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

Damn! They really met under the worst circumstances known to man!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Currently finished episode: 7

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: 21

Oh my God, I think I'm in love! Because this shit is seriously SO fun!

I love how confident Wayu is on stage and how that contrasts with just how shy and awkward he is when it comes to putting himself out there. And Krit . . . It's hard to read him sometimes, but that's part of his charm. Just how oblivious/uninterested are you really?

And the setting/story is really something different, which we sorely need with Thai BLs.

I'm already dying a little inside, wanting more!

Can be found on WeTV or free websites

Currently finished episodes: 11

It's indeed a snappy, office rom-com with more steam than you'd expect. The heart palpitations that ensue when the FLs get too close, let alone get intimate, are no joke!

I really appreciate how the office jargon also isn't just spewed from the leads like nonsense. They act like they know their stuff and are quite capable, just unfortunately, got off on the wrong foot.

I also like how, while Wine is both intimidating and demanding, you see she's just trying to do her job the best she can, and even gets a little self-conscious about her reputation in the office.

Poor Lal! Girl is already severely downbad for Wine, much as she likes to pretend she doesn't "like wine."

When they didn't do the title drop at the end, I found myself saying, "Huh? Friends with Benefits? More like . . . Enemies with Benefits!"

But, actually, with friends like Lal, who unintentionally sabotage her/make things worse with Wine, who needs enemies? ?That elevator convo and the fallout were brutal!

Side Note: Can we seriously talk about how this pairing KILLS together?! Because I don't know if you remember/saw MuTeLuv, but, damn, do they just work!

Can be found on YouTube

Currently finished episode: 8

Already, I'm saying it's a crime that this is only nine episodes!

Anyway, where do I start?!

The painting-style intro was pretty yet haunting. The pacing is snappy, the lighting stunning, and I loved the immediate contrast between the "grungy" working-class and the "refined" elite. Seemingly, the cost of extreme luxury/power is too great for the owner of it to comprehend at the time of reveling in it.

The meeting of our leads? It was as though the world clicked into place. They ground each other (and us). I loved how cheeky yet immediately trusting they are, "Like, fuck, where have you been?" kind of energy.

And Yao being something comprehendable yet even the most basic questions of when/where it all began going unanswered . . . I suppose it's the nature of Yao to defy heaven and earth with its very existence. Yet . . . Since it exists, does that not imply it has a place to do so? Like how natural disasters occur, or how a person must know chaos to know peace. I wonder . . .

Can be found on iQiyi

Currently finished episode: 8

Well, you know I'm a bit biased because, you know FreenBecky. But I do think this is a strong start.

We got a good setup to our leads with our ladies woman, Lom, with an easy charm and a nose for lies/trouble afoot, and our poised and kind princess in line for the throne, Blew, with love for her country but few reliable people on her side.

The costumes and sets are good, and I was rather impressed with the action scenes. Freen did a great job!

Now, to see just how well they manage to keep the stakes high after this explosive of a start! Fingers crossed this doesn't remind me of the errors of The Next Prince.

Can be found on iQiyi

Currently finished episode: 6

For Japanese LGBT+ List

They really nailed the documentary style in this first episode! From the narration and framing to the cuts and film quality. Not long into it, I found myself forgetting this was a drama.

We didn't get much insight into the reality of the MLs' decaying relationship, but it seems that's to begin in the next episode.

I'm intrigued to see what's to come.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Currently finished episode: 5

For Korean LGBT+ List

It's hard to have an impression after such a short episode. Character introductions sped past!

The budget appears higher than I thought it would be. And I'm impressed with how real they made the idol survival show feel, including behind-the-scenes content, shots from the dorm and backstage, and interviews that were spun to appeal to viewers.

With the main couple, you're left wondering just how they really left things when they parted.

As for the side couple, I don't know about you, but their double meet-cute was nothing short of cute to me! I get the feeling they're going to be the levity in this drama.

All in all, a good start!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Currently finished episode: 8

I think we got a hit on our hands!

Colors pop, and conversations and cuts to comedic gags are smooth and snappy. I'm vaguely reminded of a good Adam Sandler comedy.

But nothing is as snappy as the leads when face to face!

Kanit's brutal sass and Toto's lack of "class" make a brilliant clash of personalities. They both can't let annoyances go, except while Toto responds impulsively and crudely, Kanit puts on a nice act and plays the long game.

I never know what comebacks are going to slip past their lips when they interact. Makes me wonder if Tay and New were allowed to improvise at all because it just feels so natural.

As for the EMT work, they really went for it by showing the human stupidity EMTs have to deal with so often! One moment, you're carefully trying to remove an inappropriately placed metal piercing without sawing off an appendage, and the next you're rushing to get a cat down from a tree.

Also, speaking of EMTs, I loved the chaotic camaraderie of Toto's EMT friends. Even after dealing with such messiness at work, they drag each other into disasters in their free time. But they won't leave a man behind!

I had a lot of fun with this first episode! The humor and chemistry came easily, and when the credits came, I wished I could hit "next." I'm so sat for more!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or GagaOOLala

Currently finished episode: 4

The way they use religious symbolism so carefully and intentionally deserves nothing but praise. Our leads' first meeting/touching beneath the cross.

And Barth's chosen/almost forced isolation in this new Catholic school hits you again and again. He could try to reach out to others, but he already feels rejected. And how is he supposed to see these people as different from those in the past when he's pushed away from the start? They're wary of him for virtue of being different/new. But Barth . . . He has every right to be wary.

And then you have Tan.

Tan is as true a believer as one can be. He loves God. You can see it in his eyes. They shine when scripture is quoted or he looks on at a depiction of Jesus.

And yet . . . When he sees an injustice, he doesn't confront it then and there. He offers small kindness and private, unseen gestures but no hard stand. He simply looks on. And I think deep down he feels some guilt for that. But it seems he prefers peace over "rocking the boat," so to speak.

And Barth flies in the face of everything Tan is. He conforms only so much as he has to. He puts his hands together and recites as others do, but the words ring hollow.

It really portrays the different people you find in a house of God so well. Those who are truly sincere, those who claim sincerity, and those who are dragged in and keep their head down.

This one is going to hurt but maybe also heal.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or GagaOOLala

Currently finished episode: 4

Damn if this isn't an enticing beginning! It's even better than I imagined it would be!!!

We're thrown to the wolves in an unforgiving world, with a brutal background and an almost indefensible, hard-to-root-for ML.

I'm reminded of "Jack & Joker: U Steal My Heart!" and "Reset." Except the violence, moral dubiousness, and lengths for revenge are amped up to the extreme.

They set everything up SO crazily well, introducing the future players and their darkness, and yet gave us so little in the present, dangling the shiny carrot of more to come.

I feel teased! And, somehow, I can't be mad because it was just that good!

Damn!

Can be found on iQiyi

Currently finished episode: 4

For Korean LGBT+ List

The atmosphere is good, and the main ML's, Seo I Do's, methodical nature is highlighted well from the start. He also has an interesting, quiet kind of edge/vulnerability to him. You immediately pick up on how accustomed he is to being uncomfortable. And that he's never had time to stop and ponder anything "more" for himself.

But our cop, Chu Tae Jeong, is more naive than I would like him to be. He does take note of conversational details but doesn't really push further.

Also, I can't tell if they'll really go as dark as the trailer suggested. I hope they do . . .

I'm not NOT intrigued, but I'm not waiting with bated breath for the next episode. So take that as you will.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Currently finished episode: 6

For Korean LGBT+ List

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

Can be found on iQiyi

Currently finished episode: 2

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: 1

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: 1

For Korean LGBT+ List

Can be found on iQiyi

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: 14

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

Man really seems to have gotten screwed over!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Currently finished episode: 7

Coming June 25th

Coming June 26th

Can be found on iQiyi

For Korean LGBT+ List

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Currently finished episode:

For Korean LGBT+ List

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Currently finished episode:

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.

For Japanese LGBT+ List

Coming July 3rd

Coming July 3rd

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

For Japanese LGBT+ List

Coming July 3rd

Platform not known yet

Coming July 7th

Can be found on YouTube

For Japanese LGBT+ List

Coming July 7th

For Japanese LGBT+ List

Coming July 11th

Coming July 11th

Can be found on iQiyi

For Japanese LGBT+ List

Coming August 1st

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Can be found on iQiyi

On-Hold

Well, have Oxuin Films improved over the last six years? Have they?

Yes and no.

Their camerawork has certainly improved, as well as their sound design, set design, lighting, pacing, and character writing.

Like, Leo, my man. I love this man. This SML friend/manager in one character feels real and keeps it real. He doesn't sugarcoat anything, but he's understanding and kind. He's easily likable. His tone and body language are natural, too.

And both MLs are pretty well thought-out, actually. They have their glaring flaws like naivety and pride, but impure motives as they have for this "scheme" they're doing, they aren't detestable people. You more so want to put your hand on their shoulder, look them in the eyes, and say, "What are you doing, man?"

But . . .

It seems Oxin Films still likes to rely on pretty faces/abs and shock value/unnecessarily crude moments to get people to tune in. The introduction to our leads/the story certainly proved that, as well as a certain awkwardly dragged-out scene with a certain toy in a bathroom—

AND!

AND!!!

AND NOW THEY'RE USING AI?!!!

So, yeah. I have mixed feelings, to say the least

Can be found on YouTube:

Currently finished episode: 2

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 iQiyi

For Japanese LGBT+ List