Reviews

Awesome Drama!

I wanted to share my thoughts on the cdrama "Go Go Squid 2: Dt. Appledog's Time," which I found to be an emotional and refreshing experience.

The story follows Wu Bai, who, through sheer hard work and incredible talent, rises to become the youngest star player in the national robot wars competition. Alongside Ai Qing—the one who ignited his passion for robotics—he enters the final round, both aiming to popularize and advance the application of technological robots among the youth. Their shared aspiration to contribute to the rejuvenation of the country's science and technology is truly inspiring.

As competitors, the dynamic between Wu Bai and Ai Qing is captivating. Wu Bai's relentless determination and extraordinary skills catch Ai Qing's eye, while her unwavering passion, dream pursuit, and strategic prowess earn his respect. Throughout the competition, they provide invaluable support to each other, leading their teams to victory and ultimately tying the knot in a breathtaking wedding scene.

Each moment of the drama drew me in so deeply that I felt like one of the characters rather than just a viewer. This immersive experience is what makes "Go Go Squid 2" a must-watch.

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Raw & mostly well-paced Mafia drama full of plot twists but with a poor romance

We’ve all been burnt by mafia/gang dramas that end up being the watered down version. “The Bangkok Boy” is an exception. It’s gritty and violent, and gave us great fight scenes that usually are rare in Thai dramas. Caution though, this is not a standard BL and don’t go in expecting sweet, cute or a fluffy romance. This is a mafia drama first, and romance is a small part of this. Actually, I felt that the romance is the weakest part of this drama.

There are twists and turns, and you thought you figured everything out for a standard mafia drama about gangs fighting for the turf. But there’s more to “The Bangkok Boy”. Add some revenge, in-gang fighting, drug dealing, questionable alliances and a Romeo-and-Juliet type romance, there’s a lot to handle here. I found the pacing of the drama done pretty well up until the last 2 episodes. In the first 10 episodes, there’s a good balance of everything to keep me interested (though there were minor plot holes here and there). But then, when the drama is coming to an end, all the twists and secrets are revealed, especially in the last episode. Even though certain elements were hinted at, it was a lot of info and revelation dumped on the audience in the last hour. This drama can benefit from another episode of two, so that these plot twists could be better executed. Now, it just feels rushed especially with how the drama ends.

The acting is decent. I was surprised to see that this is many actor’s first serious roles and many are quite new to the industry. This goes for Cho Si Hyeong (Peace), Choi Seung Ho (Jung Ho), Phoom (Tim), Aon (Aim), Phee (Ji Hun), Dom (Nap), and Hwang Jun Su (Seong Hun). Our protagonist, Sun (played by Tape) is more experienced than the other young actors, and it shows. He has the most scenes and is the best of the bunch. Unfortunately, Cho Si Hyeon (Peace) couldn’t act at the same level. As a first-timer, he’s not bad and actually has flashes of good acting in some scenes. He obviously acts better when he’s speaking Korean than Thai. For a drama with so many newbies, “The Bangkok Boy” delivers pretty decent acting from the whole cast (trust me, I’ve seen worse in Thai BLs). None of them really stood out as awful. The only acting performance I dislike is probably from Madame Yao.

Let’s talk about romance. It’s not good and I already knew romance is only a small part of the drama. However, there’s no chemistry between Sun and Peace at all. Viewers have to wait for a couple episodes for them to be on the same screen. I actually thought their initial encounter at the gallery was pretty good. The little date/outing wasn’t bad either. But starting from the near kiss in ep 6 and to them sorta officially being together, that’s when it fails. The drama no doubt gave us a pretty raw and emotional sexy scene. Given what just happened to Peace and Sun, this NC scene isn’t bad. There are other pretty good kisses, but the emotion and chemistry are not there. The secondary romance is just as bad. No sign of affection from Mei at all, and then they just got their sexy on and became a couple??

I do applaud the actors for training hard and fighting. I was very impressed with the action scenes. The fighters don’t look so ‘professional’ that they either win all the time, or get beaten up all the time. The action scenes are hard-hitting and well-choreophraphed, and the actors don’t look like they are thinking about the next move. Most of the actors have good punches and kicks. I am not sure if Choi Seung Ho (Jun Ho) was a taekwondo black belt, but his kicks are high and strong!

Another thing I like about this drama is that it’s a pretty good Korean/Thai collaboration. There have been quite a few of these lately, but aside from the cringey English dialogs in the beginning, the switch between Thai and Korean feels pretty smooth. I don’t speak either language, so I don’t know how good the actors' pronunciation is. To me who is reading subtitles, the switch between languages when talking to different people is done right. Of course, except for English, but I’ll look the other way.

Overall, I had a good time watching “The Bangkok Boy”. It doesn’t shy away from the violence that should be in a mafia drama. The pacing is good but the plot twists get too overwhelming in the end. The romance and the chemistry of both romance storylines are disappointing though. If you are looking for a typical BL or romance, this is not yet. If you don’t like fighting, abuse or violence, then stay away from this drama as well.


Completed: 9/30/2025 Review #628

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“The Hidden Moon” — A Beautiful but Heartbreaking Story of Love… Or Was That Love Even Real?

“The Hidden Moon” is not just a series—it’s a lingering ache wrapped in mystery. From the beginning, it draws you into what feels like a familiar tale of love, only to unravel into something far more haunting. The plot twist—that Khen and his friends were already dead—hits like a quiet thunderclap. Suddenly, everything shifts.

Was Mas ever truly there, or was he simply the shape of Khen’s longing? A reflection of love never lived, but deeply desired? Their chemistry is undeniable—tender, electric, painfully beautiful. And yet, each moment between them feels like holding something too fragile to last. A dream you don't want to wake from.

Sompoh and Khampuan’s story, though brief, adds another layer of sorrow—a love silenced by fear and judgment. A reminder that not all love is allowed to survive in the light.

This series doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, it leaves behind questions that echo long after the final scene: Was any of it real? Or was it all a ghost story of the heart? “The Hidden Moon” doesn’t just tell a love story—it makes you feel its absence, its ache, its what-ifs.

I loved every episode. Even in its confusion, I found clarity—in its silence, emotion. It’s rare to find a BL series in this genre that dares to be so emotionally raw, so poetically uncertain. Whether Mas and Khen’s love existed or not, one thing is certain: I won’t forget it.

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20% Suspense, 80% Romance

My Magic Prophecy starts when one of Dr. Thap's (Jimmy) colleagues, Thara, collapses and becomes seriously ill. It seems like someone might be trying to kill her. Around the same time, Thap meets In (Sea), a mysterious fortune teller, fainting after his own graduation. The moment they meet, In starts getting dark visions connected to Thap — and when those visions start coming true, the two are forced to run away and hide in a secluded area.

At first, they’re always bickering, but being stuck together leaves them no choice but to rely on each other. Slowly, they grow closer and start developing feelings.

Now, if you’re expecting something intense or suspenseful right from the beginning, you might end up disappointed. The story leans more on romance than action. These two softies (JimmySea) aren’t built for fight scenes — and that’s okay! I didn’t expect much in terms of plot at first because I only knew their roles going in, so I wasn’t disappointed. I saw the unofficial trailer a while back, but I never rely on trailers anyway.

The story really picks up after Episode 2, focusing more on Thap and In’s relationship and In’s family backstory. The medical setting, the suspense, and Jimmy being a doctor aren’t highlighted much — because most of the scenes happen in that secluded hideout where they spend a lot of time together.

As for chemistry, Jimmy and Sea may not be off-the-charts for me, but they work well enough. Jimmy plays the more flirtatious one, while Sea is as adorable as always. Sea’s acting is top-tier and Jimmy also did a good job. The second couple? They were a pleasant surprise — I actually think their chemistry is amazing. I’d love to see them lead a BL series next. First, as usual, nails his role. You won’t feel good about his character early on — and that’s the point.

Overall, this series is more fluffy and emotional, with a bit of comedy here and there. It’s not a masterpiece or anything close to perfection, but it’s enjoyable and I never found it boring. It’s also not dragging — every scene has its place. Production-wise, everything looks polished and professional. My only gripe is the background music. Sometimes, it feels a bit excessive — even during moments that don’t need it. It can be distracting.

If you're coming for suspense, I’d say lower your expectations. This story is clearly centered around Thap and In’s romance — and if that’s what you're here for, I think you’ll enjoy it.

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fairytale

one31 fantasy lakorns like this have a charm of their own. They may throw in plenty of nonsense along the way, but they're good fun. In those I've seen, the more nonsense, the more they can commit to it, and the more they commit to it, the better it all works. Personally, I would have liked them to embrace that more fully here.

(And I sincerely hope there's a katoey comedy movie with a sassy fan-waving martial artist, the fun they could have =D =D =D Pingpong camping it up with a fan and AtTiTude, Pompam as a swordmaster afraid of sharp, dangerous, pointy things. Jennie Panhan as magnificent sorceress and head of the guild. With lots of sword jokes.)

And of course the key for a successful lakorn is how well it handles the emotions of its plots. Again, I would have liked more there for most of the lakorn, especially in the primary romantic arc. Add in a very villainous modern-world villain with a plot line full of cliches and for a lot of this, I rated it a middling one31 fantasy lakorn with some good moments. I like the sub-genre though, and it was easy enough to set aside critiques and just go along for the ride.

There were winks along the way, like the amusing integration of a product placement inhaler and one character reminding another that the imagined novel within the story is just entertainment and not to be taken seriously. They have to, but if you insist on taking this lakorn seriously, you'll just upset yourself. If you get something from that though, go for it.

But if you're happy to give some time to the nonsense of this fairytale, it's fun. It's an easy watch with short episodes and a lot of energy as it merrily speeds over every plot hole.

The male leads are green flags. The gently stern gravitas with a wink Bright brings to Wang Yitian works well, though the female lead roles are mostly written and acted with the flighty manner of rom coms. It wouldn't have taken much for the director to add some depth earlier through changes there.

In the last two episodes though, it commits more fully to its premise and finds more depth in its emotions. So maybe it's better than middling after all. I enjoyed it.

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JimmySea Save the Series

The drama really picks up after Episode 2, once the story shifts to Mae Hong Son. The village setting is breathtaking, and hearing the northern dialect adds so much charm to the atmosphere. At its core, this is a warm story about beliefs, family, and loneliness, and Sea’s acting shows noticeable growth here. Both Jimmy and Sea deliver strong performances, and the special interview segment in the finale is a charming reminder of their chemistry.

Unfortunately, that’s where the praise stops. The thriller subplot feels half-baked, with the “big reveal” lacking any real suspense which viewers can spot the villain from the start. The side couple brings some cuteness, but their acting still comes across stiff and monotonous, especially in facial expressions.

Originally, I was leaning toward a solid 7/10, but Jimmy and Sea’s performances elevate the overall experience.

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I actually don't know why everything was just perfect for me.

Honestly, I don't know how others saw Jimmy and Sea onto the characters, but I only saw Thap and In, whom I read about in the novel (except for the last scene lol). I mostly expected all that will happen in the series, as it is an adapted novel, and I truly believe that it is every author's dream to truly see the character they wrote into reality being well portrayed. They played the right emotion in every scene, even the right punch for the comedy, drama, and romance. Truly, Jimmy and Sea never disappoints with their acting.

It wasn't a perfect storyline, and some will find it cliché. The story has a great sequence; there are things that could've been better, but I already love how it is now, and as a reader and a watcher, it was perfect how it was done. The story talked about life that was sometimes overlooked by people. Talking about how death is a topic we tend to see as something normal, an escape, or an end. But no one has actually talked about those who are grieving, those who are left behind. And the oldest sibling trauma. Others will find it an overrated topic, but behind the conversation that happened is what was left unsaid for those who are really facing it. Other than all the issues and the plot, I found Love very interesting with their story. I just found love in every form that will make you see the goodness of having such to hold and being held onto. They portrayed such a very genuine and pure love that I even questioned if I'll find it in reality.

I really can't find the right words to describe the series; it was just so perfect for me. I want to ask for a few more episodes that will just make me see the life of Thap and In.

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ML's Dimples Made it Bearable

The FL was hard for me to watch. Her face was either angry, sad, or had the expression of smelling something bad. I know this was due to the character, because the actress showed she could be charismatic and appealing in the introductory dance scenes, but all that vitality and joy was stripped out in the drama. How at least THREE people fell madly in love with that sour-faced, petulant toddler in an adult's body is beyond fiction's ability to make me believe. Her character was tedious. I've known many people with far more trauma and deprivation in life, and they manage to live well and happily.

But, stick around for the ML. He reminded me so much of a beloved cat of mine. For nearly 17 years, every time I saw my cat, my heart would melt at how very beautiful he was: big blue eyes, pink nose, and lynx stripes on his silver body. ML was the same. Not the blues eyes or pink nose, but adorable dimples, sweet smile, and a chiseled jaw. Yes, the character was childish, but even that reminded me of my mischievous cat. When he wanted attention, he was impossible to rebuff (both ML and my cat)! His facial expressions were delicious: that quirked eyebrow, those pursed lips contemplating a prank, and his jealous pouts.

I generally despise obsessively in love characters, but ML showed he truly loved FL by being willing to die for her, saving her from poverty, and by supporting her dreams—not that she appreciated him for any of it. I thought I couldn't despise FL more, but the writers made that possible in the last episode.

The OST was fitting and enjoyable.

This should be a 7 star rating (or even less, considering how I suffered through the FL's scenes), but ML's dimples and torso deserved an extra half star.

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When Food Brought Two Worlds Together

This drama caught my attention right from the start—it’s light, funny, and surprisingly heartwarming. A modern-day (French cuisine) chef finds herself transported back to the Joseon era through an ancient cookbook/journal and of all places, she ends up in the kitchen of a notorious king. At first, it feels like the worst twist of fate, but soon enough, their shared love of food begins to change everything.
What I really enjoyed was how food became more than just a tool for survival but it turned into a bridge between two very different worlds. The king, who initially comes across as harsh and intimidating, slowly reveals a softer, even charming side once he begins tasting dishes he could have never imagined. Their bond develops naturally, flavored with humor and a lot of bickering and while I wish there had been more focus on their romance, the balance worked well in the end. And yes it’s a happy ending for those who worry about investing in the couple.
The comedy was another big win. Watching Joseon people taste food from the future was hilarious every single time especially the exaggerated reactions, the disbelief and the pure joy made me laugh out loud. The cast had great chemistry and you could tell they leaned into the comedic beats without taking themselves too seriously.
Still, it wasn’t without its flaws. Some moments felt rushed, especially the romance and there were scenes that could have dived deeper into the emotional side of time-travel and identity. But in a way, that’s also what made it such a "breezy watch" as it never dragged or got too heavy.
Overall, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is a feel-good mix of fantasy, food and romance. It may not be groundbreaking, but it doesn’t need to be for it delivers exactly what it promises: laughs, charm, and a sweet little love story wrapped in delicious dishes.

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