Reviews

GMMTV finally getting a bigger budget

I've love SeaKeen since Only Boo and I see them developing more and more, which makes me very happy.
There's something I would add to this series - the OST sung by Keen. I know it's only 4 episodes, but he has such an angelic voice that it would be a shame not to add it.
Also I love the self-promo in the first ep XDD When Eer was watching Break-Up service i saw that the video was ending at 1:27 and I dont think its a coincidence ESPECIALLY because most of the GMMTV artists are nctzens

I don't quite understand the students when they found out Mawin is Seer TK. He may not be an actual fortune teller, but his advice has helped others so I don't see any problem (if they just feel lied to I kinda understand)

There's also something I noticed about Mawin. He probably has autism. He was quite non-verbal around others, used advanced language, literally is a mathematic genius and he never had any friends but what I noticed the most was that he really likes listening to the radio. When he showed Eer what he was listening to, he started talking a lot about it, which in my opinion is a special interest. To add even more, Eer then said that he never heard him say a longer sentence before.

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Don't give up on the series early, it gets better

As I got involved watching this series, it really didn't feel like it was going to turn into anything special, at least that's the way I felt early on. The story seemed really good, meeting up and working with someone you idolized from a distance, but not letting them know about it, then of all things, getting involved with that person romantically ... it's a great story to watch play out, but it didn't seem to be working. The first five episodes seemed boring, with the acting and writing lacking a bit ... AND, I'm not exactly sure what happened from episode 6 and beyond, but it changed for the better in a big way. It was like a new drama started. The story became very interesting, the acting finally showed up in a big way ... and the series was enjoyable right through the ending.
Si Yeol & Ae Jun go from looking extremely uncomfortable, to a perfect fit as you get into the late episodes. It turns out to be a great match up with the supporting cast coming into focus in the last few episodes.
Kang Min & Kevin definitely step up in performance in the later part of the series, showing some great scenes in episode 9 & 10, making you forget the early part of the drama.
In the end, it's a great finish and it turns out to be a great story with the acting to match.

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A fluffy story with fatal flaws...

This is a fantasy BL every K-Pop fan was waiting for. A K-Pop idol meets one of his die-hard fans and so the story begins. Too bad there was no focus on the music too and what we got was not that impressive. The series failed to make this a deep story about the struggles about idols. So we get a superficial story about idols but quite a nice romance. And when we think all will end well, we got the drama of our idol being a jerk. If it was me, I think I would not stayed that calm. This part of the story was ill adviced imho. They could have removed it and put more energy (and writing) in the second couple, because we got nearly nothing from their past and it would be much more interesting if they have explored that part. They chat in the finale and we do not see how the reconciled either - WTF? Another irk for me is that this is just about the idol without his other group-members. Where were they? Why is there no interaction with them. That felt completely unrealistic.

So overall, I'm a bit disappointed. I have no complains about the acting or chemistry or the production quality at all. I feel like the story is too flat. Using soundeffects does not make scenes more funnier as we all know. Of course they should have invested also more in the music to create an OST which could be remembered.

It's not a bad drama but it's not a stellar one either. It has more good sides than bad, so there is no reason not to watch it, especially if you are into the fluffy stuff.

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Worth my time

When I first started watching 'The untamed' (陈情令), I knew it was based on the hugely popular Chinese danmei novel 魔道祖师 (Mo Dao Zu Shi), also known as 'The grandmaster of demon cultivation' by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. As much as I adored the show, I can’t help feeling slightly disappointed. Because at its heart, this is a love story, but the drama, due to censorship, never fully lets that love blossom onscreen. Instead, it dances around it with lingering glances, shared silences, and unspoken devotion. It’s beautiful but also a little heartbreaking, not because of what happens, but because of what’s missing. 'The untamed' had an uphill battle from the start. Due to China’s censorship laws. So instead of presenting Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji as romantic partners, the show rebrands them as “soulmates” or “best friends,” and leans heavily on subtext. But here’s the surprising part, despite all the restrictions, 'The untamed' manages to remain shockingly faithful to the heart of the story. Both versions follow the same dual timeline structure. The “present” story of Wei Wuxian’s resurrection and investigation, and the “past” story of his rise and fall. Major events, like the Sunshot Campaign, the burial mounds, the Yi City arc, and the final confrontation, are intact. Wei Wuxian remains his charming, sarcastic, brilliant self, torn between doing what's right and being punished for it. Lan Wangji is still the stoic, rule-bound cultivator who slowly reveals his hidden passion and unwavering loyalty. Even secondary characters like Jiang Cheng, Wen Ning, Lan Xichen, and Jin Guangyao are faithfully adapted. At its heart, both the novel and drama explore freedom vs. tradition, personal morality vs. public perception, and the dangers of blind loyalty to rules. Wei Wuxian constantly challenges the status quo, while Lan Wangji learns to quietly rebel against it. Even with the censorship, 'The untamed' manages to capture the emotional intensity of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji’s relationship. Every shared glance, every moment of silent understanding, every time one steps in front of danger for the other. It’s clear what they mean to each other. And that’s a testament to the actors’ performances, especially Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo, who convey a deep, believable bond without ever saying “I love you.” The biggest difference is that they don’t get together in the drama. In the novel, they are canonically in love. Lan Wangji confesses. They share kisses, cuddles, and a life together. In fact, the extras show them raising Lan Sizhui as a family. Their relationship is not just hinted at; it’s central. But in the drama, it's all subtext. No romantic confession. No kiss. No “Wei Ying” spoken in a whisper. No post-canon domesticity. The most intimate moments, like the forehead ribbon moment (symbolising intimacy), are completely removed. The drunken confession, where Lan Wangji spills his heart while drunk, is toned down. The ending, in the drama, is more open-ended. In the novel, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji walk off together into their future. For viewers who were emotionally invested in their love story (myself included), it’s frustrating. The story builds and builds, only to leave us at the end with ambiguity. They're clearly more than friends, but the show never says it. It’s not that they needed to kiss to prove their love. But a single moment of clarity, a word, a gesture, a future would have made all the difference. In the novel, Lan Wangji is much more expressive—especially in internal monologues or moments of vulnerability. We see his jealousy, his devotion, his pain. In the drama, he’s portrayed more stoically, and we miss out on some of those emotional depths unless we read between the lines. Despite my disappointment, I can’t deny that 'The untamed' is still an incredible show. It brings the world of Mo Dao Zu Shi to life with beautiful cinematography, haunting music, excellent casting, and strong emotional storytelling. Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo carry the show with grace and subtlety. Their performances manage to convey a love that’s deeper than words, even if it’s never spoken aloud. And the show deserves praise for doing as much as it did under heavy restrictions. 'The untamed' is a masterclass in adaptation under constraint. It captures the spirit and soul of *Mo Dao Zu Shi, even if it can't show the romance in full. It’s beautiful, tragic, emotional, and memorable.

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Piercing the Bubble: The Disruptive Realism of 'Memoir of Rati'

My journey as a BL enthusiast began in an era when the genre could barely be named, taking refuge under the label of homoeroticism. For me, especially in novels, it has become a sanctuary, an essential escape from a work life where reality is often chaotic and disappointing. BL is my personal utopia; if the academic definition speaks of "an imaginative representation of a future society conducive to human well-being," I would unhesitatingly define it as a utopia designed for women—in a manner analogous to how most mainstream entertainment operates: by prioritizing and celebrating the male gaze and taste.
It is precisely for this reason that Memoir of Rati (GMMTV 2025) emerges as a meticulously conceived work, steeped in a classic atmosphere that is palpable in every detail —from the set design and soundtrack to the costumes and performances. The series abruptly pulls us out of the characteristic utopian universe of BL, where conflicts are usually confined to misunderstandings, love triangles, or the appearance of a vengeful ex-partner, and plunges us into a historical period of wartime and colonial conflicts. In this narrative, the characters confront head-on the social incomprehension and tangible risks that a BL relationship entails, both in the past and the present, starkly reminding us that love does not always blossom within the shelter of a bubble.
It is a deliberately slow-paced narrative, though its conclusion may seem rushed. That said, it is loaded with moments of extreme tension and injustice, which explains why many viewers might feel reticent to watch it. My recommendation is to give it a chance with its first two episodes. Only then will one understand why the opening song speaks of a "miracle" (https://youtu.be/qxBmzCnwJcE?si=h98cVsxJBOLct0f_). That very understanding may be the hook that draws you in to watch the rest of the series.
It is a genuine shame to have discovered this "ship" just as it was ending, but there is a poetic consolation in seeing its protagonists in one final, brilliant collaboration. With a mix of nostalgia and joy, I now immerse myself in a new world: I am ready to begin Wandee Goodday (GMMTV 2024).

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Cool!

I’ve known about this show for a long time, but I was kinda reluctant to watch it. Just recently, I finally got in the mood to check it out—and I’m glad I did. The plot is really unique, especially the way they did the monsters and the whole “monsterization” thing.

Usually in other supernatural shows or movies, like with zombies, infection spreads through bites or blood. But here, it’s totally different. At first it’s a bit hard to understand, but the more you watch, the more interesting it gets.

The cast is pretty good too, and I like that a lot of the characters actually use their brains to survive instead of just rushing into things.

If you’re into supernatural stuff with a unique twist and a little bit of sci-fi, this one’s for you. I honestly can’t wait to start Season 2.

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Not as Sharp as Before, but Still a Thrilling Ride

Alice in Borderland Season 3 isn’t quite as tightly developed or emotionally layered as Seasons 1 and 2, but I still enjoyed it a lot. Some of the characters feel a little less fleshed out this time, and the pacing dips here and there, yet the show still delivers where it matters most: the games.

The Fire Arrow Game, the Zombie Game, Kick the Can, and especially the last game were all so creative, tense, and visually striking that they kept me glued to the screen. Those moments reminded me why I fell in love with this series in the first place.

And my GOAT Arisu is still shining. His intelligence, compassion, and resilience once again anchor all the chaos around him and make him such a compelling lead.

Season 3 might not reach the same heights as the first two seasons, but it’s still an adrenaline-charged continuation of the story and absolutely worth watching if you’ve been following from the start.

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expectations, hype and Manga

Hello everyone

I will give you my opinionon this...

I think we can all agree, that this season wasn't as good as season 1 or 2. The first two seasons were nearly perfection in my opinion, so it's pretty difficult to make the third season this good.

Season 3 was not perfect and I think that many many people expected exactly that...
This season is not perfect, it's just "really" good.

If you compare it to the last season of Sweet Home or the last season of Squid Game than you got with season 3 of Alice in Borderland a truly Gem.

I just think that the expectations and the hype of this season were too much, too high.
Season 3 made the mistake not to be perfect and if someone wants to downrate it for this reason then I can't help you.

Season 3 delivered everything just not on that perfect level:
Romance - check
Clever games - check
Storyline that isn't too dull -check
Soundtrack - check
Good and happy ending - check
Good acting - check
Emotional deepness - check
Feeling or vibe of the previous seasons - check

So the question that I ask myself is, what exactly did you expect?
This season doesn't have the Manga anymore.
It was clear that without the Manga, with this immense expectations and this immense hype, that it couldn't deliver on the same level like the first two seasons. That was no secret...

Now for everyone who wants to give this a chance, you will enjoy a season that is really well made, that is a great ending to a great story.

So let's just be thankful that we got a final season.

So what I am trying to say is, that you have here a season that is better quality-wise than many other dramas.
If you can watch it without any unreasonable expectations, than you will surely enjoy it a lot ^^

If you kept reading until now, than a big thank you and bye bye

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About the journey?

Alice in Borderland Season 3 is a mixed bag. For those invested in Arisu and Usagi's journey, the season provides a degree of closure while pushing the narrative in unexpected directions. However, it fails to capture the magic and narrative coherence of the first two seasons, leaving a number of unresolved questions. It is a season for dedicated fans rather than a triumphant return to form.

Joker reveal and the twist: The Joker game brings Arisu and Usagi back to the Borderlands, and the story eventually reveals a new layer to the Borderlands mythology. However, the six-episode season concludes by teasing a wider, potentially international, narrative.

The finale teaser: The final scenes shift from Japan to a US diner, introducing a new waitress character named "Alice". This was a deliberate choice by the creators to leave the door open for a spin-off or a potential Season 4 in a new setting, rather than as an element of the Season 3 plot itself.

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Unnecessary addition, but still intriguing

Although an unnecessary addition and maybe Netflix's cash grabbing opportunity, this original material got me excited nonetheless, although I didn't kept much expectation.

Season 3 starts with an obsessed professor to have a near life-or-death experience. He lures Usagi to the game again, ultimately causing Arisu to join the game.

As we saw in the earlier seasons, this piece continues to give us high stakes game that are thrilling, although a bit sluggish at times. The new characters doesn't create much impact, except Rei. This season has less episodes compared to S1 and S2, however the slow pacing (especially in Eps 5 and 6) makes it less intriguing.

From games perspective, some were fresh while some were seen in earlier seasons which automatically diminished my excitement a little. The emotional aspect was given more weightage towards the final episodes.

Coming to the finale, I would say it gave us little answers and more questions. Although we got to take a look into Borderland's existence, we didn't get much insight though. Viewers maybe divided with the season finale in my opinion.

Overall, Season 3 of Alice In Borderland is an unnecessary addition, that still manages to engage it's viewers with high stake contests and the lead characters. An enjoyable season, if not fulfilling or relevant.

My Rating : 7.5/10

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Average because Seasons 1 & 2 set the Bar High

For me, Alice in Borderland Season 3 was average compared to the first two seasons. It had its moments, but it didn’t live up to the high standards set before. Here’s why:

🔹 Versatility

The first two seasons gave us real versatility — diverse strengths of characters, different ages and personalities, backstories that made even villains compelling, and the clever parallels to Alice in Wonderland. Every main character had their own strength: some excelled in mind games, some in physical battles, some in leading, and some in simply playing an unforgettable villain.

Season 3, however, felt like it revolved almost entirely around Arisu and Usagi. Yes, Rei and Ryuji were interesting additions, but they weren’t enough to match the level of depth and charisma from earlier seasons. Season 1 & 2 set a standard of rich ensemble characters, but this season fell short of that balance.

🔹Game Strategies

At first, I honestly thought Arisu had lost his brain. Later, his spark came back, but it was never quite enough. In previous seasons, Arisu impressed us with both physical and psychological tactics — his strategies were sharp, creative, and thrilling to watch. Fans loved the way he thought through problems. But this season felt different. His planning seemed weaker, and the other players just followed him blindly without offering their own ideas. That took away some of the excitement and teamwork that made earlier seasons so engaging.

🔹 The Games

The games in Season 3 were decent but not as fascinating as the ones in Seasons 1 & 2. The psychological games lacked the depth that made earlier ones iconic. For example, the “thinking game” felt too easy — if Chishiya had been there, it would’ve been solved in no time. The physical games also seemed less intense compared to previous seasons, which lowered the tension.

🔹 Ryuji

Ryuji was one of the most disappointing parts of the season. His character had huge potential, but the writing let him down. He often came across as confused, sometimes wanting to save Usagi, other times wanting to kill her. This inconsistency made his arc frustrating. With stronger writing, Ryuji could’ve been as powerful and memorable as Ann, but instead, he felt wasted.

🔹 Netflix’s Influence

I really blame Netflix here. The first two seasons were written with passion, but this season felt more like a money grab. The ending was especially frustrating — recycling elements from Squid Game like sacrifice, children, and even hints at an American spin-off. Sure, both Alice in Borderland and Squid Game are different stories, but Netflix made them feel similar in a way that invites unnecessary comparisons. Instead of finishing strong, it felt like they were trying to stretch the franchise for profit.

🔹 The Real Mission

We all expected Season 3 to finally give us answers — the ultimate mystery behind the Borderland. But instead, it added more questions while solving almost nothing. The story pulled us deeper into another version of “Alice,” leaving the mysteries of reality still unresolved.

What I Did Like

It wasn’t all bad. In fact, some aspects were brilliant:

-First of all, it has some great CGI scenes. Oh my goodness, the CGI was so on point and looked really suitable for the new era. And the beauty of the cinematography — I noticed they used the black-and-white theme really well. The flood scene and the time-stopping in that scene are two of my favorites.

The concepts of the games really matched well with the Joker card. The Joker card usually means chaos, unpredictability, and potential. In the zombie game, most people thought it was best if players stayed human. But in the end, we could see that being a zombie was actually a good idea. If everyone became a zombie, they wouldn’t have needed shotguns or vaccines, and just by playing a random card game, they could have passed. (Correct me if I’m wrong.) Also, in the last game, Arisu was the real winner. This shows the unpredictable side of our life and the game of cards. The Joker might not be useful or powerful in some games, but it can change the possible future unpredictably. But again, “Joker is just a card,” just like the hat man said. It only distinguishes between death and life, but this very card holds the unpredictability of future actions. At first, we thought Banda might be the Joker, but the truth is the Joker is nothing and everything at the same time.

Lessons: S3 played a big role in giving lessons. In Season 3, we can see many lessons that really connect with the real world. Even though everything is in the hands of someone greater, you can always choose to be who you want. The hat guy, who might seem like the Joker, I think, is more like the Grim Reaper — dressed in all black, standing between life and death. Even though Arisu’s life depended on his choice, he somehow managed to win because of his own will. It also shows that helping others never goes to waste — everyone paid back their kindness to Arisu. I also loved when they showed them their future. Even though some of them believed it, real fate is in their own hands. That’s why Arisu did not pick the doors just because they showed him a possible future — but built his own way.
A big thanks for bringing Ken Watanabe, the legend who played major roles in Inception, The Last Samurai, Batman Begins, and Pokémon Detective Pikachu.
Chishiya’s Cameo: A small moment but deeply satisfying. Just as Chishiya and Arisu had challenged each other in games, their brief exchange in this season carried emotional weight.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Season 3 left me with a bittersweet feeling. The acting was top-notch, and the production quality was amazing, but the storytelling lacked the same fire as the first two seasons. It failed to give the closure we wanted, introduced underdeveloped characters, and leaned too heavily on familiar tropes.

Yes, it delivered powerful visuals, meaningful lessons, and a few standout moments — but considering the brilliance of Seasons 1 & 2, this finale felt like a letdown. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t the great conclusion we hoped for either.

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Didn't expect that Drama to blow me away

I have to say - i didn't expect much at first because my go-to Genre isn't normally this one BUT! The Story was really good, and the acting!!! Oh what a rollercoaster!
Everyone did such a great job - the twist and turns in the story were really nerve wrecking and kept me at the edge of my seat.
Wei Ming and his parents- i'm at a loss for words...the actors did such an amazing job, because i reaaaaally hated those characters, they were so hard to bear (Wei Mings Mother...i can't pff). Buuuut- Wei Ming got what he deserved in the end., while even then he wasn't able to admit he was in the wrong - no conscience whatsoever.
Lin Shuang had to deal with so much and she still fought through and did her best to be there for Guo Guo while building up her life again- and without the help of her parents and good friends a lot of that wouldn't have been possible - and Gu Xu played a big part in all of that to find herself again. She could be herself with him and they made each other stronger, while Wei Ming took everything from her, always put the blame on her and even after the divorce still tried to tear her down.
Jiang Xi had a really hard life and then encountered so many situations that were hard for her (the one with Wei Ming was on her), but she grew so much as a person from that and we see until the end that she fights with herself because until Lin Shuang came along that she had no one stand behind and protect her. So even when i first wasn't that amused about their connection and growing friendship - with every episode i grew fonder of the bond between Lin Shuang and Jang Xi.
Alliance shows a perfect example of people who can't and won't take accountability for their actions and those who see that they have been in the wrong to correct their path and grow and that even when enduring hardships - a good and clear heart is the way to go.

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