Probably unlike many of you, I think this series is becoming to clouded with the manipulations, deceptions, misunderstandings, etc. This is causing, IMO, for the series to really drag and get drawn out. There's not a single relationship in this series that isn't having issues. From an entertainment standpoint, it's not very interesting. I would guess that the final episodes will miraculously resolve the major relationships, Wayu/Thana/Pa and Kit/Mark??? And what of the other relationships, Tong/Pok, Phai/Thana/Sandee, Jack/Koh, etc.? Basically, there's just way too much going on in this series at the same time. If there's a Gen Y 3, maybe the series needs to focus on fewer relationships.
What tropes? And i dont think naming the plot as a trope works lol.
You're right some of the tropes are denounced (I used the word debunked). I would agree that it's a personality trait. However, traits can also be tropes when overly used -- and they are in a few BLs (however, it could also be cultural). It's common in BLs (and in other dramas, too) that the more physically sized character seems to be victorious over the smaller sized character. I agree with you about the female characteristic. That was an inappropriate choice of words and I apologize -- I stand corrected.
What tropes? And i dont think naming the plot as a trope works lol.
Agreed! LOL I'll put them in the spoiler section, in case others who haven't seen the series is influenced. The tropes in Bad Buddy were a lot less subtle than in other BLs. But, here are just some of them: 1) the hubby and wife trope (although not as pronounced); 2) the momma's boy trope with Pran; 3) the two university faculties fighting (one always being Engineering) trope, and 4) the smaller person (Pran) always losing the battle trope. Also, the later eps clearly showed a tendency for Pran to take on more "female" characteristics, although it too was subtle. In the novel, Pran was the bottom first. But, the producers and director kind of shied away from that interpretation of the novel, which, IMO, was a good thing.
Although we had a "time" jump in the final episode, I was kind of glad how the series ended. I think it was a surprise to most folks, too. And, although there's no definitive word on whether they'll even consider a season 2, at least the door was left open to explore the possibility in the future.
Now, as for rating the series, the story wasn't all that great. It did perpetuate a few of the old tropes, while trying to debunk a few others. IMO, it was the chemistry and talent of mains that carried this series through. And, sometimes that enough! Therefore, I'd have to give it an overall rating of 9.0 (taking off a point for the plot).
I'm not really sure how I feel about this ep???? Since it is a BL dramedy, I guess what we saw should have been expected. The series is drawing out this love/hate relationship with Maze/Phap just a bit much (especially considering they've had at least two one-night stands). Now, they've thrown in the petty jealousy, the misunderstanding, the game playing, etc. Yes, it makes for good drama. But, enough is enough! It's time to get on with the resolution of this story. I'm starting to get bored.
Another discussion you might want to bring up. The DEEPER SIDE OF THEIR AFTER-SEX SCENE, their ROLES and what…
Interesting analysis. I've heard in the novel, Pran is the bottom (at least in the beginning) with him asserting himself in the end to be the top. The novel is the typical "stereotypical" BL in which all the things you mentioned are included: the top being the bigger (larger) person, the bottom being a "moma's boy," and the top being called the hubby, while the bottom is called the wifey (I hate that terminology by the way).
For the most part, this series shied away from the "top/bottom" "hubby/wifey" stereotype until the last couple of eps. In the novel, it's apparent. But, since the producers and director kind of strayed a little from the novel, I kind of hoped they would've kept on straying and make Pran and Pat's a more "equal." Unfortunately, that is a common theme in BLs. I personally think that the folks writing these BLs (mostly women) were trying to mimic a hetero-sexual relationship, utilizing two boys (one having the traditional male role, and the other having the traditional female role).
Yes, there are gay males who prefer to "bottom," but that is certainly NOT the majority. And of those males who prefer to "bottom" acknowledge they also like to "top" occasionally. According to statistics, a majority of gay males report being "versatile," which would logically make sense. Most of my gay friends report the same.
I would also guess that the female writers of these BLs probably want males to experience the indignity that females face in cultures dominated by males. What a perfect way to show how females are treated than to put males in similar situations. I'm not so sure about the male writers of BLs; but then again, I don't think there are that many.
Finally, not all males, who prefer to bottom, are smaller, effeminate, displays a girlish demeanor, or automatically knows how to cook and keep house. Some of these males are big, messy, athletic-jock types who couldn't boil water. Just one person's opinion.
Some of things Phap does is not cool. If he really cares for Maze, then why keep doing things that could jeopardize his business, even if he is a free spirit. Although it's comical, at times it's still toxic.
Although this was a most excellent episode (and I'm not sure what happens in ep 12), I still don't like the "we can't be together right now, but I'll see you in a few years -- and then, we can be together trope." Yes, that has become a trope in BLs, especially with those series that have last eps that have a "time jump." First of all, the series never really fills in the gaps of what has happened to the characters during that time, nor does it take into account that other people can come into and go out of their lives in that same time period. Part of the trope is that people will remain chaste, single, and pining over their lost love until they miraculously meet again years later. That is so overdone in many dramas, BL and non-BLs. Can we have something new?????
I'm just saying, you guys should be grateful that gmmtv has been supplying subs until now because otherwise you'd…
Humm! I find it interesting that of all of the eps. that have aired thus far, this ep. (which is an important ep.) starts with subs and then suddenly stop the subs. I really hope that you're correct that this was merely a production issue (that will soon be corrected) versus something intentional by the production company. Their English-speaking viewers don't deserve this.
I definitely agree with you. But now i hate more Pok action than Tong and Sandee
Tong did his deed out of love for Tong (albeit it still was wrong). Pok did his deed out of anger/revenge to get back at Tong and to show him who's in "control."
P.S. If Pok really believed that Tong had him beaten up and destroyed his chances for a swimming medal and scholarship, why would he room with him and treat him as a lover? Hmmm!
Now, as for rating the series, the story wasn't all that great. It did perpetuate a few of the old tropes, while trying to debunk a few others. IMO, it was the chemistry and talent of mains that carried this series through. And, sometimes that enough! Therefore, I'd have to give it an overall rating of 9.0 (taking off a point for the plot).
For the most part, this series shied away from the "top/bottom" "hubby/wifey" stereotype until the last couple of eps. In the novel, it's apparent. But, since the producers and director kind of strayed a little from the novel, I kind of hoped they would've kept on straying and make Pran and Pat's a more "equal." Unfortunately, that is a common theme in BLs. I personally think that the folks writing these BLs (mostly women) were trying to mimic a hetero-sexual relationship, utilizing two boys (one having the traditional male role, and the other having the traditional female role).
Yes, there are gay males who prefer to "bottom," but that is certainly NOT the majority. And of those males who prefer to "bottom" acknowledge they also like to "top" occasionally. According to statistics, a majority of gay males report being "versatile," which would logically make sense. Most of my gay friends report the same.
I would also guess that the female writers of these BLs probably want males to experience the indignity that females face in cultures dominated by males. What a perfect way to show how females are treated than to put males in similar situations. I'm not so sure about the male writers of BLs; but then again, I don't think there are that many.
Finally, not all males, who prefer to bottom, are smaller, effeminate, displays a girlish demeanor, or automatically knows how to cook and keep house. Some of these males are big, messy, athletic-jock types who couldn't boil water. Just one person's opinion.
P.S. If Pok really believed that Tong had him beaten up and destroyed his chances for a swimming medal and scholarship, why would he room with him and treat him as a lover? Hmmm!