This review may contain spoilers
Bad Buddy...Great Series
I know you are all probably thinking to yourselves...how in the world is this girl only reviewing Bad Buddy now? I realize that this BL is a staple for all the BL fans out there...one held to the highest of standards, and even 4 years since its release it is still widely talked about. And you know what? With good reason. I put off watching this series since I knew that OhmNanon were no longer a pairing but then...I saw GMMTV's Starlympics 2024...and saw that viral moment between former partners Ohm and Nanon and everyone WENT CRAZY. It was all over my feed and their chemistry in just those 5 seconds were all I needed to say "you know what, it's time to watch Bad Buddy". So let's get into it.
Story/Themes:
What is there to say about the story? It seems simple enough right? Enemies to Lovers, a modern take on Romeo & Juliet, except switch out Romeo with goofy Pat (Ohm) and Juliet with proper Pran (Nanon). I think what makes this story not so mundane as the rest of the Romeo & Juliet remakes (besides it being LGBTQ) is the innocence of it and the deep dive they took on Pat & Pran's organic yet secret journey from rivals into friendship then love. It was fluffy and I loved that it seemed like a natural progression of realizing one's own queerness. Nothing seemed cringey, there was no queerbaiting, no "who is the girl in the relationship" nonsense, just two dudes who genuinely fell in love with one another and it was beautiful. I, for one, resonated with Pat the most, the way he came to terms with his bisexuality was very similar to how I came to terms with mine. I also loved that the series acknowledged bisexuality as an actual orientation and not just as a stereotype for people who are "confused" or "horny", willing to sleep with anyone. Pat only had eyes for Pran, once he had his eyes set, that was his person, and you know what....same. The last 2 episodes really tore my heart into pieces, that TWIST. They had me going there. I think what really sold it for me was that even though they think their relationship is a secret, their parents know they didn't actually break up but leave it alone. The tears I shed. It was hopeful.
Acting/Cast:
Oh my god, I honestly don't know how many times I cried over PatPran. Episode 5. Thats it, thats the post. The last 5 minutes of episode 5 I rewatched about 20 times, and it wasn't because of the kiss. It was because of the god d*** emotions that their kiss brought on. Pat coming to terms with his feelings for Pran, Pran realizing that the guy he secretly liked forever but had convinced himself otherwise liked him back???? Ohm and Nanon had me in TEARS. Their performance was unbelievable, the chemistry they both have with one another is truly other worldly. To the OhmNanon shippers that can't let that ship die.....I get it. I get it. Those two made me believe in love again, truly. Well done to the casting directors for putting those two together, even if it was for a little while, the magic they created together was worth it. Ohm and Nanon took us on a journeyyyyyy, their hidden glances, hidden touches, hidden gestures to each other really tied the story together. There is so much more I want to say about these two, but it was just perfect.
Their friends, Wai (Jimmy) and Korn (Drake) were great additions to the story. They were given just enough of a backstory to give the general plot a way forward without stealing the spotlight from PatPran. I will say the gag of the century was when Wai outed their relationship in front of the ENTIRE architecture faculty. Seeing that curtain fall and the mics booming with Pat and Pran's flirting, I was SHOOK. Wai did them dirty with that, for sure. He was a whiny little brat though when their relationship got out, I'm glad he got the f*** over it. Korn was actually really funny, I enjoyed Drake's performance of him, and loved that Korn was captain of the PatPran ship, being a supportive friend as soon as the relationship got out. Thank you for your service Korn.
The wlw couple, Ink (Milk) and Pa (Love)...I wish we saw more of them. They were cute together and I love that they were some of the only people who knew and supported Pat & Pran's relationship.
The parents.....the most annoying people on the planet. Like leave your children out of your problems my god.
Music:
A lot of Pat & Pran's relationship circled around music and their "anthems" or songs that reminded them of each other were so freaking cute. The song Pran wrote for Pat???? Sobbed. Also, I would like to point out that normally when I see a guitar in a BL series I brace myself for cringe. I pray to the heavens that the actor knows how to play it, and normally I am very disappointed. Not this time though. Not this time at all, Nanon did that. Heavens opened up and heard my prayer. We got an actor who can actually play the d*** guitar. Hallelujah.
Rewatch Value:
I am not quick to give out 10s. I have only ever given out one other 10 for another BL and this series has become my new favorite, and my new comfort show. I cried more than I have ever cried watching a BL. I cried tears of laughter, tears of joy, tears of sadness. My emotions went for a f***ing ride with this one. I highly recommend giving this one a watch or a rewatch if you are into the following:
-enemies to lovers trope
-actual musicians
-dimples
-tear soaked kisses
-xylophones
-secrets
-BEACH/environment friendly products
-smiley faces
-unhinged t-shirts
-photography
-fights
-family drama
-fluff
So yeah, I will def be rewatching this show again and again.
A BL masterpiece.
Story/Themes:
What is there to say about the story? It seems simple enough right? Enemies to Lovers, a modern take on Romeo & Juliet, except switch out Romeo with goofy Pat (Ohm) and Juliet with proper Pran (Nanon). I think what makes this story not so mundane as the rest of the Romeo & Juliet remakes (besides it being LGBTQ) is the innocence of it and the deep dive they took on Pat & Pran's organic yet secret journey from rivals into friendship then love. It was fluffy and I loved that it seemed like a natural progression of realizing one's own queerness. Nothing seemed cringey, there was no queerbaiting, no "who is the girl in the relationship" nonsense, just two dudes who genuinely fell in love with one another and it was beautiful. I, for one, resonated with Pat the most, the way he came to terms with his bisexuality was very similar to how I came to terms with mine. I also loved that the series acknowledged bisexuality as an actual orientation and not just as a stereotype for people who are "confused" or "horny", willing to sleep with anyone. Pat only had eyes for Pran, once he had his eyes set, that was his person, and you know what....same. The last 2 episodes really tore my heart into pieces, that TWIST. They had me going there. I think what really sold it for me was that even though they think their relationship is a secret, their parents know they didn't actually break up but leave it alone. The tears I shed. It was hopeful.
Acting/Cast:
Oh my god, I honestly don't know how many times I cried over PatPran. Episode 5. Thats it, thats the post. The last 5 minutes of episode 5 I rewatched about 20 times, and it wasn't because of the kiss. It was because of the god d*** emotions that their kiss brought on. Pat coming to terms with his feelings for Pran, Pran realizing that the guy he secretly liked forever but had convinced himself otherwise liked him back???? Ohm and Nanon had me in TEARS. Their performance was unbelievable, the chemistry they both have with one another is truly other worldly. To the OhmNanon shippers that can't let that ship die.....I get it. I get it. Those two made me believe in love again, truly. Well done to the casting directors for putting those two together, even if it was for a little while, the magic they created together was worth it. Ohm and Nanon took us on a journeyyyyyy, their hidden glances, hidden touches, hidden gestures to each other really tied the story together. There is so much more I want to say about these two, but it was just perfect.
Their friends, Wai (Jimmy) and Korn (Drake) were great additions to the story. They were given just enough of a backstory to give the general plot a way forward without stealing the spotlight from PatPran. I will say the gag of the century was when Wai outed their relationship in front of the ENTIRE architecture faculty. Seeing that curtain fall and the mics booming with Pat and Pran's flirting, I was SHOOK. Wai did them dirty with that, for sure. He was a whiny little brat though when their relationship got out, I'm glad he got the f*** over it. Korn was actually really funny, I enjoyed Drake's performance of him, and loved that Korn was captain of the PatPran ship, being a supportive friend as soon as the relationship got out. Thank you for your service Korn.
The wlw couple, Ink (Milk) and Pa (Love)...I wish we saw more of them. They were cute together and I love that they were some of the only people who knew and supported Pat & Pran's relationship.
The parents.....the most annoying people on the planet. Like leave your children out of your problems my god.
Music:
A lot of Pat & Pran's relationship circled around music and their "anthems" or songs that reminded them of each other were so freaking cute. The song Pran wrote for Pat???? Sobbed. Also, I would like to point out that normally when I see a guitar in a BL series I brace myself for cringe. I pray to the heavens that the actor knows how to play it, and normally I am very disappointed. Not this time though. Not this time at all, Nanon did that. Heavens opened up and heard my prayer. We got an actor who can actually play the d*** guitar. Hallelujah.
Rewatch Value:
I am not quick to give out 10s. I have only ever given out one other 10 for another BL and this series has become my new favorite, and my new comfort show. I cried more than I have ever cried watching a BL. I cried tears of laughter, tears of joy, tears of sadness. My emotions went for a f***ing ride with this one. I highly recommend giving this one a watch or a rewatch if you are into the following:
-enemies to lovers trope
-actual musicians
-dimples
-tear soaked kisses
-xylophones
-secrets
-BEACH/environment friendly products
-smiley faces
-unhinged t-shirts
-photography
-fights
-family drama
-fluff
So yeah, I will def be rewatching this show again and again.
A BL masterpiece.
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