vanwarren

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo... I'm going to round up and give this season an approximate 8/10. Season 2 started off solid, but Benz and Garfield need their own series where THEY'RE the main couple. Kenta and Kim deserved to have their story fleshed out significantly more than it had been throughout BOTH seasons. There were parts of the finale that were a bit confusing for me if I'm being honest. Can Willy only manipulate/freeze time for a limited amount of time? It didn't make much sense to have his power suddenly stop working right when he was about to kill Tony. Also, was Tony not aware of Charlie's power to absorb other alphas' powers; because why would he shoot Charlie knowing that Charlie took his power to revive himself? Lastly, did Tony die from the previous gunshot wounds since he no longer had the power to revive himself, or did he shoot himself along with Charlie thinking that he still had the power to revive himself? Anyways, the finale got a bit messy for me, but at least Tony is finally (actually) dead this time around. Pavel's acting low-key carried this season for me. His ability to convey pain and emotional distress helped make this season watchable.

*SIDE NOTE*

Winner got off a bit too easy in my opinion; and having Nut come back to play a completely different character is diabolical.

It's not Chi Cheng's truth to tell, it's the mother's. If Suo Wei's mother wanted Suo Wei to know, she would've told him herself instead of having Chi Cheng take her to the hospital in secret.

The highlight for BOTH episode 15 and 16 was Xiao Shuai initiating the kiss with Cheng Yu. I'm glad that Xiao Shuai finally acknowledged the fact that Cheng Yu is officially his boyfriend. These two episodes were my least favorite episodes thus far not because they were bad episodes, but because of the severe lack of communication between Chi Cheng and Suo Wei coupled with how messy Wang Shuo was being in both episodes. A part of me feels like I should have a bit of sympathy for Wang Shuo due to his bipolar disorder, but at the same time, I can't bring myself to allow that to excuse his behavior throughout both episodes. Chi Cheng was put in an impossible situation by both Wang Shuo AND Suo Wei's mother. On one end, he actually isn't cheating on Suo Wei with Wang Shuo despite the fact that Wang Shuo forcefully kissed Chi Cheng, but once Suo Wei learns the REAL reason as to why Chi Cheng's car was at the hospital and why Chi Cheng would constantly come home late, it will most likely hurt Suo Wei even more so than the thought of Chi Cheng cheating on him since Chi Cheng didn't tell him about his mother's declining health (albeit at the request of Suo Wei's mother). Chi Cheng can't fully explain himself to Suo Wei without breaking his word to his mother-in-law (let's just call it what it is), so from the outside looking in, he can't really win here. The worst part about this entire scenario is the fact that the series is 16 episodes in, and Chi Cheng STILL doesn't know that Yue Yue is the ex-girlfriend of Suo Wei. I've watched many BLs with "slow burn" relationship progression (this series actually has it with Xiao Shuai and Cheng Yu), but the idea of a slow burn BREAKUP (because we all know that it's coming) is something that I've never seen executed in a BL series, especially a Chinese BL. Hopefully, Cheng Yu (my favorite character) makes more appearances in the remaining episodes to help soften the blow of the inevitable heartbreak that's coming for both Chi Cheng AND Suo Wei in both their relationship and their connection to Suo Wei's mother as her health declines. Again, Cheng Yu's interactions with Xiao Shuai as they enter their boyfriend era was really the ONLY highlight for both episodes.

*SIDE NOTE*

Does anyone know the name of the actor who plays Wang Shuo's brother? It doesn't seem to be listed in the cast on MDL. Visually, I can understand why Suo Wei is smitten with him.

You're welcome.
https://kisskh.id/Drama/Knock-Out/Episode-13?id=9883&ep=188847&page=0&pageSize=100

Nothing against the series (because I did enjoy the series overall), but I actually enjoyed this special episode a lot more than the series. I enjoyed the overall message of love being different for every relationship. I also enjoyed the fact that Keen and Thun actually talked their issues out with each other as opposed to screwing each other's brains out as a means of resolution (not that I'm opposed to NC scenes, but it's nice to see them actually talk though their issues here). Overall, this was relatively light-hearted and comedic while addressing semi-realistic relationship issues.

Although I'm enjoying the series thus far, and I understand the fact that most GMMTV series tend to have "happy" endings, I'm not too certain as to how this series can have a happy ending given the time period this is supposed to be set in. As always, Inn and Great's chemistry is amazing (it's actually more enjoyable in this series than it was in "Wandee Goodday"). I also enjoy the progression of the friendship (because I'm not sure if they really count as a "second couple" as of yet) between Dech and Mek. The fact that this series is already at the halfway point with six episodes could be considered a good thing since (at least for now) it doesn't necessarily feel like the series is dragging on. The pacing so far feels smooth and sensible without making the series feel rushed. Again, because of the time period that this series is set in, I'm not too certain as to how this series will have the "happy ending" that the average GMMTV series tends to have, but I'm willing to continue watching to see how the story progresses.

Overall, this was a cute, fluffy series that didn't overstay it's welcome like many GMMTV series tend to do. For me, this was a solid 8/10. I'll always have respect for Krist and Singto for being GMMTV's first BL couple, and in turn serving as the catalyst for Thai BL as a whole.

Short answer, you should probably watch episodes10, 11, and 12. Subconsciously, Xiao Shuai had fallen for Cheng Yu by episode 10; as evident when he appeared to be visibly saddened by the news that Cheng Yu would stop pursuing him as a way to protect him from Chi Cheng going after him since Chi Cheng tends to court every guy that Cheng Yu dates ever since Cheng Yu slept with Chi Cheng's ex (Wang Shao). Xiao Shuai went to stay at Cheng Yu's place to hide from both Chi Cheng and Suo Wei until they finally slept together. During episode 12, Xiao Shuai went over to Cheng Yu's house and almost hooked up with him after Cheng Yu accidently sprayed the aphrodisiac he had taken from Xiao Shuai's office to tease him with later. They didn't actually hook up since Xaio Shuai started screaming Meng Tao's name. Cheng Yu realized that the aphrodisiac triggered a response to a traumatic experience he had with Meng Tao .

After watching both episodes 13 and 14, I can honestly say that Guo Cheng Yu is by FAR my favorite character in this series. From the way he took care of Xiao Shuai in episode 13, I just knew that once he found out what happened between Xiao Shuai and Meng Tao, he'd go scorched Earth to get revenge for Xiao Shuai. For starters, Meng Tao wasn't an "ex," he was a PREDATOR who used his position of authority to groom Xiao Shuai and humiliated him in front of the entire school by drugging him and making him look promiscuous with staged photos to the point where Xiao Shuai tried to end his own life at least once that was shown in the series (because it wouldn't be hard to believe that wasn't his ONLY suicide attempt given how psychologically damaging that situation was for him). I love the way Cheng Yu used the information given to him by Xiao Shuai in his inebriated state(s) to orchestrate his plan to exact revenge for everything Meng Tao put Xaio Shuai through. He LISTENED to Xiao Shuai at a time where Xiao Shuai didn't realize that anyone was listening (much less CARED to help him heal from his trauma). Xaio Shuai wanted an apology, and Cheng Yu made sure he received one. I also love the fact that Xiao Shuai was appreciative of what Cheng Yu had done for him regarding Meng Tao (I refuse to call him an "ex" since he GROOMED Xiao Shuai while being in a position of authority), and the fact that he DIDN'T accept Meng Tao's "apology." I know that Chi Cheng and Suo Wei are the main couple of this series (and I love their interactions with one another), but I need Cheng Yu and Xaio Shuai to get more screentime. I'm genuinely surprised by how much of a green flag Cheng Yu turned out to be. You could tell that it hurt him to see Xiao Shuai in pain due to what Meng Tao did to him; especially after seeing how kind-hearted of a person Xiao Shuai is despite his traumatic past. I can't wait for them to officially enter their boyfriend era. In regard to Chi Cheng and Suo Wei, although their relationship was initially rooted in manipulation and deception, their love for each other still somehow feels pure. Having Suo Wei progressively initiate kisses with Chi Cheng is a nice way of showing how Suo Wei is accepting his (genuine) feelings for Chi Cheng. The cinematography of the underwater kiss in episode 13 coupled with the scoring of the music during that scene was both beautiful and powerful; especially since this is a CHINESE BL, and historically, Chinese BLs tend to lean more into the "bromance" angle as opposed to a proper BL storyline/angle. Episode 14 made me feel bad for Chi Cheng if I'm being honest. It feels as though Chi Cheng's true sexuality is an unspoken truth amongst his family members, and they're all trying to force him into a box that he doesn't fit into (nor does he WANT to fit into it) by trying to have him marry a woman. Even with access to millions of yuen, the only time he seems to be able to be his TRUE self is when he's away from his family, and with Suo Wei. Based on Chi Cheng's interactions with Suo Wei's mother, it almost feels as if Suo Wei's mother knows that Chi Cheng is her son's boyfriend; but if she doesn't, I don't think she'd have an issue accepting Chi Cheng as her "son-in-law" (because unfortunately, same-sex marriage isn't legal in China). I'm both nervous and curious to see how the breakup episode will play out since I'm more than certain that Chi Cheng KNOWS Suo Wei loves him at this point. The "plan" that he (Chi Cheng) orchestrated with Xiao Shuai to get Suo Wei to sleep with him wouldn't have worked if Suo Wei didn't genuinely love Chi Cheng. Episode 11's confession was one declared out of both love for Chi Cheng and fear of losing Chi Cheng to someone else. I feel as though all four of the characters who make up the two couples are healing each other in their respective relationships by allowing themselves to love.

*SIDE NOTE*

Meng Tao is a PREDATOR (not an "ex") who used his position of authority to GROOM Xiao Shuai!!!!! Let us not forget this.

His ex. It was touched on in earlier episodes when Guo Cheng Yu was investigating him. Xiao Shuai left his hometown to start his clinic as a way of getting away from his ex that broke his heart.

Giving someone your virginity (especially when given out of genuine love for that person) is essentially giving that person a part of you that you can't get back. Both the romantic and physical aspect of a same-sex relationship is completely new for Suo Wei. One of the main reasons he even slept with Chi Cheng was out of the fear of losing him (Chi Cheng) to someone else coupled with the fact that Suo Wei had unexpectedly fallen in love with him. With Suo Wei's genuine love for Chi Cheng coupled with his fear of losing him, the impending breakup will essentially be his worst fear coming true. It's going to hurt Suo Wei even more so knowing that he willingly gave Chi Cheng a part of himself that he can never get back (his virginity).

I just want to start off by saying that Chinese BL in 2025 is CLEARING Taiwanese BL in 2025. Now that I got that out of the way, this shouldn't have to be highlighted for the simple fact that it should be basic human decency, but respect to Guo Cheng Yu for not taking advantage of Xiao Shuai. Xiao Shuai was completely defenseless, and that scene could've easily gone left really quickly. Although nothing happened to him (and it seems as though Guo Cheng Yu took care of him throughout the night), that scene made me feel bad for Xiao Shuai since it seemed as though he was reliving a traumatic experience that happened with his ex (I haven't read the novel, but hopefully it wasn't an assault or a r*pe). While I understand that he was under the influence of the aphrodisiac, Xiao Shuai's ex must've done something to him for physical/sexual contact to trigger a reaction like that. In regard to Chi Cheng and Suo Wei, I'm honestly surprised that we got as much of a NC scene as we did given the fact that this is a CHINESE BL, and historically, Chinese BLs tend to be a bit more cautious by leaning more into the "bromance" angle than a genuine BL angle; but this series really went there, and I'm here for it. I have a feeling that the impending breakup is going to hurt Suo Wei significantly more due to the fact that he's willingly slept with Chi Cheng MORE than once. He gave Chi Cheng his virginity out of both love for Chi Cheng (granted there was manipulation involved, but the manipulation brought Suo Wei's true feelings for Chi Cheng to the surface), and fear of losing him to someone else. His initial "revenge plot" went out of the window the moment he admitted to Xiao Shuai that he had genuine feelings for Chi Cheng. During the earlier episodes, I was under the impression that Suo Wei would sleep with Chi Cheng as a way of reconciling after Chi Cheng found out about Suo Wei's relationship with Yue Yue, and how it connected to Suo Wei's initial "revenge plot." I'm curious to see how they end up reconciling since it seems as though the impending revelation is going to leave deep emotional scars for both Chi Cheng AND Suo Wei.

Overall, this was a solid series. However, I do have to dock it a bit for the simple fact that Coach Petch staying behind to be held hostage made absolutely no sense since he wasn't revealed to be a part of Sia Thep's operation (because in my Cardi B voice, what was the reason?). While the conclusion of the Sia Thep storyline was satisfying to watch, I feel as though it all wrapped up a bit too quickly given the fact that the finale was over an hour long, and the Sia Thep saga concluded within the first 20 minutes of the episode, Also, in my humble opinion, SOMEONE (I don't care who) should've killed Yut as well. With all of the drugs in his body, he was clearly the type of character that would just keep coming back had he not been killed. A life sentence in prison seems too easy for a character like Yut. Speaking of Yut, I have to give Gap his props for playing that character to perfection. Hopefully, he gets a lead role in a BL sooner than later. This series was a solid 8.5/10 for me. I would've rated it higher had the script made better sense of Coach Petch staying behind as a hostage when he had more than ample time to escape with everyone else if he WASN'T a part of Sia Thep's criminal organization. I hope that Nice can land more roles that allow him to develop and display more range with his acting. His acting wasn't bad in this series, but with his look, it's rather easy for him to be typecasted as the "innocent/naive" character.

I'm not gonna lie, this episode in particular (episode 9) felt like GMMTV doing the thing that GMMTV often does with their BL series after the 8th episode where the series starts to lose steam and tries to extend the series by any means necessary to meet the "x-episode quota" (typically the "12-episode quota"). Even with the revelation of Paul being a dirty sponsor, this episode still felt like a filler episode overall. Thankfully, since this series only has 10 episodes, the last episode shouldn't really feel too egregious to the point where it seems as though the series is just dragging to meet the episode quota.

After the postponement of the newest episode of "Revenged Love," I NEEDED this episode of "Reset" in my life. I'm glad that Tada's relationship with Thiwthit was clarified in this episode; especially since the flashback between them seemed to have Thiwthit be a bit flirtatious with Tada when I was under the impression that they were brothers (like, blood related brothers). Anyways, it felt nice seeing Ren get his comeuppance for harassing Armin. I'm also glad to see Tada giving Armin the courage to actually fight back against the media as opposed to hiding and denying things like everyone would've expected him to do since (in this "reset") he's a lesser-known actor with very little (if any) influence. It almost feels as though the ever-looming question of "who drugged Armin in the past life?" is taking a backseat for a bit; so I'm interested to see if it'll resurface and possibly conclude within the remaining episodes. Despite the fact that this iteration of Tada is acting as if he's from 1999, I still can't shake the feeling that he also came from Armin's past life and is taking advantage of this "reset" to reveal himself to Armin instead of supporting him from the shadows the way he did in the past life. If this iteration of Tada was truly from the year 1999, one would think that he would still be supporting Armin from the shadows unless an event of some sort were to alter the predetermined events in Armin's life at that time (i.e. Tada coming from Armin's past life to forcefully alter predetermined events in Armin's "reset" by revealing himself to Armin). In regard to Narin, it's clear that the reason he decided to work for Thiwthit is because he's a scorned boytoy who caught feelings for Tada (and honestly, I can't really blame him based on how Tada has treated Armin thus far), and Tada didn't reciprocate those feelings due to the terms of their agreement. This series so far has been significantly better than I expected it to be, and I can't wait to see how the rest of the story progresses. - *SIDE NOTE* - Do I have to fly to Thailand to find a man like Tada (because I will)? Also, as a 90's kid, the indestructible Nokia phones in this series are unlocking a lot of core memories. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

They REALLY postponed episode 11. 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

This HAS to be setting up a Season 2 right? Without spoiling anything, literally the final 60 seconds of the finale gagged me. If there's a Season 2, I can't wait to watch.

I'm saying that I think his older brother is his only step sibling. He and his younger sisters share the same mother and father if I'm not mistaken.

Actually, I think the brother is the step sibling judging from the picture in Sun's gym.

Excuse my language, but even if they're trying to push the idea of "desperate times call for desperate measures," Alan is a dumbass for even agreeing to work with Tony when he should know from everything Tony has done in the past that he can't be trusted. I find it interesting that as someone who's technically an outsider, Kim of all people was the first to clock the fact that Alan had went to see Tony. I'm not sure why Pete couldn't just use his power to read Alan's mind and figure out why Alan was doing what he was doing. I haven't read the novel, so I have no idea what Tony's power is, but up until this point, I've always thought it had something to do with necromancy since he was able to bring both himself and Willy back to life, but since it's been revealed that his skill enhancing serum is made with his blood, perhaps his power has to do with rapid cell regeneration(?). I'm curious to see what his power ends up being.

*SIDE NOTE*

Now that Willy is free from Tony's control, unless Tony's power can neutralize other powers, couldn't Willy just utilize his time manipulation against Tony? I could never understand why Tony would give Willy such an OP ability without any possible way of neutralizing it without an exploding chip.