If you're looking for fluff, you're in the wrong place...

I feel like I have watched a different show from everyone else because I actually really, really loved this? and binged it within a day…?
To start off, this show is more on the mature side, so if you’re looking for fluff or if you’re here for cutesy BL moments DBK is probably not the show for you. I feel like nowadays BL shows have veered into a different type of cinematography (sometimes aiming for spectacularity over substance) while this one stays focused on the characters and their growth, the plot heavily driven by their interactions (although there are some serious scenographic shots/lovely scenes scattered around), therefore there are little to no flat moments.

Overall the characters feel genuine and not like some caricature as it often happens in more comedic shows, most of the actors are able to deliver their intentions convincingly without overdoing it. This is my first time watching TayNew and I’m honestly impressed by their performance? Especially for Tay, I feel like Pete had less screen time than Kao but every time he’s on the scene he manages to steal the spotlight from the others with his fierceness and his charisma. Yes, we can argue that Pete is very intense, hothead and often unreasonable, but in my opinion a “””bad””” person does not necessarily make for a bad character. In his case it’s quite the opposite. (And props to sweet Kao as well, my boy can be dense but he’s just doing his best!)

Usually I’m not a fan of contents with established relationships but DBK was able to keep me hooked - I was actually obsessed - with the magnetic portrayal of PK love story, the show was able to sell them as an authentic (gay) couple. Like, the chemistry is chemistrying. They flirt, they argue, they make up, they have a healthy sex life, they support each other and are each other’s best friend above all, they respect each other’s families and push each other to grow and become better persons. It may seem like their relationship is a bit unbalanced but that feels authentic to me as well. To quote the show, in a relationship you can’t always split the bill evenly, as loving does not come with receipts and people are, by nature, flawed. You-give-me-this-I-give-you-that-and-we-are-even does not work in real life!

On the other hand, we get to witness a fiery second couple flourish. Although their acting is not as flavourful as the main leads, I was actually enthralled by their charming arc and, at times, loved it just as much. After all, hate-to-love relationships never fail to deliver!
[Side note, but as I happened to watch Be My Favourite, Not Me and Dark Blue Kiss is this exact order, it was entertaining seeing Gawin’s acting going backwards from his charming portrayal of Pisaeng to his rookie representation of Mork. At this point, sad-closeted-gay-boy is his trademark lol.]

Beside great characterisation (remarkably Rain, Pete’s father and Kao’s mother are awe-inspiring personalities), as I mentioned DBK managed to engage me because it deals compellingly with mature topics of family and relationship dynamics, personal growth and acceptance, fear of meeting expectations and peer pressure, social issues like power structures, middle class struggles, lgbtqia+ rights, the contrast between earned respect and curtesy imposed by authority, and many other. Personally, I believe the show does a spectacular job at portraying real life issues in such a poignant, uplifting and nuanced way.

Spoiler Alert in parentheses!
[Some of my favourite moments were:
- Pete’s dad being so open and accepting with Pete sexuality to the point of approaching him to verify whether he is practicing safe seggs with Kao (the condoms lmao).
- Kao caving in and telling his mother he won’t be tutoring Non any longer, only after she told him she would finally get a promotion. That was kind of heartbreaking… My poor hardworking, family boy. :(
- Rain and Mork being the best of friends and being so supportive and understanding of each other; Rain standing up to Sun by demanding that he owns up to his mistakes and apologises to Mork about his paternalistic and proud behaviour. Go bestie!
- Pete and Kao domesticity after they reconcile. <33333]

So, is the story worth a watch? In my opinion, definitely.
I may be biased because I kind of love a bit of spice and controversy, but DBK is able to deliver just the right amount to keep the story going without dragging pointless misunderstandings into dreary melodrama. Sh*t happens and these boys are just stubborn! But they come around in the end!! :))

As I feel there is a tendency to disregard older BL shows for the sole reason of being kind of old-fashioned, I’m glad I actually give this one a shot and found an hidden gem, as it was very easy to get into the story and catch up with the plot, despite not having watched the previous instalments. DBK aims for straightforward rather than grandiose, but its message remains timeless and manages to drive its point home touchingly and convincingly.

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