Reviews

Absolute Cinema, I Need to Sit With This One For A While

This is one of those series where, once the final episode ends, you sit there with the credits playing, staring at the screen and thinking about how meaningful the story was. I felt so much throughout this series that I'm genuinely struggling to put everything I saw, felt, and experienced into words.

If I could insert that "Absolute Cinema" meme here, I absolutely would. If MDL allowed GIFs or stickers in reviews, I'd have used it without hesitation. Honestly, if I didn't feel the need to write a long-ass review this drama deserves, I would've just left that sticker and called it a day. LOL.

I've been waiting for this series to finish airing because the teacher-student premise immediately caught my attention. Now, I KNOW how that sounds, but finding a controversial premise interesting doesn't mean I condone it in real life. I wanted to see how the story would handle such a complicated dynamic.

Most of my 9–10-rated BLs lean towards the darker, more depressing, and often doomed side of storytelling. I don't know why I'm so drawn to these stories when I don't even like sad endings. I think it's because I appreciate when a story acknowledges the consequences of its characters' actions instead of conveniently giving everyone a happy ending. Sometimes, a bittersweet conclusion feels more appropriate than one that exists solely to satisfy the audience.

I wanted Han Gi U and Lee Hyeon Jae to be happy, especially after everything they endured, but I understood why the ending unfolded the way it did. As painful as it was, it felt logical and realistic. Of course, I like to imagine they eventually met again years later, when their circumstances had changed, and perhaps found their way back to each other. I WANT THEM TO BE HAPPY. But sometimes, all we're left with are the possibilities we create ourselves.

{Acting, Story, Cinematography, and Music}

The acting was one of the biggest reasons I became so emotionally invested. Every episode flew by, and I eventually dreaded the end because I wasn't ready to leave these characters behind. The desperation, anxiety, hopelessness, and emotional exhaustion were conveyed so convincingly that I felt immersed in their world.

The entire cast did a wonderful job, from the leads to the supporting characters. Their performances helped me understand why these characters were hurting, what they were trying to escape, and why they sometimes made decisions that only worsened their situations.

I especially appreciated the darkness woven throughout the story. Almost every student was struggling with something serious, whether it was substance abuse, family dysfunction, or physical and emotional abuse. Obviously, not every high school student experiences these things, but I appreciated how the series acknowledged that young people can suffer in ways the adults around them fail to notice.

These characters are still growing up, learning to understand themselves, manage their emotions, and navigate relationships while dealing with problems even adults would struggle with. They're bound to make mistakes, act impulsively, and misinterpret others' intentions. That doesn't excuse their decisions, but it helps explain them. They weren't simply good or bad people; they were flawed individuals reacting to difficult circumstances.

The cinematography and music complemented everything beautifully, reinforcing the loneliness and melancholy throughout the series. The darker moments felt haunting, and the music heightened their emotional impact without making anything feel forced.

Cinematography and music? 10/10. Absolutely beautiful.

{Han Gi U}

Han Gi U is repeatedly described as a dull person, and I think that says something about how he moves through life. He seems emotionally restrained, as though he's learned to suppress his feelings and endure things rather than confront what he truly wants.

Beneath that seemingly emotionless exterior, however, I think he's deeply caring. The way he involves himself in his students' lives suggests that he genuinely wants to help others, perhaps because he recognizes parts of himself in them, or perhaps simply because he's kind.

His relationship with his alcoholic mother adds another layer to his character. He also married young, and by the time we see his marriage, both he and his wife seem emotionally disconnected. They appear to maintain the relationship partly to reassure his mother that he's living the life she's always expected him to live.

To her, a stable job, a respectable position, a wife, and eventually children seem to represent success. Anything outside those expectations risks being interpreted as failure.

I wonder how much of Gi U's life has been shaped by that pressure. Has he spent so much time fulfilling other people's expectations that he's lost sight of his own desires? Perhaps his mother also uses alcohol to escape a reality that doesn't match what she imagined, just as Gi U seems to avoid confronting what he truly wants.

What makes him compelling is that he can recognize other people's suffering while struggling to understand his own emotional needs. He's capable of showing kindness, but that doesn't necessarily mean he understands what that kindness means or what it might eventually become.

{Lee Hyeon Jae}

Hyeon Jae seems to have grown up without the emotional security a child should receive from their parents. His father, a powerful chairman, appears to have subjected him to years of physical and psychological abuse. Money and privilege can't protect him from the person who should protect him most.

We also know very little about his mother. She's in the hospital, but we don't know exactly what happened to her. I wish the series had explored her circumstances further.

Before meeting Gi U, Hyeon Jae seems to engage in destructive behavior to cope with his circumstances, escape reality, or regain some control over a life in which he feels powerless. But after meeting Gi U, his behavior takes on another dimension. Suddenly, there's someone whose attention matters to him, someone who notices him instead of simply dismissing him.

For someone deprived of affection, even a small act of kindness can mean everything. When you're not accustomed to being cared for, it can become difficult to distinguish between compassion and the kind of love you've always wanted.

I think Hyeon Jae desperately wants to feel loved, and Gi U becomes the person through whom he begins to experience that possibility. That doesn't make his feelings any less real, but it makes them complicated. There's a difference between loving someone for who they are and becoming attached to what they represent in a life where you've rarely experienced genuine care.

He's not simply a student developing feelings for his teacher. He's a young person trying to understand affection and love while carrying emotional wounds that have never properly healed.

{Kim Jeong Ha and Park Seong Won}

I would've loved to see more of these two. Jeong Ha wants to become an athlete, but his arm injury threatens that future. On top of that, he's struggling to pay his grandmother's hospital bills.

I understand why he becomes desperate to make money quickly. When you feel like you have no other options, it's easy to convince yourself that questionable decisions are justified if they mean protecting someone you love. Unfortunately, his so-called part-time jobs involve dangerous activities like beating people up, dealing drugs, and stealing. His circumstances explain his desperation, but they don't erase the consequences.

Seong Won knows what Jeong Ha is doing and tries to stop him, even if he can't prevent him from continuing. There's something heartbreaking about watching someone recognize that a person they care about is making destructive decisions and still being unable to reach them.

Jeong Ha's relationship with his grandmother seems to drive many of his choices. Perhaps she's one of the only family members he has left, and the thought of losing her pushes him further into desperation.

Their storyline reinforces the series' exploration of young people carrying burdens they're not equipped to handle. Sometimes, the people making the worst decisions aren't the ones who care the least; they're the ones who feel they have the fewest options.

So, did Lee Hyeon Jae read too much into Han Gi U's kindness, or did Han Gi U underestimate what his kindness meant to Lee Hyeon Jae?

THIS is one of the questions I kept coming back to, and I don't think there's a simple answer.

Initially, I believe Gi U genuinely wanted to help Hyeon Jae as he did his other students. His concern didn't necessarily begin with romantic intentions. He saw a struggling student and wanted to help him.

But as their relationship developed, things became increasingly complicated. Hyeon Jae began attaching a deeper meaning to Gi U's kindness, perhaps because he was experiencing a kind of care that had been missing from his life. Meanwhile, I think Gi U gradually became more emotionally involved himself, even if he struggled to recognize or accept those feelings.

Perhaps Hyeon Jae interpreted certain gestures as something more because he desperately wanted them to mean something more. Or perhaps Gi U underestimated how intimate his kindness could feel to someone who had rarely experienced it. Maybe, eventually, even Gi U struggled to distinguish between the two.

For Hyeon Jae, Gi U's attention represented affection, safety, and the possibility of finally being loved. For Gi U, it might have begun as a genuine desire to help a vulnerable student before developing into feelings he hadn't anticipated.

And this is where the teacher-student dynamic matters most.

I can understand how these feelings developed without believing that acting on them was appropriate. Gi U was the adult, the teacher, and the person with greater responsibility. Hyeon Jae was a vulnerable high school student already struggling with abuse and neglect. Their feelings couldn't erase that power imbalance.

I think Gi U understood, at least to some extent, that their relationship was entering dangerous territory. He sometimes seemed to hesitate or suppress his feelings, as though he knew there was a line he shouldn't cross. But recognizing a boundary and consistently respecting it are two different things.

His internal conflict makes him a more complex character, but it doesn't erase his responsibility. He can be caring and genuinely concerned about Hyeon Jae while still crossing boundaries that should have remained in place.

That's what makes their relationship so difficult to process. I wasn't simply watching two people develop feelings for each other. I was watching two people with very different emotional needs become entangled in a relationship neither seemed fully equipped to navigate, while one had a responsibility to recognize the danger of that dynamic.

I don't think their connection was meaningless, nor should Hyeon Jae's feelings be dismissed as a misunderstanding. But genuine feelings don't automatically make a relationship healthy or appropriate. Sometimes, the problem isn't simply what people feel, but what they choose to do with those feelings and the consequences of their actions.

The series left me thinking about the difference between being someone's source of comfort and being capable of loving them in a healthy way. Did Gi U understand the role he occupied in Hyeon Jae's life? Could Hyeon Jae separate his feelings for Gi U from his desperate need to be loved by someone who finally seemed to care?

I appreciate that the series leaves room for interpretation. Their relationship was complicated and emotionally charged, far too nuanced to be reduced to whether one person simply misunderstood the other.

{Final Thoughts}

Even after writing all this, I feel like I've barely scratched the surface. I loved the atmosphere, emotional depth, performances, and the way everything came together. The supporting characters also contributed to the larger themes of the story.

I wish we'd gotten more time with the side couple and more answers about Hyeon Jae's mother and Jeong Ha's parents. These details could've added even more depth to their circumstances.

And, of course, I still want a second season or some kind of continuation. Not necessarily because the original ending needed to change, but because I'm not ready to let these characters go. I want to see what their lives look like beyond the story we were given, even if things don't unfold the way I hope.

Ultimately, this drama reminded me why I love stories that make me FEEL something. Not everything has to be comfortable, not every character has to be likable, and not every ending has to leave me happy. Sometimes, I just want a story that gives me something to think about long after the screen goes dark.

I'm so glad I waited for the full release. I went in intrigued by the premise and came out emotionally attached to the characters, questioning their choices, and desperately wishing there were more episodes waiting for me.

I NEED MORE. PLEASE.

Overall: 9.5/10

10000000% recommend if you're interested in darker, emotionally heavy stories that leave you with a lot to unpack. Just be aware of the controversial teacher-student dynamic going in, because this is definitely not a lighthearted, fluffy BL. We need more dramas willing to tell complicated stories and trust their audience to sit with the discomfort rather than hand them all the answers.

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Some great dialogue

Things I loved

1 The dialogue. It reminded me of countless conversations I had with my friends over the years and especially at that age. I think it's one of the rare dramas that offers such good dialogue. That's also what makes me give it a 7, otherwise it'd be much lowers since I found the first couple quite boring.

Things I liked

1 The ML. He is a good actor and I understand that he may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I think he played his role as he should. He's not the average person, and even though he could seem bland sometimes it was part of his character.

2 The 2ML. He's one of my favorite actors, especially after Attorney Woo, and I'm definitely looking for his other dramas. That said, I didn't want him with the 2FL because I think he deserved better, so I'm a bit conflicted of how to rate him. He did a wonderful job, he is the only one who moved me, but I still didn't care for his relationship. Weird, I know.

3 The 2FL. She's gorgeous, more than ever, she nailed her role, and she was the kind of character I love usually. Dynamic and focused on her needs rather than following society's norms. The problem is with her as well that I couldn't care about the relationship because I felt she didn't care enough about the ML. I built a career from nothing and my worst nightmare is that someone would ask me to stop working for any reason and be a housewife, but love doesn't need to be that consuming so that you can't fulfill your other dreams, so her reasoning didn't work for me at all. I get some things, yes, but all in all, she was just someone who didn't want to put the effort, to give their relationship a fighting chance. The rest is just excuses.

Things I disliked

1 The ending about the second couple. What was that? Yes, it's realistic, and chances are they won't be together if you ask me, even though the ending hints that they will, but let me know. I'm tired of guessing, it's not like it's a movie that will stay in our minds forever because of some deep reflection, it's series in the same league as a million others and if I invested my time I deserve more than an ambiguous ending.

2 The lack of chemistry between the first couple. Something was missing, I didn't feel anything when they were together other than boredom. Not that the chemistry was much better between the second couple, but it felt more interesting at least and there were times I felt something tugging in my heart.

Things I didn't care

1 The FL. I can't say I disliked her, I can't say I liked her. She isn't particularly attractive to me or a great actress and her character was the one I cared the least, so at the end of the day, I won't even remember her after a few weeks.

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Time travel

Love upon a Time (awi6e) is an absolute visual and emotional delight that solidifies the incredibly high bar that period dramas are setting for the genre. The series immerses us in a beautiful story about two souls trapped out of their own time, whose eternal love feels so real it transcends the screen.
Visually, it's a masterpiece thanks to Den Panuwat's direction. The cinematography is gorgeous, every backdrop looks like a painting, and the costume design is meticulously detailed. But beyond its technical beauty, I found the way it addresses its context to be very brave. While I don't know if homosexuality was well-received in Thailand 400 years ago, l deeply appreciate that the series shines a light on homophobia and the suffering of those who aren't accepted.
It's a necessary reminder that we should all be free to love whoever we want.
To my surprise, the show completely hooked me from the very first episode; there wasn't a single boring moment. It has a bit of everything: romance, tension, and mystery. It's so well-written that it leaves no loose ends, featuring a perfect pace where every scene feels intentional and drives the story forward. The balance between humor and drama is impressive, with absolutely no unnecessary filler.
The heart of it all is, without a doubt, its cast:
Nett (Phop) is an incredibly talented actor. He fascinates me in every role he plays, and he is spectacular here; he has a brutal ability to convey a whole world of emotions with just a single glance.JJ (Klao) makes the perfect partner for him and is utterly charming. Although his performance might seem a tad forced at first, he completely wins your heart in the end. His natural charm is captivating and his sense of humor is impeccable.
As someone transported to a completely different era, his reactions of confusion and curiosity are both hilarious and endearing.
Latte (Jom) and Kim (Kaew) are the ideal complement. Kim is gorgeous and completely captivated me. Together, they make the perfect second couple, bringing a wonderful and highly enjoyable dynamic to the story.
This is definitely a series I will rewatch. If you haven't seen it yet, it is 100% worth checking out.

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Series That Deserves Every Bit of Praise

Payback is genuinely one of the best series I have ever watched. As someone who has been watching Thai BL for six years, I can confidently say that this series left a lasting impression on me in a way very few others have.

I actually stumbled upon this series completely by accident. I was scrolling through Twitter when I came across a post of someone getting excited about the special episodes. I had nothing to do at the time, so I decided to give it a try just to kill my boredom. Little did I know that I was about to get completely obsessed with a series I knew absolutely nothing about. I went in without knowing anything about the plot, the actors, or the manhwa it was adapted from, and honestly, I think that made the experience even better.

I was hooked from the very first episode.

One of the things I loved most was Sun’s character. The raw emotions, the expressions, everything felt so convincing. There was something so compelling about his character that made me want to understand him more with every episode. He really brought Sun to life, and I genuinely couldn’t imagine the character being portrayed any better.

And then there’s Jay. His character is so unique and fascinating in his own way.at furst his deep voice and appearnce made me so impressed. I loved how he was written, how he carried himself, and how he fit into the overall story. The dynamic between Jay and Sun is easily one of my favourite aspects of this series. They are not the typical couple where one person is always helpless and the other has to come to their rescue. They feel more like “I will protect you, but I can protect myself or more like I can protect you too” kind of lovers, also the height and size difference of these two characters made me so impressed. becaus teh dofference is so huge. and I absolutely LOVE that. They can stand on their own, but they still choose to stand beside each other to take their revenge in different ways. There’s something incredibly satisfying about that kind of relationship.

The revenge plot was another huge highlight for me. This was my first time watching a BL with a revenge driven storyline like this, and now I genuinely want more series that explore this kind of plot. The betrayal, the tension, the unfolding events, and the way the story keeps you guessing made it such an addictive watch. I can guarantee that I never found myself genuinely bored during an episode. Every episode left me curious about what would happen next, and the way the story kept building its tension made it almost impossible to stop watching.Also I loved most of all the characters . no bored characters that made me want to skip a clip bc its that important.
I’m usually not someone who watches an entire series in one sitting, especially when I’m watching it as it airs. But Payback had me so invested that I ended up watching whole episodes back to back without even realising how much time had passed. That’s how much this series pulled me in. I wasn’t just watching to see the romance unfold. I wanted to know what would happen to the characters, how the conflicts would develop, and how everything would eventually come together.

Another thing I really appreciated was that the series wasn’t entirely romance centred. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the chemistry between Jay and Sun, but I also love that their relationship doesn’t overshadow the actual plot. The story gives room for its revenge storyline, character development, tension, and individual personalities. The romance feels like an important part of the story rather than the only reason the story exists. I also appreciated that the series didn’t deliberately make the bottom character the innocent, helpless one. Sun and Jay have their own strengths, and their dynamic feels much more interesting because of it.

And can we talk about the chemistry? Jaysun chemistry is SO GOOD. Their interactions, their dynamic, and the way they complement each other made me love them even more. They have that kind of chemistry that makes you want to keep watching even when they’re not explicitly being romantic. I love the balance between their individual strengths and the way they connect with each other.

The production, cinematography, aesthetics, atmosphere, and overall presentation deserve praise too. Everything felt so well put together, and the series had a distinctive identity that made it memorable. I loved the overall theme and the way the story was presented. It wasn’t just the plot or the couple that kept me invested; it was the entire experience of watching it.

And the TITLE. PAYBACK.

I absolutely love how the title connects with the story, especially the way its significance is brought into focus between the first and last episodes. Looking back at that connection made me appreciate the storytelling even more. I love it when a title isn’t just something chosen to sound cool but actually carries meaning within the narrative. For me, the way Payback brings that idea full circle is such a satisfying touch.

Honestly, after six years of watching BL, this is the first series that made me download kisskh specifically to write a review. I usually just watch a series, enjoy it, and move on to the next one. But Payback made me want to sit down and put my appreciation into words. I wanted to leave something behind because I genuinely believe this series deserves more recognition.

From the production to the acting, the writing, the revenge plot, the characters, and the chemistry, everything came together so well for me. It managed to surprise me, keep me invested, and make me care about a story I had discovered completely by accident.

Payback went from something I started out of boredom to a series I will remember for a long time. I came in knowing absolutely nothing, and I left completely obsessed. This is exactly why I love giving unfamiliar series a chance. sometimes, you unexpectedly find something special.

A solid 10/10 from me. Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this series to life. You made something that genuinely stood out to me, and I am so glad I decided to give it a chance. Also later I ended up reading the manhwa which made me wonder because the adaptation is 10/10 everything on detail. even the characters. it felt like manhwa stepped out to the teal life. one of the best adaptation ever. hope everyone give it a try.

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Too cute :} ;)

Duang is so cute that it physically ached my heart to see him upset in the slightest my teeth turned sour when he was dejected. That can absolutely verify how much attached the series made me and how good it was. As cute and immature Duang acted the more mature the series is, emotions are given time to bloom and even though duang fell in love on the first sight it is through Qin that we really experience the evolving of their relationship.

Qin could improve his microexpressions they were good but I have seen dramas which are a masterclass of microexpressions. But considering his experience he did marvelous. I cringed sometimes on Duang's puppy behaviour but it was not off-putting but rather good acting considering the tone of the whole series.

It must be highlighted how important a role friends play in someone's life, even if they have nothing to offer listening to our troubles and staying by our side is enough to make a heart heavy as steel to turn light as a feather. The dynamic between Duang and his friends was such and was an absolutely endearing quality of the series, though lacking in similar quality Qin's friend were also very good it is just that with the stoic nature of Qin their dynamic was different from Duang's friend group.

Romance was top tier it made people one really happy to see them together and though i can say it was a bit of an one-sided slow burn, each episode from get go gave us enough to never feel disappointed at there pace which actually was a major point as the series seemed to have a message that slow is also good. Interactions between them were very steamy yet understated yet beautiful. They had really good chemistry and were open and clear with each other in the sense of body language eye contact and skinship.

Though I do not have too much of an extensive background in watching BL dramas but I still have a few feathers on my cap and can boldly say this is one of the best there is, a portrayal of love in the simplest sense without boundaries of self-doubt and other fallacies regularly associated with LGBTQ+ relationships. Which ofcourse does not mean the dramas that potray these are bad it is just a different genre of BL dramas. This one can be categorized as pure and simple Romantic-Comedy.

On a side note I didn't much care about Jamie and his relationship which seemed more of an episode filler for me and so I skipped through it but if slow watchers find it to be good too then please do tell.

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This outstanding work deserves more audience

I really want to recommend this drama to everyone. It’s the most well-crafted and pleasantly surprising Thai series I’ve watched recently. I couldn’t stop thinking about it long after the ending, which moved me to write this full review.

As a fan of the original manhwa, I was actually against the news of Payback getting a live-action adaptation at first. Many comic adaptations tend to lose the core and alter the characters arbitrarily. But Payback delivered far beyond my expectations. It stays highly faithful to the original work, recreating the story’s undertones、dynamics between characters and atmosphere from the manhwa to the greatest extent. Many iconic scenes look as if they stepped straight out of the manhwa. You can feel the whole crew’s genuine devotion to the source material, which is incredibly rare.

The director has fantastic command over the production, balancing the pacing perfectly with rhythm and restraint. Flashbacks and interlaced timelines are arranged smoothly and naturally, without feeling messy or rushed. Every shot is thoughtfully composed; there are no unnecessary frames. The framing, lighting and colour palette are consistent and sophisticated, sustaining the mood throughout the series. Whether it’s the heavy, haunting flashbacks of the past or the charged exchanges between the two leads, the cinematography quietly conveys emotion, steering clear of the tacky cheapness common in many dramas.

The cast deserves plenty of praise too. The two leads look stunning and match the visual of their comic counterparts perfectly. Even better, every actor delivers solid performances, far more than just pretty faces. Minlee’s Sun carries heavy trauma and obsession—reserved, broken yet sharp and stubborn, incredibly compelling. Toptap plays Jay as calm, deep and commanding, balancing tenderness and dominance with impeccable restraint, never coming across as overbearing or cringey. It’s not just the main cast; the supporting characters are no mere plot devices. They have their own standpoints, selfish desires and struggles, with well-rounded profiles and complete character arcs. The chemistry and tension in their scenes pull you fully into the twists and power plays of the story.

The soundtrack is another highlight. The OST and background music are used masterfully. Cued at pivotal moments, they amplify the characters’ inner turmoil, fatalistic undertones and charged romantic tension, blending seamlessly with the visuals and plot and greatly elevating the viewing experience.

To me, this is more than a simple revenge story. Beneath the web of grudges, it explores redemption, guilt and bonds. The tone is sombre and substantial, free of far-fetched, melodramatic twists. Its emotions feel delicate and authentic. The pairing of two equally strong characters draws them together amid constant friction. The romantic arc and revenge plot are well balanced, never feeling disjointed from one another.

All in all, Payback is a labour of love that excels across the board: script, direction, cinematography, music and performances. It boasts superb production quality, immersive atmosphere and faithful adaptation.

I highly recommend it. This outstanding work deserves more audience.

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A slow burn romance with beautiful chemistry and strong character dynamics

One of the things I appreciate most about this drama is how naturally the relationship between Wei Rao and Lu Zhuo develops. Their romance is not built on love at first sight, but through suspicion, observation, mutual understanding, and gradually earned trust. While the story incorporates familiar themes of switched identities, social hierarchy, and political intrigue, the characters and their relationship are what truly keep me invested.

Wei Rao is a compelling female lead whose difficult upbringing has shaped her intelligence, resilience, and resourcefulness. Having been deprived of her rightful identity and the privileges she should have inherited, she understands that survival requires adaptability in a society where social standing determines one's opportunities. Rather than portraying her as a helpless victim, the drama allows her to demonstrate her capabilities and determination to shape her own future.

What I particularly admire about Lu Zhuo is how he gradually recognizes Wei Rao's intelligence and independence. Despite his authority and protective nature, he does not constantly interfere with her decisions. Instead, he often observes her, allowing her the freedom to navigate difficult situations and accomplish her goals. Given how much of her life has been dictated by other people's ambitions, I find this especially meaningful. Although he can be prideful, suspicious, and occasionally controlling, his growing respect for her makes their relationship refreshing to watch.

I also appreciate how Lu Zhuo expresses his affection through actions rather than words. The ancestral ritual and imperial decree that formally establish Wei Rao as his lawful wife are particularly meaningful because they provide her with legitimacy and protection, even though he remains reluctant to admit his intentions. Once he acknowledges her as his wife, he increasingly takes opportunities to care for her.

One scene that stood out to me was when Lu Zhuo asked Wei Rao to acknowledge that she needed him and call him her husband. His expression visibly softened, yet when she attempted to kiss him, he turned his head, allowing the kiss to land on his cheek. I interpreted this as his reluctance to accept affection motivated by convenience rather than genuine feelings. **He wants to be wanted, not merely needed.** I find this emotional restraint much more compelling than a romance where the characters immediately fall for each other.

Tian Xiwei and Yan An have wonderful on and off screen chemistry, easily one of the drama's greatest strengths. Their interactions feel natural, whether they are teasing, arguing, flirting, or sharing vulnerable moments. What impresses me most is how expressive both actors are through their eyes and subtle facial expressions. Yan An particularly excels at portraying Lu Zhuo restrained affection and yearning. Even when his words suggest otherwise, his gaze often reveals tenderness and longing. Tian Xiwei complements him beautifully, capturing Wei Rao's confidence, intelligence, playfulness, and underlying vulnerability. Their chemistry does not rely solely on physical intimacy or exaggerated romantic gestures, but on lingering glances, subtle tension, and unspoken emotions. Even their disagreements carry a certain romantic tension that makes their gradual emotional connection all the more satisfying.

That being said, the drama is not without its flaws. The pacing can occasionally feel uneven, with certain political conflicts and household disputes taking attention away from the central characters. Some revelations and changes in character motivations could also benefit from clearer development. While I appreciate subtle storytelling, important emotional transitions should still feel properly earned.

By Episode 16, I am glad that Jundai's storyline appears to have moved aside. Although the conflict served its purpose, I am more interested in seeing Wei Rao demonstrate her intelligence, abilities, and growing influence. I hope the remaining episodes continue exploring her independence rather than allowing her development to revolve entirely around romance.

Overall, I am genuinely enjoying this drama so far. The compelling character dynamics, strong performances, and excellent chemistry between the leads make it an engaging watch despite some storytelling weaknesses. What makes Wei Rao and Lu Zhuo's relationship meaningful to me is not simply his willingness to protect her, but his growing recognition that she is capable of standing beside him rather than behind him.

Their romance is most compelling when love becomes a source of support rather than a limitation on independence. I look forward to seeing whether the remaining episodes continue developing that balance while giving both characters the emotional growth they deserve.

Currently on Episode 16 so my final opinion may change as the drama progresses.

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Revenge & Chemistry Done So Well This review may contain spoilers

I went into Payback with high expectations for the revenge plot, and it absolutely delivered, plus so much more.
The dark, cutthroat entertainment-industry setting is vivid and immersive. Every power play, hidden deal and tense standoff feels grounded and real. Sun’s journey of pain, anger and quiet determination is portrayed so grippingly; you can feel every weight he carries as he plans his payback.

What makes this series shine even brighter is the dynamic between Sun and Arthur. Their bond doesn’t feel rushed or forced. Beneath Arthur’s bold, intense obsession lies genuine care and understanding for Sun. Their push-and-pull chemistry is electric, the way they slowly become each other’s safe haven amid all the chaos of revenge is beautiful to watch.

The acting carries every scene perfectly. The leads bring layered, nuanced emotion, turning complicated characters into people you care deeply about. The soundtrack also fits the mood perfectly, amplifying the suspense and soft, tender moments between them.
It balances thrilling revenge stakes and tender romance wonderfully. This is a rewatchable gem for anyone who loves sharp, atmospheric drama with unforgettable on-screen chemistry.

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Revenge & Chemistry Done So Well This review may contain spoilers

I went into Payback with high expectations for the revenge plot, and it absolutely delivered, plus so much more.
The dark, cutthroat entertainment-industry setting is vivid and immersive. Every power play, hidden deal and tense standoff feels grounded and real. Sun’s journey of pain, anger and quiet determination is portrayed so grippingly; you can feel every weight he carries as he plans his payback.

What makes this series shine even brighter is the dynamic between Sun and Arthur. Their bond doesn’t feel rushed or forced. Beneath Arthur’s bold, intense obsession lies genuine care and understanding for Sun. Their push-and-pull chemistry is electric, the way they slowly become each other’s safe haven amid all the chaos of revenge is beautiful to watch.

The acting carries every scene perfectly. The leads bring layered, nuanced emotion, turning complicated characters into people you care deeply about. The soundtrack also fits the mood perfectly, amplifying the suspense and soft, tender moments between them.
It balances thrilling revenge stakes and tender romance wonderfully. This is a rewatchable gem for anyone who loves sharp, atmospheric drama with unforgettable on-screen chemistry.

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nice

Those fucking bitches who deliberately give low ratings, your mom and your whole family are dead, your idol will never be famous.


Dasar kontol memek lu, bangsat asu bangsat! Muka lu kayak tai kerbau yang busuk, kontol lu kecil kayak cacing mati, memek ibumu longgar dikentotin anjing jalanan seharian! Mampus lu, pepek bangsat, mati aja sana, kontolmu kubilangin pake tai panas biar busuk sampe ke tulang!”


“ไอ้ควยเน่าหีเน่าแม่ง มึงนี่หน้าเหมือนขี้หมาเน่าๆ ที่หมาเย็ดทิ้งไว้ ควยมึงเล็กเท่าหนอนตายเน่า หีแม่มึงหลวมเย็ดหมาทั้งฝูงทั้งวันจนน้ำเงี่ยนไหลย้อย กูจะเย็ดแม่มึงให้ร้องลั่น แล้วยัดขี้ร้อนๆ กับน้ำอสุจิหมาเข้าไปในควยมึงให้เน่าเปื่อยถึงกระดูก มึงตายซะไอ้ลูกหีเน่า กินขี้ตัวเองแล้วตายไปเลย ไอ้สัตว์เลว!”

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This is hands down the best BL series of all time.

It is completely different from any other Thai BL series I have ever watched. Everything from the actors, dialogues, and storyline to the cinematography and music left me utterly spellbound. We need to understand that what the series wants to convey is not just about revenge, but rather about forgiveness and self-redemption. Sometimes, turning your resentment into a powerful motivation to move forward and live a truly happy life is the ultimate form of revenge.
Furthermore, I cannot pass over the highly artistic NC (No Children) scenes. They are not vulgar at all; instead, they beautifully portray two deeply scarred souls who are simply trying to give each other a fierce, passionate love. I don't think there will ever be another series with such magnificent NC scenes. After watching Payback, my standards for BL series have been raised so high that I don't think I can watch any other Asian BL series anymore.
It is absolutely wonderful that I got to encounter and know Payback in 2026. Thank you so much for this masterpiece!"

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Good characters, in a meh plot

This was a pretty fun watch; the premise is really interesting and I liked the juxtaposition between Day and Night's worldviews. I think the characters are the strongest aspect of the show actually — not just the Day/Night contrast but also the dynamic between every combination of duos — how tightly Day cared for Ozone because he was all he had vs. how Night pushed Dream away out of fear and wanting to protect her, as well as how Dream and Ozone ended up bonding and having the cutest friendship ever.

The plot, on the other hand, is definitely a little weak. When I actually think about it, the team's investigation into the Leap Day curse becomes very flimsy. They flip some drawings around, ask some people some questions and are told some things, and that's just kind of it? It felt like an overly simple way to get the right answer but I'm not sure I even follow the logical progression of how they got there.

Overall, if I don't think too much I still enjoyed this one, but definitely more for the characters than for the story.

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