1626 (2023)

Should've happened before Pieces of Me

It was much better than I expected. Especially considering what we were told it will be at first. I was very concerned about the original plot (Nick pretending to be 16 to get with Tod), so seeing that they changed it made me very happy. I do think it was better done this way.

However, the two parts did seem to drag on a bit, especially the second. The acting wasn’t very believable at times, which I think made it difficult to really feel the emotions in the more emotional scenes. They also ruined the ending by scheduling these two episodes after Pieces of Me. We already had a good idea of what to expect, which kind of prevent the buildup of what would happen in the end. Maybe switching the order of Pieces of Me and 1626 would be better.

Another complaint I have is about the time – when things happen, how do different events follow each other, etc. I found it very hard to keep up with what is past and what is present. There was no clear distinction between the two.

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Pluto, Black Holes and Revolutions

This was actually a pretty poignant little story, just like the previous miniseries in this anthology. A story about separation and fledgling feelings, done in a different way than expected.

The story is from the POV of Tod from Pisces of Love, his experience since he moved to Khon Kaen at the beginning of the previous anthology, and his memories involving Nick, his tutor in Bangkok, and someone he left behind. Through flashbacks and narration, we see the events that transpired from the moment they first met to the moment they separated.

What's incredibly obvious is that they're both very important to each other. Nick definitely sees Tod as a younger brother, and whether Tod sees him as something more is left upto ambiguity. Regardless, they have a huge significance in the other's life. The ending is bittersweet and kind of open, since this was more of an exploration of their feelings and thoughts more than anything, it made sense.

A good miniseries, slow at times and not really one that has a plot per se, but compared to the way they marketed this, I'd say it's a relief they took this approach.

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