Started Out Promising, But Then…

Okay so this BL series started off really promising, but unfortunately I feel like as the episodes progressed further, I found myself becoming more annoyed. This review will be lengthy (Sorry)

What I liked:
DUEAN AND MEEN
- The highlight of the series was this pair. For most of the series their relationship was used as more of a comedic tool, not much drama. The two characters compliment each other’s personalities well. Unlike with the main pair, this relationship seemed to develop naturally on its own with unrecognized feelings beginning to grow between both characters. Duean’s comedic dialogue with the narrator was always hilarious. What I like the most about this pairing is that it didn’t turn into one of those typical ‘the manly, assertive type and the fragile, naive type’ while it’s intended that Meen’s character is naive and innocent-like, it is not cringey. And Meen often asserts himself with Duean. Would love for them to have their own series someday honestly. The portrayal of the characters by the actors was great. The actors themselves showed great chemistry with one another.

THE CHARACTER OF NAN
- Probably my favorite character of the series, despite having VERY limited screen time. Nan is understanding, open-minded, supportive, level-headed, and just overall so kind that I think everyone in the world would wish for him to be real and their friend. Nan plays a part in getting our two main protagonists together. However, I found myself sometimes not even minding if Pi had ended up with Nan. But would then quickly dismiss such thoughts because Pi is just... Unfortunately Nan is an under appreciated character that isn’t given enough screen time despite the writers of this series clearly implying that Nan has his own personal story that affects him, one which we never get a glimpse of details about until the VERY LAST EPISODE. Overall, just the best character of the series to me.

DUEAN’S FRIENDS
- These are a group of characters that, just like Nan, did not get much screen time. However, they definitely are like-able and memorable. Duean’s group of friends are loyal and supportive not just to Durean but also Pi. While they are often used for comedic relief, they also do well in giving Duean and Pi advice when needed.

What I didn’t like (Oh boy):

NORMALIZING TOXIC SHIPPING
- This is probably what I disliked the most about this series. The cringey shippers. At first I feel like the writers were doing well in addressing the harmful impact that the actions of these toxic shippers can have on the lives of the individuals they fetishize. Having Pi consistently express discomfort at their harassment was something I agreed with. However, that expression becomes redundant to his character arch and the story at the end of the series. Despite the harassment, stalking, invasion of privacy, all seems to be forgiven on behalf of Mork and Pi to the shippers because of a simple slideshow of pictures, TAKEN WITHOUT CONSENT, of Mork and Pi before they had come out as a couple to the world. Within the last minutes of the last episode the shippers are once again, for some reason that isn’t necessary at all, given screen time having them lurking behind a tree stalking another pair to fetishize about. This part of the plot definitely wasn’t necessary at all considering it doesn’t seem like there were consequences given nor had any character learned anything valuable from these experiences.

MORK’S SEEMINGLY OBSESSIVE AND MANIPULATIVE TENDENCIES
- Okay so overall, as a character, Mork was decent. I didn’t like the character nor did I dislike him. Beginning the series I found his pursuing of Pi respectful, not so pushy, sweet even. However as the series started reaching toward the later episodes I starting becoming more annoyed with his actions. He just became a lot more pushier, almost obsessive. It first started with the stalkerish behavior; consistently appearing in places that Pi is in. Then the whole ‘fake lover to make the person I’m pursuing jealous,’ is overused, and manipulative. I feel like it’s just counter productive in a way (at least in real life situations it probably would be). Yes, Mork is successful in making Pi jealous but that doesn’t mean Pi couldn’t have (and rightfully so) began even doubting Mork’s feelings for him after he’s consistently pestered him about said feelings. Maybe it’s just me but I think if someone is confused about their feelings for someone and looks unsure or uncomfortable with that someone’s advancements toward them, that confused person should be given space to relax and reflect. Not manipulated by a plot ‘oh look at me I’ve moved on so quickly from you despite earlier in the day reinstating my love to you.’ The whole thing of Mork’s engagement with the ‘fans’ that fetishize a relationship between them two is also I feel very manipulative.

THE EVIL FEMALE CHARACTER TROPE
- Speaking of the ‘fake lover to make the person I’m pursuing jealous’ plot… Okay so the writers had me fooled believing that they wouldn’t place the typical evil female character trying to come between our two main protagonists. But… that’s exactly what happened. When the female was introduced as Mork’s friend and ‘pretend lover’ I wasn’t particularly happy at all. As I mentioned before this whole plan seems counter productive and manipulative to me. However, then it seemed like the female was genuine with her motives, trying to get the two together. Until literally the last episode where she illogically admits to having feelings for Mork, therefore tries to sabotage the main protagonists’ relationship. 10minutes after said sabotage she’s helping Mork get back together with Pi… Honestly I felt she wasn’t needed in the series at all. The writers just used this evil female trope to create illogical and unnecessary drama. Also she was rather annoying as Mork’s pretend girlfriend. She also does not face any consequences for her actions, and half asses an apology…

UNNECESSARY EXCESSIVE FOCUS ON CERTAIN ISSUES OVER OTHER MORE VALID ISSUES
- This is probably what I found most irritating about this series. Issues that seemed the most interesting and would give more depth to the series, were either given a backseat or literally introduced in full display within the last episodes. For example, Pi’s insecurities. Beginning the series, Pi had relatable issues such as being timid and insecure. However these valid issues seemed to be overshadowed with the writers consistently displaying Pi’s feelings for Nan, then his doubt of his feelings for Nan, then his denial of his feelings for Mork as Mork becomes more pushy and obsessive. It would have made the series more relatable, easier to feel sympathy for Pi, had the writers focused the whole ‘denial of feelings for Mork’ montage more associated with Pi’s insecurities about himself and not clinging onto his feelings for Nan. Just having him consistently deny and reject Mork because.. He just wants to??? Felt really unnecessarily prolonged. The writers started doing what I just suggested within the last few episodes of the series. AND this only seemed to be triggered into action because of the evil female trope and the toxic shipping, not something he’s been dealing with consistently throughout the series. (Side note; instead of showing back and forth chasing and rejecting between Mork and Pi, the writers should have cut that short to give Nan and his story more screen time, but I digress.)

PI’S LACK OF LIKE-ABILITY AS THE SERIES PROGRESSED
- At first this character seemed relatable, like-able, quirky. I even found him to be really adorable in the beginning episodes. But then I just started becoming increasingly more annoyed with his actions and his character as the series progressed. Just like with the character of Mork, I didn’t like nor dislike this character. It was just more of a ‘Meh’ feeling.

Overall:
- This series I would classify as average/decent. It had a lot of potential to be better especially with the issues the writers were trying to introduce but then gave a backseat to. The side couple shined brighter than the main couple, for me. Unfortunately so much drama that could have been placed within the earlier episodes was subjected to the last two episodes and felt unnecessary or rushed. (Side note; the pacing of this series was kinda strange) The acting was decent as well, there were a lot of cringey moments that had me having to pause and reflect but there were cute cringey moments as well (Duean and Meen kings of cute cringey moments). I personally wouldn’t watch the series again, at least not all the way through. Maybe just Duean/Meen and Nan moments I’d rewatch only. I’m aware there will be people that do not agree with my points and feel otherwise. However, I ask that my opinions about this series be respected and I will also respect the opinions of others. The final thing I want to say is that NAN DESERVES HIS OWN SERIES PLEASE.

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