Love by Chance (2018)

This was my first ever fully watched Thai bl series and I have to say: it was the cutest.

The main storyline is cliche but super fluffy and lovely, the actors have incredible chemistry and look good together. However I fell in love with the other story. Tin and Can... oh our beloved Can... I hope the second season brings their story up to the stars. I almost cried when finishing the last episode.

Then... There is a "couple" of two brothers. I hated that relationship so much. I suppose there has to be something unpleasant in every series.

Overall it is one of the most beautiful series. The production quality is not good, but you can still enjoy it.

I do recommend it. :)

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This is a sweet drama with cute couples and really hot scenes at times, yet the story was not that appealing to me. It was pretty straight-forward which is a good thing for many people, but I felt as though the build up wasn't enough, and the love between the main couple wasn't tested enough, and at one point the series seemed to be all about the hot make out scenes.
It's one of those bl you watch only for the kissing and the bedroom scenes although they do emphasize on sending a message across saying "it's okay no matter what your sexuality is".
The acting was alright considering the cast is full of young boys who've probably acted for the first time. Really a one time watch for me.

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I think that it was great i can't say much because i don't really remember much of it but i have to say that it was good but this raping thing bothered me something like that can't be and shouldn't be romanticed but it was great though im happy that this Bl even got me into Bl













































































im looking foward to season two

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Bittersweetly surprised

For a show with lots of cussing, violence, and sex, it managed to be so wholesome and sweet! I have so many different opinions about "Love By Chance", though, in general, I liked it a lot.

What I loved about it:
Pete and Ae have such a healthy, innocent relationship! Sometimes they have problems, sometimes jealousies get a little too intense, and sometimes insecurities get in the way of common sense, but they always talk things through. They respect each other, love each other, and effectively become each other's equal partners. I loved watching them go visit each other's families-- it was so adorable! I also loved how Pete learned to communicate directly, and eventually became a stronger, more independent person.
I also liked Can. He was so adorable, feisty, and energetic! He, his sister, and his mother were such hilarious spitfires! And his friend Good was the exact opposite, which only made things funnier!
Also, while many people hated how Can and Tin did not get together in the end, I liked it. Neither of them was emotionally mature enough for a relationship, and it's rare for dramas to depict that sort of reality.
Also, Pond and CheAim had such a healthy, endearing, funny relationship. I loved the scene where Pond told CheAim that she didn't need to feel insecure about being sexually reserved, because he liked her for her and not for being sexy.

What made me uncomfortable:
The actor playing Ae was only 16 during the drama's filming, which made a lot of the scenes where Pete and Ae got intimate a little squicky. There was no nudity, though, and it was easy to fast-forward through the very few sex scenes that were shown.
Tin was a little too pushy around Can, and went straight into creeper territory at times. I guess it's supposed to show how problematic he is as a person, but some of the ways he treated Can came across a little prostitute-y.
Also, when you first meet Pond, he's jerking off. He also is a porn addict. Like, what?

What I hated:
The finale. That whole crappy debacle.
First of all, that rape scene where a high schooler completely takes advantage of his friend's intoxicated older brother, then manipulates him into thinking it was the other was around! What the f*ck were the screenwriters thinking?!
I also hated the whole step-brothers' story line. It could have been done better, but was done so horribly.

In many ways, "Love By Chance" was very progressive and uplifting. At the same time, some problematic, and some downright horrible, things got slipped in. Watching it was a very bittersweet experience, and re-watching it will be better since I'll know which parts to skip.

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Despite what LBC does wrong, it does so much more right.

Since the opening scene of the first episode, I was hooked! The series introduces the main characters in a simple and efficient way and from then on, the storyline flows smoothly without being confusing. The side characters are introduced gradually and are distinctive enough to be easily recognizable. Overall, the series's plot is very easy to follow and understand.

The story of the two main leads is truly beautiful and heart-warming throughout the series and it manages all that without being boring. The conflicts arising between them along the way don't feel unreasonable, contrariwise, they fall in line with the characters' normal behaviour and therefore the plot points don't feel forced. Their interactions are cute and refreshing because they don't fall into the stereotypes and therefore can pleasantly surprise.

The side characters are genuinely funny and only add to the story. I was especially enjoying Pond's character that didn't only serve as a comedic segment, but that held great importance in the early stages of Pete's and Ae's relationship through his support and kinda playing the matchmaker. He wasn't the only one, though. Especially the characters revolving around the two main leads were very well developed and relatable. I personally enjoyed Tin's development the most. His storyline revolving around overcoming his trust issues felt really authentic and even though I'm not rich myself, I could understand and sympathize with his character.

However, there were two other "couples" that I just couldn't relate to. The two brother's relationship was confusing. They didn't give them enough screen time and therefore failed to convey necessary information to the audience in order to make an opinion. It is stated in the series that they are "stepbrothers", but what does that really mean? Are they blood-related at all? Have they grown up together? Those are necessary information for the audience to know to somehow "excuse" their relationship. Otherwise, it just feels gross and wrong.

Then there is the relationship between No and the other guy whose name I didn't even bother to remember. That's how much I just don't care about them. Again, they didn't get enough screen time and the times they actually were on screen didn't give the audience any reason whatsoever to cheer for them. The extent of what is one of them willing to do in order to get the other guy is not a good message that you what your audience to take with them. Especially if he'll actually succeed in his efforts, but that is something to wait for in the second season.

However, what I think this drama really deserves praise for is it's pacing. The fact that Pete and Ae don't get together too fast or too slow, but at a precise time when it just feels right, is what makes this show so great. We can clearly see the progress of Ae's feelings towards Pete and how he's gradually falling in love with him. It doesn't feel rushed and it doesn't feel unjustified because we can see Ae's reasons throughout the episodes.

As a bonus to the series, the songs in it were nice to listen to and they fit the mood perfectly.

My last complaint about this series is the fact that nothing really happened regarding the "main villain" of the series since I expected him to reappear and cause some trouble. That was, in my opinion, some wasted potential and opportunity to thicken the plot. Especially at the end of the series where the attention was shifting from the main couple to one of the side couples since there wasn't much to do with the main one anymore.

However, despite what the series does wrong, I must say that there is a clear majority of what it does right. Therefore, I must still give this drama 9/10. The development of the main leads' relationship was handled the best way I've ever seen and it just filled me with so much happiness and warmth watching it. The same counts for Tin and Can, who I'm really looking forward to in the next season. Therefore I can give it a pass for some parts that could've been handled better and that could have been given more time and attention.

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•what kept me watching:
○perth's organic acting. those eyes held so much emotion within them!

○the nature of aepete's relationship. it was so healthy and sweet.

○tincan. i'm a sucker for this type of plot line ;-;

○the music. wow i love "Wish this Love". as soon as they played the instrumental i swooned everytime. i think this is the best ost song i have heard in a lakorn.

•what had me wishing it wasn't included:
○an aspect in the realationship of tincan. the forceful advances were slightly unsettling, it could have been better written. they could have made it an element of surprise instead of a forceful one. and not to mention tincan's ending . wow really. out of all the "relationships" they had to kill the second best (even best for some) one. at least they could have ended it openly. so just like so many other, i'll be hoping a second season or just a spin off for tincan is made.

○tumtar. that was attempted rape at best. really unnecessary. okay so i can understand (for a lack of a better word) if they had made my poor baby get raped earlier on for a healing plot. a healthy healing plot that deals with the problem maturely. not have tum do what he did, being the only person tar felt comfortable around. ugh -_-

○and obviously, kla and techno . in all raw honesty this couple was completely unecessary. it wasn't even a couple. it was a case of under the influence advantage. i mean, others may view it differently but techno was piss drunk. his sober reaction is enough to show that he did not want that. -____-

•all in all, love by chance really had so much potential. aepete and tincan (at some length) pulled it up but then these other added plots brought it down a notch. i really hope a second season or at least a spin off is made to address these issues maturely because it's 2019 folks. we don't do potential filled dramas dirty like this anymore. we learn form the past and improve the ones we can in the future.

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Overall, this show was pretty fun to watch. Enjoyed all episodes. Production value, music and acting were alright. I really liked this cast. However, there was still some room for improvement in terms of the plot. There were 4 main couples in this show and each of them had their flaws.

Ae & Pete were fine at first but their story took off too early and it stayed constant. It got really boring and repetitive towards the end, especially since they're the literal 'main couple' so they got more screen time. Very cute nonetheless.

Tin & Can were doing fine until the ending. I only continued watching the second half for them. I don't know who decided it was a good idea to ruin their relationship at the end, leaving us with a very heartbroken Tin. Still praying that we get to see more of them in the future.

Kengkla & Techno as well as Tum & Tar were complete side stories, with almost no relevance. The show would've been the same or even better without them. Both couples were a distraction and their story lines were boring and underdeveloped. Kengkla and Techno story line was actually completely unnecessary.

Basically, one couple was getting too much time and two couples barely had any time or details to their story.

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This is my first review ever, sorry for the amount of mess that is coming haha
This drama became my second fave. However.. I don't quite understand those unnecessary relationships. Like Tum and Tar 's and Kengkla and Techno 's. I hated their story and usually skipped their scenes. Idk, this rape story line was really out of this drama.
Lets talk about the last episode. It was lame. I hated seeing Tin hurt. I was expecting more from their relationship. They gave Can such a childish personality. It ruined the end. I really hope there will be a second season, what focuses more on them. Lets talk about our main couples ending. It was okay and cute. But it could've been better. They rushed it, in my opinion.
The casting is amazing!! Ae's actor gave everything into this role. He played it so so well, I actually believed that he is so deeply in love. And He is 17??? I'm shook. Anyway, he is a great actor, I hope he will get more recognition.
Pete's character was a bit annoying and naive, but also I loved him so much. He is that tipic pure innocent guy that every drama "needs" or has. However, I think he overplayed his role. It was a bit too much for me. A bit Unrealistic.
Tin is my fave in this drama. He played the mean and rich guy really well. And his character developement is so great. I felt really bad for him sometimes.
Can is such a kid. Really. It was too much by the end. So so naive. I think the writers should gave him a more proper personality. I like him tho.
The other actors were great, but I wasnt paying attention to them so idk. I wanted to see more of Pond tho. He is such a mood.
The story is not that well written. The amount of jealousy and unnecessariness(is this word even exist?) was too much. Sometimes it gave really amazing messages. However, It was pure and enjoyable, and funny. I liked how mature it was. And the problem solving was something that not every drama has.
Definitely'd rewatch and recommend

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Full of Sweet, Tender Moments...

I've heard that Love By Chance was the most popular BL series of 2018, so I had to watch it. I've also heard a lot of mixed reviews (with several people listing it as their least favourite BL), so I wanted to see for myself how I would like the series. This is my second Studio Wabi Sabi production after Until We Meet Again.

And OMG! This series really hit the ground running. In the first episode, there is an encounter with a possible future love, a blackmailing to out someone and a coming out. And that future love is Ae, who is sooo cute and kind! He is literally the perfect boyfriend! Pete is so lucky to have met him! I wish that an Ae will come into my life, someone to take care of me. Though I do feel like their love for one another is a bit quick and sudden though. I understand Pete falling for Ae as he is kind and protects him. But I don't really understand Ae's love for Pete. Yes, Ae wants to protect Pete because Pete is fragile, but why does he feel this need, this urge to protect Pete? Is it because he is a good human being? Does it stem from some childhood trauma?

Engaging and full of sweet, tender moments. Ae and Pete have the sweetest, cutest, most romantic scenes out of all the BL couples that I've seen thus far without a doubt! The portrayal of first love, the fears of intimacy, of jealousy and other qualms of love were quite nicely done.

Though Ae's friend, Pond, is a jerk (at first) but he redeems himself as a supportive friend. And wtf is with that Trump dude? His actions don't make any sense at all! Why is he so obsessed with getting money from Pete? If he's that obsessed with money, why not get it from an easier source, especially since he doesn't have anymore leverage on Pete? And why doesn't Pete want to report Trump? Because he doesn't want his mother to worry about him? What kind of BS excuse is that? Wouldn't she worry when she sees his bruises and sees that he is in pain anyway. Anyways, the Trump storyline kinda just disappeared into thin air and was never resolved unfortunately.

I love Pete and Ae's relationship, which is very sweet and cute, like watching first love blossoming. Seeing them experience so many firsts together. However, there isn't any friction or conflict between them (until Ae started getting easily irritated towards the end for some reason). Although I do love Pete & Ae, I found myself much more invested in Tin and Can's relationship due to their rich backstory and the dynamic tension/friction between them. which is the complete opposite of Pete & Ae's relationship. How it took so much courage for Tin to open his heart to Can to only have it shut down. My heart broke! When Tin kissed Can, my heart was FULL! I and many other are so f*cking furious at the end of Tin and Can. Luckily, probably through the huge demand for justice for Tin and Can, there will be a sequel where they will be the leads! YAY!!!!!!

On a side note, the subplots with Tar and Tum is completely unnecessary and served literally no purpose at all other than increasing the runtime of the series. The subplot of Techno's brother (Technic) helping to give his friend (Kengkla) a chance to rape No is disgusting, weird and creepy. Both subplots are completely out-of-place in this series. Yes, I know that including these subplots serve as a lead-in to Tharntype, so that people who watch Love By Chance will want to watch Tharntype, but still. These two nonsensical subplots completely cheapened the series and damaged an otherwise wholesome series.

It is interesting though. Love By Chance was the biggest BL in 2018 and Tharntype was the biggest BL in 2019. That's impressive for the author of the BL novels that both of these series are based on. And there will be sequels for each series too! I wonder if LBC 2 and Tharntype 2 will be the biggest BL's of their years...

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An overall good show. I do want to add a warning, for most of the show its pretty light-hearted but there is a side story that talks about rape. I know some people can't watch things like that because of ptsd so I did want to add that warning before anyone watched it. If you are okay with those topics I do suggest watching this series. There's nothing to write home to mom about but I don't feel like my time was wasted. Some characters seemed annoying until you understood the motive behind their actions. There were some scenes I thought the show could do without but you can say that about almost all shows.

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Ok first of all, it was so much better than I expected---not perfect but good.

PROS:

1. BEST IN DEVELOPMENT. For me, AePete's development from friends to couple was one of the most consistent and well developed progressions I had seen in a BL. None of their scenes seemed out of the blue or rushed. I forgave the over the top and cutesy dialogues of AePete thinking that this was Ae's first relationship.

2. In relation to the first one, I loved how they showed Ae's curiosity about gay sex. They really talked about sexuality! It wasn't one of those shows where their sexual orientation just suddenly shifted. The show was explicit enough yet it still seemed so innocent and wholesome. That particular scene where Ae searched about gay sex was really nice.

3. Perth's acting was so on point, also Earth's (Tar). They really stood out for me although the rest of the casts were fair enough.

5. The OST was nice. I was shocked the first time they used Love Sick's Shake (when Tum was playing at a bar). The use of love sick's ost made me feel nostalgic.

6. AePete's relationship was healthier than my body ISTG.

7. TINCAN. I had never been so invested in a BL couple since Sotus (which was, like, years ago already). I was literally screaming the every time Tin was professing his crush on Can. The build up of tincan for s2 was so effectively done.

Now for Can's character---absolutely lovely. The earlier episodes showed us a hyper and comedic Can, probably immature too. I thought he was one of the stock characters to provide comedic relief but as the series progressed, we got to see his depth. The later episodes where TinCan's relationship were staring to be established, it was really nice to see the different sides of TinCan’s characters. (I admit I kind of shipped TinPete at first).

The series did a good job at shifting my attention from the MC to TinCan to be honest. The latter episodes, I just almost didn't care about AePete anymore.

8. There were a lot of likable side characters like Techno and Pond. BEST FRIENDS AWARD, I say.


NOW FOR THE CONS:

1. Despite its college setting, a lot of the scenes felt like it was set in High School instead. I did say I forgave the cutesy of AePete's relationship but I admit I cringed sometimes. But I get the theatrics of it.

2. A lot of things were happening. Hadn't I watched TharnType first, I would have been so lost. But since I did know their backstories, I appreciated all side characters especially Type---he changed a lot.

3. CONSENT, KENGKLA, CONSENT. Techno deserves a better partner and brother! Technic literally helped Kengkla in getting his brother laid!! The series showed us nothing about techno seeing kengkla in a romantic light yet his brother still pushed it??? It would have been fine if they just kept it light but Kengkla raped techno and the people justifying it in the comment section are disgusting. To make matters worse, kla lied to No and manipulated him to be in a relationship with him. I dont think I will ever buy this ship no matter how the series will justify it. I was so uncomfortable watching that scene especially when they added in the OST they played whenever there were cute scenes.

Nonconsensual acts are so prevalent in BLs and it has been overlooked for so long, by so many, for the sake of shipping. I really am so keen about consent when it comes to BL and how most shows (and authors) romanticize it.

4. To continue, Tum's nonconsensual act bothered me so much especially knowing Tar's past. He did apologize and kind of redeem himself in the latter episode. And for this one, I was glad the series took it seriously.

5. And as much as I love TinCan, I didn't like how they started to realize their feelings when Tin kissed Can to "make him shut up". I just really tried to understand Tin's rash and straightforward character.

6. Chompoo's character. It was so shallow and obviously part of those unnecessarily clingy and childish female characters to drive the plot. Please stop this kind of female representation.

7. Lay was one of those exaggerated and illogical portrayals of characters to provide comedic relief in Thai BLs but it was annoying. I get it, she was a fujoshi but she went overboard on shipping real life guys. She went hard on fetishizing gay couples.

8. I mentioned the shifting of the viewers’ attention to TinCan but it took a toll on the MC. The ending was so unsatisfying for AePete and they basically lost momentum during the last episodes. They most probably had decided beforehand to have a 2nd season but really, a phone call? Even though they were shown to be imaginarily together, it felt so flat and unsatisfying. But I mean I didn’t mind it that much because my focus was on TinCan.

9. They went all out promoting Samsung lol.

10. I was not a hundred percent fan of Saint’s acting for this show. One of the main reasons why I dropped LBC after watching the 1st ep in 2018 was because of Saint's acting, sorry. He was good but some of the parts were awkward to look at especially when he was trying to cry.

11. Ae was sometimes annoying with his overprotectiveness. I get the BL tropes where the top really gets overprotective and jealous easily and that sometimes ticks me off.

12. What happened to the guy who was blackmailing Pete? I hope we get to see a resolution in s2 despite Saint not being in the series anymore.

To conclude, it's a nice BL. The main couple was wholesome and had a healthy relationship. Watching TharnType and LBC, I kind of get the feeling that the author chooses problematic and traumatic themes to intensify the story. A lot of authors do that and it seriously needs to stop. I have no problem with using rape or any traumatic events as long as they are not merely used as a plot device but are actually discussed and taken seriously. So done with romanticized nonconsensual acts.

I'm am looking forward to s2 because I love TinCan so much. Maybe the reason why I was surprised at how nice it was was because I wasn't really expecting much.

TharnType and LBC have too many issues that needs to be solved. I am only judging based on the series. I wish everything will have a resolution, good or bad. Nevertheless, I am invested.

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