MaintainingMama

I never drop a show, and I probably will finish this because a part of me really wants to know how it ends, but reading the comments is disheartening. I LOVED the first season. It was all the things wrapped into one, a bit of something for everyone. I wasn't keen on the new girl, but it would have worked had they made her even kind of like Mu- Deok. Or at least had Naksu fighting to get back to Jang Uk by way of memory through out the whole thing. Had they made her even a little irritable because Naksu was in there and some of her personality should have been there from the beginning. Had they just had it seem like she was somewhat like her, and then Jang Uk fighting his attraction to her because she didn't look like Mu-Deok but something about her called to him on a deeper level. It would have been great. I'm only on episode 3 and it's already disappointing soo much. How can I continue to root for them when they aren't really "them", not even under the surface? What a let down.

I actually liked the last 2 episodes more than the first one. It's slowly getting better. Jade is calming down a bit and they are finally giving us some romance. But I need episode 4 to ramp up the relationship and explain why Jade has only had one relationship and what happened. I don't think this show deserves this low a rating but I do hope that if they get another project, they have Yim not be an out of the ordinary character. It would be great to see if he can be just the romantic lead and not the comic relief. This show is helped largely by how beautiful Tutor is. I'll keep watching just to see him. But this last episode was actually good, so I am hopeful for continued cuteness.

I think calling this is a BL is where people are thrown off on the plot. They said from the beginning that it was a show about a dude whose twin has disappeared in the underground sex trade world and he pretends to be him to figure it out. That is the plot and so far, that is what we have gotten. The characters are interesting, and complex and twisted. They told us they set to show us something completely different and they have. I never know what to expect from scene to scene or what to expect from each character, but I think this show is designed this way. It reminds of War of Y, in that the plot and some of the execution is done really well, but some of the follow through leaves you wanting, and sometimes really frustrated with the direction of the show. I hope this show doesn't have that problem. I really like how they are going outside the box for exploring sexual relationships, but again, the follow through is kind of mid. All this pseudo nudity and crotch shots, but none of it is believable. None of the kissing or licking looks committed, it looks like I will do the minimum for the scene, and move my head around alot to make it look like I am doing something. That opening scene with tattoo guy irritated me, because it was soooo clear he was no where near the guy's neck to be making all those movements. Just kiss the guys neck! For me the lack of commitment to throws the whole scene off. The best scene, for me in episode 2, was the painting scene. Even though they claimed wasn't sexual, it was erotic and intimate. Believable for each character and the development of their relationship.
I am reserving judgement for the rest of the show, but to me, it isn't as bad as others are making it, but typical of Copy A, some things fell through the production/direction cracks.

Also, the not subbing the Japanese voice over parts is ridiculous that this point. Like if Copy A doesn't do it, Gaga needs to step up and do it. Also, I know at this point it's too late to fix it, but the crappy sex noise voiceovers are not it. Again, the lack of commitment to the shows theme/point is messing up a scene.

Who ever styled Meen for this shoe deserves an award! Especially for the suspender outfit! He is hot! Ping is adorable and I really like this ship. I do wish they would kiss better...it seems lacking in passion, which is what that premature love scene needed. I get they had to move the relationship along because of the limited episodes, but to make that work, we need more time skips and it would be better if the relationship was hot and heavy, for example, like LITA. That show set up the physical attraction right away, from first glance and that tactic would have really lead the audience to truly believe that Tew would give up everything he knew all these years, what he has come to rely on all this time. It would have also helped with Guy walking away from Wahl after being so stuck on him all these years. I also want Meen and Ping to learn to kiss better because after so many BLs, not kissing realistically is off putting. I want to forget that it's Meen and Ping and believe in Tew and Guy, something any good actor should strive for.
I knew Boss was too...something. I hope he can make it up to everyone next episode because he does seem part of the gang.
The only other thing that irks me are the wigs. Muffin was her cutest when she was in the made costume and no wig. But since I know that her character is into dressing up, then at least have her put the stinking wigs on right. The hair peeking out from the edges is just messy and not believable of someone who puts so much thought into their look.

I actually liked Vice Versa, despite it's flaws. I could see the potential of the ship that is JimmySea as well as the acting ability of Sea. I knew Jimmy could act. I thought they both did their best with what they were given in their last series. When I saw that Aof was involved with this, I knew it was going to 1) amazing and 2) a tearjerker based on the subject matter.
This is beautifully shot already. I loved how when we are looking at Day looking at something, the scene goes in and out of focus. That final scene with the fish was beautiful. I kind of wish I had waited to watch this to binge it, cause I don't know how to wait weekly to watch this story develop.

Agreed. I would have loved, during the almost kissing scene, for Guy to get a flash of Tew and pulled back instead of Wahl pulling back.

I agree with you on so many things. Mostly that Meen is lava hot and Ping is freaking cute, so any plot holes get brushed aside. I think Tew found Guy cause being the right hand man of a billionaire means he has his own money and it wouldn't be hard to find where Guy's family lives with enough money. I don't think he gaslight Guy exactly, I think he understands Guy's feelings for both Wahl and himself better than Guy does. Guy wasn't up all night crying about Wahl, he was upset (irrationally so) about Tew. I think Guy is so used to Wahl being the guy he likes, he isn't recognizing his changing feelings. I do think you can have strong feeling for two people at once, especially when one is your best friend. There are many a people who "try" with a bestie cause their feelings are so strong, but it doesn't work cause it's not THAT kind of love. Also, Wahl is kind of a terrible friend. He stalked Guy to the meet up with his friends, yelled at him for getting drunk again, and then promptly left, yet again, to go to his girlfriend. While I think Wahl does have feeling for Guy, he is never going to admit it but wants to keep Guy to himself, which is shitty behavior. Then after stalking Tew, he didn't come to Guy to make sure he was okay, he came to rub Guy's mistake in his face and then to solidify his place as Guy's bestie. I think, but I wish it was made clearer, that when Tew called a bunch of times after Guy checked to see if Wahl would and then he showed up to place that Tew had to put in some effort to find, but still did, while Wahl didn't even bother to call Guy's parents and ask if he was there and okay, let alone come cause he had to know that was at least one of the places his friend would go if they were upset. I like to believe that is why Guy initiated the kiss with Tew after Tew clued him in.
Your part about Tew letting Kenji live was spot on. It made zero sense. I get that Kenji is going to be the bad guy they are going to spend the rest of the show running from, but it would have made so much more sense to have Mr. Paiboon order Tew to punish him by beating him up. It would help explain better why Kenji is ultimately going to attack, but also it wouldn't have Tew lying, which is why he was ordered to kill Kenji in the first place.
Hopefully the bad script/story choices will be mitigated by shirtless Meen and cutie Ping and the show won't go down hill.

I thought Jade was too much in Bed Friends and I couldn't see how his character was going to work in Middleman. I kind of see it now, so of. Jade is still way too much, but I look at it this way, there are people in the world who are way too much in real life. Some stuff, I'm like why is EVERYONE so excepting of his weird behavior, like he isn't weird? I think it would have fixed the story some, if everyone, had reaction to him at first, like the interns on the first day after he shouted, Let's Go. Then, maybe have each intern asking their trainer, what was his deal. Having a montage of Uea and King explaining why Jade was the way he is and why everyone accepts him, would have been better for the first episode than already getting "heartbeat" racing sound. It would have gone a long way to establish Jade as being so insecure that it would never occur him that Mai likes him or is flirting with him. I'll stick with this because I like Domundi, liked Bed Friends, loved TutorYim in Cutie Pie and feel like we have been waiting forever for this drama since JimmyTommy were supposed to be in it. I can kind of see where the romance is going, in that at Jade was cute during the puppy scene and when he was crushing on Mai in the obviously not "driving" scene. I can only pray that they dial Jade down several notches to make this work.

Have fun watching! And if you haven't tried PinoyBl (Phillipines), I reccomend GameBoys to start. It was amazing and has a season 2

The guys who play the opposite gang members are the lead of the best and worst one in my opinion, HIStory: Make Our Days Count. It is in my top 3 BLs of all time but serious trigger warning, not a happy ending. It definitely a must watch as a BL fan, but prepare the tissues. Any HIStorys are good, but they are the main culprits of the age gap troup, sex while intoxicated troup and traumatic events happening to the characters. These are just the Taiwanese dramas, btw. Don't know if you are just getting into BLs in general or just exploring other countries, either way, happy to reccomend any and all. Happy Watching!

I just read below this was your first Taiwanese BL. Then you probably didn't understand all the cameos, right? The a great to watch with nothing uncomfy happening is We Best Love, Season 1 and 2. The writer of this, wrote those too, and they are great.

One thing about Taiwan BL's, you are going to get an age gap. Not a crazy large one, just ambiguous enough that you aren't sure you are comfortable. Or maybe it's this screen writer. I looked at her work and she wrote some the the best BLs, but I noticed that at least one couple is going to be age gaping. (Look at Daddy and Papa). Another thing you are going to get is questionable sex under the influence. Especially the first time having sex. The person always starts out obliviously intoxicated and then bam, a little kissing and they are sober enough to make the decision to have sex with whoever dumped them on the bed, it just so happens to always be the romantic interest. The last thing you are almost always gonna get is a traumatic storyline that makes you devastated for the characters. Even if they do come out on top, there usually is some time apart or some physical life long trauma that they have to deal with for the rest of their lives. If you accept that you are always going to get these things, you can make the decision to just take it for what it is and try to enjoy the story or opt out.
That being said, I liked it. Even though I felt each episode was too short and that despite their being 13 episodes, it didn't really tell a detailed story. It did better than most with double the time, so I wasn't put off by it. I wish we could have learned more about the gangs and why Ze Rui's grandfather wanted him to come back so bad other than the protect the family name thing. If that was the case, just disown him and don't let him use the name. But with out the background as to how he had been treated by that family or what grandpa's motives were, it all kind of fell flat. Also, I get that sister wanted revenge for her brother, but...she knew what her brother did for a living, right? He was bound to die that way, eventually. She had to know the risk, as a drug dealer and someone who knew her brother was kind of nuts. Her long held grunge just felt weird somehow.
I also wish they had gone more into the Big Boss' relationship. It wasn't hard to feel sorry for the cancer plotline, but I didn't really feel connected to either of them at all. Also how did Chen Yi relate to the Big Boss? Did he really have a crush on him in the beginning, did he just look up to him because he helped sort of raise him and Ai Di? Again, not enough time fleshing out the story.

But overall, the romance part of it was great. My favorite was Ai Di. I loved his style, his crazy behavior and how caring he was for his friends and for Chen Yi. It would have been great to know what made him, him, cause he obviously went through somethings.
It could have been better, but it was definitely a great BL.

I was just complaining that Venus in the Sky was too long. Well when the show is good, it's too short! I needed that to go on for about 5 more minutes. If only to admire Meen and his fine ass self! Who ever did his hair deserves an award, cause between that and his earrings, he looks all kinds of badass. I am slowly starting to by the gangster story. Maybe because in contrast the dude with the long hair was kind of funny looking and over the top. Not a fan of his wig/hair. I am enjoying this story. I really want to know what Wahl's deal is, cause he is sending all the mixed signals in the world.

It was too much. This was a drama that would have been better with 8 episodes only 45 minutes long. That last episode was painful cause it went on like 20 minutes to long. Also the NC scene was too much. I like that they weren't afraid to show them, but the kissing was too lippy and the talking was unsexy. I get what they were trying to do, so I give them credit for that, but that too went on too long. It wasn't the worst I have seen, but it definitely was rewatchable. I did love Day (Poom, love his show with Jennie on GMMTV) and I liked Boom and Janus. I also liked Kla and Baitong, although it seemed his acting level was to just whine everything. I was disappointed that they just left him in Germany and didn't give us a reunion. Oh well. This filled the gap while I waited for other shows to pop up.

I am truly going to miss this show. It was messy AF but people are messy and imperfect and this show demonstrated that so well. I am so happy we got SandRay and even TopMew. I could see Sand and Ray making it work eventually, but I could not see how Top and Mew would, not without some open communication. I am glad they gave that to us. I am glad they showed Ton not being forgiven completely by his friends, especially Mew. I liked that they addressed the fact that Mew had a right to his feelings and him forgiving Top but not really forgiving Ton made all the sense in the world to me.
I kind of wanted to feel bad for Ton, but I was soo glad they gave Nick a wakeup call and some self respect. And I LOVE that he didn't blame Ton, cause he was right, Ton needs to be one of those people who lone wolf their whole life, having acquaintances, and fuck buddies his whole life. Until he finds someone he is willing to make a deeper connection to, that is. His character reminds me so much of Brian Tinney on Queer As Folk. The only difference is Brian didn't betray his friends for sex, their was that line at least. Hopefully Ton learned his lesson, at least for friendships.
Ray and Sand had my heart from the beginning, so I am so happy they worked everything out early. I was so nervous during the pool scene, so them being the 'final shot', so happy and in love made my heart happy. The music sharing scene was top tier romance and I lived for it.
This show proves that if you have great writers and great actors and high production value, you can produce a top notch show. I don't think there was one weak scene acting wise or even plot wise. It was all well thought out, I have zero notes, which I haven't seen since 8th Sense.
Anyone else hoping since they showed Mix at the end, that we are going to get a Season 2?
Side Note: Mix knows how to put on the sexy charm and I wish he was in more things!

Ahh, I am going to miss this show.

I never really fuss about ratings, but ya'll are giving this crap fest too much credit. Kang is a horrible boyfriend and this whole episode was trash. Sailom quitting school made sense to me, and then Guy wanting to give up because of how hard recovery is along with Nawa coming to the rescue to help Guy get back his mojo made sense and honestly there scene was the only part I enjoyed in this episode. Other than that, it just was not good.

First, Sailom quitting while it made sense, I hoped he would have a plan for what do to do, other than believe he was going to be able to do a thing about his brother being in jail when his brother confessed. If he was doing it to work full time to help get a lawyer, that made sense, but then say that. It was so unclear. It irritated me that his brother was so upset at Sailom for quitting, like Dude what did you think your brother was going to do. You are literally in jail accused of attempted murder of his boss. He has lost his place to stay and his scholarship provided by said boss. No one had a tiny bit of common sense and it showed.

Next, to worst boyfriend ever. I have said from the beginning that the way they set Kang up to be a horrible person was ruining this show and while it was unrealistic from the beginning to have anyone want to be with him, especially the person he literally bullied and tried to scare with a gun, I tried to give him a chance, to see if GMMTV could do the impossible and redeem him. It was going okay, but then last episode and this episode sealed it. He is literally the worst half a ship in BL history. Khai from TOL was at the top of the list and they completely were able to redeem him (I mean who could stay mad at Off) But when Kang let go of Sailom's hand and told him to get out with a single hesitancy, proving that he didn't actually love him, I should have known it would go down hill. I wanted to believe it was shock, especially after he came to the hotel and had that hug. But nope, he resumed being a horrible human being/boyfriend. I get being upset about your father, but Sailom literally had nothing to do with any of it outside of his brother somehow being involved. Anyone who loves you, gives you the benefit of doubt first. It would have been great if he said, I need space to process all this Sailom, I'm not mad at you, and I still love you, but this is a lot and I need to take care of my family. These are all valid statements and feelings. He went from I never want to see you again, to looking longingly in the class room, to snatching the pin from Sailom, like he was trash. That for me was the end. Like if he had just walked by and then they did the cliched looking back while the other is walking about and missing that they each turned back for each other, that would have been fine. But to look Sailom, who he is supposed to love, in the eye and be like, you don't deserve this scholarship because of a situation that you are also suffering for, was not something you do to someone you love. And what was his reason for following him? None of it made sense.
Let's talk about Sailom having zero street smarts or common sense. When Kang said, I never want to see you, why did he go out of his way to make sure that Kang saw him? If it was me, when he saw him walking down the hallway, I would have gotten as far from him as could to walk past him, because that was what he said he wanted. Again, Sailom was aware that Kang would be hurt by his presence in the school, so why not try to get out of his sight quickly, instead of stopping to thank him for doing something he has never done. Sailom was the one who took care of Kang, not the other way around. Again, didn't make sense. Then Sailom gets his pay and is just tralalaing down the street, not aware of his surroundings. I have been poor and walking home at night with a pay check. Maybe it's because I'm a woman, but I was aware of every single person place and thing until I was safe in my home. Then when he gets shot at, he can't run in a straight line?! He had to trip like a typical girl in a horror flick?! Beyond irritating.
I really wanted to see Sailom from the first couple of episodes. He was street smart enough to figure out all of Kang's moves to set him up, he was smart enough to get them into the club to practice English, but he isn't smart enough to get away from trouble? He needed Kang to survive?
That shower scene was weird and out of place. I felt nothing, maybe because Chimon was trying to squeeze the tears out and that was off putting.
Thirdly, Name is the worst bad guy ever. You know the boss isn't any good, but you were constantly shocked at his criminal activities. Oh no, a criminal who lies, what the what!? When he pulled that gun, I rolled my eyes so hard I got a headache. Then when he called Sailom to go stop the bad guy with a gun...just come ON! Ugh, this whole episode was literally just bad. Zero chemistry, bro shoulder pats and hugs, just throw the whole show away.

100% all of this.

I loved ALN despite it's flaws, especially toward the end, but I was excited when I saw they were back in another drama. I was hesitant cause Meen does not give gangster at all, so I was worried it would be cringey. But I loved the first episode! While I still don't "buy" Meen as a gangster, I don't not buy it either, at least not yet. The fight scene was good, he is giving off aloof very well. I am actually looking forward to seeing him melt under the cuteness that is Ping. Ping really won me over in ALN, he is too cute for words. I am looking forward to seeing how he does with the character, as it seems like they are different (except for when they both were drunk, they turn cute, and flirty)
The game sequence was really well made and the new fun group look like they will be fun.
I see lots of comments about getting bad vibes from Wahl, I don't get them. He seems like someone who was used to having an friend like Guy be there for him what ever, like Guy said, he never said no to him. So he probably expected Guy to just be there for him. Also, he truly seemed like he cared for Guy, just not in that way, so he knows what kind of person Guy is. Guy said it himself, he doesn't make other friends. So for Guy to not only make new friends but to also interact with them, it was outside the scope of the person Wahl knew, so of course he was shocked. I think he probably also likes Guy in the same way, but for some reason cannot come out...I may be totally reading into that, but that restaurant scene Wahl was going on and on about how much his girlfriend was just like Guy and he seemed so happy about that...
Anyway, it is off to a great start, so I am looking forward to more. I pray they don't mess it up.

I will say that Drunk Guy was like Nhai. Nhai was n'ot shy or hestitant ever to speak his feelings, so I see the difference. But when he was drunk, he reminded me of Nhai. But this may just be how Ping acts drunk.

While I have no idea what was the purpose of all the running around when he could have just hidden in the cafe, it was an okay ending. The beginning plot was better than all run the clock on the contract stuff, but the wedding scene made up for it. Except where they have the whole, "I don't want to be apart of your family any more, Dad, thanks for the memories" chat right in the middle of the wedding. It would have been better if Kon Diao's dad had found him before the wedding, like maybe when he was getting dressed, and had that convo. Just aired out all the family business! Speaking of getting dressed, give the costume designer a raise! Yi and especially Kon Diao's wedding outfits were stunning. The NC scene (minus the weird thumb sucking moment -Yikes!) was great. LITA out here teaching these BLs to step up their intimacy game and and I am here for it.
I expected more from Nat though, acting wise. He was great in Y Destiny, so I know he isn't a bad actor, but for some reason, as Kon Diao, he just wasn't doing it for me. Although he took that NC scene seriously! He was like I may look like a teenage boy but I am a full grown man! Max save the show for me and so did Zee and Nunew. They were barely there and their scenes were actually just fluff, but their natural chemistry and better overall acting helped make some of those stupid escape the wedding scene bareable. It was nice seeing some of the new actors. They were all handsome AF, Aof knows what he is doing there. Also, super happy to see Poppy as always.
This probably won't make it my rewatch list, unlike Cutie Pie, but this was cute. Hopefully their next project together will have better acting/story.