"Dark Blue and Moonlight" is a series that evokes mixed feelings. I was turned with some of the lead characters' unlikable traits, while others may appreciate his character flaws. Hua Quin, the main actor, may come across as selfish and annoying, but he also shows moments of vulnerability and uncertainty. His battle with depression adds complexity to his character, some will find relatable. The love triangle involving Hua Quin, Yan Fei, and Pin Jun is complicated, with emotions and feelings that intertwine in unexpected ways. The story itself felt rushed at times, leaving some plot holes that could have been addressed with a longer runtime. I was scratching my head and doing mental gymnastics to explain away either the poor editing or bad script.

Despite these flaws, the series still manages to deliver an engaging story. The director and writer effectively play with the color blue, giving unique depth to the characters. The music enhances the overall experience, fitting the theme and mood of the story.

One of the standout aspects of the series is its focus on character development. Each character comes from a different background, with distinct personalities, goals, and hidden agendas. This complexity captures the intricacies of relationships and love, exploring the unspoken undercurrents that often go unnoticed.

The acting performances were sometime spot on and other times amateurish, with the cast bringing a mix bag of performance to each character. Jimmy's portrayal as the seemingly happy-go-lucky character with a sensitive side is commendable but there was his seemingly openly cheating. While Yan Fei impressively embodies the stoic marketing director with confusing displays of affection and lack of loyalty to his partner. Hai Qing's character, artistic and talented, adds depth with his dark and possessive side, easily angered and depressed which was poorly portrayed. Ping Jun, on the other hand, remains a simple, nice guy throughout but when he wa angry it was unintentionally comical.

While the series showcases moments of heartbreak and conflicting values, it offers a realistic depiction of relationships and the complexity of human emotions. The chemistry mismatch between certain characters, however, is a notable issue, which occasionally affected the authenticity of their interactions. The series had so much potential but fail in execution.

In conclusion, "Dark Blue and Moonlight" is a series that may not resonate with everyone, but it delves into the messier side of love and relationships. It explores the pain of love, the uncertainties, and the absence of fairytale endings, providing a refreshing perspective on BL shows. For those willing to embrace the complexities and explore realistic portrayals of love, this series offers a compelling and thought-provoking experience.