1
Jessica
Through the looking-glass
Meh
I'll start by saying that I agree with a lot of what the reviewers who rated this on the mid- to low-level scale said, so I'd definitely recommend checking out their reviews to see their thoughts on it. So that I don't echo what's already been said, I'll incorporate those reviews here and throw in my additional two cents.
In the grand scheme of Thai BLs, I'd say this drama is rather indistinguishable from and reminiscent of many of its predecessors: same male leads (one is demure yet sexually inappropriate while the other is angsty and gay-for-you); same plot devices (sexual assault is inconsistently used as a tool to both identify and villify "evil" characters while also romanticized to foster and facilitate romance between two "lovable" characters); and same, average writing and storytelling that by the end of the drama makes you realize that not a whole lot has happened. I wish more of the drama had been devoted to Tharn and Tar's backstory, rather than repetitive scenes between Tharn and Type that didn't really add to the story (yes, I know they're the show's namesakes, but still), or even between Tum and Tar. But after finishing the drama, I'm struggling to remember what the bulk of episodes were about; most of the action came in the last few episodes, but by that point, I had already lost a lot of interest.
In terms of acting, I was pleasantly surprised with how well everyone did, even the newer faces. That said, a lot of the characters felt stiff and one-dimensional. As much as I love MewGulf's off-screen chemistry, I have to say I grew rather tired of Type's constant jealous moodiness and Tharn's saccharine doting. I also felt like they went from enemies to lovers in the blink of an eye, and their on-screen chemistry (or lack thereof) suffered because of it. I didn't feel any yearning or heat, and I'm a bit over the superficial "I'm a sex god and therefore you will fall for me" trope.
Overall, not the worst but not the best. It wouldn't be the first drama I'd recommend, but it's moderately entertaining if you don't have anything else to watch.
In the grand scheme of Thai BLs, I'd say this drama is rather indistinguishable from and reminiscent of many of its predecessors: same male leads (one is demure yet sexually inappropriate while the other is angsty and gay-for-you); same plot devices (sexual assault is inconsistently used as a tool to both identify and villify "evil" characters while also romanticized to foster and facilitate romance between two "lovable" characters); and same, average writing and storytelling that by the end of the drama makes you realize that not a whole lot has happened. I wish more of the drama had been devoted to Tharn and Tar's backstory, rather than repetitive scenes between Tharn and Type that didn't really add to the story (yes, I know they're the show's namesakes, but still), or even between Tum and Tar. But after finishing the drama, I'm struggling to remember what the bulk of episodes were about; most of the action came in the last few episodes, but by that point, I had already lost a lot of interest.
In terms of acting, I was pleasantly surprised with how well everyone did, even the newer faces. That said, a lot of the characters felt stiff and one-dimensional. As much as I love MewGulf's off-screen chemistry, I have to say I grew rather tired of Type's constant jealous moodiness and Tharn's saccharine doting. I also felt like they went from enemies to lovers in the blink of an eye, and their on-screen chemistry (or lack thereof) suffered because of it. I didn't feel any yearning or heat, and I'm a bit over the superficial "I'm a sex god and therefore you will fall for me" trope.
Overall, not the worst but not the best. It wouldn't be the first drama I'd recommend, but it's moderately entertaining if you don't have anything else to watch.
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