Reviews

Political Intrigue vs. Family Drama

The highly anticipated spy thriller Tempest, marking the return of the incomparable Jun Ji-hyun, is a show that feels like a cinematic, high-octane political chess match. It's sleek, the action is gripping, and the chemistry between the leads is absolutely electrifying. However, this drama hasn't just brought the heat on-screen; it has practically ignited a wildfire of controversy and debate, especially when it comes to international relations and casting choices. The storyline starts with a bang: a presidential candidate’s assassination that unravels a massive conspiracy involving North Korea, South Korean politics, and American intelligence. The initial episodes are tight, slick, and full of gripping action sequences, perfectly paced to hook a global audience. The creative team, including the writer of Decision to Leave and the director of Vincenzo, truly knows how to create atmosphere and suspense.

However, a recurring criticism is the delivery and pacing of this drama, and I concur. I felt like this complex geopolitical thriller often got bogged down by predictable chaebol family conflicts (scheming in-laws, power plays over inheritance, sibling rivalries). These sections felt distinctly more makjang (melodrama) than espionage, weakening the main narrative drive and causing the suspense to lose momentum. I also thought that the script underutilized the talents of its leads and the compelling international spy elements by pivoting too heavily into domestic squabbles. With all this said, though, Tempest is a well-produced, high-stakes political thriller that is carried by the phenomenal chemistry and layered performances of its two leads and supporting cast. It’s an urgent, engaging watch, even if it occasionally loses its footing balancing a local family drama with an international tempest.

I can’t talk about Tempest without addressing the massive elephant in the room. The female lead, Seo Mun-ju (Jun Ji-hyun), a former UN Ambassador and presidential candidate, was inadvertently at the center of a genuine diplomatic headache. The whole thing blew up over two core issues: the line where Mun-ju says, "Why does China prefer war?" It was a brief phrase that sparked an instantaneous, fiery backlash from Chinese viewers. They called it an insult, slander, and a malicious distortion of their country's image. I say this: it’s a fictional story, for crying out loud, and the outcry spoke more to those viewers’ thoughts about their country than to the drama, just saying. The other issue is that Drama faced heavy criticism for its negative portrayal of the Chinese city of Dalian, allegedly depicting it as a dilapidated shantytown when, in reality, it's a modern metropolis. Viewers felt this was a deliberate attempt to "uglify" the city. I doubt that was the intention, but who am I to judge.

For Jun Ji-hyun, a massive Hallyu star who has built a substantial following and secured numerous brand endorsements in China over the past two decades, this controversy was likely a crisis. Suddenly, her career and even her commercial deals were in question, with brands reportedly distancing themselves to avoid the fallout. It’s a harsh reminder of how fragile the balance between entertainment, culture, and business is in the global sphere. It raises the uncomfortable question of whether an actor can truly be divorced from the political implications of their script, mainly when the script deals with such high-stakes international politics, especially in this part of the world. The second point of debate is one that frequently arises in international K-dramas: the use of English-language dialogue. In a show centered on a former UN Ambassador and American political figures, English proficiency is crucial for realism. I understand where this is coming from, but I thought everyone did pretty well, especially Gang Dong-won. I was very impressed with his diction, accent, intuition, everything – his voice, I mean, he is a package deal.

Rather than point out negatives, I like to focus on the positive. I think the production wisely cast established Korean-American actors, such as John Cho (as Deputy Secretary of State Anderson Miller), in key US-based roles. I especially appreciated that the American characters were played by legitimate Hollywood talent, which is a massive improvement over the often-criticized casting of non-native speakers or random expats in past K-dramas. When Cho's character spoke, the authenticity was there. Where things get nuanced is with the Korean main cast, specifically Jun Ji-hyun, and the main reason is that her character is supposed to be a highly educated former US Ambassador. While her English is generally competent, fitting for a diplomat, there were occasional moments where the delivery felt slightly stiff, but other than that, I thought she did a pretty good job. Frankly, I think the intention to make the show truly international was commendable, and casting John Cho was a genius move.

The show’s emotional core hinged entirely on its two leads, which is understandable. However, I think the supporting cast, composed of veteran actors, was critical in escalating the tension from a political thriller to a full-blown family and international conspiracy. Their characters are the primary drivers of the "chaebol family conflicts" that interweave with the espionage plot, creating multiple, simultaneous layers of threat around the leads, and so on to character analysis:

Seo Mun-ju (Jun Ji-hyun): The Sharp Diplomat Mun-ju is no mere "politician's wife"; she is the driving force of the plot. She's a skilled former UN Ambassador, sharp, principled, and an intellectual force. Jun Ji-hyun plays her with a marvelous balance of polished stoicism and deep, suppressed pain following her husband’s assassination. The brilliance of her character is that she remains active and resilient, never a passive victim, as she navigates the treacherous waters of her influential, chaebol in-laws and international espionage. She uses her intelligence as her weapon, a refreshing contrast to the action hero.

Paik San-ho (Gang Dong-won): The Brooding Mercenary Gang Dong-won, returning to TV after a long hiatus, embodies San-ho as a mysterious, near-mythical international agent. He is the quiet shadow, the physical force who protects Mun-ju with deadly efficiency. Their relationship is a masterclass in slow-burning, intense chemistry. It’s the classic "spy protects diplomat" trope, but their dynamic—her poise and his quiet, almost obsessed protectiveness—is electric. The actors themselves have been praised for redefining on-screen tension; every loaded glance or moment of shared silence is more compelling than any overt romantic gesture.

The Architect of Domestic Intrigue: Lim Ok-seon (Lee Mi-sook), the influential Chairwoman of Aseom Shipping and Seo Mun-ju's mother-in-law, embodies the ruthless chaebol matriarch with a lethal political edge. Veteran actress Lee Mi-sook imbues the character with an imposing, calculating presence, drawing comparisons from critics to iconic cinematic villains. Ok-seon is initially Mun-ju's chief antagonist, driven by contempt for her daughter-in-law's humble background. However, her primary motivation is power and control. Following her son's assassination, she swiftly pivots her political ambitions, realizing Mun-ju is her new, albeit reluctant, vehicle to maintain influence. This creates a fascinating and dangerous dynamic: their relationship is not one of trust, but of an uneasy, high-stakes alliance where every shared glance is a battle of wits. Ok-seon is the primary driver of the domestic threats, ensuring that Mun-ju cannot escape the chaebol family power struggle even while facing international conspiracies.

The Volatile Insider: Jang Jun-sang (Oh Jung-se), Mun-ju's brother-in-law and a prosecutor, functions as the most volatile and unpredictable internal threat. Played by the versatile Oh Jung-se, Jun-sang is a man consumed by deep-seated inferiority and sibling rivalry. Despite his professional competence and standing within the legal system, he has always lived in the shadow of his now-deceased brother, a former presidential candidate. His character arc is rooted in his emotional wounds, which manifest as complicated motivations, anger, and professional jealousy. His position as a prosecutor gives him access to information and resources that can either aid or critically undermine Mun-ju's investigation. He is a powder keg in the narrative, always threatening to derail the larger mission due to his own personal resentments.

The International Power Player: Anderson Miller (John Cho), the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, is vital to the show’s geopolitical credibility. The decision to cast an established Hollywood figure like John Cho ensures a level of authenticity and gravity often missing in K-dramas' portrayals of Western characters. His character is a high-ranking Korean-American official caught in the thick of the US government's response to the crisis on the Korean Peninsula. Miller serves as a crucial bridge—a source of intelligence, a potential ally, and a reminder of the massive international forces at play. His involvement instantly elevates the conspiracy from a regional affair to a global power struggle, providing the diplomatic context that Mun-ju, as a former ambassador, must navigate.

The Inciting Incident: Jang Jun-ik (Park Hae-joon) Mun-ju's late husband is the origin point of the entire tempest. Although his screen time is minimal, his character’s past actions and secrets were the lifeblood of the conspiracy. By far the most important character who was initially presented as a charismatic and peace-loving presidential candidate, however, as Mun-ju investigates his assassination, she uncovers a legacy of hidden information, paranoia, and deep entanglement with both the North Korean and chaebol world. He is a portrait of a man who was clearly not who he appeared to be, setting up the central mystery and forcing Mun-ju to confront the dangerous truth about the man she married.

Ultimately, Tempest is undeniably a gripping drama, but its script has proven to be a dangerous territory. It’s a show that forces its audience to think not just about the fictional spy plot, but about the real-world issues of cultural representation, political sensitivity, and the heavy cross an actor has to bear for the words in their script. At the very least, it's made me think. With all that said, it's a must-watch for fans of high-quality action thrillers and political dramas. It succeeds as a gripping espionage story elevated by a world-class cast and a taut script, offering both intellectual intrigue and heart-pounding action.

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Great acting overshadows underwhelming plot

The plot was aiming too high by including international conflicts. A ambassador trying to ease the tension between two koreas, trying to stop a war and on top of that investigating murder of her own husband

This drama is a political action thriller with romance on the side well at the second half it became main genre imo. The portrayal of Seo mun ju was a cold dethatched yet kind women but I really can't comprehend my mind around how she became so lovesick for a single man . She loved her husband there's no doubt if Park sainho and her had enough time I would've believed it's possible but some sexual tension and his devotion to her cannot suddenly make a seasoned national representative like her who has also been married into a political family for a long time behave like that. I liked their chemistry yess but that didn;t make sense you know.

The drama matched my expectation in thriller The mystery about stella young and all little schems were giving adrenaline rush. wish we could've seen more of the characters to justify the choices they made. with the budget they had they could've probably make a more in depth drama. Like Munju's husband loved her yet had a child out of wedlock yet never loved the child's mother but came every week to visit his son but didn't left a single penny for him and also that mistress happens to be stella young's right had man! I mean did I miss some part or is this a very big coincidence? Munju was grieving till the end for her unborn child but an explanation never came nor did it had an impact in the story

MY most favorite character is the antagonist of the drama. She played the heck out of it. When she was talking to the mistress about three important things in a women's life: house, child and a husband. She comforted her by saying she lost the least imp one. a husband. I knew this one is no simple character. she is the one controlling everyone like a puppet and remained cold blooded till the end. Her art of manipulation such a brilliant character, she fooled everyone and I mean Everyone. That's a lady you don't mess with. Using US's resource to destroy USA, only she will dare. It's been a long time I came across a character a like her. And that's what I would like to call Badass

At the end of my opinion I would say Kdrama has been sucking down a lot lately but this one was good. Am I saying it's a masterpiece? no but it's a very well made one. Something you would appreciate even if you don't like it. That's all

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Trying Subject Matter nearly PERFECTLY EXECUTED

I used to help young screenwriters back in the day and there was a tip they found useful: each page should read a little faster than the last. So if the story starts out just okay, that's okay, if each minute gets better and -- by the last pages -- it's a real page turner.

This is the experience of WAR OF FAITH. Starts okay, but you get a little antsy about the pace. Don't. Each episode gets a little better. It never goes down in quality, only up. I must confess the series takes off like a runaway train when Lan Xi Ya joins the cast around the midpoint.

(Personally, I'd have added scenes about her in the beginning to pep up the slowest part of the show.)

The main cast is great. Faces you've seen everywhere. Wang Yi Bo is his usually measured self, and although not a dynamic actor, his Wei Ruolai is more than just a idol drama cutesy guy.

Li Qin is also from the LESS IS MORE School of Dramatic arts. This actress isn't my favorite, but she has a way of showing up in one great show after another. I've enjoyed her most in RUYI'S ROYAL LOVE, SNOWY NIGHTS/TIMELESS LOVE, and THE YOUTH MEMORIES. Here she may be the weakest of our leads. In the first half of the series I suspect she's not exactly sure how to play her character, but perhaps she isn't given enough to do. It's like the story holds her back from shining until the second half, where she shines indeed.

It seems every C-Drama I see holds a gem. An actor I've never seen before who shines -- and for me that's the banker Wang Yang. He doesn't appear to be acting. He simply is Shen Tu Nan and offers a flawless award worthy performance.

And as mentioned earlier, the gem of SHE AND HER GIRLS (Lan Xi Ya) explodes here with charisma and adrenaline.

The entire cast is great but worthy of mention is Zhang Tian Yang, the clever Captain Lin who has more lives than a street cat. What blew my mind is that only halfway thru did I discover I already knew this actor as a nerdy henpecked husband also from SHE AND HER GIRLS. Is acting chops are so good it's impossible to see he's the same actor in both series. His romance in this story is quite excellent, because it doesn't really belong here -- but he and his belle Zhang Yi Jun have the chops to pull it off.

Of the story itself, I'm torn. As my title suggests, I find these political revolution stories as 'trying'. Meaning it's not a genre I really like. I enjoy the Republican era for it's look and feel, but it's stressful watching people get tortured mercilessly and people in hospitals in great pain. Of this tone, I'd have taken it down a notch. Watching our lead be tortured and then immediately followed up by some GOODFELLAS kicking in prison was over the top. No one would survive that.

Yet the writing quality of this series was as sharp as the production values. So of the subject matter I'd say 7 but of the execution 9. So I think the story lives around 8.5.

In comments people get all upset about the 'propaganda' in this story. I hear you, but the actors and story and production values are so top notch -- just ignore the 'good guys' and 'bad guys' aspects and enjoy the ride. It never gets painful or overbearing, and frankly many sides of this issue are presented reasonably well and fair.

I had two nitpicky things about this series (which I haven't completed yet but I'm nearly there)

1. It was never properly explained why the rich powerful banker wouldn't dress up his assistant in a decent suit immediately upon hiring. People in the comments told me to be patient and await the explanation, but there's no reason why the explanation needed to be withheld. Literally the assistant is told "Don't embarrass the big boss!" and yet he looks like a homeless dude for way too long. Either dress him up sooner or clearly explain why he isn't in exposition.

2. Similarly, the title of this series isn't explained soon enough. You have to get DEEEEEEEEP into the series to get it, and in this case, I'd have preferred the explanation towards the top. Which by the way was perfectly possible.

3. The last quarter of the series seemed rushed. I thought they were saving a huge reveal of Big Sister, which never materialized. Also, they planted that under emotional stress one character could almost pass out, but during the last episodes they seemed to have forgotten that. Also, the shootout on the train at the end was sort of a lazy way to resolve stories. Instead of having characters talk to each other, bang bang.

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This is a GEM

What a Gem. Start with a great story, add professional actors, a good set and production team with good visuals and a nice OST and you get a perfect 10. This short vertical drama has it all.

I've been surprised at a few of these Vertically filmed drama's. Some are absolutely top notch. With some of the best acting out there WITH outstanding stories and productions. Don't get me wrong, there are ALOT of duds too - poor quality, low acting, B drama's in this area too. But the fun I have found is finding the GEM's. It's like opening a present that you never knew you were going to get.

I refuse to watch any C-Drama, vertically filmed or otherwise on YouTube. That is the WORST platform, terrible sound quality, usually ripped off from other platforms making the quality of video sub par and usually incomplete or daubed over in odd places with weird sounds to get away with copy right infringement just ICK.

However, looking for the titles listed on MDL on paying platforms is next to impossible as the titles do not always match - even across platforms! And actors are NEVER listed and there are never any credits to find who the actors are. Therefore, when TRYING to rate any vertically filmed show ON MDL it is next to impossible. WHY there is NO congruency in Titles of the SAME show across all these apps is baffling, it sure makes things confusing!

The struggle to get the vertically filmed shows and the truly talented actors recognition and more accurate ratings is real.

FYI - I watched this on FlickReels under the Title "Bound to the Tyrants Heart"

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Intense, intriguing, touching: a murder mystery full of humanity's ugly and pretty.

PROS: Excellent plot, very good acting. A perfect combination of suspense, mystery, and sociopolitical commentary. Important emphasis on the topic of child abuse and sexual assault, abuse of power, and human selfishness, alongside compassion, empathy, and human altruism. Sungjoon is a great main character and one I sympathized with deeply. The thriller aspect of the story is also highly enjoyable: suspense in every episode, both the culprit and the mastermind greatly hinted throughout the series, and even openly shown at times, if the audience was paying attention. I can't think of a single plot hole! Eunki and Sungjoon had good romantic potential but I'm glad the screenwriter didn't attempt forcing a romance sub-plot that would deviate from the main theme and be unrealistic either way, given the circumstances the characters were under.

CONS: Copaganda, obviously. Not a single character hired a lawyer during the interrogation process, which is unrealistic. Kwon Kyungja's shaman "powers" were a bit off, given the fact that this is a modern drama that doesn't tackle on any supernatural/religious beliefs. That scene of her encountering Sungjoon and having visions doesn't make much sense from the moment his memories were false. She was getting chills from Yoonjae but not Baek Moonkang? Please. Charles was clearly in love with Yoonjae, a bit disappointed that we didn't get something more than just hints towards his feelings.

PLOT COMMENTARY: I don't blame Sunghoon for wanting to take revenge, not a bit. Moonkang, Sungjoon's father, and Yu Kinman, in particular, deserved everything that happened to them, and worse. I wouldn't blame him even if he were to personally kill all three. But my sympathy for him ends there. His treatment of Sungjoon was unjustifiable, he allowed Yoonjae to play Terrifier left and right, and only showed remorse towards the last minutes. Very good morally grey character! Those final scenes with him inside prison and Sungjoon with Eunki were among the best in the show. Very proud and happy to see such beautiful social work representation in the face of Eunki, although she was a bit too aloof at some moments and genuinely had me worried she'd end up killed.

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A Soothing Drama of Food, Growth, and Quiet Love

This drama is super calm and healing, with food really at the center of it. Every scene in the kitchen, every dish being carefully prepared, feels soothing and almost therapeutic. The rhythm of cooking and sharing meals gives the show this gentle flow that makes it easy to just sink into.

That said, the large age gap between the leads can be a little uncomfortable, and the chemistry sometimes leans more toward an older-sister/younger-brother vibe rather than straight-up romance. Even so, it’s really refreshing to see a female-centered character in this era. Ichika is independent, skilled, and determined, and her husband Amane quietly supports and believes in her the whole time. Their relationship shows that a healthy marriage can grow from respect, encouragement, and trust, not just instant sparks.

By the end, the drama really drives home that marriage is about two people willing to commit to each other. Feelings don’t have to start as love. They can grow naturally, like Amane’s affection for Ichika. It’s a nice reminder that love can develop from understanding and shared responsibility.

And the ending credits are such a cozy touch. The soft song sets a mellow mood, and the visuals always show people cooking—sometimes Ichika, sometimes other characters. Those small, slice-of-life cooking moments make the world feel alive and comforting, letting the warmth of the episode linger even after it’s over. It’s simple, but it’s exactly the kind of thing that makes this drama feel like a quiet, satisfying escape.

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Just watch it already! This is a drama you will not get over easily.

The concept though resembled the Reverse Romance of Doctor Who and River Song. This drama had an altogether different beat to it. I have never seen such perfection in time travel. Every detail thought out by the writer & the director. I found out later that it was some fan fiction video turned to drama.

A bit of a spoiler ahead.

Its short beautiful and tragic. I love tragic endings. And when told in such beautiful fashion, even more so. I'm watching it in 2025 and i don't know if it got famous or not when it was released but if it was not. There is something very wrong with the audience.

ML & FL were perfection. Not a dull moment in the story line. Unlike some Cdramas that never ends and stretch just to make it to 40 episodes. This ends at 14. I wanted to re-watch it again as soon as I finished it. It was that good. I hope you love it as much as SBY loved LY in the end.

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Check in Hanyang Drama

In the beginning, the drama was filled with bad guys. The royal princess seemed like he was going to be a strong character and he seemed to make us believe that he was a great fighter. The princess was jumping over the high walls in the city . Even though, the male lead, Lee Eun, was a main character with first billing overall. He was invisible most of the early parts of the drama, with other characters showing up more. The princess was kind of dull. Hong Deok Su was a strong female main character. She was intelligent, brave and a leader. She was by far the best character / actor. Behind her, the characters were about average to weak. The villains were strong characters and they were really good at being bad. I would have liked if the other main character, Chun Jun Hwa, would have clearly told Hong Deok Su, how he loved her and wanted to be with her. He seemed to beat around the bush, assuming that she knew. I wanted the see Chun Jun Hwa clearly get rejected by her immediately. I did not like the ending. When Lee Eun and Hong Deok Su were kissing, the other two main guys came and messed with them. They stopped kissing and everyone of the four friends chased each other. Oh yeah, Chun Jun Hwa's father did not die in the inn fire; he showed up at their new inn.

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Eat, drink, sleep

The series was similar to several others I've watched. That's why I skipped some parts. I didn't particularly like the casting; the supporting cast was mediocre, and there were too many actors. Now, they pull every kind of nonsense they can, claiming to be a fantasy series. Impossible things are made to happen. Mistakes aren't dwelled on as fantasy, but they're corrected in the same fantastical way. Something like that.

Secondly, I liked the leads, but they were separate. They didn't strike me as a couple. They held the female lead to a very naive, low standard from the start, and then made her the leader of demons. Elevating her from a character who only cares about eating, drinking, and sleeping to extreme characters that transcend her is also fitting for a fantasy series. In contrast, our male character is a master. He's very knowledgeable, a jack-of-all-trades, a warrior, a vengeful, handsome, and qualified. He's immortal.
They don't suit each other at all. As I mentioned, there weren't any supporting characters, and I didn't like them. I'll just list the ones I liked.
And I don't know if this is specifically for the lead actors in these series. There's a trend to playing with the same face. Our lead character played this way from beginning to end, a serious, sullen, detached character who looked down on everyone. He didn't laugh. He shed a few tears. His face was the same all the time. His face was the same when he looked at his loved ones, the same when he took revenge, the same when he looked at his enemies. He was probably just a taché. They said this was the character. Play with that face. The female actor, on the other hand, had more variety. She laughed, had fun, got angry, shouted, called out, was serious and funny. Starting from this, our female actor was very diligent, versatile, and her facial expressions were beautiful, and it made me feel it. She conveyed love and affection well. In fact, I thought she was comfortable. I liked it. Our male actor, as I said, played with the same face. Playing with that face for 33 episodes is a feat. He was successful. He was good. I liked it, but I didn't like the monotony. I liked Wang Yi Ting. Gao Han, on the other hand, seemed a bit panicked. I don't know if he didn't like his role, but he played it strangely, as if he couldn't fully commit to it. Master actors like Zeng Li, Huang Hai Bing, and He Zhong Hua also added color to the series. I watched it from beginning to end. But I don't know if I'll watch it again.

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This was an extremely good action movie. The acting of course was top notch. The plot was convoluted the way a lot of Korean dramas are. I particularly like that the female lead was an intelligent and ethical individual. The male lead's admiration and devotion for the female lead reminded me of Red Swan. The movie held together with surprises along the way. The ending was totally appropriate to the script. I was disappointed that the male lead and the female lead we're not able to end up together. It made for a somewhat more impactful ending although a less emotionally satisfying one. I personally love to hear movies in their original language and read the English subtitles. This movie was dubbed very well. I still would have preferred to be able to hear the actors original voices since the Korean actors and actresses are so excellent.

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Between Boun and Prem

First time reviewing a BL that didn’t air recently I was a little worried of applying today’s standards and expectations to it ("error of presentism"). However, once I realized that "Between Us" aired roughly the same time as "My School President" and a year after "Bad Buddy", I knew I could safely apply my current standards and expectations to it. After all, 2022 is not 2016. Having that out of the way: as far as I understand, this show is inspired by the Win-Team storyline outlined in "Until We Meet Again". Generally it is new/original content for that couple that – I assume – should match glimpses into their relationship the audience got in "Until We Meet Again". I haven’t watched "Until We Meet Again" and even if I did, I wouldn’t check whether plotlines of both couples – Dean-Pharm and Win-Team – do properly interlock between both shows. I’m reviewing "Between Us" mostly as a standalone show and should I watch and review "Until We Meet Again" I’ll maintain the same approach.

The writing – as with most Thai BLs, both in 2022 and 2025 – isn’t the best.

Both main and side plotlines suffer from being generic (which on itself isn’t a problem) and there’s a lot of repetitiveness. Almost every episode main characters seem to be going full circle and returning to square one – and with little progression of their relationship the show drags on. I’ll blame it on the writer and her inability to write an intriguing and involving "slow burn" type of story.

Dialogues are bland, uninspired and often unnecessary (like stating the obvious or telling the audience something that should have been shown). Don’t get me wrong: there are meaningful and emotional exchanges, especially between Team and Win, there are examples of proper use of humor, banter and even sneer, but in general it sounds pretty mundane, like written by an early version of a chatbot.

What also surprised me was not the number of side characters – some of which were "inherited" from "Until We Meet Again" and sort of had to appear – but the number of side stories. Including a very rough outline of the Dean-Pharm was, to some extent, understandable and justified, but why were all the other side stories in this show? Did it really need all 4 (that’s four) side couples, and if so - why? Thanks to MDL I know that the writer of "Between Us" went on to co-write "We Are" and write (on her own, but basing on a novel by JittiRain) "Perfect 10 Liners", two shows suffering from the multiple couples syndrome, but did it begin here? Filling every paragraph of script with "couple content" and assuming that the more couples the better hardly is the correct way to do it, especially when the writing is bland and paper-thin. Was is done to fill the episodes with something besides Team and Win content? If so – what’s wrong with having 8 or 10 episodes instead of 12 or cutting all episodes to 45 minutes? Why not focus on the main couple and develop its story properly? There are other BL of similar length that have done it more than successfully – take "A Tale of 1000 Stars", which has one couple, a classic, nearly perfect "slow burn" buildup and more than enough content for 10 episodes.

What I liked about the writing was – despite of everything above – giving both Team and Win a proper background, revealed slowly and actually influencing what kind of persons they are, what they do, how they perceive the world (including themselves and each other) and what their relationship is like. While it may seem obvious that a script should include certain background elements for its main characters, this is often not the case – hence so many BL characters, including main ones, appear more like cardboard cutouts rather than actual humans. Not here, fortunately; both Team and Win are fully fledged characters. Team, in particular, is written like a proper multifaceted character, and this is the main reason why I’m not condemning the script of "Between Us" entirely.

As for performances, the situation is complex. With different writing I’d be inclined to say that most of the cast gave serviceable performances, but since 8 cast members were pushed from being conversation partners for main characters to being main characters in their own little side plots – one needs to include that. Ohm’s everlasting blank stare and Fluke’s permanently frightened expression – and the fact, that they stayed like that in almost every scene they were in – are signs of how poor their performances were. Sammy was annoying and difficult to watch while Bosston was just kind of there (Manow’s and Phreuk’s first encounter was cringy). Of the remaining side couples I was considering rooting for Prince and Bee, but there was too much of goofy, unfunny elements in Tae’s performance and something off-putting in Benz for me to actually do it.

Unsurprisingly, the only performances I was fond of were those of Prem and Boun – in that order. With very few exceptions, Prem did all of the heavy lifting here – and did a very good job. The multifaceted Team I mentioned before came to life thanks to Prem’s performance: Team the infantile teen, Team willing to go all in with a senior, Team trying to get a grip on himself after his first time, Team happy to eat everything around him, Team haunted by his past, drunk Team… Those and many more faces – all convincingly portrayed. An actual actor – more by talent and skill than by education or training – Prem stuck out every time he was in frame with someone else than Boun, outperforming the rest of the cast with ease. As for Boun, he had the "easy" job of portraying the nonchalant (but not cocky nor arrogant) senior – and that he did so effortlessly that one has to wonder whether he was acting or just being himself (judging from what he’s like behind the camera, during events, interviews etc. – yes, he was acting). But there’s more to the ethereal Win than that: a secret doubt, a vulnerability buried deep and hidden behind a façade of coolness – and Boun conveys it well. Together, Prem and Boun manage to make the often clunky dialogues sound good, doing the best with the material they got. Their efforts pay off and are by far the best part of the series, not just making it watchable, but making it actually worth watching. Where the script fails to create a true emotional progression, Prem and Boun do it themselves and end it with a powerful culmination in ep. 11. I cried with them during that long opening scene, filled with fear, love and sadness. Simply beautiful and very moving – a sure sign of true skill of both actors.

The soundtrack is rather average, with three songs receiving "official" MVs: "Your Smile" by Boun, "Unexpectedly" by O & Soodyacht and "It's Always You" by Prem. Out of the entire soundtrack it is that last song that stands out - not because of Prem's vocals (which aren't the strongest and get a lot of help from the music), but because it's a good song and an even better love/BL song performed with full dedication. Out of all Prem songs - and I'm writing this with a 2025 perspective - "It's Always You" is the best and I added it to my permanent BL playlist.

"Between Us" is a tad like two shows: the BounPrem main event surrounded by a plethora of side stories. My advice: skip (or fast forward) the inferior C-plots and go directly for what Prem and Boun bring to the table – that’s the meat of the show, the real money, the BL gold.

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