Completed
Naomi Necro
3 people found this review helpful
Mar 7, 2022
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

crackling chemistry

I'm a big softy for the classic enemies-to friends- to lovers trope. It's just so easy and fun when it's done right, and the chemistry from an enemy-turned lover is delicious.

I love the physical comedy and the initial misunderstanding that occurs with them living across from each other. I think the height difference between Pran and Pat is cute. The faces they pull at each other crack me up, and the montage when we're first introduced to them and their families had me rolling. I'm personally more attracted to Pat's visuals. I think he's supppppppper attractive (bright smile, beautiful eyes) and I really like his athletic stature. I'm not used to seeing more stereotypically masculine men in BL roles, so it's a refreshing and more modern change IMO.

I like the source of conflict in the series. I came into it not knowing what the plot was and assumed it was a buddy-cop series. It was surprising for me to watch a BL with a compelling and thought-out plot. Having to bear the brunt of your parent's conflicts isn't unusual for many of us, and the ramifications of your parent's pasts can haunt the steps you take as you grow up until you learn to break away from their toxic cycles. To add to the confusion between their feelings, they're also at opposing ends of conflict within their school faction in-fighting, and these issues are deep and not easily resolved. It's endearing that Pat has been Pran's secret crush for years, and we're able to watch Pat slowly understand and evolve in his feelings toward Pran. It's adorable, sometimes heartbreaking, and it's a refreshing break away from a lot of the BLs I'm used to seeing (and I LOVE that they even made fun of the "standard BL" industry!!! "I'm straight but Pran is the only guy I like." LOL.

Their chemistry is sizzling. The elevator scene with Pat's charming smirk and the way Pran looks at him up close made my breath catch. Pat's subtle (and cute) guidance toward the bus stop brainstorm was also adorable; I love that he's always willing to go the extra step to help Pran, even while doing it in ways that aren't obvious or loud (like begging the professor to let them re-enter the competition or cleverly convincing his team to assist in the rebuild etc). It's genuine and not boast-goading, and the way he looks at Pran when he's unaware gives me butterflies. We stan for a man confident in his sexuality ("I don't mind genders, I like them all."). Yasss.

Pat is a wily suitor who'll travel across the country to get an answer from Pran, whilst having the patience and understanding to do it in a way that makes sense to them ("wooing war", competitiveness, silent communication, etc). He's willing to be an underdog surrounded by enemies just to prove to Pran that the rooftop wasn't a momentary lapse in judgment and he'll wait for Pran to take his walls back down. I find it all incredibly romantic, and I would have been swept away long before Pran (although I'm sure he's internally screaming). The heavier moments are handled gracefully and with the emotional gravity of veteran actors. I was particularly impressed with the last couple of episodes when the conflict with their families came to a head. There were beautiful moments, many very subtle or nuanced in facial expressions and body language, and I couldn't help but rewatch those scenes over and over, particularly Pat with Pran on the rooftop, in the bus, and with their parents.

OST - Refreshingly well edited. Mostly clean seams between songs and scene tonal changes, and the music itself is pretty good.

Cons: During moments of physical comedy, the sound effects are overplayed. They use a lot of the same noises and it gets a little irksome.

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Completed
parkhood
3 people found this review helpful
Jan 24, 2022
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

P'Aof never disappoints

I don't usually write reviews in MDL, but I reaaallly need to show my appreciation (and obsession) towards this series so here I am.

I bet everyone started this show thinking it's another romantic comedy BL series. Well they aren't wrong, except.. well it's not just any other rom-com series. But what I think really differentiates Bad Buddy from other series is the way the cast deliver the scenes. The acting is top tier, the cast was amazing, and the music is even more amazing (the OSTs sang by Nanon are so gooood ughh). The plot is really realistic, and shows people what happen when toxicity doesn't exist in a relationship (PatPran bestest boys <3 ). All the couple scenes were reaaaally natural (something a lot of BL series lack imo lol), and viewers are guaranteed to unknowingly smile while watching!! Wait till you find out the behind-the-scene stories on these sweet moments and your sugar level might reach an all-time high.

Reasons to watch this series:
- Ohm
- Nanon
- free happy pill
- OhmNanon
- makes you feel giddy inside
- also makes you feel single af
- have I mentioned that the chemistry between Ohm and Nanon is *chef's kiss*?
- Pat (Ohm's character)
- Pran (Nanon's character)
- PatPran
- shirtless Ohm (plural) ;)
- whipped Pat
- whipped Pran

Not many good dramas have good endings, but this.. wow. This satisfied me into being okay not having a season 2. I have rewatched episode 12 an unhealthy amount of times and I don't think I'm stopping anytime soon. This series is going to have a special place in my heart for a long long time. Without further ado, go to youtube and watch the series!! if you've watched it, then go rewatch it!!

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Completed
trusfrated
3 people found this review helpful
Mar 15, 2022
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

The most non- toxic bl out there. This really did set the bar high.

I don't have words to explain how much I loved this series. Hats off to the writers and director, they did a great job!
The actors did a phenomenal job with their role.
Their chemistry was like damn, I was drooling over them.
The kisses, hugs everything was just so genuine.
I literally couldn't stop smiling throughout the whole series.
The supporting actors also did an amazing job!
Totally satisfied with the ending.
Highly recommended! If you didn't watch this you're not a true bl fan!
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Completed
Lina
2 people found this review helpful
Mar 18, 2022
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

Someone wipes my smile off please?

The only thing i had in mind whilst watching this series is that i should make how much AMAZING this series was for me known to the world.

I have smiling wrinkles from the sweetness that this fed me. My heart couldn't take it anymore, i felt butterflies all over my body and at the end of it and even while i'm writing this review i'm feeling sad and my hear hurts because it ended. Someone help i'm feeling empty, leave some positif notes on the comments.


The story unravels how Two boys from two rival families went from being enemies and from being impossible to be friends to developping feelings towards each other so that it's impossible for them to just be friends afterwards.
The chemistry between the leads WAS HIGH i could catch it with my hands, i just wanna praise their excellent immersive acting.
I can only say that their relationship was so innocent and healthy that it melted my heart.

I'll probably rewatch this drama a million times!!!


I mean what can i say? This is my third BL series, by far it has taken the lead. I'm so glad i discovered this genre and hope as many does and gives it a chance.

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Completed
Austin
3 people found this review helpful
Jan 24, 2022
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

The Best BL GMM Has Done

From beginning to end this show was great! The twists and turns and the over all chemistry between the lead actors and even the supporting cast. Everything from Episode 1 to Episode 12 worked. It was never dull and it did away with a lot of tropes that have become constant in Thai BLs. I laughed, I cried and from Episode 1 I knew this was gonna be special and indeed it was. It was a great story about enemies who became friends who later became lovers and soulmates. From the cinematography to the acting to the score and opening credits theme! Everything just worked! I haven’t been this impressed with a Thai BL ever. Congratulations to everyone involved! This was perfect therefore it gets a perfect score!!

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Completed
love
2 people found this review helpful
Mar 21, 2022
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

just what I needed.

I cannot put into words how exactly I felt during this series. It's like someone had known all the things I would love to watch and put them in one drama. Firstly, I was already a big fan of Ohm and Nanon, their work always pleased me and I even rewatched their projects a few times. On December 3rd of 2020, when Bad Buddy was announced, I absolutely freaked out, not only because of the super fun plot, but also because some of my favorite actors would be participating on that show. I didn't even watch the trailer a second time, because I wanted to forget about the scenes so I could watch the show without already expecting something to happen.

There were hard times, Nanon got covid, the filming was postponed, as well as the airing date. A lot of things were going wrong, but I never stopped believing Bad Buddy was going to be IT. Everytime I remembered it was going to be a real series with dear actors, I would put on a big smile and search for updates. When GMMTV announced they would come to life on October, I got so happy. When I watched the first episode, I got even happier. It's not a joke, their chemistry is sooo good. The scenes were funny and goofy as I was expecting from a gmm BL series. The dialogues I'd been waiting for, the bickering I'd been waiting for, the LOVE STORY I'd been waiting for. Everything on that show had me insane!

About the main leads, Ohm and Nanon are such great actors, I've got nothing to complain about that. Ohm is amazing with emotional, clingy and goofy scenes, Pat was the perfect role for him as he resembles the other so much. Nanon is just the best at expressing trivial feelings, his precise delivery got me thrilled, because his past recent roles were full of angst and serious faces. Now, even though there were angsty parts, he was able to portray a lighter character, who frequently smiles and laughs. Their gaze, their sparks, their touching, every little detail was what made my heart so fulfilled. Not to mention their improvised scenes, it was such a good addition! I would go on about them for hours, but I don't want my review to be THAT long. Well, I love Pat and Pran very much!

The side characters had their function on the show of course. Although I don't like Wai, only we (the viewers) know what he did to PatPran. He wasn't punished so I just stopped caring about him honestly. Korn has his flaws but at least he was a great friend to Pat when everything seemed to be falling apart. Now, the stars on this path of side characters: INK AND PA! I would never imagine that Aof would create a storyline for two girls falling in love omg I absolutely LOVED it. That scene in the park when Ink offered to take photos of Pa just to fool around was the first sign, I was already thinking "Hm, WHAT IF these two become a couple..." but I didn't know they would seriously make this happen, and I am so happy that they did. Even with just a few scenes, nothing was rushed and implicit, they got their moment and even more than I expected. Kisses for InkPa my beloved!

About the main plot, I got really happy that they weren't apart because of their parents. When we all found out they pretended to break up, I let out the biggest sigh of relief and started laughing SO hard I love them... Aof did a brilliant job changing the climax (because in the novel Pran is transfered to live abroad because her mom sent him). Pran was indeed away, but because he Chose to. He saw a job opportunity that seemed interesting and had an agreement with Pat that they would still be together. Just the best couple of all time... On an extra note, I was already a fan of Tilly Birds but now when I listen to them I sometimes think of PatPran, it's always a beautiful moment.

Final thoughts: this show added a big amount of happiness and love inside my heart. I am really proud to say I was here since the beggining of this beautiful journey (and even before, since I watch everything Ohm and Nanon do). It brought recognition, and a lot of LGBTs felt comforted while watching it. ALL my "thank yous" to the cast and crew, they were phenomenal. I'm going to miss them a lot, and I will surely rewatch it with my friends when I recommend it to them :D It's now one of my favorite BL series.

):)


(reposted from jan 21st bc my old account got suspended)

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Completed
autumn
3 people found this review helpful
Dec 27, 2022
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Worth the hype!!

Where do I even begin with this series!? It blew my socks off!

The chemistry between Ohm and Nanon is insane and their characters were two I was heavily invested in. I was kicking and squealing every 5 minutes they were so cute! And omg, that episode 5 rooftop kiss. I don’t think any other will ever beat that, the standard is too high now.

The way they tricked us with the last episode, really played with my emotions. I’m not a fan of the breakup then get back together trope so i was slightly disappointed, but then they switched its on its head and played us all. I ended up really liking the last episode because of that and whilst it may not be the ending I wanted, it was still satisfying.

I don’t have really any complaints. I would only say that Wai needed to face more consequences for his actions. Other than that, it was perfect.

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Completed
ritsuonedera
3 people found this review helpful
Jan 25, 2022
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.5

A Masterpiece in Authenticity and Simplicity

Honestly, I hope this series becomes more globally known because this was an absolute masterpiece in acting, and storytelling. How many times have we seen these kinds of stories in BL shows now? What I just spent the last 13 weeks on was something I'd seen again, and again, and again, yet there was something within the end of the first episode that just struck a different chord, and it turned out in the end to play a different song entirely. One that I'll probably never forget, nor would I want too.

As I mentioned the story is technically nothing special, It's a enemies - friends - lovers, with the odd occasional roadblock but the way it is delivered is what sets this apart from any other BL show I have ever watched. I think rather than writing (or as my lecturers used to call it, waffling..) I think a checklist would probably be best. So here we go:

Typical Big argument/break up - nope
Kissing? - Ohm my god yes.
Cute moments? - Very
Natural acting - Scarily so
Pacing - Perfect
Character development - Perfect
Emotional - Very

Honestly, I don't even know why you're continuing to read this review, you should be on YouTube watching the first episode right now...

On a personal note, I would like to thank the director, Nanon and Ohm for what they have produced. It was nothing short of amazing. You broke boundaries, set a new standard and created a world that I am a little devastated is officially over. You attracted me to your world, and your characters lives in such a way that no other show has done. with such ease and authenticity and I hope your work continues to break boundaries. As a British guy who's watched a lot of TV shows and films I personally think Nanon and Ohm outshine the majority of British and Hollywood actors, and I would love for you to become even more successful, and reach international fame.


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Completed
yixuanhong
3 people found this review helpful
Feb 2, 2022
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

ONE OF THE BEST BL SERIES OUT THERE!

I have barely ever written a review here or anywhere else, despite being a hardcore BL fan, and not even for my most loved Thai BL series. But just finishing the last episode BAD BUDDY made me stay up for an extra 1 hour, create a MyDrama List account and fanatically type this review on my bed.

This series is hands down one of the VERY BEST Thai BL series ever made!

The plot is pretty simple and to be honest I started out half a month after the last episode was aired without following any bloopers, discussions or even.watched any summary. I had no expectation and just hope that this would not be a series that I might drop midway like many others recently. But NO! Bad Buddy caught my attention right from the first episode. It is now in my opinion in the same ranks as Tale of A Thousand Stars & I told sunset about you, but minus the extreme angst ? abd extra heat (yummmmmmm though I wish there was more)

It was the fun enemy setting, the interesting chemistry and build up of the characters main relationship that kept me going after every episode. There were hardly any scene that I thought were redundant, and even though there were bits that were a bit unrealistic and oversimplified but tbh isnt an escape from real life what we all try tp find in dramas anyway? :) You will find yourself laughing nonstop and wish the funny dueling and lovey dovey acts between Pat and Pran never stop.

Despite being a romantic comedy drama there are many deep underlying messages in my opinion. I LOVE LOVE LOVE how they portray HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS!! (And Thai movies actually do highlight this a lot nowadays) The love between Pat and Pran develops naturally from a sneaky friendship to one-sided feelings and more. They are young and hot headed, but they are always honest to one another and try to communicate to find the way out. You will not find much of any prolonged angst [there is...] because by the end of the episode or next the angst/problem is already resolved. I particularly love how Episode 12 reveals their solution to the forbidden love! Simply giving any other stupid forbidden love couples a Big kick in the butt and educate young people to love smarter while balancing your relationships with everyone else. Pat and Pran will tell you that your lover is.important to keep, but family and friends are also just as indispensable. And can I please also reveal how much I love for the first time I see a BL series featuring GL as the side couple?! I'd absolutely kill to watch a spinoff of Ink and Pa as much as a second take of Bad Buddy!!!

As for the actors?? Absolutely amazing!! I think the fact that OHm and Nanon go to the same uni/college and of the same age made them sympathize greatly with the 2Ps and the story. I never think they were acting at all but simply being their own selves throughout. The CHEMISTRY is... un-describable!! And not to say they are unncessarily attractive and look wonderful with one another?? I have admired Ohm since He's coming to me and thought he would be big one day. But Nanon... OMG I cant believe I have only known him now! The more I look at him the more I am absolutely in love with his dimples just like Pat (Ohm... sorry not trying to be a competition just an admirer). They are obviously now set up as partners, and I am still new to their fanservice but I really really hope they can develop in real life and in future projects like EarthMix <3

Last but not least is the soundtrack. I will now have to practice the two main songs on my erhu and bracing myself hard. You will know how good they are esp with the series.

As for rewatch value :I never rewatch series as I like to keep my sweet first impression - but if you are someone who likes to rewatch _ make sure you still keep time for other new series bc this one will be high on the rewatch list ?

OK if you are still reading at these lines, thank you so much for listening to my frenetic babbling but... WHY ARE YOU NOT WATCHING THE SERIES NOW? (if youre a fellow fan it would be great to chat cuz I'm seriously overhyped! haha) Cheers guys and happy drooling over this series!

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Completed
kaina singhania
2 people found this review helpful
Mar 17, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

best show ever

i will not say much about the show but watching this show never made me regret . i watched this show just when i started my bl journey with 2 gether and it was continued by bad buddy but i am writing a review now cause i rewatched it and i thought that people hesitating to watch this should be known that it is an all time favourite and best show . you will regret not watching it.
i really love the chemistry between patpran urf one of my fav ohmnanon loved them a lot.
???????PATPRAN???????
???????OHMNANON???????
???????PATPRAN???????
???????OHMNANON???????
???????PATPRAN???????
???????OHMNANON???????
???????PATPRAN???????
???????OHMNANON???????

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Completed
Eccentricstate
2 people found this review helpful
Sep 8, 2022
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Expertly crafted BL

Okay, I watched this forever ago but I realized I hadn’t left a review and that simply WILL NOT DO. Because this is genuinely my favorite BL, and I have been watching Thai BL since its infancy stage in the industry.
When I say that my heart still throbs when I see gifs from this series, I am not over exaggerating. This is a great BL.
The concept for the show isn’t what makes it great, it’s the execution. Take all the standard tropes from Thai BL and use them to their fullest potential and you have Bad Buddy.
I absolutely love the the main couple, Ohm and Nanon have great chemistry. This is absolutely due in part to Nanon being very talented and Ohm being a BL juggernaut. You can FEEL their care for each other and it feels light and bubbly like first love.
They are the foundation of this shows success but I will also say it ended perfectly. I could not have asked for a better ending and it’s rare to see that.
I feel so much nostalgia for this and it hasn’t even been a year since it’s release lol. Highly recommend

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Completed
midnightparagon
3 people found this review helpful
Feb 1, 2022
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

A refreshing and a worth watching material, even for people who are not used to watch LGBT dramas.

It has officially become my favorite BL series ever that it has become one of my comfort series. It was refreshing, it was sweet and cute, it was funny too, it also made me wanted to cry by what both leads had to go through (Pran was so relateable for me).

Everything is actually cliche, the trope they bring and most aspects. But what actually make it stands out is how I can feel attached to this drama than any other. The experience to watch it from on-going period since episode one was one of the best experience and euphoria after a good show I've never felt after a long time (since Vincenzo). The genre itself as a rom-com, they made it perfectly while still bring out the dramas and conflict to pack the story. It's not too draggy, and the romance isn't cringe at all. Applause to both Ohm and Nanon that managed to make the entire series felt so alive, to make us even more attached to both PatPran. Audience can feel their love for each other without hesitation, the emotions, the yearning, the desperation, the suffering they've been feeling for years because of the parents. Every actors here acted out their characters perfectly.

Then here goes to the production team. Head kisses I'd like to give to P'Aof that managed to made this series and brought OhmNanon along on board. Applause to all people that you managed to make something ordinary so special, it has become something extraordinary.

Since the story is actually cliche, I like how they use this series to discuss some stereotypes and issues in more of a "down-to-earth" style. They broke all the BL series heteronormative stereotypes and make it more relate-able. They address the "straight-guy-but-fall-for-one-guy-only" trope, "husband-wife" dynamic in BL, also how they made PatPran with the same power in the relationship. No "top-bottom" trope, just them being in a healthy, communicative, full of consensual actions. No unnecessary dramas, no evil women potrayal as how most BL series made women as bad or only extras. They also didn't make sexuality a big deal here which seems refreshing because the conflict in an LGBT dramas isn't only supposed to center around someone confusing over sexuality. They even address the issue of environment here as they made PatPran both go to a Zero-Waste village, even made a quote that is so applicable for their story as it became the resolution of their relationship. I'm also glad they gave us a healthy and sweet wlw story as how lack of wlw stories represented in Thai series by now.

There are lots of things that could've done better, like the editing in a few scenes, how they make the story line to made Wai to be some kind of a manipulative friend kind of character yet never actually resolve about him outing both leads, how they made Pat got shot by a gun (this feels weird and out of place because it's set in Thailand instead of USA or somewhere else), and how they also made it feels like they just forgot what Wai ever did that fast. I believe they can choose a better story line and write Wai's character better here. Also how Pat's dad in episode 10 got a different haircut from when they were at a department store and when they were at home (but don't worry P'Aof I forgive you, I know how bad covid situations are now). But overall, it's really good, because the flaws don't affect the story at all. Also, I kind of hope they'd actually bring a better closure to PatPran's parents, because I also want them to have that freedom where they can love and be affectionate to each other loudly without having any worries to get caught by the world and everything.

I like the songs, it's so catchy and easy to listen to since I don't speak Thai. I also love most music that was used in this series because there's no weird or unmatched music throughout the entire episodes. Everything matches.

Lastly, I hope both Ohm and Nanon got to play in another series again together next time. They got such a really good potential and both are so talented.

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