While I've been enjoying the series more since episode 8, I can't help but notice the similarities to this and Parker's other series "You Are Mine" (specifically in this episode where like in "You Are Mine," his boyfriend is kidnapped, and he has to track him down and rescue him). I feel as though the episodes prior to episode 8 should've been JUST as strong as the more recent episodes, because the majority of the episodes prior to episode 8 felt like filler episodes in my opinion. I enjoy the chemistry of the secondary couple, and I'm glad the writers didn't make the "fiancé" the stereotypical jealous female character after learning that Tu Jing He had feelings for Zang Yi Qing. One thing that annoys me a bit is the fact that the inclusion of Ian feels forced. I feel like there could've been a way to write the character to make his inclusion feel a bit more organic and meaningful. All things considered, I'm actually surprised that this series got slightly better as it progressed despite the fact that it took eight episodes.
It's evident that Akin doesn't have anyone who TRULY looks out for him; because there was no reason for them to leave him with some random guy that they barely know and trust that said guy won't harm him in any way. Johnny needs to be stomped into the ground whether or not it was a full-blown r*pe (because both r*pe AND s*xual assault are nonconsensual violations). Since Akin is seemingly under the impression that he was r*ped, he's doing "mental gymnastics" in an attempt to mitigate and compartmentalize the severity of what he believes happened to him. Male r*pe is one of the LEAST reported crimes, so it's understandable that Akin is trying to grasp at any semblance of "normalcy." Had Jin been a bit more patient with Akin (especially knowing firsthand that Akin blacks out when he's drunk), Akin may have actually felt comfortable enough to tell Jin what happened (I haven't read the novel, but I've read a few comments that suggests Johnny staged the r*pe to play mind games, which is still deplorable if that's the case). Akin needs a GENUINE safe space, because the people who left him blackout drunk with a random guy aren't it.
I don't really have much to say about this particular episode, but I do have a few questions. Was Mark originally human, and transformed into a vampire as a means to circumvent his illness, or has he always been a vampire? Also, am I the only one who thinks that Gawin looks like a cross between an older Barcode and Yu Xi Gu from "HIStory 3: Make Our Days Count"? I mean, physically he looks like an older Barcode, but his mannerisms in this series remind me of Yu Xi Gu.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Although it DOES feel like the series as a whole is getting a bit stronger as it progresses, it's still not strong enough to warrant THIS slow of a burn. The sad this is that Parker is an amazing actor, but the scripts for the BLs that I've seen him in are terrible. Also, Ian's role in this series feels a bit forced in my opinion given the fact that Tang Du Zhi and Wang Zhan each have enough trauma preventing them from acting on their feelings for each other. In regard to the side couple that technically isn't a side couple, I feel as though it really shouldn't have taken nine episodes for Tu Jing He to realize his feelings for Zang Yi Qing. Both couples (although the second couple is technically not a couple yet) should be further along in their respective relationships.
Genuine question... Is the inclusion of panels typical for the average Asian reality show? Because there was also a panel for the Japanese reality dating series "The Boyfriend." I feel as though the panel takes away from the series as a whole.
In my opinion, Anti-Reset was better, but that's not really saying much in comparison. While this isn't necessarily a GREAT BL series, I've definitely seen worse. I'll be generous and give this a 6.5/10 mainly because the second couple felt like more of a couple than the "main couple."
I know that I'm a bit critical of many GMMTV series, but I can't even hate; whoever produced this series needs a raise. The acting (especially coming from five main characters who technically AREN'T actors), story, and pacing was literal perfection. Two things that I loved about this series is the fact that none of the episodes felt like filler, and the fact that all of the main characters actually FELT like main characters despite Thame and Po being the "main couple." Also, I have to respect GMMTV for taking such a risk with this series by shedding light on the toxicity of both the "fandom" and the industry. It almost felt like a response to the harassment that some of GMMTV's actors/artists have received in the past (because we all know what happened to Bright when "fans" found out that he was dating someone who wasn't Win). Hopefully, the "fans" that needed to see this series truly understand the message this series was trying to send. If you're a TRUE fan of someone, you should want to see them be happy in all aspects of their life as long as it isn't causing harm to others. I hope that GMMTV continues to create more unique and well-structured series like this in the future (I actually have high hopes for "Ticket to Heaven"). Even with the Earn cameo toward the end (because literally EVERY character I've seen Pepper play no matter the series is problematic AF), this series in the first 10/10 that I've given a Thai BL, and it's even more shocking to me that it's a GMMTV series since I find quite a few of them to be a bit too campy, or cringy, or a bit too heavy on the product placement every 3.5 seconds. In my opinion, this is by far GMMTV's best series outside of a high school/university setting that's not named "Moonlight Chicken."
*SIDE NOTE*
Pemika STILL annoys me. I'm also happy to see Thame and Po be comfortable enough in their love to disclose it to Fern. Her reaction was hilarious.
If GMMTV manages to not screw up the final episode, this may be the first Thai BL that I've given a 10/10. This is the first GMMTV series outside of "My School President" where I haven't gotten bored with the plot or the characters after the 8th or 9th episode. I'm still impressed with the performances of the members of LYKN given the fact that literally NONE of them are technically actors (their acting is honestly better than some of GMMTV's most seasoned actors). LYKN's acting almost feels as if they're drawing from lived experiences within the industry as opposed to simply reciting lines from a script. As much as the appearance of Earn annoyed me (especially since it seems as though EVERY character that I've seen that particular actor play has been problematic AF), I'm glad that Po finally got the chance to stand up to him and put a definitive end to their situation quite early within the episode (episode 11). I don't feel the need to detail my distain for Pemika since it seems as though most of us in the comments are on the same accord. I never thought I'd say this about a GMMTV series as a whole, but the plot, acting, and pacing of this series is perfection.
*SIDE NOTE*
It's nice to see that Mick is proving that he isn't COMPLETELY useless (even if it's toward the end of the series).
Honestly, had I been able to foresee how terrible the writing for this series would be, I would've dropped it eight episodes ago; but since there are only two episodes left, I supposed I'll finish the series. I was really hoping that the remaining episodes would contain something of substance. With the exception of "See Your Love" and "Unknown," Taiwanese BLs have been down bad recently.
Why is it ALWAYS episode 11? I'm certain that the series will most likely have a happy ending since I can't recall a GMMTV series not having one (or at least what's perceived to be a happy ending, because there are some GMMTV series where the couple would've been better off apart in my opinion), but that breakup scene was legitimately heart-wrenching. For William (and the other members of LYKN) to technically NOT be an actor, he put on a performance better than some of GMMTV's most "seasoned" actors. This episode made me despise Pemika even more than I already had. I can't speak too much on how Thai paparazzi may or may not operate, but this episode convinced me even more that Pemika had someone follow Thame to obtain those photos of him and Po in order to manipulate him into doing what she wanted him to do. Also, I think it was such BS for her to attempt to gaslight Po into believing that she had no other choice because she needed to "protect the company's interest" when as the CEO, she pretty much IS the company. This series feels like it's a direct shot at both the industry AND the "fandom," and I love the fact that GMMTV was bold enough to produce it (and produce it surprisingly well for a GMMTV series). This is the first GMMTV series that hasn't lost steam after the eighth or ninth episode (because that's typically what happens with a lot of GMMTV series).
*SIDE NOTE*
A bit off-topic, but this series is giving me a bit of hope that GMMTV will actually do right by Barcode. He's too talented of an actor to not be treated as such.
Still obsessed with your imaginary rape, I see. Thanks for the laugh at how you continue to camouflage big-people…
You again? If you don't want a reply, you shouldn't be leaving comments under my posts to begin with. Even a moron like you should be able to comprehend that.
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*SIDE NOTE*
Pemika STILL annoys me. I'm also happy to see Thame and Po be comfortable enough in their love to disclose it to Fern. Her reaction was hilarious.
*SIDE NOTE*
It's nice to see that Mick is proving that he isn't COMPLETELY useless (even if it's toward the end of the series).
*SIDE NOTE*
A bit off-topic, but this series is giving me a bit of hope that GMMTV will actually do right by Barcode. He's too talented of an actor to not be treated as such.