Reviews

I Wasn't Familiar With Your Game, WinnySatang

That Summer was 11th on my list of Most Anticipated BLs from GMMTV's 2025 Lineup (BL Only). So far, it has become my number one favorite BL series of GMMTV 2025. And no one saw that coming.

Let's Dive In.

Granted, we haven't really gotten a lot from the GMMTV 25 lineup this year (with two/three currently airing series), but from we've gotten so far (Memoir of Rati, Boys in Love, My Magic Prophecy, and now That Summer), this series takes the number 1 trophy... for now.

I think, inevitably, Ticket to Heaven will take that spot, but for now, That Summer, has completely blown me away. It has this stellar coming-of-age vibe to it, including a summer love story mixed with a little mystery. I'm not the biggest fan of amnesia plot lines, I think it's cheap writing, and overall just not fun, but the way TS utilizes it is unique, and a new twist on what we know.

Davin, a prince, forgets his past when his crush who's also out to kill him, whacks him with a paddle board and sends him into the sea. Lava, a delinquent sent to work at his Uncle's, finds Davin and learns that he has no recollection of who he is. With his new identity as Wave, the both of them discover things about themselves and one another that leads to a beautiful love story.

It wasn't that I didn't like Winny and Satang, I just didn't see enough of them to crave to see them in leading roles. The main reason this was so far down my list. But this confirmed to me that these two know what they're doing and they do it so perfectly in this series. The yearning from the both of them in the beginning of this was so immaculate, I almost combusted. And then they got together, and it just gets better, which is usually so opposite of what I enjoy. Lava guides Wave, not only to re-realizing his sexuality, but by allowing him to live freely as himself, without the confines of his role as a a prince, even if unknowing. They go on several different adventures together, exploring the village, tackling relationship obstacles, building communities around them, dancing and partying and just living a great life. Their chemistry is strong, these two have definitely put in the work of creating a believable connection, and I loved it. I also loved how they handled intimacy, and it was shot so beautifully. Bravo.

My only real criticism is the second couple, Peng and Wut. Actually, Mond was the only reason I started this series in the first place, he's literally one of my favorite GMMTV actors. But sadly, I was not enthralled with this couple. I think I got around to them eventually, but they have like 1/4 the chemistry that they needed to actually sell me on their story. If felt like Mond was putting in so much of the effort and Ryu was just... there. That might not be entirely his fault, maybe it was a directing error, but there was just no buzz from this couple. I think I just enjoyed Peng's story enough to tolerate them. But, I definitely don't need to ever see them in another series together again, that's for sure.

The depiction of weed in this series had me so shocked. I don't think I've seen a series ever bring up weed, and yet, this series makes it a point to talk about it's use, show it, and even have a character get high for the first time. It was honestly lovely. Also, just no filters. Getting to see Winny's freckles was a blessing, oh my gosh he is so adorable.

Gawin, I can never escape you, can I?

Ratings:

Story: 8/10 - thoroughly enjoyed it. I also liked the flow of wave discovering himself and Davin. Lovely coming of age vibes. Didn't care much about the second couple. Also, they gave us Neo and Mint, but gave us nothing, romantically.

Acting: 9/10 - Lovely!! Winny and satang seriously have taken me by surprise. Of course Mond is just brilliant and I appreciate what he brought to the show. Everyone else did okay.

Music: 4.5/10 - I literally cannot stand the random english music playing during certain scenes. They had a lovely OST, and was like "No! let's use this copyright free music!"

Recommendation Value: 8/10 - I really, really liked this. Each episode had something to give, and made the story really fun to watch. It's also just a really fun story with some beautiful shots, so yes, I definitely recommend!

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So much misconception about this series!

Let me just start by saying this: after so many weird tropes and stories that get lost, toxic characters and leads with no soul or chemistry...allow me to say this series is so heartwarming!
I had read a lot of comments of people that could not enjoy the show because they could not get over that one tiny fact of the main plot.
The story is not bad, it's actually wonderful, funny and well delivered. The actors did an amazing job, chemistry was top notch, great soundtrack and smooth skinship.
People just need to take a leap of faith, have an open mind and actually watch the whole thing and enjoy the ride.
A solid 9/10 and a good watch!!

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Give it time, it gets better ...

I read some of the bad reviews of this series and after episode one I might have agreed with them, but if you give this drama a chance it definitely improves as you get deeper into it. Once you get past episode two it feels like a story worth your time.
It's a series that you flip flop on who you're able to trust. I must admit, by the final episode, several people I couldn't stand, or thought to be the "bad guys" really turn out to be good, so don't write anyone off, because you probably will be wrong.
I think the main issue I had was the lack chemistry between the two main protagonists, Lloyd & Yeong OK. Min Seok & Gyu Ri are great at there roles, but it really takes some time before you can see a believable relationship forming. Once it does happen, somewhere around episode 8, the series really does become enjoyable to watch. You finally start to root for a happy ending for these two, something I couldn't do early on.
The final episode plays out better than expected, leading to several surprises toward the end.
So hang in for an hour or two ... and an enjoyable series does eventually show up.

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a must watch!

This drama was fire! I absolutely recommend it.. It completely exceeded my expectations and honestly reminded me why I still love watching c-dramas in the first place. Compared to other dramas that start dragging or losing their pace after a certain number of episodes, this one did the exact opposite. Every episode kept me hooked, and I genuinely couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. Not to mention the chemistry between the two leads! honestly one of the best couples I’ve ever seen on screen. It had been a long time since I got this obsessed with a pairing and their chemistry...

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Cliche story and annoying ex

The drama actually starts off quite interesting until about episode 8. It was obvious after that the ex was going to feel entitled and try to ruin her + the ML. So annoying that he comes crawling back to her and even blamed her for "cheating" when they already broke up and he was the one that cheated. Bro, please. Realized too late that she was the true good one and then expect her to crawl back to you.

The doctor also kind of annoying, why stick your nose into everything and make decisions for ML. He knows what he's doing and was open to you about the FL.

I'm probably not going to finish the drama, wish the story could've been a little different than the ex trying to take revenge on her. I get that you "lost" the house and its so much money, which seems like that's all the family care about.

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Disappointed!

When I started watching this drama I didn't expect it was going to be that explicit - even when actors don't "show" much of their own bodies, the scenes and acting speak louder than sight.
If there is something I hate the most is the abuse to others... in this story, even when it seems they "love" each other, there is always abuse to the other partner - and Sexual abuse is the worst abuse any human being can perform to the other part.
The scenes when they have their 'first' sexual encounter was shocking to me... I was enjoying the drama because they respect each other until the time, the leading person (in the relationship) "decided" that it was enough and couldn't wait any longer.... and takes the other by force - - I absolutely hate that part - mostly because if was not consensual and because he continue to rape his partner over and over after that....
From that moment on, I started to dislike and not follow those actors.... even when they are just "acting", these dramas are absolutely not a good example to many kids who have access to watch these types of dramas.... it incites many to do the same to others.... it incites rape as normal....

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Undeniable Chemistry - Standout GL of the year!

Poisonous Love is THE Thai GL series, and the heart of it lies in Ginny (Prem) and Jayna (Pat). Their chemistry on and off screen is undeniable. Their expressions, subtle glances, and body language carry a tension that keeps you hooked. The series does a great job of showing how their conflicting personalities push and pull at each other.

That said, it’s not without its issues.

Pat is a little stalkerish, a definite red flag and crosses lines that in the real world would be unacceptable, a complete deal-breaker. While the series frames it as romantic tension, all those chaotic traits somehow turn her into the perfect villain. It can feel uncomfortable at times if you view her actions through a realistic lens. She’s unpredictable, obsessive, and impossible to ignore, which is exactly what makes her such a magnetic force in the series. Pat is the kind of character you shouldn’t root for… but you do anyway.

Prem is the perfect daughter—disciplined, accomplished, and everything her family could ever hope for. She’s a heart surgeon with her life neatly mapped out, ready to get married and settle down. But most importantly, she’s straight as an arrow… or so she claims. But that arrow starts bending real fast the second Pat shows up.
Ginny brings depth to Prem, showing vulnerability, frustration, and quiet resilience in a way that makes you empathize with her, even when her decisions are complicated.

Poisonous Love is daring. It doesn’t just serve sapphic romance, it dives into the darker side of love: obsession, regret, and sacrifice. It’s not perfect, and it leans into problematic territory, but that’s part of its identity. When it works, it really works emotionally, visually etc. It’s one of the standout Thai GLs of the year.

If I were recommending: yes, give it a try — but go in knowing that it’s not just “cute girl love”; it’s complicated, and you may love it or be frustrated by it (or both). Especially Ep9. That episode was the hardest of all to watch. Proceed with contusions.

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Toxic relationship....

She wasn't a bad mother, she was a very bad mother, cruel and manipulative. And, no, the end does not justify the means.
She deprived her child of the most precious thing a person has...his childhood and everything that it entails...The company, the friends, the outings, the games, the carefreeness, the pleasant memories...This woman deprived her son of every human emotion.!!! Deprived him of mother's love,affection...Isolated him from friends and even starved him so that he can only focuse on a carrer she chose for him since he was a baby...Growing up, she expected him to be a warm, loving person, which is NOT what she grew up to be !!! Even in the second "chance" that she was given, she made the same mistakes..After the accident,the bad mother shows over and over again that she can be even worse. Are we supposed to think that the means are justified just because she wants hik to recover faster?? She kept repeating her old mistakes and making new ones even worse... If in the past she was very strict and authoritarian with her son's education (and life in general), in the present her methods for his rehabilitation after the accident are very harsh and authoritarian (taking away his food when he can't control his hands, throwing him into the lake when he can't stand). As series about an abusive parent, it lacks a bit of self-awareness..Also, the bad message the series gives about the "treatment" of quadriplegic people...So, she is dying and that makes her good? The main message of the show now reads as "mother is always right" no matter how psychotic or abusive. It would have been more believable, if the son hated his mother more, and would come to realise that along the hate there was also love, only AFTER he found out that she was dying. Better yet after her death. (Death and end of things are good drives for introspection).

In my eyes, mother was too glorified and judged too little for her terrible actions towards her son, because as much as we would like to believe that it's always "the thought that counts" it is actually "our actions that show who we really are"

Her son, a worthy disciple of his psycho mother, in order to achieve his goals, took advantage of the love of his childhood friend (his first love) since she worked and he studied to become a prosecutor, they lived together in the same house, and in the end he abandoned her with the excuse of revenge, after giving her money (how insulting) to clean up and move on. 😑 He destroyed her life in an instant, without remorse, without second thoughts to become the lover of his enemy's daughter, to live with her for years, to sleep, eat, laugh and spend his daily life with her, and he would have married her if the "accident" had not happened..
The victims of the story are his ex-girlfriend who became pregnant with 2 children and for 8 years wandered around and lied about her condition. Her mother who was forced to raise her daughter's grandchildren alone and of course the children whose life for their father was a LIE!! The fact that she forgave him so easily and accepted him back into her life, accepting his ex-fiancée who betrayed her with her 😏, and talking calmly, besides clearly showing that a weak woman cannot be a good mother, makes the script unrealistic..The last episode was nonsense, they didn't show the children's reaction (a significant omission) after the revelation about their real father, their feelings, and the management of their psychology, they didn't show romantic scenes between a "couple in love", we didn't see a wedding as it should have been...Again, mother and son in the same depressing environment, talking about the same things on a bench, and a pig 🐷 being chased by the future groom and bride...

Excellent performances from all the actors who gave high marks to such a bad script !!!!

Ra Mi Ran as Jin Young Soon 👏
Lee Do Hyun as Choi Kang Ho 👏
Ahn Eun Jin as Lee Mi Joo 👏
Yoo In Soo as Bang Sam Sik 👏
Jung Woong In as Oh Tae Soo 👏
Choi Moo Sung as Song Woo Byeok 👏
Hong Bi Ra as Oh Ha Young [Oh Tae Soo's daughter]
and of course the two kids who played impressively..
Gi So Yoo as Lee Ye Jin [Mi Ju's daughter] 👏👏
Park Da On as Lee Seo Jin [Lee Mi Joo's son] 👏👏

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Just okay with some big letdowns

Pros:
- Only 8 episodes, so not too much of a time commitment.
- Visually looks pretty good, especially the chocolate.
- The acting is good, though maybe a little too over-dramatic at times.
- Han Hyo Joo is great, Oguri Shun is great, everyone in the cast did good with what they were given. Wasn't familiar with Oguri Shun since I mostly watch K-dramas, but he did very well. Akanashi Jin is a handsome guy and Nakamura Yuri is very beautiful, even though I didn't like their characters at all. Both did well with their performances!
- Kept me interested enough to actually finish all episodes despite the lengthy list of cons below.

Cons:
- Story starts out interesting and then quickly goes downhill given the fact that it only has 8 episodes.
- Very little romance. FL is so caught up in her one-sided crush on the 2ML for the majority of the show and demonstrates almost zero romantic interest in the ML until the last episode. This ruins the buildup to their relationship, especially given the fact that the FL seemed to dislike the ML for quite a few episodes, and the few potentially romantic moments the two leads have together are quickly dismissed and turned into "comedic" moments instead. ML seemed to be the only one romantically interested in the FL almost the entire show. We needed more buildup and more scenes of the FL actually showing at least a little bit of romantic interest, otherwise it just doesn't work. How can someone fall out of a long-running one-sided love only to instantly turn around and fall in love with someone else? Just because you find out you misunderstood who actually saved you in the past does not mean you'll instantly fall in love with that person, especially if you've been around this person the entire time and showed no romantic interest.
- 2ML & 2FL felt rather unnecessary, and their scenes just dragged on with very little character development or reason to feel connected to them at all. Both felt more like an obstacle to the main romance than anything else, especially given how long it takes for the FL to actually get over the 2ML (basically up to the last couple episodes). Had no idea why the 2ML & 2FL liked each other to begin with, and their relationship felt rather toxic and uninteresting. 2ML's character felt so boring to me. He just seemed too cliche and stereotypical as the handsome 2ML with all the bruting and serious-toned conversations. They tried to last-minute insert in some sad backstory to justify his character but it was just too little too late and felt forced and cliche. 2FL stays rather consistent throughout the whole show, basically just there to cause unnecessary drama and misunderstandings.
- Very convenient and honestly rather cringe plot developments and story progression. 2ML attempting to drunkenly kiss the FL while the ML walks in was so difficult to watch without cringing. FL constantly looking only towards the 2ML the majority of the show even when you think she'll finally move on so we can progress the actual main relationship with the ML. The ML having some very rare but cute potentially romantic moments with the FL only to backstep and completely ruin the moment from providing any real progression to their relationship was so frustrating. The very fact that the ML can only touch the FL, and the FL can only look the ML in the eyes. The "twist" at the end being the main turning point in actually getting the FL to move on from the 2ML.
- Last few episodes feel very rushed and disjointed from the rest of the show. Like episode 7 felt a little ridiculous to me with all the drama and sudden action sequences. ML having to be told by other side characters to chase after the FL felt off for his character. I thought at that point he would be able to come to that decision himself given how understanding the writers had portrayed him as and wouldn't need other people to convince him. Also, FL switching up on the ML so quickly just because of one conveniently placed misunderstanding just shows how little progression their relationship had made up until that point.
- I know some people are complaining about the FL's character being too childish or over-the-top. I think it makes sense why she behaves the way she does given her social awkwardness not being able to look people in the eyes, but I can also see why some people were somewhat annoyed by it because it does definitely change the feel of some of the character interactions and conversations. Sometimes I really wanted her to be able to get her point across in some conversations and actually have an emotional and deep moment with the ML instead of many of their interactions being played off as awkward or comedic.

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A Love Story Worth Watching

I don't know what I was expecting when the series started, but what wonderful way to finish the year. Poisonous Love has great chemistry, storytelling and pacing. It is both heavy on the drama and the romance. The "Poisonous Love" tile gives nothing away about the series. You think you know, but you don't. I cannot rave about the writing enough!

I've read that the first episode was off-putting to some, but please give it a chance. It is a love story worth watching. Pat and Prem fought hard for their relationship in a fresh story that often had my jaw on the floor. North Star Entertainment has set the bar extremely high for their next project. I'm excited to see what they will produce next.

The only negative I want to highlight, is that I wished we had a bit more exploration into Prem’s relationship with her parents after everything that happened with them. I think that was wrapped up too quickly, hence my deduction of half a star. Poisonous Love would have definitely benefited from having eleven episodes in the regular season, though I do understand that ten episodes was already a lot for a GL.

I'm impatiently waiting for the special episode. 😭

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