JohnGotti

Agreed. It was a big gamble. But, personally, I thought "Not Me" was much better, as far as " dramatic realism" and differing from traditional BLs. Also, agreed about the issue with minors.

Don't fret! I think we're all a little "toxic" every now and then.

Totally agree! I guess it was "dark." I called it "gritty," but it kind of had the same meaning. I also get where you're coming from about "just what is a toxic relationship." That's sometimes a tough one.

After reviewing many of the "reviews", it appears that most posters either liked it or didn't like it, with a few right down the middle. Those that liked it "really" liked it. Those that didn't like it "really didn't" like it. Numbers-wise, it appeared to be an equal amount of "lovers" and "haters." That's the way it is with most BLs, especially BLs that are NOT the norm, i.e., high school or university students, doctors/engineers, etc. This BL series took a grittier tone (with its drugged sex scene, the BDSM, and violence). But, it also threw in some comedy. I guess for comic relief from all the grittiness.

I believe that most of the posters that liked the series, probably liked the fact that it: a) had a host of handsome actors, including the main and secondary couple; b) had plenty of sex scenes (with some butt showing, LOL); c) had the appearance of a big-budget production, fancy cars, luxurious and exotic locations, etc.; and d) didn't include a lot of uni or high school students (except for Chay).

Those posters that didn't like the series probably disliked it for the following reasons: a) gratuitous sex and violence; b) up and down plot, if there was really any plot at all; c) the drugged sex scene and the issue of whether the Pete/Vegas relationship involved Stockholm syndrome (boy, a lot of posters had comments on that); d) some perceived tropes and stereotypes portrayed; e) not enough of the Vegas/Pete storyline.

Finally, there are those, like myself, who were kind of in the middle, didn't really like it, nor didn't really hate it. Most of the posters in this category kind of "rode the fence," by: a) liking the handsome actors, but not liking the "plot"; b) liking the pairs Kinn/Porsche, Vegas/Pete, and Kim/Chay, but not liking the perceived toxicity in their relationships; and c) liking that it was different from the "norm" in BLs, while not liking that it was presented as a gritty mafia story with BL lovers twist, and instead, as one poster put it, "it was BL story with a mafia twist" (not exactly the same)...

So, why am I writing and posting this? Because I'm f*cking bored and needed something productive to do with my time. LMFAO!

This series is "really" silly so far. I know it's meant to be a romcom, but the silliness and pacing is making it very irritating to watch. At times it feels like the show is "testing our intelligence!"

You're absolutely right! I'd forgotten about Vegas' father in the novel. Thanks!

P.S. IMO, HIStory3 : Trapped was a much better BL, in terms of plot, story, characters, etc., for a mafia/gang genre than was KinnPorsche (minus the sex and violence). Now, HIStory3: Trapped did not have the big budget or big-budget movie feel that KinnPorsch had. Nor did HIStory3 have a pretty boy cast in black suits. But, what it lacked in big-budget "extras", it made up in a good, well-acted series.

You're correct. I forgot about Vegas' father. I may have to update my review. Thanks!

Hmmm. Interesting!

Interesting! I'm curious. If there were just as many folks (with the training I mentioned) stating that they believe Vegas DOES appear to be exhibiting signs of Stockholm, posting on MDL, would your response be the same?

Okay folks. It might be time to give this argument (excuse me, discussion) a break. Using Google or Siri or whatever search engine you're using doesn't make anyone without professional training in clinical therapy, psychology, psychiatry or mental health an expert on Stockholm. I keep smh as to why this is sooo polarizing???

LMBO!!!! Luv'd it!!!

1. Yes, the show is toxic. So wtf! A lot of BLs are toxic, so are alot of non-BLs. As you pointed out. It's about the mafia -- doing toxic shit is kinda what they do, isn't it?

2. No, it's not 50% porn. It's more like 10% - 15%. Although, some probably wishes it were more!

3. Yes, IMO, the plot "sucked." But, I'm not a screenwriter, so wtf do I know.

4. SMH on this one???

5. Both KP and VP relationships are f'ked up. OK. But, so are about 20% of the relationships of couples worldwide. You want to get in line?

6. Finally, it's just a tv show! It's entertainment! It's BL fantasy! Don't believe me. Let's see:
a) There are two Mafia families with lgbtq+ sons running the organizations
b) There are bodyguards (mafia soldiers) who are "all" handsome, young, fit and look
like they stepped out of GQ magazine and
c) There are pockets of hot sex scenes ranging from hetero sex in the beginning, to wild
gay sex, to even a few hints of kinky sex and bdsm at the end. Need I say more??

c)

Totally agree with you! Waayyy too many problematic scenes played for fan service , I guess. I have noooo problem with folks having these types of tastes (it's their right). But, quoting Walt Whitman (famous American poet, essayist, and author), "because you have the right to do it, doesn't make it right to do it." You kind of paraphrased him. All the things you stated as "problematic" are, IMO, is problematic and socially wrong, whether it's in "real life" or in "fiction," such as in a BL drama.

But, what I find really interesting is how soooo many folks seem to NOT have issues with the problematic scenes. Hmmm???

Thai BLs appear to be getting much more "mature." They've come along way since the "blue shorts" and high school/uni days. Sex and violence sells! Oh well, C'est la vie!

The last ep. was choppy at best and with a holey plot at worst. But, overall, still a pretty good series.

I'm not sure how I feel about KinnPorsche??? I still think parts of the series was well done, while other parts were just a freaking mess! LMBO! But, as I said before, IT"S A TV SHOW, FANTASY, MAKE BELIEVE or whatever else descriptor you want to call it. I guess I save my judgement for when OR IF, we get a season 2.

P.S. I am thoroughly impressed by how well you express your opinions!!!!

Absolutely! Totally agree with you! LMBO

Great! Stay with it. I thought about getting my PhD in Neurobiology. I totally agree with your assessment of interpretation.

I agree with much of your summation. However, like river11, I must respectfully agree to disagree with some of it.

Thank you. Fyi. I was a practicing clinical therapist for several years. I have a PhD is Behavioral and Analytical pschology. I do actually know quite a bit about Stockholm, though I've never worked with someone with it.

Actually, I just thoroughly enjoy this whole discussion about whether Pete is or is not experiencing Stockholm syndrome. IMO, a case could be made either way.