1
Crazy, Seductive, Genre-Blending Fun
Rules for watching Affinity:
#1 - Don’t Take It Too Seriously
This short drama throws together every genre under the sun (romance, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and more) into one juicy, addictive blend. This is junk food TV — just binge and enjoy.
#2 - Enjoy the Kissing Scenes
It certainly seems like the actors are — or at least, they’re very committed to their roles and not holding back in the physicality department (not that we’re complaining).
The hugging/kissing sequence in ep. 16 is so intense that I felt like falling off my chair just like Nong Yu. Goodness gracious, it’s like Xin Xu is trying to absorb or inhale her. Cui Yu Xin plays his desperate, barely controlled, obsessive male lead to perfection.
#3 - Embrace the Nonsense
Does any of the plot, world-building, or sequence of events make sense? Not really. The structure sometimes feels like someone threw a bunch of creative writing prompt cards on the table and said, "Here's our story outline!". But it’s wildly unpredictable and weird and silly, and that’s part of the fun.
I’ve noticed that short-length web series often focus on style over substance — light on the character development and plot, leaning on actors’ good looks and chemistry to keep viewers interested. This approach doesn't always work, but "Affinity" manages to pull it off. What plot there is is strangely compelling (dabbling in topics like genetic experimentation and shadowy government organizations), and the chemistry is so sizzling that you’ll want to stick around to see what’s next.
At the halfway point (ep. 20), I’m hooked and waiting to see where all of this is going. The synopsis doesn’t even begin to capture the craziness that is this drama; you just have to experience it for yourself.
UPDATE after finishing the series:
The second half doesn’t have nearly the same spark and breakneck pace, but the emotional journey of the characters is easy to get invested in, and we do get a happy (and suitably wacky) ending.
What works:
– The leads. Their chemistry is undeniable, but let’s be clear: it’s not a healthy or equal relationship for the majority of the series. But the genetic compatibility angle adds an interesting layer to their dynamic and at least explains (but doesn’t excuse) the male lead’s bad behavior. He starts out as someone who’s unable to experience emotions, but his deep connection with the female lead unlocks feelings he’s never had before. On top of that, they need each other for survival, which gives their intense, magnetic attraction a narrative purpose.
– Cui Yu Xin’s performance. CYX’s role as Xin Xu elevates the show from a campy time-waster to something that’s compulsively watchable, and I don’t think it would work without him. His character has more depth than what you’d expect at first glance, and it’s fascinating watching his expressions shift over the course of the series from lifeless, to like a beast stalking its prey, to tender and adoring and vulnerable. The scenes that depict his emotional awakening — like crying for the first time — are quite touching. He’s a versatile and expressive actor.
– The soundtrack. There are several memorable songs that are intense and moody and really enhance what’s happening onscreen (although there are also some odd selections).
What could be better:
– I wish Fang Jin’s female lead had more to do than react with wide-eyed fear to all the chaos. More often than not, her character seems more like a foil to the male lead without the same level of agency or nuance. There are hints that she’s supposed to be super smart, but we rarely get to see that. Both leads are immature and impulsive in different ways, and while emotional growth is a theme in the drama, Nong Yu doesn’t get nearly as compelling a character arc as Xin Xu in this area.
The show is pretty ridiculous at face value, but I’m rating it on its own scale with bonus points for novelty and just how oddly entertaining it is. I would put the first half at about an 8.5 and the second at more like a 7.
#1 - Don’t Take It Too Seriously
This short drama throws together every genre under the sun (romance, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and more) into one juicy, addictive blend. This is junk food TV — just binge and enjoy.
#2 - Enjoy the Kissing Scenes
It certainly seems like the actors are — or at least, they’re very committed to their roles and not holding back in the physicality department (not that we’re complaining).
The hugging/kissing sequence in ep. 16 is so intense that I felt like falling off my chair just like Nong Yu. Goodness gracious, it’s like Xin Xu is trying to absorb or inhale her. Cui Yu Xin plays his desperate, barely controlled, obsessive male lead to perfection.
#3 - Embrace the Nonsense
Does any of the plot, world-building, or sequence of events make sense? Not really. The structure sometimes feels like someone threw a bunch of creative writing prompt cards on the table and said, "Here's our story outline!". But it’s wildly unpredictable and weird and silly, and that’s part of the fun.
I’ve noticed that short-length web series often focus on style over substance — light on the character development and plot, leaning on actors’ good looks and chemistry to keep viewers interested. This approach doesn't always work, but "Affinity" manages to pull it off. What plot there is is strangely compelling (dabbling in topics like genetic experimentation and shadowy government organizations), and the chemistry is so sizzling that you’ll want to stick around to see what’s next.
At the halfway point (ep. 20), I’m hooked and waiting to see where all of this is going. The synopsis doesn’t even begin to capture the craziness that is this drama; you just have to experience it for yourself.
UPDATE after finishing the series:
The second half doesn’t have nearly the same spark and breakneck pace, but the emotional journey of the characters is easy to get invested in, and we do get a happy (and suitably wacky) ending.
What works:
– The leads. Their chemistry is undeniable, but let’s be clear: it’s not a healthy or equal relationship for the majority of the series. But the genetic compatibility angle adds an interesting layer to their dynamic and at least explains (but doesn’t excuse) the male lead’s bad behavior. He starts out as someone who’s unable to experience emotions, but his deep connection with the female lead unlocks feelings he’s never had before. On top of that, they need each other for survival, which gives their intense, magnetic attraction a narrative purpose.
– Cui Yu Xin’s performance. CYX’s role as Xin Xu elevates the show from a campy time-waster to something that’s compulsively watchable, and I don’t think it would work without him. His character has more depth than what you’d expect at first glance, and it’s fascinating watching his expressions shift over the course of the series from lifeless, to like a beast stalking its prey, to tender and adoring and vulnerable. The scenes that depict his emotional awakening — like crying for the first time — are quite touching. He’s a versatile and expressive actor.
– The soundtrack. There are several memorable songs that are intense and moody and really enhance what’s happening onscreen (although there are also some odd selections).
What could be better:
– I wish Fang Jin’s female lead had more to do than react with wide-eyed fear to all the chaos. More often than not, her character seems more like a foil to the male lead without the same level of agency or nuance. There are hints that she’s supposed to be super smart, but we rarely get to see that. Both leads are immature and impulsive in different ways, and while emotional growth is a theme in the drama, Nong Yu doesn’t get nearly as compelling a character arc as Xin Xu in this area.
The show is pretty ridiculous at face value, but I’m rating it on its own scale with bonus points for novelty and just how oddly entertaining it is. I would put the first half at about an 8.5 and the second at more like a 7.
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