Step by Step- take a step forward, then take two steps back.

To start off, I'm not disappointed with this series because of the "slow burn" because I slurp that shit up like butter.

I'm disappointed, because even it did have SOME good qualities, it's overwhelmingly underwhelming and inconsistent. Especially with the directing.

Just a little sad that this series was so promising based the trailer and the pilot series. And at first it did live up to its name. They took steps to make the office setting and dynamics as realistic as they possibly could with the limited budget. And they did SO right with getting Man for the role of Jeng. Putting an actual older man, instead of the usual making a young character age by facial expressions and clothing to look mature, because it contributes to the office setting, age gap plot. But it stops there. It felt like that one step they took; they take two steps back.

Anyway, let's begin. I usually start with the good elements in a series, but this is time I'll start with bad.

Bad:

1. Directing- This is one of the biggest disappointments in the series. And I know this may seem a bit dramatic, but one of the biggest disappointments of the year. Everyone who expected to see a mature, office setting drama will be blown away by how underwhelming this is.

It's always been a hit or miss with Director Tee. He's one of the most inconsistent directors I've seen in this lifetime. I mean he directed TharnType and that shit was toxic as all hell, but he did great with Lovely Writer. And I like how he's taking more mature plot to direct, but all of his projects have always been a hit or miss. Which to me is a little weird. I don't know how he can turn an actual good plot into a sloppy mess.

Attention to detail was close to non-existent. The inconsistencies manifested in every episode, and it's difficult to ignore them because Director Tee gave us nothing to make us overlook those inconsistencies. And I don't think I need to list them out, but some are stated below. (They really thought they could put that "Best Ad Awrad" award on that shelf, and we wouldn't notice. That's a bit insulting as a viewer.)

I know that Director Tee doesn't control the actual plot of the series, but with everything else the director is the final say. No matter what other people think. What we see onscreen is the director's work. That's his vision. He may not be the screenwriter, or the editor, but he has a say in both. And my god the writing in this is underwhelming, not even Man's charisma can help. I get that the pacing was done that way to show that the characters worked with each other first before catching feelings. And I get that it becomes even more apparent because of Pat's character and personality, but it doesn't help the viewers understand him because his reactions and worries only makes him look like a little child throwing tantrums because his traumas weren't explored and translated on screen.

When Pat comes across a revelation, his facial expression IS NOT ENOUGH. And his lines are always so confusing and so uncharacteristic. It's very, very, confusing and the watchers can never actually guess what he's thinking. And this is why I always say it's the director's fault. He could've made it so that Pat has more than 2 expressions- a child throwing a tantrum and an immature man being babied by everyone around him. Even the 2 years did nothing to him. Although this time it makes sense. The reason why Pat is an almost stagnant character is because the root of his problems wasn't addressed, and the people around him still spoiled him. And poor Jeng deserves so much more than that. He's looking for a life partner, not a pretty baby to take care of.

The supporting characters did little to support the narration, and they didn't add value to the plot and the storytelling either. Which is disappointing because we all know they are good actors. Like Krist and Chot. I know it's lovely to see Bruce again and more so that his character is a feminine character that isn't there for comic relief, and Tee even gave him a much-deserved proposal. But it doesn't take away the fact that his partner proposed to him while he's in a hospital bed. I'm not saying marriage proposals have to be aesthetic and grand, but the events before that doesn't give any sense as to why Krist decided to propose at that exact time. I had to rewatch the episode because I was so confused how that ended up to a marriage proposal. And sadly, that moment felt flat. Their acting was great, but again, the scenes leading up to it, and the feeling after that- nothing. Except those sweet lines of assurance from Krist that he's taking care of Chot forever, but it still didn't make any sense. And please don't make me start with JaabJen. That was just another level of disappointment. Even with Jaab's bad acting, they had so much potential. The I-have-a-crush-on-a-taken-man trope is not at all unique, but this has so much room for character development, and their chemistry was palpable, but again, Director Tee did a shitty job on that. Jaab didn't change at all in those 2 years. This is not just a writing problem, nor acting. It's the directing.

Lastly, my biggest disappointment with Director Tee is how poorly he did the resolution. I was willing to forgive episodes 7-11 (even tho those episodes already showed signs how badly the last episode will be done), but man, episode 12 did not disappoint in disappointing.

I know that people have different feelings and perspective, but for nothing to change in 2 years? I know this is fiction, but it didn't make a lick of sense why episode 12 felt like episode 11.

I'm sorry but I think it'll take me another day to fully write down how utterly disappointed I am with Director Tee. I hope he puts in his all in all of his work. I think he still has more in him, but if he's going to make series like these, I think it's time to make way for other directors. I wanted to use a series as reference, but I don't think I need to do that to prove a point.

2. Acting- One of the good qualities of this series is mainly the acting. But my 7.0 rating is for Man and Bruce. Mans must be suffering with back pains with only them carrying the whole series.

I know that Ben and Saint are rookies, but that's not the problem here. The problem is that they were directed so badly that they thought all they needed to do was act immature and try to act cool and weird, respectively. From start to finish.

I have nothing to say more though cause the supporting actors did what they could, but sadly their potential was not optimized.

3. Overall quality- I know that being a smaller production house meant they had lesser budget, but sadly it showed. Not with the location, nor their style. It just showed in the overall quality of the production. The color gradient they used with the film didn't help because it felt like a cheap knock-off. Although, it helped lighten up the over-all mood of the series. It prevented it from becoming dark and heavy.

Okay. On to the good:

1. Office Romance- At least they made it so obvious that JengPat's corporate office romance is guaranteed to have problems because a boss-subordinate dynamic in itself already an issue. They successfully showed the problematic power play that comes from this dynamic. Additionally, the power dynamics, the age gap, and the height difference, was successfully showed on the screen that it will bring problems.

2. Man- I'm sorry but I have to write a whole section for him, because he's such a breath of fresh air. Most series that put in older characters will mostly turn their series to dark or dramatic because romance with older, mature people is usually heavier. But choosing Man, someone who doesn't look too uptight or too sharp, made the series overall lighter.

I think that's it. I wanted to say watch it with an open mind, and just take it as it is, but I'd be a hypocrite because 1 episode took me 3 days to finish. I had to power through episodes 6-11 because it felt like they were going around in circles, and worse was that for the most part it felt like Jeng did most of the loving. So, I think I'd rather watch their interviews or behind the scenes because I do like looking at them. They look great together. You can do the same if you want. :)

Okay, peace!

Citeste mai mult

Watch it. You'll regret it if you won't.

Okay. First off. I've always, always been here for Maxtul, but I could never rewatch any of their other series because of A. They contained major queer stereotyping and internalized homophobia, buuuuuttt it's like MoD took a 360 and turn around all this homophobia and I'm here for it. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I thought this is one of the few shows that did a good representation of us. So anyways unto the series.


1. Setting: Viangpha Mork definitely has those dark, gloomy, inky atmospheres that either make you feel cold or sleepy. IDK why but it does that for me. And so I thought it didn't need to be all that to be mysterious or eery, but it kinda helps with the setting, I guess? Altho it's more on the post-production than the actual place, so there's that. (But the place they used as Viangpha Mork is sooooo beautiful tho? If I ever go to Thailand, I'd definitely. definitely go there.) Anyway, they wanted to portray a little town, where even in its close-knit community, has ill powers lurking everywhere. And that's just how it is in real life anyway. Like the abortion clinic, and the murderer aspect. It kinda gave it the extra mystery because of how tiny and close-knitted their community is, it still shows they only know so little, just above the surface. It was a good touch. But I still think you can do that without it looking like "Forks" or "Collinsport" yk? But Tan's house was a dream tho. I'd love to have one myself.

2. Writing: Goddamn. I think this is the first time I've seen a MURDER/MYSTERY/THRILLER CRIME Series, where the characters have no qualms of going around, leaving their goddamn fingerprints everywhere. I mean it could be because of how small the town is, they didn't have equipment for these? IDK but damn. Not even a single cloth finger gloves like the magicians use? I mean but well, it's kinda minor tho. and the other issue is how Bun is like the all-around doctor in the series. I mean it could be because he's the only surgeon in the town? and so he has multiple cases of different stuff? Like at one point it seemed like he was in the ER, in the surgery room as well. But I think he's supposed to be just a pathologist tho? Maybe? Or maybe they decided to change it up and made him into the chief surgeon who also does autopsies? I personally think that's how it is. Anyway, the rest of the writing was super good tho. Like how they make characters seem like it is, then make them the good guys again, then the bad guys in the next scene. It was good. It wasn't extra. Just natural and subtle. It's like the ONLY guy who I know is the good guy is Dr. Bun and that for me, made it even more exciting.

3. Actors: Well as you can all see (or will see when you start watching) everyone in this series are such eye candies. Every single one of them. Yes, I know some people will not agree. But to each his own. But they were all good-looking people goddamn. OMFG. My bisexual self just kept on rising and getting on edge every episode goddamn. But what I loved about it more is how most of their actors are new in the BL scene. Like they are in the entertainment industry, but not in BL. And I think that's amazing because it means that this series was recognized to be a Crime/mystery/ thriller, not just as BL. I understand that there are a lot of actors that are not comfortable acting in such because to each his own, but damn, the number of fresh faces I saw there excited me to no end. The only familiar face there is Dr. Oat and MaxTul, and Tan's brother, but YK. Amazing.

4. Acting: The actors acted superbly, for a crime series, and IDK that made it even more amazing for me because, FINALLYYYY no one is fangirling, shipping, or drooling over the hot guys. IT WAS SUCH A RELIEF. I'm so done with the usual roles of girls in the BL series. I'm not just talking bout the fangirls, also how most girls in BL acted. Either they want their male friends to be gay and ship them with other guys, or how their gay friend automatically is supposed to be the fashion icon just because they're gay. Like, stop it, people. Their sexuality does not dictate their fashion choices stop it. And well some actors definitely need improvement, and will ofc become better with more projects to come, but overall, it was the best at their current limitations and capabilities and I love that for them.

5. Cinematography: Idk what else to say. One of the very few Thai BL series that took my breath away with their camera work. it was quite simple? Like I mean it wasn't unique in the crime/thriller series to have unique angles to give it the ominous aura, but for a BL? This made me so happy. Their exploration and their ambition to produce variety in the BL scene made me so happy. It's FINALLYYYYYY. Thailand, please produce more quality series, please.

Overall, it wasn't a perfect series, but for me? It was PERFECT. It was everything I needed and more. A BL series where the BL plot isn't the driving force of the show but instead overshadowed by the murder mystery plot, and the showcase of issues and the reality of our society? I mean, someone better stand up and show me that. That's amazing. And what's makes it even better is that this can serve as a starting point or a booster for other producers who's been wanting to bring something different in the Thai BL scene, but were hesitant for the market's reception. I hope this shows them that even with all the toxic fanatism in the industry, there are those that came for the show and the representation. And I hope it shows them that the market is growing bigger and diverse and that it's more than okay to explore and go beyond what's bringing more money in.

Anyway, I've said so much now. WATCH IT PLEASE. POR FAVOR. Have an open mind, watch it for it is, without any expectation. Just watch it.

Citeste mai mult

I actually had high ecpectations for this series. Coming from the same production team as SCOY, and based on their chemistry on there, I had some expectations.

Not sure why I was so hesitant to tackle this series. I actually only started when ep 4 aired. I think it may have been the color gradient of the series and the thumbnail. And then finished watching it when ep 12 aired, and even that took me a week to finish. My driving force was I wanted to watch gay sht cause I’m a gay sht myself.

Anyway, on to the review. I’ll start with the positive.

One of the good things on here is the lesbian representation. It was quite good. I saw myself in the characters most of the time, so I dont have much issues there. I like how they made Sam to be a confusing character, her upbringing and her surroundings made her so she doesn’t know how to express herself, meanwhile Mon is the more grounded. And the conflicts kinda made sense as well since their backgrounds, their differences and society (since they took on the more “realistic” approach) will cause problems.

I also like FreenBeck’s chemistry. They look good together. Which just reminds me why Im single. Im not 1% as pretty as these girls, so thanks for the reminder girls.

Also, I love how the passion and their eagerness to see this series to fruition is also translated in this series. It looks like they did their best, and it looks like a lot of work went into this and it shows, kinda. So i love that. We need more passion and eagerness in this world. So that’s a plus for me.

So onto the negative.

I think this series would’ve been better if they made it shorter. I know they wanted to make it a full 12-episode because it will be more at par with full scale BL, but it only made it seem like they had fillers? Well not really fillers, but it created more plot holes and writing mistakes. Which is usually the case for long episodes anyway. Maybe if they made the writing and the pacing a bit better? Like with Kirk. I think if they didn’t need to fill in those 12 episodes, they wouldnt feel the need to include Kirk-related conflict into the series. Althoo it kinda happens in real life anyway. Not all antagonists are evil. Sometimes they could be people who’s just after the same thing as you and they become problems instead. But idk, something about Kirk doesnt feel necessary to me. Althoo it would feel even more BS if they didnt include him at all. Fiances dont just disappear into thin air.

But I think because of the artistic post production choices they took, it made the whole thing a little confusing. The top review here commented on the angle they used in the show, and i honestly didnt notice that was one of the reasons that made this series hard to watch. Something about their angles made it feel like you were looking through a telescope, like your view is restricted.

And they used very bright colors, just the whole color gradient of the show and the acting was on the animated side, and so you’d think they took on the more “fantasy” approach. And those “funny” sound effects. Like DMD did with Cutie Pie. Both series have the same feel to me. Not sure why. And Cutie Pie’s plot is kinda on the unrealistic side.

But viewers like me would expect Gap to be on a more darker gradient since the plot is supposed to showcase real life. Especially that they emphasized on the power dynamics and the social class difference. Office setting, age gap, economical status difference, these all very serious issues, but Gap failed to deliver the severity of these issues because of the overall feel.

Anothing thing, I love Becky, she seems like a sweet girl, but her character Mon is a bit frustrating at times. I know she’s young, and I know she can be flustered, but the way these writers and directors made her character is a tad annoying. Like they sometimes made her out to be a little airhead? Which doesnt make sense to me sometimes. It was what made me question why Sam liked her so much. They made it seem like she’s just the pretty new employee, thats why Sam fell for her. Which is BS because they couldve made her character have more sustance.

Okay I know they kinda needed that for character development, but the delivery was lacking. So for me it made their dynamics a little annoying.

Also, some of the extra characters were a bit unnecessary cause they contributed little to the plot. I know they needed some of them to show different stories but some of the extras were really not contributing to the plot. But thats just me.

Lastly, I just want to reiterate that if you dont have enough material for 12 episodes then make it shorter. People will gobble up anything you give them. Just make it good, make it make sense. There’s more to love in a 8-10 episode, amazingly made, and rewatchable series, than a 12 episode hard to digest anything.

Okay im out. Peace!

Citeste mai mult

Not the greatest, but better than Cutie Pie the series

Okay. I knooow a lot of yall won't agree with this, but if you like Cutie Pie's story, then I kinda get why you won't like Bed Friend's more realistic plot. I mentioned Cutie Pie because they came from the same production and even in the same universe, I think? But they're like in the opposite ends of the spectrum for plots.

I'll start with the good elements:

1. Plot- Bed Friend touched on a very triggering, but very, (disappointingly and disgustingly) real issue of sexual abuse, pedophilia and r*pe. Bed Friend did a good job of how they were able to translate the trauma, the trauma responses, and the not openly talked about PTSD of victims of this abuse. PTSD is not just for war veterans; it happens to all victims of any trauma.

It's refreshing to see that instead of just focusing on the senseless steamy, NC scenes, ( I was honestly getting tired of the overly steamy NC scenes making it look like BL is just a collection of softprn for impressionable teen girls who's pining after a superstar) they used the s*x to explain why they are in a friend with benefits situation in the first place, used their multiple s*x scenes that lead them to catch feelings for each other, and also portray the changes and how comfortable Uea is becoming with King.

Since Uea is openly gay, and is even feminine representing, it's a breath of fresh air to see his portrayal that isn't as flamboyant as other feminine openly gay characters. Especially in an industry that uses gay characters as a comic relief. Uea was given a complicated, and dark history that thoroughly explains his character, and his attitude around people (how he doesn't open up to people) and his self-sabotaging decisions.

I've read a comment on YT that said that there were too many scenes of trauma that they think didn't need to be on there, but on the contrary, those scenes were very necessary. It just proves that a person who has not gone thru what you did, will never understand how you feel. Those memories of trauma were engraved in his brain, as much as affecting his everyday function because his traumas weren't addressed then, and worse, his family (except his sister) were one of the perpetrators. A person who has not gone thru this level of trauma can never begin to understand how and why, but Bed Friend was able to translate that on screen. And for that I commend them.

I'll mention an example that might help this point- Sky in Love in the Air, Daisy from SCOY- characters that only wanted to love and be loved but were let down and hasn't healed from it yet.

I know this plot isn't unique, but there aren't a lot of series that did a good representation of this like Bed Friend did.

2. Resolution- And even more, how they delivered the resolution. Making sure the perpetrators got what they deserved, and how Uea took time before becoming official with King. And I love how they did in the final scenes of the series. Uea needed that. I know it's a bare minimum to have a good resolution, but lately, we've been having shitty series enders and I'm just happy to get all the good endings I can.

3. Acting- Net's eyes are *chefs kiss*. This guy can act with his eyes, and I love that because they needed work on their communication so how else will King be able to portray his feelings for Uea? His fcking eyes.

And don't get me started on James. James's take on an openly gay feminine character was amazing. It was a perfect blend of a he knows he's sexy, but is silent, and reserve. He's obviously feminine, but he wasn't overly flamboyant. He was hurt and he had his walls up, but he was confident and knows how to set his boundaries. His complexity was palpable even though he didn't say much.

The supporting characters did okay. They were able to add value to the storytelling, and was helpful with the narration, but not the best. Which made it realistic because Uea is not the type to have a big support group because he wasn't easy to trust because of his family. And also, on King's side. I love his family. And they even made it obvious why King was so set on Uea. Uea was so much like his mother.

4. Pacing- If you don't have enough content for 12 episodes, make it shorter. Which they did. I love how they only had 10 episodes and spared the watchers of senseless fillers. But they were able to give the characters closure and reassurance.

Bad Elements:

1. Blocking- I have a little issue with the blocking. It's like the characters look out of place in a setting in times.

2. Editing- The editing is not the best either. It felt choppy, almost awkward.

There's actually not a lot I can think of. Well not enough to be memorable anyway. Although the series started a little rocky, and they were not able to fully explore on why Uea hated King's gut so much, except that he was a womanizer. Although it would make sense since it seems like Uea has always found King attractive. You'll never have strong emotions for people that don't matter to you. Period.

Overall, it was a good watch. It needs a clear PSA, just to warn viewers that it'll deal with traumas.

Okay, that about it. Peace!

Citeste mai mult

WATCH THIS FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING BL. The. Best.

This is your sign to watch this series. One of the best BL series I’ve seen. I know that sounds like a huge compliment, but this series deserves it.

Technical:

Acting- a fckin 10/10
Writing- 10/10
Directing- 10/10
Cinematography- 10/10
Sounds- a crispy 10/10. You’ll need earphones for the kissing scenes. You’ll fckn ascend, man. Levitate.
Story- 12/10. I know it starts off a bit off and cringe even with the great acting, but it serves a purpose. They did it on purpose, and you’ll understand why in the later parts. It’s mindblowing.
Conflict & Resolution: the best. 13/10. They gave it all.
Plot- 1573646/10. I know the setting being in a university is very, very cliche. But it’s done on purpose. Believe me. It’ll all make sense later in the series.

Non-technical:

Conflict- you know how a drama is heavy while being very feel-good and light at the same time? This is that series. It’s laced with relatable and timely issues, while being one of the funniest and most romantic series. I dont know what else i wanna look for.

Representation- 16494726/10. Daisy? Toh? Khao? They’re all of us in ways you never knew. You’ll feel represented by one of them, and all of them at the same time. Phenomenal.

Smex- 13/10. The kiss scenes are enough to melt me to utter goo. The nsfw scenes are incredible as well.

Dynamics- one of the best pairings and friend group I’ve ever seen. Toh’s friend group is hilarious as all hell, and very relatable. Nuea’s are all so hot it’s ridiculous. But let’s talk about the pairings.

Pair dynamics- 153747936385736793/10. Perfect. Green flag tops who care for you, assure you, reassure you, and then reassure you some more, hype you up, build you up, and then support you all the way? Who. Doesn’t. Want. That. I’ll. cut . Your. Throat. You. Fckin. Liar.

All the ‘tops’ here are iconic. Nuea, Sky and Intouch. *Chef’s Kiss*.

Lastly, my love for this series? 16384739479374747364647474%

I can’t get this series out of my head. It’s crazy.

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