Manner of Death (2020)

I love this sm

I honestly loved the whole concept, all the eerie vibes and the tension built from the start to the end! Manner of death is one of my top if not my most favorite BL drama so far! I just love everything in it and I’d rewatch it again anytime just because of how good and indulging it is! If you’re a fan of mysteries, crime and crime investigations but also like a side of goofiness and romance then this is the drama for you! It just has a great amount of everything needed to make for an amazing story and plot. The acting isn’t all that bad as well. When I tell you it had me so invested, there were moments when I’m literally on tenterhooks crying then at the next scene I feel extremely relieved (you’ll see for yourself ) so with that being said … 11/10 recommend!!!

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Good but beware

Let’s start with the acting, shall we? Our famous BL duo really stepped up, sparing us the usual buffet of cringe-worthy moments that have become a staple in the genre. However, I couldn’t help but notice Dr. Bun occasionally standing there like a man unsure of what to do with his hands. You know, the kind of awkwardness where you’re not sure if you should shove them in your pockets or start conducting an imaginary orchestra.

Now, the storyline—it's a diamond in the rough, emphasis on rough. According to the tags, this drama was adapted from a novel, which made me wonder if the plot holes were inherited from the original author or if the screenwriter decided to add a few of their own for fun. There are quite a few, and at some points, I half-expected a character to fall into one and disappear entirely.

That said, I’m not going to count the police or medical examination scenes as plot holes, even though they were questionable at best. Procedures vary from country to country, and it wouldn’t be fair to judge them by my own country’s standards. I’m fairly certain our local detectives would faint if they saw how things were handled here, but who am I to nitpick across international lines?

Overall, the drama starts off like a slow-moving train with a questionable destination but really picks up steam around episode 6 or 7. The storyline has a good skeleton, but it’s in dire need of a little fleshing out. Like I said, plenty of potential, but the writing is a bit... porous. A script revision could have really helped patch things up. Still, it’s far better plot-wise than a good chunk of other BL dramas I’ve suffered through.

And then there’s the directing. One of the directors clearly fell head over heels for close-ups and camera pans. Honestly, I half-expected the camera to crash into one of the actors' faces at some point. Please, dear director, I beg you—find another trick to make scenes dynamic because by episode 5, I was getting motion sickness from the constant camera swoops.

Now, let’s talk about the characters. Take Inspector M, for example. A classic case of "loved to hate," except his redemption arc felt about as natural as a cactus in a snowstorm. He had all this wasted potential—if they’d leaned more into his rivalry with the leads, we could’ve had another gripping storyline. Meanwhile, Sorawit—oh dear, Sorawit—had entirely too much screen time for a character who seemed to be there solely for decoration. He had no real role in half the scenes he appeared in, and at one point, I started suspecting he was secretly an extra who kept wandering onto set by accident.

In conclusion, it’s a good watch, but be prepared for a few bumps along the way.

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Good enough to dedicate your weekend to it.

At first, I felt really happy that I discovered this drama series that is not too short or long to watch in couple of days. But let me give you some of my second thought on this on why this series is not on top of my list.

Talking about the story, I don't have any complaints. I enjoyed the mysterious side of the drama in the first half of it cause not much information about characters is being revealed for the watcher and it keeps your curiosity just right. But let me tell you this, if you're looking for focused BL drama then you would be better of watching HIstrory3:Trapped, which gives you same amount of action/mystery AND screen time between main leads. It even has a side couple, which delivers enough chemistry and their own development of feelings followed by very good acting skills. So, compared to this drama, Manner of death does not dive too deep into the main couple's relationship and their feelings. Don't get me wrong, the connection between Bun and Tan is good and their love and trust feel genuine, which makes them a great couple. They also have pretty romantic and cute moments too, but still, there's just something missing I just can't describe. Overall, go get your popcorn and see it for yourself whether it clicks for you or not.

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I liked it

When I heard about the comeback of the kings I was starving, so I'm glad that this series was good also because it seems to be the last MaxTul's project.

The most important thing I wanna say, which is also the reason why I gave the series 8.5, is the change of environment. All the bl series I have seen since the beginning were set in schools/universities or at work but the love story between Bun and Tan is set in the middle of a murder. Due to this, the story is more eventful and not only concerned about romance. So what I appreciate is the mix between romance and something else because if you do things like that the series won't be repetitive and will be more interesting.
Secondly, there is a nice balance between the love story and the setting because the love story isn't overshadowed by the setting. At the beginning of the show I was scared of that and I'm relieved that it didn't happen because it would be an easy mistake.
In addition to the interesting plot and the nice balance of the show, there are the love scenes. I have noticed the good chemistry between the two actors since Together With Me and I'm happy to have seen it in this project too. The cute scenes may be quite trivial and a little bit cheesy but the thing is I love this kind of scenes. The hot one is so well done! It is not only because I can see all the desire in their eyes and their kisses but also because the longing is due to the sexual tension of the previous episodes. Tan has been heavily hitting on Bun since the beginning.
Lastly, I wanna explain my ratings on music and rewatch value. The opening is proper and I can say the same thing talking about the music because it helps to involve the viewer in the series. About the rewatch value I have to say that it won't be attractive doing a complete rewatch when you already know the end of the crime part. If I will watch something again I'll only select some of the scenes that I've liked the most.

P.S. I don't consider the rewatch value in my final rating.

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This is a crime series but there are way to many plotholes, and they are BIG ones. At the end of the series they reveal information that could have been easily used in the beginning of the series to solve the case but they didn't use it till the end because a 1, or 2, episode series wouldn't be nice. Which is sad because the crime aspect was interesting. There are also some inconsistencies with what they say during the autopsy and what we see that happens during the murder, but it's easy to ignore (unlike my last plothole).
The relationship with Tan an Bunn, I feel it's rushed and a bit out of place, since it starts while Bun still suspect Tan killed his best friend (this isn't a spoiler since we know she dies and Tan is a suspect sin episode 1).
However, I still recommend, I really enjoyed it. Who the murder is, and the whole case, does makes sense and unfolds in an interesting way. I am currently watching it again (with my boyfriend), we are in chapter 4 and he's enjoying it aswell.

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Door Opener

I have watched many bl dramas and this one has quickly became my absolute favourite. It's not often we see bl dramas dabble outside of the same university storyline especially to a crime/mystery category, but I have never been so happy to see a drama go outside of the box. The series is absolutely amazing. I hopes this opens up a door for bl dramas down the line, because this wasn't an bl series. This is a thrilling and exciting mystery series that just so happened to have a gay main couple. In the end it's a story of two people that fall in love while fighting for the truth of their friends and families. We need more of that. BL shouldn't be typecasted to a certain storyline. It can be much broaded and this series diffantly shows that. Now to rewatch it again cause I just can't get enough.

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You BETTER BRING HOLLY WATER WITH YOU!!!! This BURNS !!!

That my love was a roller coaster. The emotion, the suspense, the love and the story...my god this was so refreshing to watch after all those engineering love stories.

This was by far one of the best BLs that has been released these 2 years.
Amazing production, amazing storyline even though someone might call it "meehh" of a story, well bitch I lived or it. It was something new for the BL world and honestly can't wait to watch this again.

THE CAST my love, the fucking CAST.... It seemed like they were all made for their play, just amazing.

**** MY SHIP FINALLY CAME TRUE ( INSPECTOR M AND DOCTOR OAT )*****
Even though we had literally no scenes from the two, they gave me live with the scene on the last episode. They need series on their own.

MaxTull were perfect, as always. There is nothing left to say about them. Baby they are perfect.
The support characters were amazing, even though some of them made me lose my shiiiit form time to time. Looking at you older sister *wink wink

AMAZING SERIES!

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Chemistry and Adventure Galore

This story is one for the hall of gay fame. Max and Tul are performative masters at capturing subtleties and gestures in gay features. There isn't a single dull moment! I would say one of the more profound elements of this work, aside from the stellar Max and Tul, are the budding relationships and powerful onscreen chemistry between the supporting actors and actresses to steer and tell the overall narrative of the story.

Manner of Death was not lackluster in the suspense or action side of this story either. Max was made to fight. He definitely needs to be in a plethora of homoerotic style action films and TV shows before he closes the door on his acting life. He kicked ass! And he fashions the bad boy style so well. And Tul having serious dialogue, being a ethically competent and thoughtful Doctor was brilliant. His machine mind solving mysteries and his character, Dr. Bun, with his pure passion and headstrong approach to doing the right thing never felt overstepped or as if it would lead to utter doom. That really validated a ton of the story process for me.

I am not sure anyone who watches this can keep a dry eye, even the tender parts not meant to display any sadness but to touch on the kinship and love between some characters, notably That and Sorn and hints of intimacy between Gun and Inspector M, was just a heartwrenching, happy, tear filled mess. And I have to say, you will absolutely love it.

This story is phenomenal. More complex than almost any gay drama I have seen. And doubly more consistent. Everything flows chronologically, all the plot holes are closed (not that there even ARE plot holes, which is exquisite!), and all the mysteries eventually, with a slow at first but quickening pace with each revelatory episode, unravel and unfold into a memorable tapestry of fluid watching that you will probably enjoy for a long time.

This show is 10/10, a rare rating for me on anything. But certainly lives up to the hype. And MaxTul never fail to steal your heart and leave with it. Hope you enjoy.

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PERFECT!

Manner of Death is my comfort show, I love it to pieces and I’m going to rewatch it regularly for the rest of my life. It is absolutely amazing, unique and I have never been that invested in a fictional story and characters before. It’s exceptional on many levels, but for me there are two major ground-breaking elements in this show – the story and the relationship of the main couple.

Story

This isn’t another college/university drama, this is a full-fledged mystery, suspense and crime story with brilliant, mature characters, which is extremely refreshing. There is so much metaphorical space in the story, so many things to notice and consider, various secondary characters, locations and subplots. I wouldn’t even say it is exactly a BL drama, rather a thriller where the lead couple just happens to be gay.

The plot is really complex and well-thought, there are twists and turns, nothing is obvious, nothing is what it seems and if you think that you have guessed the culprit correctly, you are in for a few surprises. The plot has some flaws, but give me a show without them. The characters make some unreasonable decisions, but who doesn’t, especially in such dire circumstances? I am willing to forgive that because of the overall impression.

The show touches upon many difficult and very important social issues, such as sexual abuse, human trafficking, underage sex work, government corruption. They are treated the way they should be – as a crime. I never felt that they are disregarded or swept under the rug (I have recently watched TharnType and yep, still triggered). Not going to spoil anything, but Jane’s story will break your heart.

Main couple

Another ground-breaking element is that the show leaves the overused BL tropes behind and moves to more mature, realistic relationships. There is no gay panic, no toxicity, no homophobia, no evil girlfriend, no coming out issues, no mean friends, no school/uni problems which are obviously valid but have been repeated so many times that MoD is like a breath of fresh air.

TanBun’s relationship is based on attraction at first sight which gradually transforms into true love and devotion. There is an obvious level of mistrust at the beginning but they both treat their developing relationship as something precious and valuable, not like a hot potato the fate has suddenly thrown at them. There is no stupid miscommunication leading to major heartbreak, they actually talk, care about each other and express it in meaningful ways, they do not play games or toy with each other’s feelings.

This is exactly what I want to see and what makes this show unique and outstanding. I want healthy relationships. I want the BL couples to put their loved ones first. To give them the benefit of the doubt. To ask questions, listen to answers and trust the person they have chosen. TanBun’s love is inspiring and beautiful because it is so unwavering. And if you think that their relationship is boring because of that, you have never been more wrong.

I must admit that when Tan cuffed Bun to the staircase and left, I was really distressed. Considering other shows I have seen, I braced for an inevitable fight, I expected Bun to break up with Tan, stop talking to him, hate him forever etc. And then my heart melted after seeing Bun’s reaction and I thought THIS. THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD BE. I CAN DIE HAPPY NOW.

Some minor complaints: I have never understood the popularity of protective lover/mean brat couples, this trope is present in MoD as well, it is not overused (ok, maybe the fish scene was too much lol) but I wouldn’t mind getting rid of it entirely (I guess it's just me). There were also a few weird moments when Tan leaned in for a kiss and Bun backed off like a blushing bride. Guess those are remnants of the wifey trope and while it works for teenagers struggling with their sexuality, it was kinda bizarre for two adult men in an actual relationship.

Characters and acting

I would say that there are no distinctive differences in acting and the overall level is very good. If I was supposed to decide on the best actor, I would probably choose Max because he displayed various emotions perfectly, effortlessly switching from dark, brooding, sexy Dam to smitten Tan with his little happy smiles and genuine care towards Bun.

Plus MaxTul’s chemistry is seriously out of this world. They could literally sit and read a phone book to each other and they would still take your breath away. It makes TanBun relationship even more believable because there is not a shade of doubt that this is it for both of them. Hurried or unhurried, this is their love of a lifetime. And it makes all the intimate moments insanely hot, too!

Great Sapol was a discovery for me and not only because oh boy, that man is uhmm... very aesthetically pleasing xD He is also a brilliant actor, his character is very interesting, torn between his official duties, obligations towards his superiors and just doing the right thing. It was fascinating to observe how he changed depending on whether he was wearing a uniform or not.

There is a number of vivid, colourful characters, plus most of them do something morally ambiguous sooner or later, there is no black and white only, which adds to the complexity of the entire story. I particularly liked Pued because he is so “unobvious”.

I could go on like this for hours but the simple truth is that this show captured my heart in a way nothing else ever had. An absolute must watch.

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Nothing like you'd expect

I really enjoyed this show. I feel it's original and I've completely immersed myself in the atmosphere.
I normally don't watch many crime series and don't like action scenes, but this show had a little bit of everything in a perfect combination so that nothing was too much and at the same time was justified to be there (i. e. no unnecessary sub-plots). The only thing I can complain about is that at times it was a little bit predictable, but the main plot (i. e. finding the murderer) was never too obvious.

The cast was perfect, especially the ultimate killer who perfectly embodied the killer mind. The romantic scenes between the two main leads were absolutely gorgeous, at times funny in a good way. I also liked the fact that the romantic plot wasn't too prominent and over the top, but everything developed naturally with the main crime plot as the ultimate protagonist.

It was a really beautiful journey. The only thing I would have changed is the relationship between Bun and Janejira: I had the impression they had a very strong bond, but this wasn't portrayed too clearly in the series. Apart from this, I really have nothing to say. I suggest it to everyone who is trying to look for a surprising and sudden plot development.

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