any_anka

No problem, I wanted to "promote" some of the series I liked, anyway 😉 I hope you'll like Let's Talk About Chu. I honestly think it's one of the better Taiwanese series I've watched and the BL part is so entertaining, you'll see (I mean, I hope you will).

I'm at ep 10 in PH and the developing love story (so far) feels really lacklustre... I'm not opposed to the idea of a love plot being there, but I just really really don't vibe with this particular pair. Like, in the last ep I watched, we got to know the FL's brother and she had more chemistry with him than her supposed love interest 😜

Still, I'm watching on. And yes, Dong Qin is great.

I haven't watched Cupid's Kitchen yet. I actually had it on my Viki watchlist for a long time already, but always found something else to watch first. Now when I'm familiar not only with Ethan but also Dong Qin from the main cast, I am more eager to watch it and will probably start soon.

A snippet of it popped up on my YouTube today, too. It looked genuinely funny, but DQ's character seems to be a bit of an a-hole, pardon my language 😜

I wasn't the one asked, but let me chime in with some of my recommendations 😊

1. My Tooth Your Love - really decent series, with admittedly some weird developments towards the ending, but overall still on the positive side; the same director as Unknown and We Best Love

2. You Are Mine - campy, slapstick-y, bubbly; honestly, it was my favourite BL series before I watched The On1y One; even though I saw some ppl criticise it harshly for weak story etc., I'm pretty sure I could defend this show against the criticisms if I wanted to 😉 amazing chemistry between the leads + some of the best kissing scenes you'll see in any BL

3. Red Balloon - an older and somewhat forgotten series; bittersweet story with believable portrayal of developing crush between characters; featuring Edward Chen (before he played in Your Name Engraved Herein - a movie which I'd also strongly recommend, if you haven't watched it)

and finally

4. Let's Talk About Chu - this drama is not actually a BL, but one of the storylines focuses on a gay couple and it is really, really enjoyable; it does feature strong language, violence and some explicit scenes (I think it is 18+, bear that in mind!), but the whole relationship between two protagonists has its cute, wholesome and touching moments; the BL story is a highlight of this show for me, but honestly, the entire drama is really good, so I'd recommend watching it, even without skipping other pairings

If kdramas glorify cheating that's a kdrama problem, not my outlook on life or relationships. I never mentioned cheating should be glorified and I myself dislike double standards, in general. But I also don't think that every show talking about cheating (or crime or any other behaviour that's widely seen as wrong) is by default glorifying it, just because they portray it.

Anyway, I simply wrote that I didn't find this drama romanticizing it at all and shared my overall impression of this show (extending it to the fact that she gets her "karma" for both transgressions). You also were the one who mentioned her stealing money in your comment...

The guy she cheated with couldn't care less about her after initial fascination and strong chemistry they had at first. And he turned into a dude who was more into glamourous life than her. While it wasn't technically directly telling her "you cheated, and you got punished", it also clearly showed that it wasn't a good life decision on her part.

I think her husband was an a-hole, so I don't care about his happy ending. However, I also think that people can carry themselves with dignity regardless of who we deal with and the better choice on her part would've been just divorcing the guy, instead of cheating (a divorce attorney would've been a better way to spend the stolen money than buying expensive gifts of her pet-boy, anyway). But this drama shows her making wrong decisions all the time.

And I would have had the same attitude if the show focused on a guy who was stuck in a relationship with a toxic wife, btw.

How was it romanticized? Did I watch a different drama? 😜Did I miss an episode or something? 😜

The young "charming" guy turns out to be a dude easily swayed by money and glamour and the entire relationship turns into shhh. Then she also needs to flee due to legal problems...

I highly enjoyed this drama (I was especially taken by KSH's acting and visuals/cinematography), but I always felt this drama could be - aside from a social commentary - watched as a cautionary tale of what *not* to do. I am surprised seeing people having such different takeaways from this show (it's not just you, I chose to reply to your comment, but I've read other comments as well interpreting it in the similar way).

Transformative act of love? Hmm... I had a completely different impression.

When I watched this drama (and I did enjoy it *a lot*), while FL and ML had great chemistry and the scenes when they were still dancing around the idea of cheating were beautifully shot and sensual, I never got the impression the drama portrayed this affair as some type of a positive transformation, for neither of them, but especially FL. If anything, to me it paralleled FL's transgressive actions in her professional life. In both cases, things did not end well for her...

I actually felt that, if anything, this drama was telling the viewers: if you don't actually deal (with the emphasis on *dealing*) with whatever makes you unhappy in your life, you won't be free. A young lover (a designer bag, embezzled money) is just a temporary "pain killer" that will not lead to anything good in the end.

Agreed. It's like a constant 4th wall breaking, only not in a charming deadpoolisque way, but in a way that reminds the audience: "we are here to make money, we kiss to make money, we cry to make money". And of course, nothing wrong with making money, I wish for the actors (especially good ones) to make a lot, but when I want to immerse myself within a story, it's kinda difficult with all the advertising happening around.

Psych Hunter is an ok drama. I'm watching it right now, and at this moment I'd rank it 7/10 (probably 8/10 if I was rating it on a platform like Viki). It has a nice eerie vibe plus the settings and costumes are very pretty. The story has supernatural elements and feels a bit like... Inception, I guess (only not as good 😜). If I were to describe how this drama makes me feel, it is the kind of drama that once I sit down to watch it, I enjoy it and I want to continue to the next episode, but if I take a break, I don't really miss it and I am not so eager to get back to it.

What I found somewhat disappointing is that there's very little detective aspect to solving the mysteries (most things are uncovered in dreams, so there's little process of logical deduction). If you don't like a love story, I will warn you that there is one (not for Dong Qin, though - for the other ML). That love plot is the reason why I'm a bit reluctant to go further, because I just feel no chemistry between the other ML and FL (I personally think she has way more chemistry with one other side male character, or even with Dong Qin, tbh).

Still, Dong Qin and another ML have a rather strong bromance going on (with some innuendos here and there suggesting deeper connection, censored cdrama style) and Dong Qin's entire character is such a joy to watch, knowing already how much different he is in The On1y One. And it's not just the appearance, but the entire vibe of a person, gestures, mannerism. Psych Hunter is worth checking out, if only just for those.

Here are some, with (at least English) subtitles:

Psych Hunter (main cast) - on iQYI or on their official YouTube channel (it seems not to be available everywhere, though)
Cupid's Kitchen (main cast) - on Viki
Only for Love (supporting cast) - on Viki
Wonderland of Love (supporting cast) - on Viki

It's a story as old as time, fans of the novel not liking its adaptation... I've seen it happen so many times or heard of it happening, it actually surprises me when some adaptations are considered good by the written work enthusiasts. I think it's perfectly normal not to like a work that enforces changes upon a story you already loved before, so you won't be starting a war with me.

I will, however, disagree with you about one thing: casting. Regardless of LDQ's or Benjamin's age, I think the drama benefited tremendously from them being chosen as the main protagonists. It's the first BL drama I have watched when I felt the acting from both MLs was phenomenal and I think that the director/producers stroke gold with these two.

They do look older than their intended age, but I really don't mind. I am willing to accept this slight age dissonance if what I'm getting in return is such stellar acting. And I don't really agree with the plea "please stop casting 30 year olds as teenagers". It's generally way more likely to find an experienced, skilled actors among those who are a bit older (not saying it's impossible to find talented actors in their early twenties, but the talent pool gets way bigger when you take those 30 year olds into consideration as well). Of course, they should still be able to pull off the youthful vibe, but I personally think both Benjamin and Dong Qin did it very well.
If anything, I would probably work a bit more on make-up, because if there was anything making anyone look too old, was the caky make-up on Dong Qin in some of the scenes.

Stoppp, it's scary, not funny 😜

I read bits of the novel after completing the series, but I actually treat both works as separate entities (unless season 2 never gets released, then I'd adjust my attitude, because I'd need *some* closure for drama's character). So whatever JT and SW are doing in the series, I just interpret it through the drama's events.

As for your questions, here is my POV:

1) Yes. Episodes 10-12 where the breakthrough for SW's understanding his own feelings (there were bits of them transpiring here and there - e.g. eps 7 and 8, when he felt conflicted abt JT possibly becoming his brother or when he was messaging with JT over the phone before moving in together - but without him understanding what was happening).

2) He pulled away because JT and him are supposed to be brothers, that's what they were announced as to the entire school and that's what SW thinks JT is seeing him as (a family, a close friend, a brother-to-be). Plus yes, he thinks his feelings are not reciprocated.
Some people mention internalised homophobia as well, but I personally do not see it. I think the two things above are scary enough for a teenager to deal with.

3) While I don't know at what moment exactly he woke up, he was definitely awake when SW tried to kiss him and aware of what almost happened.

Not crazy, but definitely unique and *very* understanding 😉 That's a POV I couldn't possibly share - the extent and limit of my kindness I can give to product placements is appreciating when the creators try to be... well, creative about them.

As cringe as it was, I remember thinking "well, at least you guys are being original" when Kinn and Porsche were playing with bread in bed... 😜 Till this day I don't know if that condom scene in 2nd (or 3rd) episode of You Are Mine was a product placement or not, but if it was, I'f consider it a huge success as it genuinely made me laugh and felt so seamless. Generally, now when I think about it, You Are Mine product placements were pretty nicely incorporated into a story... But it's way easier to do it when a drama is already slapsticky and campy.
I dread at just a thought about product placements in The On1y One 😜Gosh, I hope they don't have the idea to have them once the timeline goes to 2024... 😜

It's an interesting thought that you said about product placements being part of BL culture. I never had this impression, maybe because I also watched a fair deal of contemporary cdramas and they love their product placements there. I watched that one drama from which I no longer even remember character names, but I still remember what they tried to sell me 😜

To those who loved this show and are planning to binge it now or are constantly re-watching (as I know there are folks like that), pleeeeaaase do so on legal platforms.

This show is available on so many to choose from (Gaga, Viki, WeTV, iQiyia, for some also Netflix) - you get to choose the preferred one (and some might be more financially accessible than others). Plus, if you loved this drama, you already know it's a money well spent and the product will satisfy you 😉

Ofc, it's none of my business or place to tell others where to spend their money on, and if you can't afford it, then you can't, I suppose.
But to those who can, and simply chose to watch "for free", please do consider the high quality of this drama (I went through some of the reviews, and in general even among those who didn't like the ending, or felt there was too little romance etc., there is a somewhat shared consensus that cinematography and acting are just really, really good) or the fact that there is no product placement in it.
I mean, imagine any of the beautiful nearly poetic scenes between JT and SW interrupted by a plug of some product. Think of the "maybe we can try to get closer" scene and JT giving SW some health supplement instead of water with lemon and honey while giving a speech abt immunity-boosting effects of that drink 😜

This drama had none of such stuff, which means more comfort while watching for use, but also - in the end - less money for the creators...

So, if you hope for a second season or just simply appreciate the final product, its quality and the effort put into it, please consider what I just said...

Yeah, she was dubbed over. Both Jenny and SW are played by Chinese actors. In case of Liu Dong Qin they didn't dub him over (thank goodness!), because - I would assume - the setting for SW's character kinda explained why he had a different accent (came back home after years living in China). However, apparently, it was necessary for Jenny to be dubbed over because her accent was too much unlike a Taiwanese teacher would've had.

I didn't like it, either. I generally am not a fan of dubbing in any form other than Japanese dubbing in Japanese anime 😜 Here, I think, it was done with detriment to my immersion level (I'd always gets distracted during a Jenny scene). It was fairly well-done, I'll give them that (I've seen worse, the mouth and sound generally matched most times), but it still bugged me. Not to the point that I'd consider it a big flaw of this drama, but something I would've preferred to just not be there 😜

I mean, there's remaining half of the novel to be covered... 😉

I think Patrick Liu tried to give this drama an ending that could be on the one hand, open enough for people to wonder about what's next, but at the same time not a typical cliff-hanger, in case season 2 never happens. Personally, I think he almost succeeded (but the insertion of JT's childhood flashback kinda went against it, because it left us with more questions that answers, or at least I felt so).

The push for season 2 could probably be attributed to a couple of things (amongst them, people not liking the ending without a clear closure + people being aware there's a continuation of the story in the book, where protagonists actually get to date etc.), but I think that Patrick played a big part in it himself. He teased season 2 since the beginning of this drama's airing, and he never stopped till now 😉

I was one of the folks who was ok with season 2 not happening (and very sceptical about the possibility of it actually being filmed and released). That was the truth until episode 12. I guess I can admit openly that I most definitely let myself be manipulated by that ending and felt so heart-broken by it, now I just need a continuation. I don't need the second season to have "a lot of kisses", I just want SW and JT to get back "together" (and maybe confess).

What? Ep 18?!? I'm on ep 7 and was expecting him to soon make an appearance...

I enjoy this drama *a lot* (might become my favourite contemporary cdrama if it maintains its quality), but funny how him being the cast was in great part the reason why I even started this show, and yet he's not present for most part of it 😜

Well, I think it happens, but in my impression mostly with Japanese dramas. Some get not only a 2nd season, but even a movie continuation. Are they good? I actually enjoyed My Beautiful Man s2 more than s1, so there's that.

If we're talking Taiwanese dramas, though, I can only think of We Best Love and I personally think the second season was really bad. I gave it 6/10 stars on MDL, but frankly speaking, if not for that one stellar angsty scene of drunk Sam Lin crying (if you watched it, you know what I'm talking about and probably agree about that scene's greatness, as it's universally admired/loved), I would've given it way less (one star goes for Sam's acting, and another one for camera work, which was great).

I think the situation with The On1y One is a bit different, though. If it actually gets greenlit, they get the funding, the actors are available etc., I think it should maintain the quality of season 1 or maybe even satisfy some viewers who were unhappy with season 1 ("it's going nowhere, it's just a bromance" people). There is actually source material in a form of 2nd half of the novel, so s2 wouldn't just be some random weird story attached to an already concluded plot in order to get more money from the viewers.

Plus, if just the acting alone was on the same level, it'd probably be at least somewhat decent 😜

Gosh, I wish I could relate. I wasn't able to go through this episode again 😜 I just watch the first couple of cute/funny moments of SW thirsting over JT and then, the further it goes, the sadder I feel and I simply don't have it in me to watch both of these boys bottle their pain up (and for JT to have this heart-breaking release with a punch at a wall). Just. No.
Even for all the amazing acting and beautiful cinematography, I can not bring myself.

Yeah, I've seen others suggesting that SW was acting out of internalized homophobia, but honestly... I'm just not convinced. Granted, I am not a gay man. I also don't intend to invalidate someone's experience. I just feel that in case of this particular drama, there was not enough pointing to that being the reason.

I am more willing to believe that in case of Xi's weird behaviour it could be the case, but even then I could still see some other possible factors.

However, when it comes to Sheng Wang, I genuinely believe that the main problem is that Jiang Tian is supposed to be his stepbrother (sure, their parents are not married yet, but both SW and JT have been constantly told they should act like brothers and their entire environment is treating them as such). Another reason is, he thinks JT is not reciprocating his feelings. The fact that they're both guys definitely makes it even more complicated for SW, but I never got the impression it was at the forefront of his worries.

Then for JT, the *only* moment that could suggest internalized homophobia is the memory of his father. But I have my issues with seeing it as such as well. While that particular "very moment" was shown afterwards SW attempt at kissing JT (which could suggest there is some truth to the "internalized-homophobia-theory"), Jiang Tian's behaviour afterwards really don't support that theory in my eyes.

After his initial reaction, he is not behaving in any way "weird" around SW. He already knows SW tried to kiss him, and later on, even catches SW staring at his post-shower half-naked body. Yet he doesn't try to create any distance between them. I'd even suggest (that is my interpretation, but I'm not 100% certain, if that's what was happening) that after he caught SW staring, he deliberately doesn't put his clothes on immediately.

Then after knowing all that (and putting together some additional info he got from Shi), he is still taking care of SW, he's buttoning up his clothes, he doesnt like when Pepper is touching SW. Then finally, after SW messed up the test, he fights hard for SW to open up to him, and is there for him all the time, even if just to assist him in his transfer. So, I detected no internalized homophobia from JT.

I haven't read the book (or to be precise, I read some 10 chapters covering them confessing and being together, but I dropped it, as I didn't wanna be spoiled more) and I don't know what Patrick has in store for us, if the season 2 actually happens. However, from what has been shown to us, I personally didn't feel the internalized homophobia was an issue. At least not in SW and JT's case.