What I'm Watching Possibly Right As You're Reading This

I find it so refreshing that this family not only treats their servants well, but so well that they feel like family rather than servants. But, of course, there are still limits. Lines they can't cross.

Phob sits lower than Tin. His head dutifully bowed. He calls him by his royal title. He knows well that as good as Tin's family treats him, he is not the same as them.

At this time, there are masters, and there are servants.

I also really like how bright and earnest Tin is. He has such a pure heart full of care, especially for Phob. He would give Phob the moon if he got so much as a hint that he might desire it.

I'm already terrified for the inevitable pain that is to come!

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Currently finished episode: 7

For Japanese LGBT+ List

It's a repeated story of falling for your best friend. But, still, it feels painful and real. Getting caught between "what we have is enough" and wanting more.

I'm curious about Wataru, as while we spend a lot of this episode with him, you don't really get a sense of him outside of his love of movies and inexperience with love.

In a small way, it's reminding me of the Seven Days movies. That charming openness of its leads, embarking on a quiet exploration of their relationship.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Currently finished episode: 6

For Japanese LGBT+ List

I'm impressed yet torn . . .

It feels like they packed an entire romantic short film into just the first episode. I wasn't expecting to be fed the full scope of their past and current relationship right off the bat! I think I rather liked it, though. I think.

But it is a lot to take in at once. And . . . We also seemingly skipped their reunion after school, which I would have been interested to see. Unless I'm meant to infer they continued their dynamic straight into adulthood and never once cut off contact, which, if that's the case, I don't think they did the best job at making that clear.

Now . . . With Naoya fully breaking down and Takaaki actually acting like a person with agency around Naoya instead of quietly agreeing with everything, we'll see what path they forge together. Seems like one of comfort and revenge.

With their social/emotional statuses shifting so much, it also kind of feels like a new, toxic power imbalance has sprung up. Naoya is a wreck, and Takaaki is all too eager to pick up the pieces/win his favor. Kind of suspiciously so, if you ask me.

I'm intrigued the more I think about it.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Currently finished episode: 5

Ooooooh! The tension was tensioning, and the chemistry was REALLY chemistrying! And we're just on episode one!!! The way Jane's eyelashes were involuntarily fluttering when Jane Patrick entered his space was simply so sweet.

You get the sense that Jane Patrick has a real interest in Jane as a person, but also . . . An obsession. Push him, and he's likely to snap!

I wonder if maybe just maybe we're actually getting the fantasy element of this that the pilot promised. Certain things seemed out of the ordinary/not like pure coincidences . . . The trailer seemed to suggest otherwise, though. I wonder . . .

Can be found on iQiyi

Currently finished episode: 6

An excellent start!

The intro hooks you from the jump, wasting no time plunging you into Kay's world by pulling him out of his nightmare and then following along with him as he goes through the motions of his day. I was really impressed by the sound design, smooth use of cuts, and the overall camerawork.

And Dew plays the role of the tortured artist, A.K.A. Kay, like he was made for it! Eerie yet sympathetic. I got chills watching him practice smiling in the mirror.

As for our inspector, A.K.A. Phat, while friendly, he doesn't let his suspicions pass him by. I get the sense he's a "follow the hunch" kind of guy.

Their first meeting? Surprisingly, charming rather than fiery. But I liked that! And the vibes when they parted felt like something out of a rom-com?

When they met again, though? That "offness" was something else!?

I had pretty high expectations from the trailer. For now, I think I'm safe to keep them high!

Can be found on YouTube

Currently finished episode: 4

Honestly, it's almost funny how comically over-the-top pathetic/tragic Lu Xiao Fan's life is.

He's practically sold off by his family for an in-name marriage only, and hidden away in an attic like The Little Princess, constantly trying to make up for the little kindness he is given by eagerly studying, cleaning, making soup (like SO much soup--specifically clear soup), and otherwise trying to make himself useful, while dealing with snobby rich/highly educated people looking down their noses at him.

Meanwhile, his relationship with Bei Lu Qing is only toxic because neither of them is willing to say how they really feel.

This is to say that it's no Unknown or Revenged Love, but it is rather entertaining (so far)!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Currently finished episode: 9

For Japanese LGBT+ List

Surprise, surprise, I'm here!

And, surprisingly, this isn't too bad so far. Contrary to the title, it's not as crass as you'd think. Upfront, sure, but not really crass. It's sweet but by no means shy.

And compared to Naughty Fukami? It is already leagues above with its acting AND intimate scenes! *trauma flashbacks*

I also rather enjoy how the universe seemingly decides to do Ainosuke a solid by dropping the perfect man, A.K.A. Mr. Natural-flirt-with-the-best-intentions in his sexually curious lap as penance for the horrible groping he endured. How nice of it! Lol.

I'm more on board than I thought I'd be *shrugs*

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Currently finished episode: 4

So the setting is arguably a bit more unique than the others in the 4 Elements series. And offers a lot of opportunities for danger and daring, romantic rescues. How charming it will be, though, remains to be seen . . .

And Fai is a firecracker of a character! Abrasive, loud, and confident. But also hurt and clearly hiding that hurt behind a lot of false bravado.

And with her rants and interactions with Kaphrao, you can practically see the steam coming out of her ears. LMAO!

These two FLs are expressing their rage toward each other well! I'm completely buying into the enemies portion of their enemies-to-lovers relationship.

But Fai's father . . . I don't really know how to feel about him. Because on the one hand, he very much appears to be blatantly neglectful of his daughter after her mother's passing, throwing himself into work and fathering Kaphrao instead of Fai during her childhood. But on the other hand, he also has this kind of charming tough love side of him, where he won't just hand his kid everything, even with all his wealth, because he wants her to work for it herself but he'll also give into Fai's ridiculous/out-of-nowhere demands because he loves her that much and treat her like a friend he drinks with and doesn't bullshit.

And then, there's him pushing Fai to treat Kaphrao like a new little sister when they're younger, which makes the coming drastic shift in their dynamic when they're older to a romantic relationship . . . A bit "uncomfortable." He's not pushing this idea as hard in the present, but still.

All in all, an entertaining first episode, though.

Can be found on iQiyi

Currently finished episode: 3

It's like taking a walk deep into the woods, stopping to sit on a fallen mossy log in a quiet place, and soaking in the sunlight that slips through the trees.

The plot feels more abstract than linear, but I think to achieve this kind of experience, you couldn't have it any other way.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Currently finished episode: 9

For Korean LGBT+ List

It's so refreshing to see how open-minded everyone is!

Can be found on iQiyi

Currently finished episode: 13

They got me so curious what happened!!!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Currently finished episode: 14

It's just sooooooooo goooooooood!

Can be found on Netflix

Currently finished episode: 8

Can be found on iQiyi or Amazon Prime

Currently finished episode:

I guess he's playing the long game, huh?

Can be found on Netflix or Rakuten Viki

Currently finished episode: 18

Ji Sung is the draw, for sure! He eats up this role like it's the most expensive birthday cake ever made, and he hasn't had sustenance in twenty years!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Currently finished episode: 20

Man really seems to have gotten screwed over!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Currently finished episode: 12

The subject matter is uncomfortably blatant, and the FL is going through sheer hell on earth/water! It's often hard to watch!

Can be found on Netflix

Currently finished episode: 23

Oh! They are both magnetic! I love them AND their dynamic together!!!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Currently finished episode: 2

Jesus! He's really the most unlucky AND lucky man ever!

Can be found on Hulu or free websites

Currently finished episode: 2

I get that he doesn't seem to have any proof yet that he was forcibly drugged. But it just bothers me so much that he isn't telling his fellow officers what happened. Because he just looks SUPER guilty this way.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Currently finished episode: 1

Can be found on YouTube

For Korean LGBT+ List

Can be found on iQiyi

For Korean LGBT+ List

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVto0SIMg7Iw&si=jWXkkBo6XpcYI___

For Korean LGBT+ List

Can be found on GagaOOLala

For Korean LGBT+ List

Can be found on GagaOOLala

For Korean LGBT+ List

PTW

Can be found on GagaOOLala or Wavve

Update: Since there has been a resolution regarding payment for the actors (and an official statement has been released), I am now comfortable watching this drama. At that time, I will update this accordingly.

Coming August 12th

Can be found on iQiyi

Coming August 14th

Can be found on YouTube

Coming sometime in August

For Korean LGBT+ List

Coming sometime in August

Coming August 25th

Can be found on WeTV or free websites

Coming October 10th

For Korean LGBT+ List

Hasn't released yet

Will watch soon

Can be found on Netflix

Interested In

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Interested In

Can be found on Netflix

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or iQiyi

Can be found on free websites

Can be found on free websites

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Can be found on free websites

Can be found on iQiyi

Can be found on iQiyi

On-Hold (but not important to actually finish—let's be real)

Can be found on YouTube

Currently finished episode: 2

Hasn't released yet

Hasn't released yet

Hasn't released yet

Can be found on iQiyi

Hasn't released yet

Can be found on iQiyi

For Korean LGBT+ List

Can be found on WeTV or free websites

Can be found on iQiyi

Can be found on iQiyi

Can be found on MONOMAX or free websites

Can be found on Netflix

Can be found on Netflix

Can be found on free websites

Can be found on free websites

Can be found on free websites

Can be found on iQiyi

Can be found on iQiyi or Netflix

Can be found on WeTV or free websites