This BL takes to task the fated mates trope and what it means to have love chained intimately to predestination. This show is about how faith in destiny before choice diminishes the authenticity of emotion, relationships, and connection.

This is a high concept to examine through the lens of a BL.

By activating + examining the soulmates trope this show is challenging a foundation of romance: the idea that there is one person meant to be your one romantic partner all your life. This means that we, as viewers, spend much of the show worried about it having a happy ending, and that’s the source of both its brilliance and tension: would the narrative have the strength to truly challenge its own romantic core?

But, ultimately, all this elevated complexity was executed in a somewhat shaky and clumsy manner with the narrative derailing into some serious pacing issues and characters manipulated by miscommunication.

However, with good chemistry and decent acting all around, plus some excellent high heat and representation of consent and a few other rare tropes, this one has to (like it’s sibling show My Ride) earn a high rating for me. I LIKE high concept. I like that we got something rare for BL. I enjoyed it even as it made me think, so despite its flaws.