Reviews

It starts with Vincenzo's Mom's tears of happiness in the photo session.

And just got more intense with their conversation in the park. Having a mother-to-son conversation without really revealing that they are mother & son. SJK (Vincenzo) with the silent sobbing behind her .... that was powerful, physical acting. And then when she hugged him in the hospital! At that point it is clear she knows who he is. Now, all this is foreshadowing for the horrific loss that we can see coming. The show has been warning us all along. But even though it isn't a surprise, it's still absolutely horrifying when the psychopath shows and starts talking to her. This episode (the loss of Mrs. Oh) is, of course, evocative of the loss of Don Vito Corleone in the Godfather. We even get a scene of Vincenzo basically in the role of 'godfather', blessing the coming of the child of Mr. Lee and Hee Soo. The question now is whether the loss of his mother will push Vincenzo to become the same isolated, ruthless, bitter and lonely person that Michael Corleone became? Or will Cha Young and the rest of his 'family' be able to save him from that fate? Hard to say. Cha Young herself is so angry. Things are about to get dark as VC goes into John Wick mode.. And it really begs the question of just WTF the bad guys think is going to happen after doing this? Did they really think this would make Vincenzo LESS of a threat to them? I guess psychopaths don't always think about consequences. Overall, this was a perfect episode. Tragic, but perfect.

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1st off the 2nd couple brought it in this…

1st off the 2nd couple brought it in this ep, i didn't expect them to go up in flames in this ep - that scene in the back scene of the car was smoking, but was that orchestrated? cause the last time Han Lu's agency took candid pic's of the two, Hao Yu & his agency/manager lost their sh*t. so am not 100% sure what that was all about - given Hao Yu reaction, let alone his manger meeting with Han Lu's manager. hope he not playing Han Lu, who seems oblivious to everything that blew-up online. & he seems genuinely into Hao Yu - hope i am wrong. ************************************************************************************love the main couple & that aint gonna change anytime soon. but Chang Yang's sister is annoying the frack out of me, but somehow his father is turning out to be a bigger problem. was he asking Qing Lang to distance himself from his son? or did i read that wrong as he wasn't 100% clear to me, as he also said that Chang Yang got a strong character & he can weather any storm. so am confused about their meeting.******************************************************************************************but Chang Yang's father seems like a scary guy, as i am sure his man was the one that came up to Shi Yuhao & warned him from stalking & surveilling Chang Yang. not that the moron listened as he was back at shadowing the mains & threatening Qing Lang in the next scene. ugh he is like a cockroach, he just wont die ***********************************************************************side note: i was so happy we didn't get the brother's in this ep - as far as i am concerned if we end this series without seeing the pair i would be elated.

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Great emotional connection, not enough context

Episode 4 left me with very mixed feelings. It has some of the strongest emotional moments in the series so far, but it continues to struggle with an underdeveloped story, obvious plot devices, and inconsistent acting.Biggest StrengthWithout a doubt, the best part is Phatsa and Nakhun’s relationship. Whenever it’s just the two of them, their connection feels natural. It grows through intimacy, trust, and mutual respect, which also makes both the soulmate bond and the Alpha/Omega dynamic work. There’s restraint, longing, and the slow process of being drawn to someone before fully understanding those feelings.One thing I especially appreciate is how determined Nakhun is to give Phatsa back the choice he took from him. He clearly regrets how their relationship began. Even when Phatsa is lying on top of him, releasing pheromones and asking for more, Nakhun holds himself back until he’s certain Phatsa is fully aware and consciously choosing it. Whether Phatsa says yes, changes his mind, or never wants intimacy again, Nakhun makes it clear he’ll respect that decision, verbally and physically. Oat is truly amazing in these scenes. He makes Phatsa’s confusion, vulnerability, and helplessness feel real.Looking back, it’s clear Phatsa was unknowingly experiencing Nakhun’s arousal through their bond, which likely triggered his heat. He doesn’t yet have the knowledge to distinguish between the bond, the start of his heat, actual attraction, or simply being overwhelmed. Everything feels uncertain except one thing: his feelings toward Nakhun have changed. I like that their relationship is slowly moving from instinct to love. The final conversation and soft, sincere kiss reinforce that beautifully, they’re actively reaching for each other instead of only being pulled by the bond.My only real issue is that this emotional progression arrives a little too soon. These confessions don’t feel fully earned. I never really saw the moment Nakhun stopped being the man who completely turned Phatsa’s life upside down and became someone he might care for. The same applies to Nakhun. By the time he’s declaring Phatsa is his only one, I wanted to have experienced more of that emotional transition.Characterization & ActingNakhun continues to be the most consistent character. He’s calm, calculated, and driven by clear goals, while also coming across as deeply lonely. His impulsive moments still feel true to him because they only ever happen when Phatsa is involved. That said, I wish Boat brought more authority to the intense scenes. Nakhun is supposed to be a cold and intimidating leader; his silence should feel commanding. In scenes like the police station, he fades into the background.Phatsa is sincere, brave, and charismatic, but the story too often makes him childish or overly passive. Whenever he discovers something about ABO or this new world, he mostly accepts it instead of questioning it. The bond can explain the intensity of his connection with Nakhun, but it shouldn’t replace Phatsa’s own curiosity or agency. His contradictions often feel like the story forgetting the character it established. Oat’s performance in vulnerable and intimate scenes is excellent, but his reactions in everyday moments can feel mechanical. The potato-cutting scene is the clearest example where the awkward performances made it difficult to watch.Storytelling & PlotThe biggest writing issue is that I can see the writers’ intentions before a scene has properly started. Many moments feel designed to reinforce the bond or rush the pairing, while the actual story remains underdeveloped. Four episodes in, I still don’t really understand this world: what the family’s business involves, how the power structure works, or why they should be feared. Without that context, the danger never feels real.The confrontation with Naphitch is interesting from a worldbuilding perspective (a true omega overpowering someone stronger with pheromones), but from a storytelling perspective it feels unnecessary. It lacks purpose and context. I also expected to know much more about Amintra by now. At this point she is presented solely as „the enemy”, and without motives that is no longer enough.Pacing & ProductionThe police station scene is incredibly rushed and skips over any real tension. The ambush is easily the weakest action scene so far. It wasn’t immediately clear they were under attack, the attackers are defeated far too easily, and the staging feels specifically made to injure Nakhun so Phatsa would become protective of him. Rather than making the family powerful and dangerous, these moments end up making them seem incompetent.The emotional core between Phatsa and Nakhun is genuinely strong. I just wish the rest of the storytelling and worldbuilding were given the same care.

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Inzaghi's turn to step up big time!

Each episode seems to feature one or two of the many side characters stepping up to help the good-guys' mission. In this one, of all the characters ... Inzaghi steps rises to the occasion to save his pet human, Vincenzo! Unfortunately, the good guys are totally betrayed by prosecutor Jung In-kuk - a surprise they did not see coming. However Vincenzo soon after makes a Mafia-style friendly visit to Jung's family in order to make things right. Later, how Vincenzo keeps a straight face when revealed as the new Shaman to the newspaper owner is a miracle. I have to believe that scene took more than one take to record because it was absurdly funny. How VC kept from having a ridiculous smirk or giggle is beyond me! And once again Jeon Yeo Been just slays me as Cha Young! So perfect as the shaman's disciple, drawing ominous figures with ink & paper, and then dancing silly and cute in the office later! She clearly loved dressing up in the traditional white hanbok!

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ugh why we need drama for the finale?!? &…

ugh why we need drama for the finale?!? & i knew we would see that c*nt from the 1st ep (dude got the ugliest wigs i have ever seen) like what a joke, of course he came to target Zhang Zhun, who finally caught his 1st break. guess the dude doesn't have the balls (maybe literally) to go face Zhen Xin - who is the top star of that agency. now lets just hope Zhang Zhun doesn't fold & standup for himself & his love. even though writing this, i know it might be too much to ask as he really is powerless, poor Zhang Zhun - dude can't catch a break & when he is finally happy, something has to come burst his bubble... ugh ********************************************************************************************************************************************************side note: this the 1st time i was actually invested in the character's the mains r playing in the film. Fang Chi majorly f*cked-up getting in bed & developing a relationship with a patient, let alone one as vulnerable as Gao Zhun. & given how fragile Gao Zhun is, i don't think he chose the best way to put a stop to their relationship - not when Gao Zhun has no problem hurting himself. i hope Gao Zhun doesn't end up choosing to end his suffering in a very final way - cause Fang Chi had turned into a life line & without him Gao Zhun will be to drowning in a sea or darkness in that parking garage. cause sorry i don't think he is "fixed" just cause they f*cked in that same place he was graped - it doesn't work that way. oh well time will tell how the story is written & what awaits us in the next eps...

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The Moment the Hunter Became the Hunted

When Xiao Fan softly said, "Eat," Lu Qing looked him in the eyes and did not look away."Eat what?" he replied.The question sounded simple, but the way he said it carried a quiet challenge. His gaze stayed fixed on Xiao Fan, as if the prey had suddenly turned around to face the predator, waiting to see who would give in first.Later, at the kitchen sink, Xiao Fan was washing the dishes, lost in the small routine of the moment. The sound of running water filled the quiet kitchen until Lu Qing walked over.This time, he truly went after his prey.He closed the distance between them and lifted Xiao Fan onto the kitchen counter. Their eyes met again, holding all the things they had left unsaid. Then Lu Qing slowly kissed his lips, lingering with tenderness before moving down to his neck.It was a simple scene, just a kitchen, a sink full of dishes, and two people drawn toward each other. Yet in that quiet moment, the playful chase between them became something deeper, something filled with affection, desire, and the kind of connection that made Episode 6 feel unforgettable.

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juri you could’ve been my oshii if i saw this first

so this show is bad. like really bad. for idol wotakus & also people who actually care about judging this as an art+form. cattleya’s students are indistinguishable from each other. three of them have three prominent positions & then the rest of them don’t have a single personality trait or quirk to make them recognizable. the first episode literally had zero idea what to do with the cattleya students & then we slowly delve into fumie & how her & her two lackeys differ. we don’t need to dive into back+stories for all seven of them but it’s just unsatisfying to have these girls postured as an opposing half to bakada & they just don’t have an existence as anything other than random lines somepony has to deliver ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆　　 ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ which could carry me into two different critiques & i think I’ll start with how a lot of the writing for this show is we are at point a we need to get to point b for point c. yuya & juri’s guilt was a very ’ ’ here damn ’ ’ thing. yes that’s what needed to happen but it’d kiterally the most bare delivery that leaves you empty & un±invested like I’m not satisfied. it was mediocre at best. there’s just no nuance & yes these are rookie actors but also i know the script sucks & gives them nothing to work with ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆　　 ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ now to the bakada boys. yes they are individualized more but jesus fucking christ are they just cheesy & trite & obnoxious sometimes. I’m saying this because i love them bytheway. they have the opposite problem to the cattleya girls where they’re just incredibly caricature☆ish ，in a bad way,. there are times like juri where they’re just fun & silly to watch but then they act in extremely contrived ways for conflict & it’s just unghhtjkhgjjrkjrdk hokuto can’t explain the obvious all the time ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆　　 ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ shintaro is so cute here though like awww look at him learn how to be a future sixtones delinquent. this episode had an AWFUL fight sequence bytheway good god that qas horrible seeing the actors run around the back doing nothig when they’re supposed to be ganging up on one person.

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When Love Brought Him Back to Reality

Some scenes do not end when the credits roll. They stay with you, quietly, in the deepest parts of your heart.That bathroom scene was one of them.When Zhang Zhun broke down in tears because the pain he carried for Gao Zhun had become his own, the line between actor and character disappeared. The sorrow was no longer something performed. It was something felt. 🥹Then Zhen Xin stepped forward, wrapped him in a gentle embrace, and reminded him, "The show is fake. You and I are real."In that moment, love became an anchor. They looked at each other and whispered, "I love you," not as their characters, but as two souls finding each other after an emotional storm. Their kiss was not about romance alone. It was reassurance, comfort, and a promise that no matter how heavy the story became, they would always find their way back to each other.What an unbearably beautiful scene. One that spoke of love powerful enough to separate fiction from reality, yet tender enough to heal the wounds both had carried.

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