This review may contain spoilers
For China, it's pretty fire
I finished binging everything in like 2 days, and I've waited for this show since the pilot trailer. So, it's been about like 3 years or so since I first heard about ABO Desire, and as I waited for the show to finish airing (for the months that it aired for) I read the novel.From the novel, it was pretty close to the show, which is exactly what I expected because NongJian sisters wrote the book and oversaw the show. The screenwriting is pretty okay (because there are scenes that could've totally been cut), the acting and cast was literally amazing, and I find myself listening to half the OST. I'd definitely go back to rewatch it again because I've literally been dying for an ABO themed show (I know PitBabe was one, but it was more abt powers than it was abt actual ABO).
I liked the obsessed trope because no one can truly top the crazy brain of Hua Yong, he's planned and he's planned WELL to capture his Alpha and no one can ever tell me otherwise. Xing's acting was so good, especially with the duality he had whenever he looks at someone else vs when he looks at Shaoyu. Qiu's micro expressions were everything, like when he was in the hospital and found out he was pregnant - it was so funny but so good I was fawning for 3 minutes straight. For Heng's first ever debut role, he did so well, especially the way his eyes gloss over with pain and trying to cover it with anger for Gao Tu's resignation is just so heartbreakingly good. And then there's also Peien! I just felt so bad for his character the whole time, and he had made his voice sound so small and shaky when he called Gao Qing to tell her to pack her bags.
The characters are not meant to be liked, and actually are pretty morally gray (minus Hua Yong, that guy's fully black flag), but I've fallen for them completely! Gao Tu who had told many lies, I still can't not feel terrible whenever he was on screen, Wenlang who was lied never felt love from his parents which had lead him to acting the way he does is honestly the worst thing ever. Because people who haven't read the novel won't know his pain. Hua Yong has never felt love before he met Shaoyu which got him into doing the craziest sht in the world, and Shaoyu who had slept with many Omegas (with questionable taste for the ones "untouched".) was burdened by an entire family line and his own father. Holyyyy like this show was just full of sadness and pain. But it was also so sweet I can't get enough.
And - of course, everyone must be talking about the LangTu ship (Shen Wenlang and Gao Tu), honestly, I had to dock a point for that. I'm a fan of both couples, and so I didn't find much of a problem with their screentime, considering how their story starts after the timeline of the novel and into the three years after Peanut was born. But their reunion could've had more. I honestly had low expectations, but I really didn't expect them to give LangTu like 30 seconds for their 3 year reunion.
As I'm writing this, there are no extras that have been out, and have been rumors of extras and director cuts. So I'm really hoping that LangTu gets one because otherwise I'd really be upset. In the novel, they weren't shown much of a resolution either, but honestly, I can't hate too much because they ARE a side couple.
I hope for their next 3 shows together (rumored to have 3 more shows, 2 modern and 1 historical with one already rumored to be next: Tenacious Illness) that Jiang Heng and Li Peien will get a better side couple role or even a main couple with Huang Xing and Qiu Dingjie. Or even better - if they were to both be mains.
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PREDATOR VS PREY (OMEGAVERSE)
The story follows Sheng Shaoyou, a high- ranking S-class Alpha and wealthy heir. He falls for Hua Yong, who appears fragile and submissive as an omega. However, Hua Yong is actually a rare Enigma ( a tier above Alpha) who has been meticulously manipulating Shaoyou from the start. The power dynamic flips entirely when Shaoyou, the supposed 'top' Alpha, finds himself physically and emotionally dominated by the man he thought he was 'rescuing'.###HIGHLIGHTS
The cinematography is sleek and cinematic, effectively portraying a near-future world defined by pheromones and social hierarchy. Huang Xing's performance as the 'demon shark' ( a manipulative, obsessive lead) is widely praised for its chilling elegance. Also, it's a literal 'first of its kind' for live-action, tackling complex tropes like biological imprinting and male pregnancy with surprising technical detail.
However, the show leans hard into 'Dark BL' territory. It features significant manipulation, gaslighting, and non-consensual elements that have divided the audience. Due to its ambitious content, some episodes feel heavily censored or rushed, particularly in the final arc, which utilized a jarring multi-year time skip. Also, the first few episodes spend a lot of time explaining the biology, which can feel slow for those unfamiliar with the genre.
In conclusion, ABO Desrie is a fever dream, and if you enjoy watching obsessive red-flag romances and high-badget sci-fi aesthetics, it's a must-watch.
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A reasonably good dive into the Omegaverse
I’ve been a fan of the Omegaverse for a while and enjoy reading novels that explore this theme. However, I was a bit hesitant to start this one because I didn’t know what to expect; I realised it could either be really well done or really poorly executed.Fortunately, it landed somewhere in the middle. While it’s not incredible, it’s also not too bad and does explore some interesting aspects of this universe.
The story features two couples with four different dynamics – alpha, omega, beta and enigma. Although I felt that some parts, particularly those involving Wen Lang and Gao Tu, were rushed, other sections of the story were well thought out and somewhat cohesive.
It’s important to note that the relationships are quite toxic! There's no avoiding that, so if you dislike possessiveness, dubious consent, manipulation, emotional coercion, ownership, and other significant red flags, you might want to skip this one or proceed with caution while watching it.
However, if you’re open to exploring a different theme and can look past the toxicity in these romances, the series is somewhat entertaining. None of the characters are truly innocent in their interactions, which may make it easier to overlook the problematic aspects than you might think.
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The series ambitiously builds the complex ABO system on screen, including the biology, the social hierarchy, and the use of suppressants. For those of us who are fans of the genre, it is a delight to see tropes like pheromone attraction brought to live action.
The tension between Hua Yong and Sheng Shao You is palpable. Their interactions are charged with power and desire.
If you like BL dramas with a high production value, themes of toxicity, psychological manipulation, and are interested in seeing one of the few live-action Omegaverse adaptations, give it a chance.
If you prefer healthier love stories, with consent and a fast pace, ABO Desire might be a frustrating experience.
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This review may contain spoilers
A huge step for Omegaverse and Ch BL but with room for improvements
As a smut-o-meter-judge, I judge this to still reach a good decent level of quality intimacy scenes.I know you all thirsty out there want that tea :P
That said, don't expect Hollywood or other high quality series/movies level of delivery.
It is still withing that kinda B-level of fake kisses and comical bed shake humping experience.
But I still feel they made it flow, it wasn't horrible to watch and enough believable.
The story wasn't all about just relationship and romance but they did squeeze in some typical corp wars.
Sure, it was all in a ridiculous fake level, that at times it felt more as a decor than part of the story, but when we enjoy things, we tend to become temporarily blind right? That's how I felt with this drama.
All B and C-level budget and fake stuff could be ignored because the story had a flow.
Now to spoilers part:
This is why I went from a 9 and almost dropped to a 6 in grade for this; the ending was so so horrible, I wish I never saw it.
They did not just cut corner, they jumped off a cliff without the hanger. They skipped such a huge portion of the story and rushed an incomplete and mumbo-jumbo ending.
It did not only left us hanging in what happened but it twisted a good story into something cheap, especially the second part of the last episode.
I personally felt betrayed af and robbed of the SL CP. Their story has been like a teaser the entirety of the series and just as many of us was hoping for some screentime, some closure in the last episode, it became instead worse. We never got to see past the revelation meeting and the timeskip just made it worse.
As for production, acting and scenery, I'd still give it an A+
I loved the Enigma take and how they chose to portrait it.
Chinese censorship did not only took vacation, I guess it went afk for unforseen time.
Eliot aced his role and easily became an actor (and character) I loved to hate, the biatch that kept me craving for more.
The scenery of the houses and building, cars and clothes...daim, wth budget did they have? It was kind of insane for a BL.
I've seen Thai BL splurge, but this felt bit more.
The music fitted and wasnt too much or too little. Kudos for that.
To summarize:
It is a drama worth to watch but beware the last episode.
It is a love drama but I'd say it is more a romcom.
Not too hard too watch, smut is just on PG level really and it is more the semi kinky suggestive scenes and the makeout that makes it a little NSFW. If you ignore a lot of nonsense, you will enjoy it a lot.
For a Chinese BL this brought me so much joy (or rather, HOPE) that I now keep longing for more Chinese BL and that Immortality might be released..
This is how I feel about it, others might might not agree.
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gotta aura maxxin
its rare to find ths typa story in cbl, im glad they can portrayed it so good for thoose who dk wht abo is. the discrimination, humiliation, struggles r realits j tht the reaction to pheromones is somewhat different from wht i expected
theres no desire at all even tho it says in the title. i need more DESIRE!!! i need them to go crazy!! nasty!! like real animals!! the tension is good, but not fire. fortunately the chemistry saved them.
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A new experience for me it was and the best part is I LOVE EVERY BIT OF IT!!!
Story - So the story actually seems to be well plot and every bit of it is actually well understanble. Every character has it own story to tell in the series. The love between Hua yong and shen was actually from childhood makes the story more cute and wholesome. The first initial episodes and the last four eps will hooked you to the screen and will definitely a enjoyment for the audiences. The story between Wen lang and Gao tu should have been in more detailed and shown have been shown more. The last scene that they had should have been shown more after WenLang hugged Gao tu but they didn't showed us after what happened.Acting- Hua yong actually did phenomenal job with his calm , charismatic and bold personality that how the character is. I loved every act of his. Wen lang and shen was okay whereas Gao tu too did an awesome job in terms of acting.
Music - Some music actually suited the scenes in the series and you could literally find yourself vibe to it.
Overall - These series was based on OMEGAVERSE, something which was completely new to me and i have never heard of it too. But after knowing and researching about it , it actually interests me and now i think i need more of OMEGAVERSE stories. I loved this drama and i would definitely recommend everyone to atleast watch it once coz it won't make you bored.
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A Missed Opportunity: When Poor Pacing and Dark Clichés Overshadow Potential
I’ll be honest—I watched this series to broaden my horizons and form my own opinion.After seeing some promos, especially featuring the actors who seemed likable, I got curious—especially about a series that touches on a sensitive topic and is ripe for debate (what better way to unwind than to debate?): the OMEGAVERSE.
Far be it from me to enjoy the Omegaverse for obvious reasons: rape culture, fetishism, the glorification of Alphas who think they can walk all over everyone and claim Omegas for themselves, and so on.
Of course, it all depends on the author and how the characters are written, but this is the pattern we see regularly...
So there are sometimes exceptions (like the Pitbabe series, which manages to shake up the clichés a bit or avoid featuring the detestable, immoral characters we often see in these types of stories), I even suspect that sometimes the Omegaverse is added to a story solely as a “fantasy” element to provide the opportunity for same-sex couples to have children (just a guess, since I don’t have much experience with this genre).
Some alternatives sometimes incorporate the “Enigma” type, which introduces a different turning point, particularly in the “hierarchy.”
Based on the synopsis provided by ABO Desire, I wondered if this series would be one of the exceptions (I must admit I was amused by the idea that, for once, an Alpha wouldn’t be the “predator”).
The final verdict is rather mixed.
In and of itself, the series had potential, but we’re left with a very bitter taste because of a CA-TA-STRO-PHIC final episode (rushed, incoherent, and clearly sloppy) that literally ruins everything. Ending on such a note is never good for the overall impression. The result: viewers are left frustrated. That’s how I feel.
Honestly, overall, this series isn’t bad at all: there are plenty of positives, but unfortunately, there are also many negatives that weigh heavily in the balance. The most surprising thing: it’s not even just because of the “omegaverse” aspect. In fact, if you take out a few scenes (some unnecessary because they drag things out, others just shocking and unfounded...), the series is really interesting and the four characters are even endearing (IN THEIR OWN WAY): neither all black nor all white.
- The actors did a great job and deserve applause for their performances (especially Huang Xing as Hua Yong).
- The OSTs were really nice, and I really liked how the lyrics perfectly matched the characters on screen at that moment.
- The cinematography was nice: like most Chinese dramas, it’s very polished and aesthetically pleasing, whether in terms of the visuals, sets, costumes, or makeup, etc.
- The plot started off pretty well, offering two interesting initial storylines based on two “double crosses”: an Enigma pretending to be an Omega to please his obsessive crush, and an Omega pretending to be a Beta to save his own skin (and not “bother” his childhood friend/crush/boss).
But while the first “double game” was well-developed in and of itself (thankfully, since it’s kind of the main point), this is unfortunately not the case for the second one, which the script completely butchered at the end (even though the potential of the second couple was clearly equal to or even greater than the first).
You want to keep watching to find out how all these secrets and misunderstandings will be resolved. The problem: the plot is too tightly wound, and the resolution is poorly executed (or non-existent).
- Fortunately, then, we could count on the first couple:
Sheng Shao You’s character is my biggest surprise: a gentle, kind Alpha who’s certainly very proud and has a bit of a “Casanova” side, but is generally a “Green Flag.” He’s a far cry from the typical rapist archetype often associated with dominant Alphas. Very cute.
Hua Yong is, of course, the most interesting and complex character in the series: he captures the viewer’s full attention with his mysterious air, his double-dealing, his “acting,” his schemes, his power...
Of course, his obsession—which is certainly open to criticism—was sometimes taken to extremes. His behavior is clearly not normal (not to be replicated at home), but one can be somewhat moved by his unprecedented devotion.
I admit I was afraid that the “making the Alpha his Omega” aspect would condemn the series to remain forever in that relational imbalance typical of the omegaverse—based on enslavement, domination, and submission—(whereas for me, the whole point of this series was to “turn the omegaverse on its head”). Fortunately, in the end, we don’t end up with that imbalance. One of the series’ rare successes in terms of storytelling!
“Obsessive” characters are always intriguing in their own way, but also detestable. Here, the series managed to make us warm up to the character by the end (despite certain aspects...) because he manages to transcend the dynamic of submission.
Spoiler:
The scene where Hua Yong literally “rapes” Sheng Shao You for no reason in episode 9 at Hotel X was clearly unnecessary. We could have clearly done without it; it adds nothing to the story, except to darken and tarnish the character of Hua Yong, who had so much potential... sure, he makes amends, apologizes, etc., but why perpetuate the clichés of the omegaverse?
His unwavering devotion and unconditional love shouldn’t be overlooked: we’re talking about seduction taken to the extreme here. Okay, it’s clearly not the best example of romance, but in the end it was still a bit touching, especially when Hua Yong explains all his motives to Sheng Shao You and the latter calls him a crazy fanboy—it’s funny, and it really captures his personality.
I’ll admit that Shen Wen Lang and Sheng Shao You’s remarks about Hua Yong are pretty funny and retain a certain realism: it’s as if the series itself ironically condemns this kind of behavior!
- Unfortunately, we can’t ignore what I consider the series’ biggest flaw (which leads to all the others): its pacing.
I don't understand what the writers were thinking: the story got off to a quick start but took forever to develop, especially the second plotline. There are significant lulls and repetitions around the middle and in the second half, and a final episode where everything is crammed in—revelations, attempts at reconciliation, reunions—just to wrap up the series. Such a shame. It’s clear that the series was more focused on the first couple/plot, which was very poorly combined with the second (even though there was a clear desire to give scenes to this second couple).
At the same time, there are a lot of unnecessary missteps, quite a few inconsistencies or contradictions in the dialogue or certain scenes, and problematic situations.
Gao Tu is very endearing, but of course, like all omegas, he is unfortunately the victim of the entire series. Financially exploited by his father (and consequently his friend), he constantly endures Shen Wen Lang’s (the man he technically loves) clumsy reprimands and gratuitous indirect insults toward Omegas, not to mention the health issues he suffers precisely to hide his nature as an Omega. It’s a real shame he’s the type to bottle everything up and retreat into stubborn silence: the scenes where Shen Wen Lang FINALLY tried to do something to “help” him were all pointless because he rejected them. How many times did I wish he’d finally spit out the words that were choking him...
Shen Wen Lang is the most frustrating character, and it’s not at all because of his Alpha nature (a solitary Alpha who doesn’t care about Omegas or anything romantic/sexual: no rapists in sight, great!).
At first he’s funny: clumsy with his words, though capricious, he has no malicious intent and is a good subordinate/friend/boss.
But the fact that he remains so out of touch, paranoid, and blind (toward Gao Tu) right up until the end ruins his potential.
By the end, his character is completely destroyed by his denial and stupidity, and the final episode ruins everything.
Why, when he’d maintained an image of a “good alpha” throughout the series, does he start to completely lose control and discredit himself?
Of course, the distressing lack of communication surely plays a role here (where would the drama be, you might ask). The problem is that when you stretch a rubber band too far, it snaps: we lose all interest in the second couple because after 15 episodes, there’s still no progress (literally nothing happens).
In my opinion, the second couple was ruined by all the things left unsaid—things that could have saved us... 15 episodes?
Spoiler:
because yes, the “secret” of the second couple isn’t revealed until that moment. It’s all a bit over the top.
It’s really a shame because I’m convinced this couple had enormous potential.
In short: well, a series with a lot of potential that could have redeemed the dreadful image of the omegaverse by giving it a better dimension, shoots itself in the foot several times with terrible pacing and the repetition of dark clichés.
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doesn’t it live up to the hype ?
I have watched 12 complete episodes and parts/videos/comments for like 13-16, well I pretty much watched more ep 16 because of curiosity to see how this will end.I will talk about this as a BL in general, not in term of omegaverse.
Like it was an okay watch I guess… but I don’t consider it good. I don’t really get how there is so many 10/10
The pacing wasn’t good to me, it felt quite dragging. I mean with this it felt like nothing much happened in many eps, which bored me and I don’t know, it didn’t felt quite interesting to watch. And honestly, didn’t felt much the main couple falling in love🤷♀️also, felt like HY went a bit too far at time. you are gonna saw that this is his character or whatever, I have seen my share of some red flag, but I have an exemple in mind that was too much for me.
there was definitely some bad editing, could have been better with a different team
the acting wasn’t good from everyone. Chemistry was okay
still gonna give some points for the efforts of the team and the actors, also some did good in term of acting and there was still some enjoyable moments I guess. I think it takes some courage to act in a BL like this considering how it is in China and these poor guys suffered some hate, bullying, etc…
the ending was fine for the main couple.
second couple… they were barely seen and there was no conclusion, confession, etc... what was the point of their presence if it’s gonna be like this. Shen Wen Lang was so stupid, it was annoying to watch. Unfortunately the actor felt like the weakest compared to the other 3. At the beginning, I was feeling quite bad with Ga Tao’s situation. Anyway, this couple was a waste. Felt like they had a more plausible fondation with the fact they went to school together and have known (and actually saw each other all the time) for years. Don’t get either much those who said they were only watching for them, they gave pretty much nothing
Not related to the story, but some people need to chill regarding a FICTIONAL STORY AND CHARACTERS. The comments section was a mess here at time and elsewhere the actors getting attacked and hated…. like c’mon.
So, to conclude, no unfortunately, I don’t think it lives up to the hype. If you wanna watch something different and omegaverse story, then go for it
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Love Won, but Not the Way I Hoped
Just finished ABO Desire and honestly… mixed feelings 😭The first couple (Hua Yong × Sheng Shao you) got their happy ending, and I’m satisfied with that. it was sweet and wrapped up nicely.
But the second couple (Shen Wenlang × Gaotu)… sigh 😩 I really wished the director gave them more. They technically did get a happy ending, but it didn’t feel satisfying enough. They followed the novel too closely, I hoped they’d change it up a bit and give Wenlang and Gotau more happy moments together.
Also, they barely got any screen time 😭 like hello?? they were my fave couple more than the main one! The ending felt kinda rushed too. After three years of separation, they just met, hugged, and boom - open ending. I was expecting at least one kiss 🥹 but fine, at least we got that hug.
Overall, it’s a good drama but the pacing near the end felt rushed. Still hoping we get more stories like this soon 🩶
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Quick review on each pairing
-If you like HuaSheng pairing (Enigma x Alpha) I TOTALLY RECOMMEND YOU THIS DRAMA, it's almost a perfection, their story is beautifulllll. And the pair will make you go🙈aahhhhhhh🙈💕-If you like LangTu pairing (Alpha x Omega) just forget it, it's not for you at all, they're basically a "guest" appearance which is a great disappointment with very minimal screen time. Their story were mostly very angsty😢They were barely mentioned in the novel yes, but the drama CUTS A LOT from the novel which is worser. And their ending will leave you baffled.
//Story & overall I gave 7 because the story too rushing & the "guest" couple were horrible executed
//Acting no doubt all is almost perfect especially the omega actor, he stood out the most probably because he's the veteran actor in this drama. -1 cuz there's some cringy part like fight scene but it doesn't affect much! It's applaudable still!
//Music: 10/10 nuff said
//Rewatch: it's kinda poorly executed imo but I would rewatch of Enigma x Alpha✨
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Didn’t Expect to Like It — But I Did
This is only my second time watching a BL drama. The first one I ever saw was the Thai drama Love in the Air, which I actually enjoyed quite a bit. So when this one popped up on my Viki feed under new releases, I decided to give it a look.At first, I wasn’t too interested. The whole alpha, omega, beta, and enigma thing honestly confused me—I didn’t really understand it and thought it might be too strange for my taste. But after checking MyDramaList and seeing all the positive reviews (and some comments saying the two secondary male characters deserved more screen time), I decided to give it a shot.
It took me two days to finish, and while the beginning was a bit unclear—especially regarding the second male lead’s character—I stuck with it. By episode 9, things really started heating up between the two main leads, and I was hooked.
Hua Yong’s love for Sheng Shao felt real and determined, almost like soulmates who just couldn’t give up on each other. Even though Hua Yong made mistakes and went about things the wrong way at times, his feelings were genuine. He always assumed Sheng Shao was running off with other omegas whenever he went into his rutting stage, but that wasn’t true. Hua Yong was actually Sheng Shao’s first, and his desire to mark him came not only from love but also from wanting to save him from the poison in his body.
Their relationship went through a lot of lies and misunderstandings, especially due to Hua Yong’s desperation to keep Sheng Shao close—but in the end, they found their way back to each other and became a happy family.
As for the other two male characters, their story was full of missed chances and unspoken feelings. I really wish the show had explored their relationship more because there was so much emotional depth left untapped. Their ending, to me, felt bittersweet—good for the main couple, but a little sad for the side pair.
All in all, I’m glad I watched it. The alpha-omega world still feels a little odd to me, but without it, the story wouldn’t have had the same spark or intensity.
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