Bad Buddy (2021)

Best Thai BL

The best Thai BL series. Not the usual BL. Though it is clearly a take on the enemy to lover trope, other tropes are used sparingly, and not the cringey ones. The acting (directing) is excellent. I felt like they were an actual, real-life couple. The series shows the couple not only dealing with recognizing their own feelings, and the recognition of the fact that they ARE a couple, but then moves on to them balancing the fantasy world they aspire to, with the reality of the world they live in. I was surprised how good this was. 90% LGBTQ, 10% BL. 100% pure joy.

I don't really want to mention negatives, since this series is so much better than 90% of the rest of Thai BL, but here goes.
Product placement is better than average, though still heavy-handed. I'd be amazed if viewers didn't roll their eyes at some of the advertising. Some placements are so extended as to break the third wall. Music is generally better than average, especially music that suits a particular scene without being heavy handed. However, there are a few moments where you notice it because of unexpected jumps in volume, or a bit too much repetition of one particular song. Violence/fighting is used to elevate tension and ramp up emotions. and feels gratuitous.

But all of the negatives aside, the acting and the story telling is so good, that I still think this is the best Thai BL series so far.

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Adorable Storyline & Spot-on Chemistry

I've been away from BL for some time. This was one of the first couple I watched to dip my toes back in after years away. It fit everything I expect from a good BL. It had cliche storylines, was super cheesy at times, but all around was also heart warming and a story where you rooted for the main characters to find their way. I really enjoyed the chemistry and the rivals to lovers storyline is easily one of my favorites. The dynamics of their friends was realistic despite being layered with extra drama (I mean, it is a drama, so checks that box).

Overall a super gooey adorable story that I would highly recommend.

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The best BL!

I can only recommend this series. I've seen a few more BL's and I'm just thrilled. It's going to be impossible to knock Bad Buddy out of my #1 spot.

The reason for this is that Backaof implemented it in a unique way. And Ohm & Nanon play it convincingly. I believed every scene, every feeling, every fear, every doubt. Their chemistry together is so unbeatable. I hope to see them together more often in series, also in other genres.

About the series: It's just 2 people who fall in love and overcome difficulties together. There are no typical clichés, no overdramatized declarations of love. I eagerly awaited the new episode every Friday. She definitely has rewatsch potential that I've seen her countless times. Look forward to a stunning series with potential for addiction.

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From every BL I have watched and read so far, this is the best one and my number one favourite. I love pretty much everything about it, and the actors did an amazing job too. Most of the BL dramas are super awkward as for the acting and that makes it really awkward to watch too, but this, this one is everything that a BL drama needs, not just a story, because however good the story may be without the acting it's nothing, same goes for the opposite case. I hope I can see more good BL dramas like this, and I will definitely come back to rewatch this one in the future. And for those who just finished watching it, I recommend you to watch the anthology series that continues the story in "Our Skyy 2", episodes 13 to 16 are combined with the story of "1000 Stars".

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Simple Predictable Bl

**Brief Synopsis**
B (Student): Pran
T ( Student): Pat

Beginning: B and T are rivals because their parents are rivals as well. However one day they decide to stop fighting and exchanges numbers, starting a friendship. The more time they spend together they more they start to see each other's good points. Even if at the beginning B is not all that enthusiastic about spending a lot of time with T even if they called a truce but T is insistent, always there. They start thinking about each other when they are apart. Despite this their relationship is slow because T still seem to like girls, talking to different girls. There is also a girl he likes. B is obviously not too happy about it but still doesn't know why he's feeling that way. But before he confess to the girl, he realizes he likes B and goes to find him. Because he doesn't know what to say and is confused about his feelings, they kiss but the whole exchange ends up on a sad note with B leaving.

Middle: Despite having not confirmed their relationship, something has changed. They stated flirting more, getting more intimate and even made a bet that whoever first falls in love loses. But B soon gives in, using the excuse that he needs Ts help on a play. They start officially dating at that point but in secret.

End: Before they could have their happy ending, they are discovered by their parents and they have a big fight. B and T run away together, not wanting to break up. When they come back however, the parents obviously softened so in order to give them some time, B and T pretend to break up until graduation. Eventually the parents finally gave in and they became lovers again. The series ends with a few years after graduation showing B and T's life. Although they are still together, they aren't always together as they have to go on business trips. This is a realistic ending that gives us hope they will stay together for the rest of their life.

**My Opinion**

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT IT
- I really like their cute little interactions. Even if they cant be obvious about their relationship but they still finds ways to show affection. I loved the scene B gives T his shirt.
- Although the ending is bittersweet in some sense but I like how realistic it is. And since they are still together and their parents have accepted them in some way, I count this as a happy ending.
- I like how the girl T used to like for her own happy ending. The show didn't treat her as a simple tool.
- I like the efforts they go through to convince everyone they have given up. Although it's sad they have to do this but the boys actually seem to enjoy their situation.
- I really enjoy the fact that these boys actually communicate and solve problems together as a couple. I'm happy to see two lovers despite their parents refusal still finds a way to be together while finding ways to get their parents to accept them. They don't give up for one of them doesn't run away. I'm glad the angst don't make them break up.
- The leads really did have great chemistry together. They do a great job in making the affection between B and T realistic and believable. Although there aren't many intimates scenes, we can still feel their love.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT IT
- The plot is very predictable and cliche. Everything revolves around their relationship. If you aren't interested in that them the plot is very thin and boring.
- The family drama is also predictable. I actually liked the part where they try to find out what made their parents fight but unfortunately nothing came out of it.

**Conclusion**
A simple relatively angst free BL.

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Not Your Average Romeo & Juliet Story!

The story of Pran and Pat is not just about the struggles two people from rival families face when forming a relationship, but also about the strength the relationship gives them to face the challenges life throws at them.

In my opinion, this series has set a remarkable standard for BL Dramas. Everything, from the compelling plot and outstanding acting to the talented cast and captivating OST, comes together to create one of the most amazing stories I've ever seen. It made me laugh, cry, and moved me in various ways. I'm uncertain if anything else I watch from this day forward will be able to compare to the brilliance of Bad Buddy.

The story begins with a classic enemies-to-lovers trope, providing the audience with a backstory of the two main characters. Initially, I expected the series to revolve around the same narrative, but I was pleasantly surprised. By the third episode, I found myself sitting in my room, giggling at my phone like a teenage girl, rooting for Pran and Pan to hurry up and get together.

Although there is a lack of physically intimate scenes compared to other BL series, Bad Buddy compensates for it tenfold by utilizing emotional intimacy to keep us engrossed.

One crucial aspect for me when watching a series is the acting, as some performances can be poor, lacking life and making it seem as if the actors are merely reading the script. However, Bad Buddy immerses me in its world, making me feel like I'm there with them, experiencing all the emotions that Pran and Pat undergo throughout the entire series.

I definitely recommend this series to anyone!

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One of the Best I've Seen...

Loved this series to the point I am watching it again - all the way through to catch more of the details. Well written. Well acted. Great cast. Found it disappointing that some viewers/reviewers are treating it as a Romeo and Juliet again type of thing. Who cares? If it is well done - enjoy it.

Loved the level of acting from the main two. You can see that they got along off screen as well - otherwise pulling off some of those very emotional moments would have been more difficult. And, as we all have seen - it is easy to over-act when it comes to emotionally charged scenes.

On those cliché notes from other reviewers - I disagree. The writers and director worked very hard to show you that there was something there between them that went back to when they were young children. For me - I can remember having the "more than friends" feeling for those around me back to an early age. Pran's longing for Pat went back years. Pat's connection only took more time because he hid behind a tough guy image.

Side characters are all believable. My only concern with GMMTV productions is when they feel they have to make everyone gay for the story to happen. All three children from the same family? Lazy writing? Loved that they showed that Pat's family still didn't get it. The "It's just a phase" reaction is telling. My guess is that until they get married - there will be a form of denial on both parent's parts. Pran's mother seems to just want to love her son - appreciated that.

Love the little details. My favorite scene is when Wai wants to meet/talk with Pa and while discussing this with Pran - we see Pa leaving school with Pat waiting. Understandable - Pat has the car and he is driving his sister home. While Wai is talking with Pran and getting up the courage to talk to Pa - you can hear and see in the background Pat and Pa having a brother sister conversation. When Pat explains that he got five mosquito bites while waiting for her and then shows her (while counting) - it made me laugh out loud.

I will save this in my library to watch again when I want to watch something and can't immediately decide. Just like Tale of 1000 Stars - love that one too!

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MAJESTIC. JUST MAJESTIC

One of those cliché stories where your initial expectation was it'll be bad. But because it was well-written, directed, acted and produced, you just see yourself, engrossed and smiling every segment of each episode. Never a dull moment. From the OST, Cinematography, Acting, etc. Everything...just beautiful. Amplified by the superb acting and chemistry of Ohm and Nanon, I’m just in love with this series. It keeps getting better each episode. Probably the only BL series I haven't had a complaint thus far. Brilliant<3 <3 <3 And I cant wait to get crushed and cry my heart out by ep 8-11 and be revived by it’s majestic ending. I’m sure Backaof won’t disappoint. But I maybe wrong.

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Great acting, Typical Storyline

The 2 actors acting are great! What adds to it is they fantastic chemistry. Other than EarthMix, they are the one that I felt with really good on-screen interaction in a series. What's lacking is the story line. To be honest, we dont have to finish the series to know what is going to happen the next few episodes. The story is probably going to be like the other BL drams that we have watched - i would say something along the lines of Kiss Me Again. However, i think it's already performing better than Tonhon Chonlatee and Fish Upon The Sky though :)

But will i be watching though? Yes. I think it still serves as a good entertainment value with high rewatch value - easy to watch and have fun on a friday night.

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