SandyCo

I think they’re trying to convey icy restraint, but it doesn’t work for me either.

USA

I am far from being the morality police. What bothered me about ep. 6 is everyone’s reactions around this, and more specifically Mild’s. Why would Mild even attempt to continue being the lead in the play opposite his supposed abuser? Why kiss him to “take back the kiss”? Why would he be alone with him if he really thinks the SA happened?! Even if they later make up after that explanation, this initial response is BS. Did he suddenly decide “it wasn’t that bad”? If he did, why wouldn’t he let Knight explain? Manufactured drama indeed!

Writers take heed: Audiences aren’t stupid! We need the characters’ reactions to make sense. This series is a perfect lesson in what NOT to do.

Fans of real horror would be bored out of their minds! At least you could steer them to Khemjira. The wooden acting here is meant to show icy control and restraint, but I prefer more passionate performances. This show can definitely be difficult to swallow; I hope you find another show that’s more to your tastes and morals.

I’m laughing because a lioness lets the lion know if she’s not in the mood - chasing him away with claws and fangs! However, you do make good points.

I loved RL but I’m not blind to its flaws. It certainly wasn’t perfect and the ending in particular seemed a bit lacking.

I watched Revenged Love, too, and both series invite comparisons because of the manipulation. Objectively the manipulation in RL is worse, because at least in Desire HY supposedly has loved Sheng for a long time and would never be able to get close using normal methods. However, solely because Chi Cheng was aware that he was being played even if he didn’t know why, it feels like a more equal contest. Sheng, otoh, has no idea that his sweet omega and the “evil” guy throwing luring pheromones his way are the same person. I enjoyed the first few episodes of RL, but so far when watching Desire I just feel sorry for Sheng. Both shows are very different in many ways but they can both be appreciated for pushing boundaries considering how restrictive Chinese policies are.

Whether or not we’re shown the intimate behind the scenes, this is exactly what happens. The actors are playing out the love/sex scene in front of a cameraman, director, lighting and sound people, etc. Personally I tend to not watch the BTS, because it ruins some of the magic for me.

This show’s whole aesthetic is very sterile and restrained. It takes a lot of skill (yes, this is sarcasm!) to portray even the supposedly passionate scenes so tepidly. My complaint from the first episode is that we’re not being shown passionate emotions and no sense of connection between Hua Yong and Mr. Sheng. Even their hugs are restrained. Watching them read side by side is like watching paint dry. All the same, I’ll keep watching to see how everything develops.

My expectations were low, which is good. I’m not sure how all of this works, but obviously Hua Yong couldn’t let two years of research be for nothing, so it makes sense that he “left” so that Sheng’s father can get the drug. I’m feeling very sorry for Sheng now, though, because he still has no idea what’s going on. He was taken advantage of by someone far stronger - and now his beloved omega has disappeared. Episode 10 should be interesting.

@Claddagh I understand what you’re saying. You’re missing that intimacy and connection that say “we’re a couple deeply involved with each other”. I agree. Passing these two on the street, it would never cross my mind that they have feelings for each other.

This looks good, thanks for the rec! I’ve been reading one shot stories, but this looks epic.

I love your suggestion of AO3 fics! I’ve found some very good stories. Thank you!

It’s so difficult. Sending you a hug and your comfort beverage of choice.

This latest development makes no sense. I’m all for suspending disbelief, but this is ridiculous. If Knight is indeed the rapist, I’m dropping this show like a hot potato. The “falling in love with your abuser” trope should be dead and buried by now. Yuck.

I like this series, especially the most recent episodes (5 and 6). Hiro and Natsuo are very sweet together.

I don’t believe it. I just don’t. There has to be another explanation.

I don’t care if he doesn’t know, but even him suspecting HY’s motives for getting close to him would be an improvement. This predator/prey dynamic bothers me because the prey has no idea at all that he’s actually being hunted.

I have a long history of loving toxic, morally grey characters. For example, I rewatch “HIStory 1: Obsession” regularly because the acting takes it to another level. What is making me uncomfortable watching this series then? Sheng is 100% fooled; he has no inkling at all that Hua Yong is the total opposite of the sweet omega he knows. I’d feel differently if Sheng were a little suspicious and a lot less trusting, because then it would feel like a more equal contest. I’m going to keep watching, anyway; it’s still interesting even though I’m not that emotionally invested in these characters or the story in general.

The problem with adapting a novel to a series is that they’re two different kinds of entertainment and character development needs to be shown onscreen (well, unless you don’t mind watching a boring voiceover that goes on forever!). People who didn’t read the novel are missing the extra details and context. People who did read it will be upset if their favorite plot point or dialogue doesn’t make the final cut. You can’t please everyone, unfortunately. I’ve seen several series in which the pacing is all over the place because the powers that be were trying to follow the novel as closely as possible while fitting everything into 12 episodes.

Also, I think that if a producer or director has a certain vision for their project, they should go for it even if the final result may be on the editing room floor. Laws change because people make them change. Nothing is ever accomplished when people simply play by the rules and comply. It takes great courage to make a series like this and it’s risky for everyone involved. Careers can take a hit or be ruined altogether. And yet this group decided to go for it. That’s so admirable.