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This review may contain spoilers
I Wasn't Familiar With Your Game, WinnySatang
That Summer was 11th on my list of Most Anticipated BLs from GMMTV's 2025 Lineup (BL Only). So far, it has become my number one favorite BL series of GMMTV 2025. And no one saw that coming.
Let's Dive In.
Granted, we haven't really gotten a lot from the GMMTV 25 lineup this year (with two/three currently airing series), but from we've gotten so far (Memoir of Rati, Boys in Love, My Magic Prophecy, and now That Summer), this series takes the number 1 trophy... for now.
I think, inevitably, Ticket to Heaven will take that spot, but for now, That Summer, has completely blown me away. It has this stellar coming-of-age vibe to it, including a summer love story mixed with a little mystery. I'm not the biggest fan of amnesia plot lines, I think it's cheap writing, and overall just not fun, but the way TS utilizes it is unique, and a new twist on what we know.
Davin, a prince, forgets his past when his crush who's also out to kill him, whacks him with a paddle board and sends him into the sea. Lava, a delinquent sent to work at his Uncle's, finds Davin and learns that he has no recollection of who he is. With his new identity as Wave, the both of them discover things about themselves and one another that leads to a beautiful love story.
It wasn't that I didn't like Winny and Satang, I just didn't see enough of them to crave to see them in leading roles. The main reason this was so far down my list. But this confirmed to me that these two know what they're doing and they do it so perfectly in this series. The yearning from the both of them in the beginning of this was so immaculate, I almost combusted. And then they got together, and it just gets better, which is usually so opposite of what I enjoy. Lava guides Wave, not only to re-realizing his sexuality, but by allowing him to live freely as himself, without the confines of his role as a a prince, even if unknowing. They go on several different adventures together, exploring the village, tackling relationship obstacles, building communities around them, dancing and partying and just living a great life. Their chemistry is strong, these two have definitely put in the work of creating a believable connection, and I loved it. I also loved how they handled intimacy, and it was shot so beautifully. Bravo.
My only real criticism is the second couple, Peng and Wut. Actually, Mond was the only reason I started this series in the first place, he's literally one of my favorite GMMTV actors. But sadly, I was not enthralled with this couple. I think I got around to them eventually, but they have like 1/4 the chemistry that they needed to actually sell me on their story. If felt like Mond was putting in so much of the effort and Ryu was just... there. That might not be entirely his fault, maybe it was a directing error, but there was just no buzz from this couple. I think I just enjoyed Peng's story enough to tolerate them. But, I definitely don't need to ever see them in another series together again, that's for sure.
The depiction of weed in this series had me so shocked. I don't think I've seen a series ever bring up weed, and yet, this series makes it a point to talk about it's use, show it, and even have a character get high for the first time. It was honestly lovely. Also, just no filters. Getting to see Winny's freckles was a blessing, oh my gosh he is so adorable.
Gawin, I can never escape you, can I?
Ratings:
Story: 8/10 - thoroughly enjoyed it. I also liked the flow of wave discovering himself and Davin. Lovely coming of age vibes. Didn't care much about the second couple. Also, they gave us Neo and Mint, but gave us nothing, romantically.
Acting: 9/10 - Lovely!! Winny and satang seriously have taken me by surprise. Of course Mond is just brilliant and I appreciate what he brought to the show. Everyone else did okay.
Music: 4.5/10 - I literally cannot stand the random english music playing during certain scenes. They had a lovely OST, and was like "No! let's use this copyright free music!"
Recommendation Value: 8/10 - I really, really liked this. Each episode had something to give, and made the story really fun to watch. It's also just a really fun story with some beautiful shots, so yes, I definitely recommend!
Let's Dive In.
Granted, we haven't really gotten a lot from the GMMTV 25 lineup this year (with two/three currently airing series), but from we've gotten so far (Memoir of Rati, Boys in Love, My Magic Prophecy, and now That Summer), this series takes the number 1 trophy... for now.
I think, inevitably, Ticket to Heaven will take that spot, but for now, That Summer, has completely blown me away. It has this stellar coming-of-age vibe to it, including a summer love story mixed with a little mystery. I'm not the biggest fan of amnesia plot lines, I think it's cheap writing, and overall just not fun, but the way TS utilizes it is unique, and a new twist on what we know.
Davin, a prince, forgets his past when his crush who's also out to kill him, whacks him with a paddle board and sends him into the sea. Lava, a delinquent sent to work at his Uncle's, finds Davin and learns that he has no recollection of who he is. With his new identity as Wave, the both of them discover things about themselves and one another that leads to a beautiful love story.
It wasn't that I didn't like Winny and Satang, I just didn't see enough of them to crave to see them in leading roles. The main reason this was so far down my list. But this confirmed to me that these two know what they're doing and they do it so perfectly in this series. The yearning from the both of them in the beginning of this was so immaculate, I almost combusted. And then they got together, and it just gets better, which is usually so opposite of what I enjoy. Lava guides Wave, not only to re-realizing his sexuality, but by allowing him to live freely as himself, without the confines of his role as a a prince, even if unknowing. They go on several different adventures together, exploring the village, tackling relationship obstacles, building communities around them, dancing and partying and just living a great life. Their chemistry is strong, these two have definitely put in the work of creating a believable connection, and I loved it. I also loved how they handled intimacy, and it was shot so beautifully. Bravo.
My only real criticism is the second couple, Peng and Wut. Actually, Mond was the only reason I started this series in the first place, he's literally one of my favorite GMMTV actors. But sadly, I was not enthralled with this couple. I think I got around to them eventually, but they have like 1/4 the chemistry that they needed to actually sell me on their story. If felt like Mond was putting in so much of the effort and Ryu was just... there. That might not be entirely his fault, maybe it was a directing error, but there was just no buzz from this couple. I think I just enjoyed Peng's story enough to tolerate them. But, I definitely don't need to ever see them in another series together again, that's for sure.
The depiction of weed in this series had me so shocked. I don't think I've seen a series ever bring up weed, and yet, this series makes it a point to talk about it's use, show it, and even have a character get high for the first time. It was honestly lovely. Also, just no filters. Getting to see Winny's freckles was a blessing, oh my gosh he is so adorable.
Gawin, I can never escape you, can I?
Ratings:
Story: 8/10 - thoroughly enjoyed it. I also liked the flow of wave discovering himself and Davin. Lovely coming of age vibes. Didn't care much about the second couple. Also, they gave us Neo and Mint, but gave us nothing, romantically.
Acting: 9/10 - Lovely!! Winny and satang seriously have taken me by surprise. Of course Mond is just brilliant and I appreciate what he brought to the show. Everyone else did okay.
Music: 4.5/10 - I literally cannot stand the random english music playing during certain scenes. They had a lovely OST, and was like "No! let's use this copyright free music!"
Recommendation Value: 8/10 - I really, really liked this. Each episode had something to give, and made the story really fun to watch. It's also just a really fun story with some beautiful shots, so yes, I definitely recommend!
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