Don't Say No (2021)

Keep your expectations low and you could love it

I felt I was in the minority looking forward to a new episode every week, but I really loved Don't Say No. From the start, I loved the synopsis; I thought a new couple struggling to go from best friends to lovers sounded really sweet. Both couples are adorable, and I very quickly found myself super attached to everyone. When Don't Say No was first announced, I thought "uh ok... but Fiat's the worst, though?" but his growth from Tharntype is really lovely to see and his main storyline is actually really good.

That being said, you can't expect too much from it. It's true that although Ja and First are really cute, they struggle to look natural and their intimate scenes are pretty awkward. But in all their other scenes, I really can't find anything to complain about. They're so sweet and they love each other so much.

Leon and Pob absolutely contributed to my willingness to ignore the less polished parts of the show (except that one episode where the scenes' order makes zero sense, that still irks me...). James is the best actor of the bunch, in my opinion. And he's so ridiculously loveable as Pob. James and Smart's chemistry is pretty unreal. I mean, they're just so good. Highly recommend.

It's too bad they only mentioned An and Nat in passing, though, cause I would have loved to actually see them together. Even Leo's parents got to be cute, why not them?

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Not Too Bad

I had been hearing about this series for quite some time now, so obviously I had to check it out. I know this is a spin-off of TTS2, however, I dropped Tharntype and didn't even bother checking out their second season (A good thing since I heard it was a disaster) So, I was going into this knowing that I've probably missed a crucial part of the story and that *gags* Mame was once again a big contributor to this series. I went in with very few exceptions, ready to see the worst, but truthfully, I was shocked at how consensual, sweet, and healthy both relationships were (not all the way healthy, but not nearly as toxic as Tharn and Type). Don't Say No was a high-heat series with a sorta-overdramatic plotline and a GL couple.

Let's Dive In.

Starting with production, everything was decent and like your typical BL setup. The music was not memorable, yet not annoying, so that's a good thing. We saw a few ad placements here and there, but not anything that were blatant or gave too much filler. I liked how this was a series I could watch and understand without having to have seen TTS2. A plus on the wardrobe would definitely be the gala(?) event that Leo and Leon's mom put on. Lord. The women's dresses were BEAUTIFUL. Huge applauds there. (Also, besides his school outfit, Fiat's fit was kind of fire too).

Onto the plot. I really loved the first episode way more than I usually love first episodes. It was a nice setup, I loved Fiat and Leo's confession, I loved their shyness, and I loved how they were learning to communicate with each other on a more romantic perspective other than friendly. However, what kind of ruined it was the spread of their news plaster throughout the school. I hate yaois, I hated the rumors and the spread of their news everywhere (like the news about their business in the bedroom???) It's invasive, it's annoying, and I hate when they appear in any series cause it ruins my mood more than you could imagine. The plot was going good for a while, I was getting ready for the terrible mistake that Mame would make at literally every turn, and some things were a bit problematic, but not nearly as bad as they have been in the past.

Let's just talk about the supporting cast. I genuinely loved every single person (minus Nam who felt like it was his business to film Fiat and Leo's every movement and post it without their consent) The twins were a nice contribute to the series, they were pretty silly and goofy, but they were there for Leo and Fiat when they needed them. Natsu was adorable, and beside her spreading rumors, I enjoyed her character and her being the coach for the basketball team (although weird(?) since she was a student at the school??) and even more than that, her relationship with Anda. A very subtle GL couple, but hey, we still got one! It wasn't much, but I'm happy where we left it. All the parents did good too, and I'll touch on Fiat's situation in the next paragraph.

Onto the main couple, Leo and Fiat. Like I said, I was really invest in them in the first episode. Even Fiat's raunchy moment in Leo's bed was very nicely done. I loved how they were clumsy, and awkward, and nervous around each other initially. Their communication about sex was even perfect, but all of that was swept under the rug to get in two episodes worth of drama. In the later half of the series, Leo gets caught kissing Punn(?) and it turns into an all out war that didn't need to occur if Leo would told Fiat what happened, or even if Leo would asked what happened. I can't with this. Their communication was the key aspect of their relationship that was going on so strong until writers becme lazy and do whatever they have to without continuing to build up these characters. That was number one. The second thing would have to be what happened in episode 12. Leo and Fiat are forgiving each other and making up, expect that the writer's muct have forgotten all of Fiat's trauma for the past twenty years after they have Leo say something along these lines: "I don't want to see you loving anyone else but me." Um, HELLO?? Why would you say that?? And thenhe presume to saying more possessive stuff, and of course, Fiat has no reaction, like he wasn't having panic attacks over his mom manipulating him into hating everyone beside her. Onto that story, I loved it, I loved it more than anything else with Leo and Fiat. It was handled the best, I liked that they didn't give the mom some quick resolution to a mental illness, and eventually Fiat resolved things with his dad and step-family. Overall, this couple was okay, Their heated scenes were nice, but sometimes their kissing looked weird and off. First's performance was decent, Ja's was okay, but sometimes he was a bit stoic and bland.

Onto the side couple, Leon and Pob. I can't explain to you how much of I loved them, omg. As soon as I saw Pob playing with a cat, I knew it was over for me. They are what really kept me watching this series. Leon was so gentle with Pob that it made me fluster up myself. He was patient and understanding, and consensual, and I love him. Even with they're first kiss, he let's pob know that if he doesn't enjoy what they're doing that he can push him away. God, and their heated scene was done perfectly to the T. This couple couldn't do anything wrong. Until they decided for them not to get together. A betrayal, that's what it is. But even with that, it was still put together well. I think I just love this type of BL couple; the innocent, quiet, introverted, shy, big eyes "bottom" and the silly, goofy, loud, extroverted, ethusatsitc "top". I can't help but love the "opposite attract" dynamic. I think I noticed my love for it first in Fish Upon the Sky with Duean and Meen, but I'm sure there are other's that I've forgotten about. Overall, Smart and James put on some really good performances with some really endearing kisses and a very sweet and soft heat scene.

I won't try and put up a front like I didn't really enjoy my watch. While there were plenty of parts that needed fixing (also the whole King situation and how Fiat didn't even budge when he was told that King drugged him (or maybe even worse, he didn't go to the police??)) But that another mistake I don't fee like getting into. This had to be one of Mame's most tamed series I've ever seen, and I hope she learns that BL can be good and full of heat without the toxic and negative aspects she just aspires to have in these series. Applaud to the cast and crew for a good series.

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It's okay

I fully recognize how many people dislike the common trope in every Mame's story which I never find uncomfortable. However, it might be caused by the fact that I'm an old fujoshi too used to all the toxic/red flag relationships. That's why I want to start with the statement that I don't condone any of the immoral behavior.

Next, DSN is a decent drama. It has a decent storyline. It has decent conflicts that are enough to span for 12 episodes. It has decent acting and music. It has decent cinematography and script. That being said, I'm, myself, not sure how I can be so in love with this drama. It might be the composition between drama, comedy, and romance in every episode. It might be the way they solve the problems. It might be LeonPobphan being extraordinarily adorable. It might be Leo being gorgeous af and Fiat is so compatible with him. It might be the awesome makeup and wardrobe. It might be the interaction among every character on and off-camera. It might be the awkward soundtracks. It might be James keeps promoting his shop in every promotional project for DSN and Smart being all golden retriever. It could be anything that makes me fall so hard for this drama.

You could try watching and maybe find your own reason for liking this drama.

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I'm satisfied and it wasn't bad!! ♡

It's been long since I wrote a review so sorry if it isn't what you expect :))

Gosh, I have this love-hate relationship with Mame. She's writings are good but they get me soooo frustrated that I cry (for real tho)...

Also I saw someone's thoughts how this was all bad and whole toxic and like almost nothing good... I wouldn't say so.

So what I liked in it:
- The feeling of first few episodes. Even though it was very hard to watch and I felt the embarrassment, I loved how it made it feel realistic. Like how would you be with your bestie that became your boyfriend after so many years?? Yes. Like that.
- Family issues. I don't know why I've lately been into family issues but I loved to see it here and I liked the way they handled them.
- The "forever". I usually hate when people say stuff like "I'll love you forever" and blah blaah blaah... Like you can't know what happens and how long the 'forever' can be. But here, I don't know WhY but it fitted in Leo's mouth. And I _believed_ in his forever.
- Leo's mother. I loved her.
- An. I need a girl like her.
- The height difference. (Is that a little bit stupid?)
- How they thought of each other's feelings.
- How Leo thought it was best for Fiat. (He's still an idiot <3)
- I didn't feel bored. (Except a little bit in some scenes in the beginning)
- I'm sure here's more stuff but I just forgot them :))

Some neutral things:
- The second couple. Like it wasn't bad, not at all, but I just... liked more LeoFiat (it's rare that the main couple makes me more excited that the second couple). But as I said, nothing bad, it was sweet and cute <3
- The feeling of sad scenes. Okay, I can't say it was bad. And I was kinda impressed of First's acting skills oh woah. But I don't know, it may be the storyline that made not to feel the atmosphere since I was so frustrated and I was also at school so I watched it without voice and in short parts.

What I felt a little off though:
- Leo's possessiveness. At the beginning it didn't bother me at all. Just a little bit in the last ep. I felt little uneasy but it wasn't (still) too bad.
- Leo knew without telling Fiat about the family issues. (Still not that bad it would bother too much)
- Leo did what he thought was best for Fiat (and I really get it and understood him) but he should have talked. And Fiat too. Talk, talk, talk. Talking is the right solution for everything.
- The clip (both of them). Shouldn't been posted...
- The cat :(

Extra:
- I almost got a heart attack when I saw that man who was in What the Duck.

Altogether;
I enjoyed it.
I could watch it again - and still enjoy it.
I was satisfied with the end.
I took only two days to finish the whole thing.
Gonna wait for special episode <3
I recommend!

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Review

I personally liked this series it was good although some parts I didn’t like but overall meet my expectations.the story it was good as it was a continuation from Tharn and Type the series which I also saw I think that people should watch it again if they want to of course.I can’t wait to see the special episode or looks good I also personally loved Fiats character more than Leo's and I love both of the characters which include Leon Leo's brother and P’bob as well they made a cute couple but in the end it was a good way to end it because it wasn’t the right time for them to get together.

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THIS IS IT.

I'M LOVING THIS SHOW. IT'S ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.
TRUST ME. I WILL CONFIDENTLY SAY- TAKE MY WORD FOR IT AND DON'T HAVE ANY DOUBTS.
WATCHHHH THE SHOWWWW RIGHTTTT AWAYYY!!!!


zero toxicity. 100% chemistry. great acting. decent music. and bucketloads of cuteness and addressing taboo as well. and above all so far- no disappointments. I wish there were episodes every day. ;))
I really hope they keep this up!
(IT'S DEFINITELY ONE FOR AN 18+ AUDIENCE , so you little ones please stay away and wait patiently)

a brief summary of the plot:

Leo and Fiat were childhood friends who realise their feelings for each other after plenty of ups and downs and this show takes you through their journey - transitioning from best friends to boyfriends. It's a very beautiful cute and feel good 50 mins.
The side couple doesn't disappoint at all!!! :))

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TTTTSYL < DSN

I'll say it... This was SO MUCH BETTER than TharnType: 7yrs of Love. Most of us are here because of the parent story and I fell in love with FiatLeo when they were just the side couple, so it's fitting I came along for this ride as well. In true BL fashion I loved the side couple more than the main couple in 7 years lol.
Anyway, so I must say there were some super cheesy cute parts that'll make you lactose intolerant and other cheesy parts you can't believe they put it in the story. They threw a bit of a monkey wrench in the story for a bit but it found its way back around to Makes Sense-ville lmao
It's not a BL without a jealous female, parental issues and sabotage. Leo's parents are the Elder God's of the BL Parent World lol
Would recommend if you enjoy a fair decent amount of sexual scenes.
Visuals all around (bonus)
Enjoy...

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I’m so impressed!

I started watching this for entertainment and to enjoy the cuteness of such an attractive cast. However, I’m more and more impressed by this series. I find it so much better in terms of writing, acting, effects, music, and characterization than any other asian BL drama that I’ve ever watched.

I’d even say it’s rather progressive without being on the nose. Fiat is a (previously) promiscuous character and, while this causes issues in the series, him pursuing Leo and being open about what he wants is not shown in a negative light. I love that. He is who he is as far as sexuality goes and his growth as a character is more about learning to trust and communicate and become more mature. It’s really great.

Leo is already as close to perfect as you can get so I’m not sure how much room there is for growth. I’d say his singular flaw is that he takes not being allowed to be the perfect boyfriend in the face of his partner’s emotional turmoil personally. Like, let’s not make this about you! But this kind of thing does make the character feel more real. Not entirely perfect after all but close. And I think I’m in love with Ja. What a beautiful man and he plays the best boyfriend in history so well. I’m just praying (uselessly) that Leo doesn’t get hurt by the end of this series. Obviously, he will, but so far Leo and Fiat’s relationship is astonishingly healthy. It’s supportive and these two actually communicate about all kinds of things from their worries to their sex life. Very refreshing! I especially love Leo letting Fiat handle himself when Fiat expresses that he can, and by Fiat handling things beautifully. It’s not always about swooping in to save your partner but about trusting in his capabilities as well. The chemistry is real and the intimate scenes are A++.

I even love the side couple and find all characters at least somewhat interesting. That’s quite rare. Usually there’s at least one character or storyline I’m not into. Not with this series.

I’m also taken with how at least some notable antagonists, while perhaps super creepy and abusive (which is a feat in good writing all on its own), were not entirely demonized. Nuance in writing is great!

The acting is also on point. I’ve found Fiat’s crying a bit over dramatic before but it was convincing in the latest episode. And what a punch in the feels with Leon and Pob. This is not just entertaining, cute and sexy anymore. I was getting choked up in the latest episode. ? Can’t wait for the finale but I don’t want it to end!

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This show sorely lacks a coherent plot. Instead, it relies heavily on repetitive and melodramatic scenes of Fiat's tearful outbursts, followed by conveniently resolved crises presented in a disjointed manner. It is a perplexing and frustrating viewing experience, to say the least.

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Don't Say... I Didn't Warn You

Oh boy. This series has some of my favourite kissing and NC scenes, I'm not even going to lie.
But before I get into all that, a few disclaimers; I dropped TharnType after its first two episodes, and I have not read any of the original source material.

I'm going to start with my grievances regarding this series, and the primary reasons for my 7.5 rating.

The first episode had me almost dropping it because I did not connect with the characters. Now, I'm not necessarily blaming it for this because I feel that it was safe to assume on their end that most people watching DSN would be fans of TharnType, which I am decidedly not. Because they would already be familiar with Leo and Fiat.
But, I stuck with it, and I can at least promise you that by the end of the series, I had long connected to the characters, understood them (more or less) and loved them. It's just a bit of an awkward, confusing start for those outside the TharnType atmosphere.

Besides the character disconnect, what genuinely irritated and annoyed me were the incessant sound effects. A product of its time, but Lord help me I almost threw my ChromeBook out the window when yet another "funny" sound was played for the umpteenth time. I'm pretty sure I got desensitized to it, as I can't remember much of those effects later on in the series. Or maybe it's just heavy at the start.

I seem to be an outlier regarding the midpoint of the series, though. I didn't mind any of the angst and plots, nor did I mind the imbalance between how much of the plot revolves around Fiat instead of Leo. There is an imbalance for sure; if you don't end up liking Fiat early on, I'm afraid you won't enjoy the plot as much.
I also want to add that this is not a show that starts like most BLs--where characters are either strangers or enemies or friendzoned friends. It starts when the main leads have officially entered into a relationship, so if the romantic build-up is the primary reason for your BL enjoyment, this once again may be a big obstacle to you. That's not to say there's no romance--there's plenty, a lot of scenes and moments, but none of the "uncertainty fluff" before a relationship.

There is a case of the Episode 11 Curse, and I frankly hated that specific angsty misunderstanding so much that I skipped it entirely once I figured out they were about to curse me again, and I never felt like I missed anything by the end. It's just filler angst for the sake of it.

There is ALSO a case of the plot and characters not addressing sexual assault/rape properly. I decided to mention it in my review because it can be triggering to some. Also, the character it had happened to blames themselves for it, and while this could've been interesting, this series simply didn't give this point the nuance and care it needed.

Now, onto the things I did enjoy.
To get the shallow side of me out of the way immediately, LeoFiat's kisses and NC scenes are very, very hot and sweet. And there's plenty of love these characters show on screen. JaFirst natural chemistry also shines through, and though their acting here compared to Be Mine Superstar is a little more amateurish at times (which is a given), it didn't bother me much.

I liked the side characters. Both the positively supporting characters, like Fiat and Leo's friend group, but also those acting out more villainous support. Some character motivations and decisions were a bit nonsensical, but mostly in good fun. I liked Anda the most, she's a badass queen.

This I mention under things I did enjoy but I'm truly mostly neutral on it. Leon and Pob. They're a side romance. While I didn't skip their scenes, I also can't say I cared much for them. I just don't like the character archetype Leon was when pursuing Pob, but I did like him outside of those scenes. The ending to their romance did surprise me, though. It was certainly unexpected.

Most of my enjoyment did, in the end, come from Leo and Fiat together. I liked them both a lot, which seems to be somewhat of an unpopular opinion regarding Fiat--I think he was an interesting character and found him adorable. But! I definitely understand not liking him.

TLDR; If you don't like Fiat by episode 3, this series may be a lost cause for you. Go into this series not expecting a masterpiece, but more so plots and characters that are there to create a fun experience (not every plot point necessarily is *fun*, though, but it's hard to explain). It resembles a lot more of the earlier-time BLs than the high-expectation-deep-and-nuanced series that I prefer and hope for nowadays.

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why? why doing this to yourself? DONT

I have so many bad things to say that i won’t even know where to start it. Okay, in the beginning i was really (like really) excited, this BL have been in my list for a little while and i was really interested in watching it. And at the first episodes it was kinda good? It’s cute to see main couple and their friends interacting but then, i started realizing how ????? confusing it was, like during the 8 episodes i watched i never understood very well what was happening, like it seemed to have various stories and problems happening all at the same time. On episode 7 i was already tired of it, the characters won’t talk about their feelings in a real way you know? like something bad happened and they simply wouldn’t address it in the correct way. Mental health problems seemed like a “””funny””” thing here which is really really bad and annoying. The sex scenes are not bad but not good either because I felt like the actors didn’t have any chemistry with each other and that is extremely painful to watch. About Leon’s love story i couldn’t understand what was happening, like did the boy liked in back or not? Why didn’t they have a happy ending?????? Anyways, until episode 7 i watched it without skipping too much but from 7 till the end i just wanted to end it KSKSKSKSK. I sincerely don’t liked it. The actors aren’t bad, it was just the plot and story.

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