plottwist

It's far from NC-17 rating, if that's what you mean. I don't know if it ever was going to be (this show is light-hearted despite some subject matter). It's barely PG-13 with an American rating system. Making out then a cutaway, where the sex is implied. It's a little kinky, but that's about it.

You don't know how confused I was watching episodes 11-12…the release schedule fucked me up and I forgot the plot. I was confused about what the ex-boyfriend had to do with anything and why all the characters were blowing hot and cold. Finally at the end of episode 12, it's because Chi Cheng was using mind games and the lie about his ex to get Wu Qi to sleep with him sooner. I also accidentally skipped 11 because I forgot where I left off (episode 11 looked so similar to episode 10 while scrubbing through, and there are no recaps). Anyways, I digress. Chi Cheng is a hypocrite tbh, and he deserves to be lied to (get a taste of his medicine). Wu Qi do not feel sorry at all for this fool… Karma is right, lol. (<<< tone indicator: sarcasm and jokes, not being serious ya'll).

Ugh… can't reply to the comment below so I'll do it here… I have a very dry sense of humor, I know. This, "Anyways, I digress. Chi Cheng is a hypocrite tbh, and he deserves to be lied to (get a taste of his medicine). Wu Qi do not feel sorry at all for this fool… Karma is right, lol." Is literally the dark humor and plot of this show, and I've only pointed it out as a "haha, I'm seeing what you're doing here" even when they had a reflexive conversation about it in the car talking about "karma". The situation is humorously ironic. I find it funny every time when characters get a taste of their own medicine. I use the term "fool" lovingly, because I'm a fan of the show and Chi Cheng is funny. I would not be here 12 episodes in if I wasn't… (Pick your battles, istg, smh).

After being on a long break from k-dramas since liking and finishing Lovely Runner, this premise seemed very interesting/promising. Yet, it doesn't translate. The production isn't up to par. Disappointing. My search continues.

Queerbaiting as in trans in addition to gay, since its a gender swap. Though, this isn't anything new. In fact, gender swaps were/are a gateway to BL. So I can't say the concept is 100% hetero because of how it genuinely ends up making people more open-minded. Still, it's queerbaiting. I might give it a whirl, too. As long as it's not phobic with it's humor.

The sly smile on onii-chan's face the entire time is hilarious. Devious. Also, drag queen Akafuji ❤️ 😭

I'm giving this a higher rating to put this above the reeds. I genuinely think this is one of the best BLs. It's one of the best acted with gorgeous cinematography. The journey to acceptance and queer themes are resonant and subtly weaved into a musical allegory. Not only does it have original music, but it's mixed throughout the story well. As an adaption, it is extremely faithful as well, still following the same BL trappings so its fans can still enjoy despite a slightly more mature interpretation (barring the omitted sex scene). Above all, again, I have to mention the acting… Usa Takuma and Hirano Koshu's captivating performances are what really elevate this mini-series. They are experts at externalizing their characters' feelings—what a difference the right kind of casting makes. In the end, I totally saw Hayakawa's transformation from a kid who used toxic coping skills into a more healthy individual (the subversion of that one particular kiss trope is subtle but done so effectively to outline his growth and illuminate what healthy looks like, imo). 😭 Anyways, don't mind me, I'mma go cry now that it's over.

The way you are wording your ideas comes off as extremely exclusionary with words like "our". I didn't interpret their original comment the same way as you did. They're talking about their opinion, but you are talking about things as if they're absolute fact. Did I ignore the first part of the sentence when I said "majority of audiences are female"? Work on your reading comprehension skills. We both are saying BL is made by all genders, all genders can enjoy, but you are going a step further by telling others "it's not for you" like a hypocrite. Female audiences also have the same exact criticism as this person does, too. Reality/realistic doesn't automatically equate to "anatomy and gay sex". It is a criticism of the writing not following a logical flow of events and disregard of character motivations that do not make sense even within the realm of this high-fantasy romance that still requires plot logic.

The dialogue about being gay does indicate that this show is at times wanting to be grounded and offer the experience of what its like to be a gay man, but contradicts itself through action. That is fair criticism to point that out. A gay man has a right to say that comes off as inauthentic since that particular scene was meant to resonate with his experiences.

"…Though BL does also attract a male audience and can be produced by male creators." You caught yourself, lol. How about look at all the directors and writers of BL shows, you'll find it's split evenly between genders (and accounting for sexuality, not all of them are straight). It's designed for all audiences, yes majority of the audience is women, but you can't exclude other people. A show's queer subjects target a queer audience. Stop saying "our genre" like you own it. And I'm exactly the target audience. Do straight people demand realism with their heteronormative romance genres? No. You're researching wikipedia, too. My almost two decades in this space is what I rely on. I don't need to go searching for answers to support a confirmation bias.

Absolutely NOT a feminist genre, though. There is a running trope imbedded into this genre that all women are cockblockers, or even bitches. It's gotten better in the past five years, but this idea is still foundational to BL. Yes, genders are equal, which can offer escapism from gender (same goes for GL). You also must not be familiar with gay western content, like boys on film, etc., because casting beefcake is it's bread and butter.

You're talking about Fujoshis. There are Fundanshis out there, and regular queer people like me who also enjoy BL. Not just straight women.

interesting it looks like a french new wave/andy warhol film. i'll check it out

Last week, I almost saw the promise to be like cute version of OFC, but episode two depreciated in quality because now that I see them interacting together rather than from afar… it's evident. If we get more scenes like Tanaka Kohei talking about being gay, spotting other gays, and navigating the workplace, than, hmm, maybe I'll stick around. That was the only bit of writing that jumped out at me in episode 2.

Yes, Tanaka is pure wish-fulfillment. Kazauma's list is very Sixteen Candles-coded, which was created by a superficial teenage girl with no freedoms. A balls-out bucket list of interesting things is not in the production's budget, so he must be made boring 🤣. Tanaka must also feel extremely isolated and lonely, that's why he joins in on the list. Otherwise I don't see why else these two would end up together. It really feels like they have no other option rather than attraction or love. One day jbls will discover the gay scene in Tokyo… I haven't seen it featured in one yet.

I agree 100%. It repackages the story, but I'm not seeing the chemistry in episode 2. Nozue was "role playing" with "girlish" (his words) activities but he himself was reluctant to the idea and cringed while doing it. Old Fashion Cupcake was dripping with charisma and sexual tension. It's incomparable in quality. I personally don't take issue with a cutesy character (no matter the age), or a winsome tone. Though…I don't know, its not working for me here. Maybe it's the list that gives off an indifference or the cast. All that height difference, but I doubt in this saccharine show we will see plushy man climb him like a tree.

The complaints about the main couple not getting action is the direct cause of three things:

(1) The people who watched last season and asked for more of the managers storyline. This inevitably stalled the main couple getting together because of a pointless episode inserted into the middle of this season that steals focus and momentum. They undermine the main characters by making the blonde manager a super fan too, who can actually touch his counterpart—this was possibly the most stupid decision to make, ngl. Also, these two play the "straights" (comedy term) that counterbalance the main goofballs. I'm at least happy they didn't just focus on these two for the entire episode, because they make the story feel too grounded when on their own. As another suggested, perhaps this storyline should've been an extra special or separate series to not stall pace.

(2) The entire conceit is a super fan thinking his partner is untouchable and having to overcome this barrier keeping them apart. If you don't find this premise humorous than consider skipping this series. This is not your average BL. Comedy is the main concern here, and the plot is simple and, for the major part, episodic—a very different format to the other more serialized BLs. Yes, this show falls into the traps its parodying (bound to happen, but it being only season two is a shame). Still, it does so in an effervescent, self-aware tone, which keeps things light-hearted and overall enjoyable.

(3) The schedule got messed up making the main couple's journey feel prolonged because we've been waiting forever with delayed releases. Perhaps a binge method would've been smarter for this type of simple, six episode story.

I'm not invalidating people's complaints of pace, because that I agree with. Yet, those who just can't wrap their heads around the concept…it's episode 4, my dudes. Just go watch the other five JBLs airing right now then come back to binge'n'skip this when you're bored.

Same. Even more than you, I could care less about the managers. I just want Abe Alan and Nichika. Side couples are the bane of my existence.

Wow, the moment Konno walked into the venue and saw Hayakawa genuinely moved me.

🏕️ Anyone else camping out until July 10th? 😭

I can use it as a good term, too. It's slang. It has more than one meaning. At least I'm glad I clarified my meaning for you.

Role playing, cigarette drags per second, the younger man wanting to jump his bones. It was a little horny, maybe rewatch. This cutesy drama pales in contrast, I don't expect more than a kiss, but I like cutesy stuff equally.

Yo, the height difference is no joke. When we say height difference this is what we mean 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Old Fashion Cupcake vibes, but less slutty, more wholesome. Seems promising, very simple.