RoseQ

Short and sweet

This one was so adorable! I loved how both main characters liked each other and were trying to make sure the other person was their soulmate. While not telling that to the other one, of course. I found their back and forth cute and sweet. Mick and Top, the actors who played Korn and Butr, had great chemistry. The looks, the little touches… sparks were flying whenever the two were near one another.

There were some plot holes or things that just didn’t really make sense. I am a bit confused because the soulmate thing doesn’t seem to be general knowledge, but there is another person pursuing Butr in order to be his soulmate. Yet none of their meetings are coincidental. Ergo, the two can’t be soulmates, yet Butr acts like they are just one meeting apart from it.

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Some were better than others, but I quite liked them all

I didn’t expect that I would be making a separate review for each couple / series, but there was just so much to say about each one of them! Some of the reviews for just two episodes are longer than some of my reviews of full series. I don’t even know how that happened! So, I linked the more in-depth reviews for each couple, and this will be like an overview of everything.

All in all, I really like how they kept the general looks of the main series for the Our Skyy 2 episodes as well. The individual couple stories feel more like they are a part of their original series than they feel like a part of one series. And I like that. Why? Because even though all these special episodes were put into one series, they are all still separate, their universes are separate. And the overall look and feel of the episodes shows that.

I liked certain plots more than others, but that was expected. We all have different preferences about topics and genres. It did feel like GMMTV might have tested certain themes with already established couples to see how the viewers would react to them – especially with the Never Let Me Go and Vice Versa episodes. To be honest, I wouldn’t mind a full historical series or a cute family series.

I think out of everyone Akk & Ayan really had the most “we are boyfriends” moments and overall vibe. There were little touches, kisses, little fights… They really looked like a couple, two people in love with each other. I think that is something most other couples lacked. I am not saying the rest didn’t have their cute moments or that they lacked chemistry, they just weren't anywhere near the Akk & Ayan level.

GMMTV is really spoiling us with new side couples! I do like seeing them, but I am also a bit sad that we don’t get to see some of the original side couples and how they are doing at the time. I guess it’s due to the fact that some actors left or are busy with other projects.

We are getting spoiled with special OSTs as well. Every couple had a new special song (or two) in their parts. They really are showing all the talents the boys have. There are quite a few that I had on a loop since they came out.

Another thing I absolutely love is how the characters kept the important items from their own stories. It also makes a lot of sense, because when we find something important, we don’t just stop using it or wearing it with no explanation. So, seeing the necklaces, the bracelets, the necklace… even if they are not explicitly mentioned, it’s a sweet detail. I am not as naïve not to know that selling the merch related to the series also plays a big role in reusing the said items.

Never Let Me Go (overall rating: 8.5): https://kisskh.at/profile/RoseQ/reviews/271229
I really enjoyed the two episodes. I like the fact that the two switched roles from how they were in the main series. Palm as a lord and Nueng as his servant is a combination, I didn’t know I needed. I think Palm was enjoying that dynamic a bit too much. My one complaint is the historical inaccuracies, like I am no expert but even I can tell that most of the things Nueng did as a slave would not go over well in that historical period.

Star In Your Mind (overall rating: 8.0): https://kisskh.at/profile/RoseQ/reviews/272699
This really feels like two episodes of fluff. It suits Kluen and Dao, the two are permanently stuck in the honeymoon phase of their relationship. I do admit that I got a lot of Sarawat and Tine vibes from Kluen and Dao. Another thing that I absolutely love about their relationship is how they handle jealousy. When you trust someone completely and you know they only have eyes for you, there is absolutely no reason to feel jealous when they are talking with someone else.

The Eclipse (overall rating: 9.0): https://kisskh.at/profile/RoseQ/reviews/274353
I absolutely love the friendship between Akk, Kan and Wat. The three are so supportive of each other. They might not be family by blood, but they are family by choice. Kan and Thua are adorable together. To be honest, there were a ton of cute moments between Akk and Aye too. All I can say is that Akk and Aye (and First and Khao) have became our space a long time ago. A space that they (and many other series) created for us. Something I will be forever grateful for.

Vice Versa (overall rating: 9.0): https://kisskh.at/profile/RoseQ/reviews/275703
Puen and Talay are in their domestic, family bliss era. And I’m here for it. Jigsaw is adorable! I like how they didn’t turn Jigsaw showing up into a reason for a fight between Puen and Talay. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face for pretty much the whole time. Honestly, I could watch a full 12 episodes of them just being a family, and I probably wouldn’t get bored of it. The truth about Jigsaw was surprising, I am not really happy about it though.

My School President (overall rating: 7.5): https://kisskh.at/profile/RoseQ/reviews/276977
It’s adorable! I like the switch in characters, I think everyone did a great job in the role they were given. A lot of scenes were just redone from what we got in the original series, but we also got some new scenes. It did feel a bit choppy at times. I wish they didn’t try to squeeze so much of MSP plot into two parts. Also, is it just me or does it feel less lively? I feel like the energy of the band is really low in comparison with the main series. The new OSTs are great though.

A Boss And A Babe (overall rating: 9.5): https://kisskh.at/profile/RoseQ/reviews/278283
With all the body and role swaps, this one seems to make the most sense. Both with the plot and the way it is done. I never knew Cher had such a wild imagination, but I am living for it. I really liked how different Cher and Gun were in their roles – Cher trying to be a strict boss but only coming across as adorable, and Gun trying to be a good intern but ending being a grumpy one. Three and Zo are still adorable. Yuck! As Cher would say.

Bad Buddy (overall rating: 8.5): https://kisskh.at/profile/RoseQ/reviews/279527
This takes place three years after Pat and Pran got together. I both love and hate them giving us another take at their iconic scenes. Sure, it means nothing changed between the two and it brings back a ton of memories and feelings, but at the same time, it does come across as just a little bit lazy writing. I’d pay to see Korn take on the role of one of the dwarfs in Snow White. Which one would suit him best though? There is no Naughty. Maybe Grumpy?

BB x ATOTS (overall rating: 9.5): https://kisskh.at/profile/RoseQ/reviews/280581
I didn’t expect that I would be enjoying Pran & Tian and Phupa & Pat dynamics as much as I am. I really thought that Pran and Phupa will have more in common, while Pat and Tian would be the wild ones. I do think I should be concerned about the fact that both Pran & Tian and Phupa & Pat have great chemistry though. It felt like Phupa and Pat ended up flirting more with each other than with their actual boyfriends.

A Tale of Thousand Stars (overall rating: 8.5): https://kisskh.at/profile/RoseQ/reviews/280733
Phupa is obviously struggling with the social differences between him and Tian. And while it might be less obvious while they are on the mountain, once they return to the city, it becomes much more obvious. I love seeing the two on the mountain, but they look adorable while in the city. Especially Phupa, it’s interesting seeing him this shy, and in his sugar baby era. I wish it would be a bit more focused on Phupa and Tian though. The ending was perfect!

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Unexpected gem with characters we can easily relate to

I really like how the main focus is on the friendship between the main characters. While they go on this mission of theirs, we get to know a lot about each character but we also see them solve many of their problems, even improving their understanding of people in their lives.

I honestly gave this series a shot because of Nunew, Tutor and Title, but I really ended up enjoying it. I think all of the actors and actresses have done an incredible job with their characters. And while I know their adventure is supposed to be kind of fun, I still think it’s also a journey to self-discovery of some sort for every one of them.

I think there is a character that each of person, especially young ones, can relate to in one way or the other. I relate to Patty the most, in so many ways. From fear of letting your family down, having to pretend that things are okay, not expressing her feelings openly, being able to stand up for everyone but yourself… I could continue to list things for quite a while. And I’m sure there are people who can just as strongly relate to other characters.

I do like the way they approached fan following. They adressed its positive and negative sides, they also showed how quickly things can turn from good to bad and back. All in all, a lot of it seemed really realistic and I really liked that.

Nanai – there is a lot more to him than just being a sweet idol. I think that is something that we can tell very early on with the scandals that are mentioned in relation to him, but it really becomes obvious later in the show. He is someone who doesn’t open easily, someone who also has some skeletons in his closet. And while in some way he is living his dream, he also misses being just a normal teen.

Patty – her parents are divorced (I think) and don’t really have much time for her, so she turned to the internet, her favorite group, and fanfictions for comfort. I think we can all understand her need to escape. She is getting ready for her entry exams for college when their mission begins. She seems to be very responsible and well spoken, so she very naturally takes over as the leader of their group.

Porpor – he dreamed of being an idol one day as well, but never made it. He works as a food delivery driver. He is very sweet, he does sometimes act without thinking, but he also seems to be the type of friend that goes with all of your dumb ideas. He is very caring too. And his crush on Ainam is adorable. That is the only kind of romance in this series that I am okay with.

Ainam – she is Nanai’s bodyguard or some sort of manager that ends up tagging along, so she can keep an eye on Nanai. She seems to be kind of cold and detached at times, but there are also times where she really shows how much she cares about everyone who is a part of this mission.

Mui – she’s the oldest member of this group and she acts like the fun aunt most of the time. I really do think her spending time with the kids is something that will help her understand her son better as well. She is kind of quirky, but in a very sweet way.

Lemonade – she is known for being a bully online, something that has gotten her in trouble, even with her father who is a cop. She is short tempered and tends to go off before really thinking things through. I do find her interesting. She has this sweet look to her, but her tongue can be quite harsh. I do like the duality of her.

Andy, Summer & Jen – they are Nanai’s group members. I do sometimes feel like they don’t fully understand Nanai or like they don’t fully accept him as he is. There seems to be a wall between the three of them and Nanai that neither of them can really break down, especially the one between Andy and Nanai.

Ninja – the reason for the whole mission. Her story is sad, but she seems like such a sweet and positive person. She knows she doesn’t have long left, but she is not letting that bring her down. She is trying her best to be positive and full of energy for everyone around her.

Porsche – he was introduced as someone we should either hate or pity, depending on what episode we are on. But I couldn’t do either of that. He is much stronger than many could imagine, his words really showing how differently things could end. I simply hope that he can live happily going forward.

This really was an unexpected gem and it’s worth the watch.

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Not a fan of the “I’m not taking no for an answer” plot

I’ve seen some clips from the series, found them adorable, and decided to give it a try. I do feel like 20min and under episodes are a bit too short to really gives us enough background information or to really develop the story. It does seem pretty choppy at times, making it a tad difficult to really get a feeling on how the relationship between Jeong Ha Ram and Lee Jun is. I do think their interactions are sweet once they get together, but I am not really a fan of the whole “I’m not taking no for an answer” plot. It’s not cute, it’s actually quite scary. Which is why I have mixed feelings about the whole drama.

I might sound like a hypocrite, having watched quite a few series with toxic characters, but I think that is easier to swallow when you expect it. I wasn’t expecting that from this series, I really expected something sweet and adorable, but I got more than that. In a not exactly positive way.

All in all, it wasn’t bad. But it wasn’t great either. It was average and, sadly, not very really memorable.

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I fell in love with their story

Where to even start? I absolutely loved this drama! The plot might seem very basic, but it hits some of my favorite tropes – secret crush, age gap, brother’s best friend… My expectations were quite high, and I am incredibly happy that the drama really delivered!

Duan Jia Xu & Sang Zhi: the two are so adorable together! Sang Zhi is so sweet and caring. She has had a crush on her brother’s best friend for years and she has at some point lost hope that it will ever be possible for them to be together. But when her hope started to dwindle, Duan Jia Xu started to fall for her. He went through a lot in his life, but Sang Zhi seems to be the ray of sunshine that brightens his days. I was a bit worried about the age gap as the two first met when Sang Zhi is very young, but I really like how they handle that and avoided making it creepy. I think the two are a great fit for each other. The two actors did amazingly in their roles, their height difference was cute. Even the actress who played young Sang Zhi killed her role!

Sang Yan is probably my favorite character. From calling his sister a little demon to always complaining about her and teasing her, there is also not a single thing he would not do to make her happy and to make sure she is safe. I loved the way the two kept bickering, no matter their age, and yet they missed each other when separated. He is also a great friend to Duan Jia Xu, I really had a lot of fun watching the two interact, especially once Duan Jia Xu and Sang Zhi start to date.

I really liked other side characters as well. Sang Zhi’s parents were really supportive of both of their children and always tried to make sure the two were happy, even when the two were driving them up the walks. Sang Zhi’s roommates were a lot of fun too. I enjoyed the fact the four of them were so different from one another, yet they really developed a close relationship with one another. And while I didn’t like Jian Ying as a character (which was also the point), the actress who played her did an amazing job in the role.

The story progressed nicely from episode to episode. It wasn’t rushed, they took their time with it, but it also didn’t drag on. The story takes places over several years, so giving it time to develop at a slower pace made it easier to follow and to truly understand how their feelings started to grow and change.

The cinematography was beautiful as well. The locations, the soundtrack, the styling of the characters… everything was on point. I honestly don’t think I have any complaints about it.

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Have Segasaki and Yoh ever actually dated?

I liked the aesthetic value of the series. The cinematography was beautiful, the visuals were on point, the intimate scenes were done beautifully, the plot was interesting… at least until we look at it closely. Then it starts to raise a lot of red flags and shows Segasaki to be abusive and controlling.

My main question is have Segasaki and Yoh ever actually dated? It is not once said that the two are together. Yoh is introduced as Segasaki’s slave. Maybe a bit extreme choice of word, but that’s what he is. He cooks, he cleans and takes care of everything home related for Segasaki. Yoh did everything Segasaki told him to, never said no to things, and showed immense guilt whenever he did something he felt like was not good enough. He was not allowed to go places, meet friends… unless he was given permission.

Which brings me to their intimacy. I know Yoh is shown as a willing participant, as someone who might want that to be a more regular occurrence, but is sex really what he wants? He might be craving attention and love from the person he is dependent on. Was that something he actually wanted from the start? Or did he just fear saying no? Did he think he is not allowed to say no? Their situation raises a lot of questions when it comes to consent. But it seems like that is something that is not ever properly addressed. I don’t mind when series have dubious consent or non-consent, but it needs to be properly addressed and not just accepted as something that is okay to do.

I did enjoy certain aspects of the series and I think the actors had great chemistry. I do wish some things had been done a bit differently (or more clearly expressed). How the whole question of consent was kind of brushed over didn’t sit well with me, and it did bring the rating down a bit. Also, Segasaki’s new work partner… why, just why?

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I loved the dynamics between Jeng and Meen

The story did seem a bit rushed, the two only knew each other for a few days, but it was still an enjoyable watch. I think the additional plot relating to the whole restaurant / bar was not necessary, but it didn’t really bother me too much. I do think they could have shifted the focus a bit more on the cooking aspect, especially as it says that Meen gets addicted to Jeng’s cooking. Which is not really explored enough.

I really liked their bickering and the innuendoes they kept throwing at each other. It didn’t appear forced, the two seemed very at ease with one another and made it feel normal. Both Jeng and Meen were aware of their shortcomings and were very forward with them. I liked that; it made them feel genuine. I think Putter and Cheetah had great chemistry with some cutesy vibes. But it really fit the two of them.

I also really liked Porsche and Mek as supporting characters. They were great friends, supportive and caring, but not too pushy with their friend. Noll, the ex, was an asshole. But that was too be expected. He has no redeeming qualities and I really like how Meen delt with him in the end.

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When the past is much more interesting that the present

I might be in the minority here, but I really didn’t enjoy the series that much. I did make it through the whole thing, yes, but it was far from being a favorite of mine. I have never been a huge fan of the whole reincarnation concept. The soulmates trope is one I do enjoy though.

Korn & Intouch: Their story is absolutely heartbreaking. Korn seems to be cold and distant, someone who doesn’t really connect with anyone. Which is probably due to his family background. Intouch, on the other hand, is very outgoing and sweet, he tries to befriend everyone around him. Including Korn. The two lived in the time when gay relationships were not accepted, and their family reactions do show that. The two planned to be in each other’s lives forever. And they achieved that in the only way they thought it was possible. I cried so much during the suicide scene. Korn took the lead, but Intouch crying over him and asking him why he did this to him is what broke me. Kao and Earth did incredibly! The cute moments were adorable, and their chemistry is amazing. But it was the heavy and emotional scenes that really made the two of them shine. They really showed so much through their eyes.

Dean & Pharm: I don’t know why, but I didn’t really like the pairing. Dean is either very cold towards everyone or too pushy. There were a few scenes in which his advances were not really appreciated or well paced, and it was obvious they made Pharm uncomfortable. Kudos to Pharm for speaking out about it at some point. I found Pharm too naïve and too childish most of the time. Yeah, it can be cute, but I think it was overdone. I just didn’t really think the two characters are well suited for each other. Dean is someone who can easily trample over Pharm who is too enamored to react. Ohm and Fluke did great in portraying the characters, it’s not them I don’t like, it’s the characters. I do think they had great potential chemistry wise, but I don’t think it was fully shown in the show. The end of their story was very rushed, especially considering the length of the series. I do think that Fluke really shined in the last episode, the emotions he showed were amazing.

The part that I found the messiest was the whole family situation. Dean and Pharm are the reincarnated versions of Korn and Intouch, but they kind of switch the families. So, Dean is born into Intouch’s family while Pharm is born into Korn’s family. I can understand the idea behind it – giving the two families a chance to change the past in the present – but the switch is something I don’t fully get. I think I would prefer if there was not family connection between the past and present lovers. Or if they were born into their original families. That would still give the families a chance to, in a way, undo the past.

To be honest, I really loved Korn and Intouch and I would really love a full series just about them. Even with the ending they had. I found their story much more interesting and intriguing than the story of Dean and Pharm. I don’t blame the actors, it’s the way the series was written and directed, I know that. I just really wasn’t feeling Dean and Pharm as a couple.

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It did what the prologue is supposed to do

The prologue did what it’s supposed to do – it introduced the characters, gave us some background info and teased what might happen going forward. With the end being focused on fanservice. I was a bit surprised by that, but I guess they tried to show the chemistry between the actresses. I think we could sense chemistry between them before too.

Tawan & Winnie: I am a fan of forced proximity in series. And secret crushes. So, their storyline seems completely up my alley. I am a bit confused about the relationship between Tawan and Winnie from before. At times it seems like they are kind of close, and then at other times it looks like Tawan is just admiring Winnie from afar. I hope this will be made clearer in their series. The plot twist was a bit of a surprise.

Jaojay & Si: Office romances seem to be it trope for series lately. And I don’t mind that, as long as they are done well, and they are not all the same. Cold boss and a cute intern with a crush on the said boss. Looks promising, but I fear it will end up being too similar to GAP. Which might overshadow the series, as GAP was quite big when it came out.

Pipim & Peeraya: Fake / temporary relationship, another great trope. However, I am not the biggest fan of power dynamics here. It seems like a big red flag to me how Peeraya is only agreeing to help Pipim if she agrees to temporarily date her. Even if she might have feelings for her, it just doesn’t sit right with me. I really hope they will find a good balance for their story.

Jaokha & Papie: Young love, heartbreak and tears. It looks like Papie is trying to do the “noble” thing, but it will backfire. So, will this be a second chance romance? It kind of looks like that to me, which is again an interesting trope. But seeing what I saw, they might be a couple that I will not want to end up together.

Tawan and Jaojay are best friends. The same goes for Si and Pipim, with Si also knowing Peeraya. And them Pipim and Papie are siblings. Maybe Jaojay and Jaokha are related too? Their names are making me think that, we often get siblings with similar names in Thai series. I'm not familiar with their stories from the novels. Either way, all the girls are connected, one way or the other.

I do wonder if Pipim & Peeraya and Papie & Jaokha will also get separate series as they also have their own novels, or just be introduced as side characters. Either way, I am looking forward to the two already announced series.

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Cute and fluffy conclusion

Looking at it from a story perspective, nothing much actually happened. And that’s okay. It was a special episode meant to solely show some cute and fluffy moments between the two couples and their interactions between each other. I especially enjoyed the Kluen and Fah moments – I know they say they don’t like each other much, but I think the two have become much closer than they would ever admit. They radiate sibling energy, and I am here for it. Prince and Dao are two cuties, especially when put together. But they have the power in their relationships. I think that’s especially obvious in the way Prince keeps Fah in line when it comes to Kluen. All in all, it was an adorable little episode that showed how the two couples have settled in life after their series ended.

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Do they know what fake dating is?

I don’t even know where to start with this one. Fake dating can be one of the best tropes out there when it’s done right. Which it wasn’t. If anything, I was left with more questions than answers through these two episodes.

We got to watch the events of the first episode twice. The fact that half of it was just flashbacks or replays of what has just gone down was the worst choice they could have made. It was the same footage with a slightly different effect plastered over it. The annoying part is that because so much time was spent on that, the story and emotions building was very weak, which made the events of the second episode feel completely unrealistic and unbelievable.

Peem and Phol were confusing. Leaving aside how they came to be a couple, were they even aware that they were a fake couple? Or did they just miss the memo? I also don’t know what to make of Peem’s feelings. He kept saying how he was going to tell Phol he likes him, but he also only wanted to date him for the few days until the party. And then threw jealousy fits and acted like a baby because Phol didn’t tell him everything.

North and Rew did a good enough job, but I think the story was weak and it didn’t really give them a chance. Their characters were not complex enough and things seemed very chopped into smaller parts. It wasn’t really well connected, which made the emotional bond between their characters seem non-existent.

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Couples I would like to see break up – shocking, I know

I don’t mind a messy storyline. My guilty pleasures are series that are so bad it makes them good. I mean my expectations were not exactly high to begin with, especially as it is produced by the same company as Ai Lhong Nhai.

From the start, I was so annoyed with Itt, I can’t even put it into words. I really liked his character in the Unforgotten Night, he was so mature and responsible, while Itt in Love Syndrome is a man-child who is constantly throwing temper tantrums over cake. Like what happened here? I know they were produced by different companies, but I still think that what we are seeing right now is taking it a bit too far. I feel like things are better from the second episode forwards, I like Itt better as he seems a bit more mature and responsible, and less like a spoiled child. He still has his moments, but the change was still huge.

But if I really liked Day before, I am starting to really hate him. Forget the fact he lost his memory, just thinking that this is how he was when Itt and him met… Actually, now that we know how they met, I wish Itt had left the first chance he got. Honestly, no matter how much of an immature brat Itt was, he deserved / deserves better. Day was and still is an abusive asshole. I am really not sure how I feel about the two of them being together. And seeing Itt go through all of this again is so painful.

Day literally made him so dependent on him that he would probably not be able to survive on his own, and this is the “good” Day we are talking about. This is also what made Itt behave like such a man-child in the first place. Day’s whole hot and cold personality is not cute. It really makes me want to shake him up a bit. Just make up your mind already! At least he has Nick occasionally put him in his place.

One thing that seems to be consistent is Day’s jealousy. It’s a bit annoying at times as it seems to be the main plot driver for like half of the episodes. But it’s consistent, and it’s something Day remembers, kind of. It might just be his personality. I am in love with the way Day kisses Itt. I know he is possessive and jealous. But the way he tends to grab Itt’s neck whenever he kisses him? Yes, just yes! It also really shows his possessiveness. And Itt’s trust in him as well, he never flinches when Day grabs him like that. Let’s not talk about if that trust is misplaced. I think I said enough already.

I think Lee Long Shi and Frank have great chemistry. I might not be the biggest fan of their characters and there are scenes that drive me up the walls, but their chemistry is amazing. I know a lot of people complain about their acting, but I feel that is mostly due to the exaggeration in certain scenes. Which is not up to them, but up to the scriptwriters, editors, etc.

I feel like we have been introduced to a lot of characters that are friends of either Day or Itt, but I have a very hard time telling who is who is. And where they fit into the story. To be honest though, the other couples are also pretty problematic. I knew that this was going to be a toxic mess, but I didn’t expect something this bad. There is a limit to what I am willing to forgive one character for them to be with their partner, which is quite a lot for such series, but I still feel like many limits have been crossed. I am mostly looking at Mack and Nan here, but the fact that the rest of the characters are just okay with it? Getting the hints about the past of each pairing, it makes more sense than it should. It still doesn’t make it right though. It just makes me want to see them all break up more.

I am enjoying the dynamics between Gear & Night and Neil & Nick, but I feel like there is so much we are missing. We are missing a lot with Day and Itt’s story too, but it seems even more obvious with the hints we’ve been getting about Gear and Nick. I know this is based on the third novel (I haven’t read any of them), but I think it should have been handled differently. We are thrown into a mess that no one really understands.

I don’t really understand the need for the villain. Not every story needs a villain, someone trying to hurt the main leads. He is extremely cartoonish, which is another thing I don’t really like. And his manic laugh? I know they tried to make him sound crazy, but it wasn’t really done that well. Nor are his temper tantrums intimidating. I do like Day’s description of him. Actually, I like Day’s descriptions of everyone he doesn’t like.

The actions scenes are done well. All of the actors did a great job, the last fight scene was great! Some of them are a bit over the top, but they were still good.

The ending was a bit anticlimatic though. It left me feeling unsettled, like no matter what happen, we are just supposed to pretend everything is (and was) okay. There were no consequences for anything or anyone either.

Why did they decide to go with this cut version though? And weeks later release the uncut one as well? I have seen some parts of the uncut one and I feel like the plot makes much more sense. There is more dialogue and more flashbacks that really make us understand certain parts of the story. And I feel this makes this version seem even worse.

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Gorgeous cast is not enough

The cast is absolutely stunning! As someone who has never followed any pageants, let alone foreign or international ones, I was quite surprised to learn that pretty much everyone competed in the Miss Grand Thainland / Miss Grand International! It also makes sense much more sense why they decided on the plot.

Meena & Cherine: I love seeing Engfa and Charlotte together on screen, I do think they have a lot of chemistry. Even if the show doesn’t give it a real chance. I really like the idea of Meena being this simple girl that makes it big. We often see her dress really casually and simple, her hair in a ponytail or an updo. It really moves away from that stereotypical idea of what beauty pageant contestants look and behave like. I do feel like the two, especially Cherine, act extremely childish when they are together. I did find it a bit annoying, e.g. their interactions in episode 8.

I do like the fact that the series addresses some problems related to the whole beauty pageant industry. Kudos to them for showing that mothers who force their children into such competitions at an early age can cause a lot of damage to their child’s self esteem and make them feel unworthy. It can go to the other extreme as well, but they focused on the lows in the series.

Sadly, I don’t think the plot and the way scenes were put together makes a lot of sense. This also makes the series feel both rushed and choppy at times, but also very confusing due to some jumps from the present to the past and back. Relating to that, what was the point of the pool scene? Fanservice? I don’t see how it actually connected to the story.

The “villains” seem kind of unnecessary to me. Maybe I am being too picky, but I feel like they didn’t really bring much to the plot. They simple took up time that could have been given to Meena and Cherine, showing us more of how their relationship develops.

The OST is nice though, and Engfa has a really nice and soothing voice.

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Better than the series

I personally like this one better than the full series. The storyline is kind of cute, it ties up Ai and Nhai's relationship nicely. The whole conflict seemed kind of exageratted and caused by lack of clear communication. I am not usually bothered by it much (it's a go-to plot twist in most series), but I have praised them for being good at communicating in the main series, so I felt like them doing just the opposite in the special had to be brought up.

Nhai is still silly, but his silliness wasn't as overdone in the special as it was in the main series, so that was a nice surprise. Thon was a little devil, I feel like he was trying to make Nhai worry on purpose with his whole cryptic horoscope reading. But it also felt like something a friend would do.

And yay, we got to see Suppakorn and Nan again! Nan is probably my fav character in the whole series, he steals the show whenever he appears.

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SOTUS wannabe… but make it GL

I expected the series to have at least a little bit of SOTUS vibes, especially after seeing the trailer and everything… but there were some scenes that were pretty much an exact copy paste. And it has nothing to do with the fact they were trying to show us the hazing process. It was certain things they included, the punishments, etc. I’m sure there were other options than tearing apart the nametag or having the senior run laps. Even the whole wants-to-be-though senior who is actually a cutie, while the junior seems to be a bit more mature and capable.

But if we leave those initial similarities aside, the story developed in a different direction when it came to the later episodes as well as the main couple’s relationship. However, the timeline is a mess. There are a lot of time jumps, so it’s hard to keep up with how much time has actually passed. Especially those in the last episode. The flashbacks are not always clearly set apart, so it sometimes took me a bit to realize we are seeing a flashback. It was all kind of rushed too, especially towards the end.

There were also some strange scene cuts which made the story slightly difficult to follow at times. The plot in general seems a bit weak. It relied very heavily on a constant flow of past and current possible love interests. It made it very repetitive. And then we have the episode with the freshy content where we have no clue what is going on because there was loud music playing over everything. And they couldn’t even bother with the subtitles for the convos that we were shown on screen during that time. There was another such scene later. Why have the characters interact if there is no way for us to know what is going on?!

Manaow & Gyoza: Neither of the two is ready for a relationship. They are childish, can’t communicate with each other, always jump to conclusions, and think crying and avoiding the other person will solve everything. They both made a lot of mistakes, some were worse than others, but only Manaow owned up to them while Gyoza continued to play the victim. I feel their ending left a lot to be desired, there was still so much left unclear and up in the air. I think that separately, I liked both girls. They really shined when they were with their friends, we saw a different side to both. But together, they were not it for me. The two actresses, Kookkaew and Anda, had a nice enough chemistry, but the editing didn’t do them justice. Their acting was kind of weak at times, especially in the more emotion heavy scenes, and neither of them can cry.

As for side characters, there was a lot. As I mentioned, the possible love interests were annoying. As characters, some of them were actually great and I wouldn’t mind them… if they weren’t yet another love-sick puppy. I did find Warang and Prang adorable though. And Thida is the kind of friend everyone wants. She is amazing!

It had potential, but the plot needed some more work. As did the editing. Maybe they should have lost some of the cliches along the way and given Naow and Gyo some more time for their relationship to develop properly.

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