did very well was their soundtrack. Already the title truck was so dope, I didn't skip it once, loved the way Boss started it, and how Noeul came in. Loved it. That 'Shiver' song in ep5 while Cir did that thing with his mouth and the CAKE was like right in our faces... well, it's been on repeat, the song I mean. Thanks for the song rec drama, though having to remember Cirs work and Phu's reaction each time it plays is...? And what did Cir do in that bathroom after that scene? You know what, am too innocent, don't tell me.
FINALE:
I went into the finale with a list of questions waiting for answers, so I jumped when Jin was like:
Jin: Oh, I can read minds, so I know Cir wasn't lying to Phu.
ME: OMG, really? then explain it to us, slowly, in baby language!
JIN: So 20 something years ago, I was born... *insert him telling us his life story.*
ME: Oh no, so sad. Real sad for you. *Me on the inside* DUDE JUST TELL ME WHY ALREADY THIS AINT ABOUT YOU.
JIN: *Proceed to talk about his feelings and tries to get himself a boyfriend*
ME: OMG, FIND LOVE ON YOUR ON TIME SHARON. Peoples, we only have an hour and we've wasted half on Phu's brooding!
Of course, the biggest question of the finale was if Phu would forgive Cir. So during the video, when Cir said he knew Phu might think he's a disgusting psycho, which well... and he was explaining stuff, I felt bad for Cir. Yes, he's hurt, but it's by his own actions so, do the crime, do the time. Still, I was all emotional and feeling sad for him and going 'Come on Phu, forgive the stalker, he loves you so much, get that CAKE,' then this dude, start's singing/crying. And normally I'd cringe, laugh and skip like I did that first time he sang to Phu, but he was just so sad and pathetic, it would have been cruel to laugh, so I just sat through the whole thing with confused emotions. The whole scene was just so awkwardly...sad, both in an emotionally and 'I'm judging you-ing-ly' way.
But of course, as it is with these dramas, after the video, boom, Phu forgives him, and even end up saying he's sorry. Oh love, love, love, love, how I wish I could throw rocks in your eyeballs. This boy, later was even asking about all the ways Cir stalked him, and smiling like...child??? Love is indeed blind, or dumb as eff depending on how you look at it. I'm not saying anything, but I'm sure the CAKE made Phu's decision to forgive him a little bit easier.
And that Mother calling her children properties. Some people don't deserve a family. And although I saw it coming, watching Cir leave his brother in his place to their psychotic mother was wild. Homeboy left with Phu, and while Phu was getting his back blown against the wall, I was like... so you're just gonna throw your brother to the defected wolf like that, huh? No effs were given by them, whatsoever.
Anyway, everything ended happily for our two pairs. Well, Ozone's stuck with that mother. Someone better check on him, he might be out there stalking someone too to stay sane. Oh, and we also got to see a glimpse of the next world with the P'Payu looking Cir, so I'm guessing there might be more coming our way.
Overall, this was a decent show, some confusing things we’d never get answers to, some cringy acting we’ve learned to accept, very good chemistry between the leads and an interesting premise, but that was about it. It felt rushed towards the end, and many things could have been done differently or explained better, but overall, it was an enjoyable show. Stay with it, even if like me, in the beginning, you find it boring, it is, but it gets better. I’ll recommend it to bl lovers, cuz it’s worth at least a watch.
I’m looking forward to BossNoeul’s next drama, I'm sure it would be as interesting as this CAKE, I meant, premise... oh who am I kidding, y'all saw that CAKE too right? Like, it was right there, in every scene and... you know what, nevermind, let's leave it as it is. CAKE.
Now, before we get into the review, let’s put the confusing plot, characters and the drama itself aside for a moment and talk about that CAKE… I meant, Cir, and kissing. The chemistry in this drama between the leads was insane, though, I’m still laughing at that scene in ep6 when Phu pulled down those pants and went into shock. LMAO what did that poor boy see with his eyeballs? Anyway, the CAKE, I mean Cir, makes kissing look like an art form. That stalker needs to give classes on kissing to some people. I don’t know who, but some… oh, who am I kidding, I already have a list of who:
PEOPLE WHO NEEDS TO ATTEND CIR’S KISSING CLASSES.
1. Who: PEEM. Drama: We Are. REASON: Y’all saw him kiss Phum at the beach right? Poor Phum would have had a better time making out with that canoe beside them instead.
2. Who: STYLE. Drama: The Heart Killers. REASON: I’m sure his twins Daonuea and Zo would agree with me, that you need to open your mouth to call it kissing, otherwise what’s the point?
3. Who: KONGTHAP. Drama: My Love Mix-Up! REASON: Boy was giving Atom nothing, and Atom was trying very hard.
4. Who: SAINT & SHIN: Drama: High School Frenemy: REASON: They gave us nothing, literally, nothing. Their faces and lips didn’t even touch, not once. Boooo, out there using the excuse of bromance. Talking 'bout we're just friends. Booooo.
That being said, imma also need either Joke, Bison, Joe or Third to teach Cir how to cry beautifully cuz… damn fam, he’s crying during that scene when he returned from the parallel world, and it’s all sad and I feel for him, sure the CAKE was like right there too, but for once it’s not the focus cuz my thoughts went: ‘damn, is that the crying we going with?’ Brotha, why?
Also, is every lead character allergic to the rain? Why these people out there acting like they’d die or melt if they get wet? Let us be serious in this life peoples! It’s just water, you will not die. Cir rushed in there, CAKE and all, wet himself, like Phu was seconds away from dying and if he didn’t bring him that umbrella he’d turn into the wicked witch and melt! Dude—W-A-T-E-R! Or am I just bitter no one brings me an umbrella? Whatever, it’s still h2o.
Anyway, not gonna lie, it took me days to watch the first episode of this drama, cuz it was so dull and boring it put me to sleep each time I tried. I read the novel, I knew what was happening, still, five minutes in and I was counting CAKE, sheep. It took about 3-4 episodes before I got into the rhythm.
First off, to me, this is genuinely the most interesting Me Mindy drama I’d ever watched, and that’s saying something cuz we got what we got here, lots of stuff, confusion and no glue to hold it all together. Even so, the premise was interesting, super confusing and lacked substances, yes, but interesting nonetheless. And apart from that we got a decent acting from Boss who’ve improved sooooo much. Applauds, dude, you did a good job with this CAKE, mhm, sorry, this character.
Listen, I read the novel before this aired, and like many of you was super disappointed when the conclusion was that Cir was a stalker this whole time. Immediately, I wanted to throw my tablet away cuz dafug? I’ve been rooting for a delulu stalker this whole time, and I’m supposed to be happy he got his happy ending? Nah fam, get that boy some help, don’t make him come add his trauma on top of Phu’s own. But—but, I was still happy they at least found each other, healing together and whatnot.
PLOT:
Interesting premise, but as mentioned, confusing, and they could have done so much more with the execution and the characters. All the back and forth of whether Cir was from parallel universe or not, only for episode 8 to say yes, and then episode 9 to completely undo it like: 'nope, he’s just a CAKE...mhm, sorry, a stalker. Like, pick a lane drama, what are you trying to sell me?
Side note: why the hell did Cir keep that book with pictures and evidence of his stalking? Child, at least be professional and hide it under the bed or something like a proper creep. It was like he wanted to get caught. And as for Phu, all those years and you telling me he didn't notice him once?? Literally, he was everywhere, close, stalking you. Come on child!
For anyone who is still confused, let me try and confuse you some more by explaining the plot how I understood it:
—The parallel universe thing is as real as that CAKE. When Cir got hurt in ep1 trying to stop those thieves from stealing Phukan’s car, his soul was exchanged with one of the Cirs', or at least he went to that white room where he saw the lives of the other CAKES, hmm, Cirs with their Phukans. He saw a similar universe to his own, where instead of not answering that cup telephone in his universe, in that universe he did. So, when he woke up, thinking it was only a dream, cuz he wished he’d answered that cup call, his lying arse was like, ‘damn son, I almost died, and I still don’t have this boy I’ve been stalking since high school, so let me rush over there and tell him I’m from another universe'. Either that or he was still high on the dream , or that CAKE he’s carrying around made him tired and he actually thought everything he saw in the parallel universe was his real life that's why he rushed over to Phu, but by the time he came to his senses it was too late, Phu already believed him, and he was closer to his heart desire now and didn’t want to loose him. So then, the lying games begun.
So yeah, parallel universes exists, the CAKE is real too, and Cir just thinks they are his dream cuz it’s the lie he told Phu and he thinks it's why he’s dreaming about it. Cuz the P’Payu looking Cir did not have a scar and stalker Cir had a scar, so there must be a parallel universe, right? or at least some soul/body changing stuff going on. Plus I think in the finale they eluded to Cir himself knowing/believing the parallel universes exists.
Anyway, that’s what I understood from both the drama and the novel, and it make sense in my head, so yaay for me. Also, I was happy the writers decided to give us more indepth-ish explanation of the parallel universe than we got in the book, cuz it helped explained a thing or two. Another difference between the novel and the drama is, the novel was sadly devoid of any CAKE. For shame.
CHARACTERS
I liked Cir and Phu together when all is said and done, cuz they needed each. After the truth came out, they realised they were the light in each other's lives. Yes, Cir was a lying stalker with trauma the size of the iceberg that sunk the titanic, but underneath it all he was a caring boyfriend. I’m not excusing his behavior, just stating facts, cuz when he did get Phu he treated him right, like he was the most precious thing in the world, which he was, to him.
Still, Cir was a stalker. Yes, he was handsome and had CAKE, but what we won’t do is excuse his actions. He did stalk Phu for years, asked about where he'd attend uni, and even moved into the same building as him. Like?? and how the eff did he know about Phu's private stuffs and the passcode and whatnot? This dude manipulated Phu into thinking they were together by knowing so many private things about him, and some of y’all don’t find that alarming? Sure Cir was scared of what his crazy mother would do if he went after Phu, still, he didn’t need to turn into a professional stalker. Plus even when he pretended to be from a parallel universe so they could be together, the mother still tried to have people ran Phu over with a car, so…?
Phukan on the other hand was very demure to the point of naivety and needed to be slapped with a rubber chicken a few times, cuz who would even believe that parallel universe nonsense? But then again, if that CAKE, I mean, Cir, had shown up on my doorsteps soaking wet and saying we were dating, heck I’d have done the same. I’d have been like: ‘Yep, I super remember. You're my boyfriend. You went out to get me bread and didn’t come back. I thought yous was dead, glad you aint though, welcome back baby boo.’
When all is said and done, they both needed each other. Phu is alone, his mommy gone cuz she couldn’t handle the father’s death. Cir is whatever he is now cuz his mother is a psycho and his father is whatever. Together I’m sure after all the trust have been rebuilt, they’d healed each other and be amazing together. Acting wise Boss improved from what I saw in LITA. Noeul... well, there’s always the next drama. But when it comes to chemistry, hands down these two are one of the best in the bl world. WOW.
Secondary Characters:
I liked Jin and Wim, so straight to the point, refreshing. Though that mind reading powers did Jin so dirty when he needed it. I’d watch a whole drama with them if they give us one. They could have done more with Jin though, he just smiled and stared at people and that was it. What a waste of an interesting power. I'm glad they had their happy ending, though in the finale when Wim was confessing with all that mmms and his back to Jin, I was like, 'Well, congratulations Jin, I guess you're now dating the back of his head.' LMAO, I get he was shy, but it made me laugh. Also, Wim was a good friend to Cir.
The two girls were very protective of Cir, but like, a bit chilling please. Then again Cir was so naive, like you’re in uni, you’ve been letting Cir and his CAKE do stuff to you, start acting your age so your friends don't treat you like a child who needs protecting all the time.
Achi, dude was self obsessed and so dumb, then again a beautiful girl was involved, which brings me to the wannabe fiancée. I am sorry, but if I looked like a tall beautiful goddess like she did, I would definitely, 100% not be chasing after any person. Sure the CAKE was a plus when it came to Cir, but like, to look like that and have people labeling you crazy cuz of some dude who don’t even want you is next level sad and pathetic. And Cir's mother... that woman needs jail or rewiring. Cir's parents were the worse. Not his brother though, he's the best. Saw Ozone and went... 'Omg X, what you doing here? Is Namping still dead?' nooo Nampinggggggg :(((.
One thing this drama did very well was their soundtrack. Already the title truck was so dope, I didn't skip it once, loved the way Boss started it, and how Noeul came in. Loved it. That 'Shiver' song in ep5 while Cir did that thing with his mouth and the CAKE was like right in our faces... well, it's been on repeat, the song I mean. Thanks for the song rec drama, though having to remember Cirs work and Phu's reaction each time it plays is...? And what did Cir do in that bathroom after that scene? You know what, am too innocent, don't tell me.
FINALE:
I went into the finale with a list of questions waiting for answers, so I jumped when Jin was like:
Jin: Oh, I can read minds, so I know Cir wasn't lying to Phu.
ME: OMG, really? then explain it to us, slowly, in baby language!
JIN: So 20 something years ago, I was born... *insert him telling us his life story.*
ME: Oh no, so sad. Real sad for you. *Me on the inside* DUDE JUST TELL ME WHY ALREADY THIS AINT ABOUT YOU.
JIN: *Proceed to talk about his feelings and tries to get himself a boyfriend*
ME: OMG, FIND LOVE ON YOUR ON TIME SHARON. Peoples, we only have an hour and we've wasted half on Phu's brooding!
Of course, the biggest question of the finale was if Phu would forgive Cir. So during the video, when Cir said he knew Phu might think he's a disgusting psycho, which well... and he was explaining stuff, I felt bad for Cir. Yes, he's hurt, but it's by his own actions so, do the crime, do the time. Still, I was all emotional and feeling sad for him and going 'Come on Phu, forgive the stalker, he loves you so much, get that CAKE,' then this dude, start's singing/crying. And normally I'd cringe, laugh and skip like I did that first time he sang to Phu, but he was just so sad and pathetic, it would have been cruel to laugh, so I just sat through the whole thing with confused emotions. The whole scene was just so awkwardly...sad, both in an emotionally and 'I'm judging you-ing-ly' way.
But of course, as it is with these dramas, after the video, boom, Phu forgives him, and even end up saying he's sorry. Oh love, love, love, love, how I wish I could throw rocks in your eyeballs. This boy, later was even asking about all the ways Cir stalked him, and smiling like...child??? Love is indeed blind, or dumb as eff depending on how you look at it. I'm not saying anything, but I'm sure the CAKE made Phu's decision to forgive him a little bit easier.
And that Mother calling her children properties. Some people don't deserve a family. And although I saw it coming, watching Cir leave his brother in his place to their psychotic mother was wild. Homeboy left with Phu, and while Phu was getting his back blown against the wall, I was like... so you're just gonna throw your brother to the defected wolf like that, huh? No effs were given by them, whatsoever.
Anyway, everything ended happily for our two pairs. Well, Ozone's stuck with that mother. Someone better check on him, he might be out there stalking someone too to stay sane. Oh, and we also got to see a glimpse of the next world with the P'Payu looking Cir, so I'm guessing there might be more coming our way.
Overall, this was a decent show, some confusing things we’d never get answers to, some cringy acting we’ve learned to accept, very good chemistry between the leads and an interesting premise, but that was about it. It felt rushed towards the end, and many things could have been done differently or explained better, but overall, it was an enjoyable show. Stay with it, even if like me, in the beginning, you find it boring, it is, but it gets better. I’ll recommend it to bl lovers, cuz it’s worth at least a watch.
I’m looking forward to BossNoeul’s next drama, I'm sure it would be as interesting as this CAKE, I meant, premise... oh who am I kidding, y'all saw that CAKE too right? Like, it was right there, in every scene and... you know what, nevermind, let's leave it as it is. CAKE.
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