Cigarette after cigarette, you’ll fall for me
I felt so much pain while watching this series. At first, I thought: “Okay, this is a tense, almost predatory conquest of a man”—like a cat catching a mouse. But after they got together and started sharing cute and tender moments, the revelation of lies hurt even more. I truly suffered. This series broke me.Fan Xiao is definitely toxic and awful - not only at first glance - but over time it becomes clear that he genuinely starts to love Shu Lang. His trauma does not excuse his behavior; yet as the series progresses, I found myself feeling sympathy for him, especially because he also does many good and caring things for Shu Lang.
Shu Lang isn’t a bodhisattva, which makes his role an especially interesting counterpart. On the one hand, he was very caring towards his ex-boyfriends and, with Fan Xiao, may be experiencing for the first time what it really means to be cared for and to open up to someone, rather than just caring for others. On the other hand, he consistently stands up for his own dignity and refuses to lose himself completely in the relationship.
If you’re looking for an emotional roller coaster with heavy themes, this series is exactly that. Additionally, the cinematography is excellent—for example, the cigarette-lighting scene at the beginning is beautifully shot. For my personal taste, there was a bit too much smoking, but I understand its dramaturgical purpose.
Interestingly, there are no side couples, which allows the viewer to fully focus on the multilayered main characters.
I’m also really looking forward to the special episode and hope for a few more sweet moments.
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Take your time for this experience
Honestly, I really liked the slow pacing. Some episodes are definitely much longer (up to 2 hours) compared to the usual 45–60 minutes I’m used to, but they never felt too long. In fact, they often felt better paced than shorter episodes, which sometimes fail to fully engage me. The extended runtime gave the main couple enough space to properly develop, which I appreciated a lot. Also, we actually got a real plot that wasn’t only focused on romance, and that really made the series stand out compared to many others I watch. Overall, I enjoyed the village setting more than the city scenes. The atmosphere there just felt richer and more engaging.Unexpectedly, I didn’t enjoy the former lives storyline as much as I thought I would, even though I’ve seen and liked reincarnation plots before. Objectively, it was well executed, and the past versions of the characters were unique and added important layers to the story. Still, for some reason, I was mainly interested in the present timeline. I liked the main couple – and the side couple – so much in the present that I constantly found myself wanting to get back to them. It felt like when you only watch a series because you’re waiting for your favorite couple’s scenes. This is purely my personal feeling, and I’m pretty sure it’s an unpopular opinion.
When it comes to Khem and Peem (his master), their chemistry was undeniable, especially since they were living together most of the time. That closeness really worked in their favor. However, I wasn’t a big fan of the two characters who were mainly introduced to distract the couple from each other and create jealousy – that part was pretty meh for me.
As for the side couple, Chan and Jet, I was pleasantly surprised. Their relationship developed very differently from the main couple’s, which made it refreshing to watch. Additionally, I really loved that we also got GL representation.
Honourable mention goes to Thong and Ek, the two adorable child spirits. They worked perfectly as comic relief, but I also got emotionally attached to them.
Regarding the villain, Ramphueng, I appreciated that she felt genuinely different from typical antagonists. She was powerful without being overpowered – the same goes for the protagonists – and her characteristics were clearly shaped by her past. One thing I personally didn’t like, though, was that Khem sometimes felt too passive or helpless and too dependent on Peem, almost like a damsel in distress.
Lastly, I absolutely loved the production quality. The visuals were stunning, atmospheric and truly beautiful - e.g. the ghosts or the ritual scene in the rain.
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Worth watching for PoohPavel alone?
First of all, I’m a fan of PoohPavel ever since I saw them in Pit Babe. As Thup and Singha, they definitely have chemistry. We get several cute moments and a sweet ending, and there is character development—especially Singha, who starts out very rational and gradually becomes more open-minded toward spiritual matters because of Thup. Over the course of the drama, their relationship develops into a mature and trusting one.However, I wasn’t always satisfied with the plot. Especially in the middle part of the series, the crime aspect became so dominant that the romance felt almost negligible. I understand that this is a mystery series, but firstly, the balance between romance and investigation shifts unevenly throughout the show, and secondly, some of the police work felt unrealistic. For example, characters often go alone or only in pairs to investigate dangerous or suspicious places, which was sometimes frustrating to watch. I also agree with others that the ending felt rushed and not as captivating as I had hoped—for instance the final fight.
I don’t have much to say about the side couple. They did add something new to the series, and I wasn’t dissatisfied whenever they appeared, but I also didn’t actively look forward to their scenes. Overall, they felt like a pairing with cute and teasing moments, but nothing particularly memorable to me.
The character development of King—especially his relationship with his father—was mostly well done. However, towards the end it remains unclear how King and his father actually resolved their conflict, since their conversation happens off-screen and we only get a brief approving nod from his father. This was a bit frustrating, as it was one of the major subplots.
Regarding the ghosts, chanting, rituals, and overall atmosphere: this is definitely a well done horror series, but I agree with the 13+ age rating on MDL. It’s not overly scary, but rather tense. Additionally, I really liked the gripping OST.
Overall, the drama was enjoyable despite its flaws, but it wasn’t consistently captivating. Whether I would rewatch it, I’m not quite sure—maybe if I ever run out of unwatched mystery series that interest me. During its airing, I also started and finished another ghost-related story called "Khemjira", so I naturally had something similar to compare it to. In summary, my feelings about this series are mixed, making it hard to clearly recommend or not recommend it.
Nevertheless, I’m definitely looking forward to "The Grim Lover", the next series starring PoohPavel.
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An Easy Watch, but Not a Standout
My feelings about this series were a bit of a roller coaster. For most of the show, I actually preferred the second couple. In my opinion, they had better chemistry and some of the most memorable scenes, like the pottery scene, even though their storyline wasn’t particularly deep. By the end, they weren’t very important to the plot anymore, but since they weren’t the main couple, that’s understandable.The finale, however, didn’t feel completely satisfying to me. It felt rather abrupt and left enough room for a special episode with some cozy moments for both couples, free from additional drama or plot complications. That said, I did enjoy the redemption arc.
Overall, the series was enjoyable, but compared to the other BLs airing on Fridays, it was never a priority watch for me. I also would have liked to see more of Li You En in his role as a team doctor, especially in the earlier episodes, since that aspect seemed interesting but wasn’t explored much.
Another point is Li You En’s brother. For most of the series, I found him more frustrating than likable, although ep 10 finally made me warm up to him a bit.
In the end, I wouldn’t discourage anyone from watching it. However, if you’re not very familiar with Chinese BLs, I don’t think this is the best introduction to the genre, because it doesn’t really showcase the full potential of the industry. For me, it was the kind of series that was pleasant enough to watch and easy to relax with, but I never became deeply emotionally invested in it. In fact, I was more attached to it in the first half than in the second. Still, it remained an enjoyable watch that never made me feel too frustrated.
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I really loved both couples
I came across this drama while searching for BLs with at most one black flag main character. Despite my initial doubts, I ended up finding the plot surprisingly captivating. Wu Suo Wei’s (WSW) scheming was one of my favorite aspects, especially because the drama doesn’t romanticize it blindly: we also see his inner conflict and emotional struggle, particularly since he identifies as straight at the beginning. That added an interesting layer to his character development.In my opinion, the drama also does a great job of integrating WSW’s financial background. His poverty and resulting frugality are not played off as a joke but are meaningfully woven into the narrative. What I found especially interesting was how his relationship with money is reflected in his romantic relationships — and how this attitude gradually evolves as he grows emotionally and becomes more secure in his feelings.
The shared hobby of snake breeding was a refreshing and unusual element. It felt new and added a mix of visual appeal, tension, and emotional symbolism — combining a certain “hotness factor” with genuine storytelling.
On top of that, the chemistry between Chi Cheng (CC) and WSW was definitely there. While there is some miscommunication (or lack of communication) leading to jealousy and misunderstandings, their interactions were overall humorous and entertaining. I especially enjoyed the softer, more intimate moments, like the firecracker scene or the interactions with WSW’s mother. That said, there were a few plotlines that felt somewhat odd or unnecessary — the kidnapping storyline in particular stood out as strange.
What really elevated the drama for me, though, was the side couple: Guo Cheng Yu (GCY) and Jiang Xiao Shuai (JXS). Often, side couples are either so uninteresting that I skip their scenes or so compelling that I wish they had more screentime than the main couple. Here, however, I genuinely loved both couples equally. JXS’s clinic served as a great setting for exploring the consequences of WSW’s scheming and his emotional turmoil. I also appreciated how the relationships gradually evolved into genuine friendships. By the end, all four characters form a surprisingly harmonious and well-balanced friend group — especially considering how much GCY and CC clashed at the beginning. JXS, in particular, acts as a comforting presence for GCY, and their relationship is refreshingly low on unnecessary drama. Their dynamic felt warm, natural, and emotionally safe, which was a nice contrast to the more chaotic energy of the main couple.
As for the technical aspects: the OST was fitting and pleasant, though not particularly memorable. The rewatch value of the series is quite high — especially since it inspired me to start reading the novel "Counterattack". I would absolutely not recommend reading the novel before watching the drama. I’m very glad the adaptation made significant changes e.g. the brick scene(s). After finishing the series, however, it’s interesting to compare the two. The novel itself reads like a light, trashy fanfiction — which I personally enjoy as casual entertainment (no offense intended to fans; this is purely my personal opinion).
In conclusion, I do think Revenged Love is somewhat overhyped, which can raise expectations a little too high. Still, it’s genuinely enjoyable and has become one of my favorite BL dramas so far.
P.S.: If you enjoyed the scheming aspect at the beginning — trying to win over another man’s heart — I can also recommend the Chinese BL "ABO Desire". Apart from that similarity, the two dramas are quite different, though.
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"When will you finally admit your feelings for me?"
There aren't many (censored) BLs set in ancient China, so I was curious to check this one out. At the same time, I told myself not to set my expectations too high. Does it reach the level of "The Untamed", "Word of Honor", or "Kill to Love"? No. But was it great? Definitely.(I'm actually a little sad that, in my bubble, it received significantly less hype than Double Helix, which aired around the same time and is another drama I enjoyed.)
Starting with the OST: the opening was really enjoyable to watch and highlighted many special moments between Pei Yan Zhi and Yin Qi. It took me a little while to get into the series, but once I did, I was hooked.
The main couple was awesome. I was a huge fan of Pei Yan Zhi. His hairstyle and his grassland origins reminded me of the Göktürks in "The Long Ballad". Looking back, I can't remember many character traits of his that weren't somehow connected to Yin Qi, yet I still loved his unwavering determination to do everything for his childhood friend and later lover.
As for Yin Qi, he was an interesting love interest who could actually think for himself. Shortly after traveling back in time, he sought revenge; then came understanding, and eventually love. Their relationship felt passionate and convincing.
The second couple, Yin Zhou and Wei Zi Ming, took hot and rough romance to a whole new level. Aside from their intimate scenes, they didn't get much interaction with the rest of the cast, but since the drama only has 8 episodes, I was completely fine with the focus remaining on the main couple.
There was also an implied third couple: Yin Heshu and Lin Xianyue. They were cute, especially Yin Heshu as Yin Qi's sister. Since BL dramas don't always give us important female characters who are genuinely likable, I was pleasantly surprised by them. That said, I would have appreciated a little more development so I could stop calling them "implied."
The plot wasn't revolutionary by any means (though maybe I've just watched too many political C-dramas). Still, it served its purpose well. It provided a solid framework for character development, and ultimately worked because of the characters and actors rather than the story itself.
While the story itself isn't particularly groundbreaking, the strong cast, passionate relationships, enjoyable NC scenes, and soundtrack more than make up for it. The characters are what truly carry this short drama and make it worth watching.
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A Promising idea that Never fully Bloomed
I can definitely see its potential and understand why people liked it, but I was never fully engaged or eager to watch the next episode. Maybe the pacing just didn't work for me. While writing this review, I'm actually trying to figure out why the series couldn't completely convince me.First of all, I was excited when I saw the trailer a few days after its release. I'm a fan of stories that focus on scents and the sense of smell in general. I also liked the visual aesthetic, especially elements like the butterflies, which fit the spring atmosphere perfectly. These are two aspects that the series handled very well.
Aside from that, I didn't know the main actors beforehand. There were moments when I could feel the chemistry between the leads (for example, the scene with the scented sachets), but these moments mostly occurred in the earlier episodes when Scent was still trying to manipulate Gaysorn. I could see when Scent started developing genuine feelings, but personally, I never felt emotionally connected to his character or his emotions. Of course, the final episode is emotional, but that alone wasn't enough for me.
As for Gaysorn, he was written as so innocent and naive that I struggled with his character throughout all eight episodes. His behavior is understandable at first, considering he comes from an isolated mountain community and only knows the Mudan people. However, the fact that he continued to trust others so easily despite numerous warning signs became frustrating to watch.
The side couple didn't receive enough meaningful screen time together for me to become invested in their relationship. I liked Ray, and both characters played an important role in helping Gaysorn. However, in its current form, their romance either needed to be developed much further or removed altogether.
Regarding the overall plot, the concept was interesting and was the main reason I started watching the series. Unfortunately, the execution gradually became boring for me. For example, some characters' bad behavior is barely addressed and only receives minimal consequences at the very end. The ending itself was fine, I guess, but it didn't leave a strong impression on me. I also think the investigation-related storylines could have been handled better.
Overall, I can recommend Flower Boy for its visuals and its unique premise, but not for its execution.
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Heartwarming family
I felt so comfortable watching this series. First of all, the OST was amazing— all four songs were great, and both the opening and ending themes matched the visuals perfectly.In general, Stay with Me was unexpectedly joyful for me. Su Yu and Wu Bi each have unique personalities, and the actors did an excellent job creating a genuine brotherly bond on one hand, while also letting us feel the subtle chemistry of two guys slowly falling in love. Yes, there’s China’s censorship, and officially it’s a bromance, but the production team delivered as much romance (and kisses) as possible.
What I liked the most were the family dynamics. We have three separate families connected through three children. In my opinion, Li Dou, Su Yu’s neighbour, was a really lovely and smart girl, serving as a cute and meaningful connection between Su Yu and Wu Bi. Some characters start off as rather unsympathetic but undergo believable development. We also get to see their perspectives, which helps us understand why they behaved the way they did in the past.
Another thing I appreciated was that there wasn’t too much unnecessary drama. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy good drama—but sometimes I’m in the mood for a wholesome series without cringe-worthy characters or bad boys. Stay with Me is one of the most realistic yet still engaging series I’ve watched. Besides some subplots, like a past car accident, the story focuses on the coming-of-age journey of two boys in school and home settings. They each have their own dreams and struggles with their parents—one comes from a rich family, the other from a poor one. (It’s a cliché, yes, but very well executed.) Scenes like riding bikes together or helping each other with homework are lighthearted and sweet.
Minor criticism: Not every supporting character worked for me. For instance, Su Yu’s friends felt a bit flat, likely due to limited screen time. Wu Bi’s friends were even harder to connect with—I didn’t really know who they were, and the scenes with them felt somewhat unnecessary. I also wasn’t particularly invested in the plot involving Wu Bi’s mom, though I really enjoyed her as a character and how she shaped the relationships around her.
Overall, Stay with Me is heartwarming, relatable, and beautifully balanced—full of small, realistic moments that make it unforgettable.
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An Interesting Lead Carries a Familiar Story
First of all, yes, some of my favorite BLs are from China (nothing will ever top The Untamed for me), but I still believe I can judge this series fairly. I also haven't watched the movies and have only read a few chapters of the novel so far.I'm a fan of Lu Feng (LF), and honestly, he was the main reason I stayed invested throughout the series. That doesn't mean I want to justify all of his actions, but he was by far the most interesting character in the drama. On the other hand, I was often either bored by or frustrated with Cheng Yi Chen (Xiao Chen). This isn't a criticism of the actor—it's more about the character being portrayed as an insecure son who constantly goes along with his family's expectations. That said, Xiao Chen was also responsible for many of the sweet and heartwarming moments, so I could still appreciate him overall.
The chemistry between the main actors was good, though not exceptional. Still, they managed to create several memorable scenes together, and I've already come across quite a few fan edits that I absolutely loved.
Since I want to keep this review spoiler-free, I won't go into too much detail. However, even though I didn't enjoy every episode equally, I was always curious to see what would happen next. The shift in tone during the later episodes, when the story became significantly darker, was actually a welcome surprise for me.
Now let's talk about the side couple... *sigh*
Xiao Chen's younger brother, Cheng Yi Chen (CYC), got on my nerves quite a lot. For most of the series, I simply didn't understand him. He was far too involved in his brother's love life, and while I could understand some of his motivations, his actions frequently frustrated me. As the younger brother, he's portrayed as rather immature, which probably contributed to my feelings.
Next to that, I liked Qin Lang (QL), CYC's love interest, but unfortunately I never became emotionally invested in their relationship. If anything, I would have liked to see more of QL as an individual character—perhaps even interacting with LF separately.
As for the rest of the supporting cast, all characters were fairly forgettable. Many disappeared from the story in one way or another. Because of that, I would personally recommend watching this series primarily for LF(Ayden Sng) rather than for the supporting cast.
As for the plot itself, the series features two 5-year time skips, allowing us to follow the characters through college, their first jobs, and eventually a more settled stage of adulthood. While this provides room for character development, I can't say the characters themselves felt particularly memorable. I suspect I'll forget most of them fairly quickly.
I generally enjoy BLs with darker themes (such as To My Star and Yesterday), but I also appreciate lighter series (Me and Thee, Cat for Cash). While I'm happy that more mature BL stories are being released lately, I still look for something beyond simply collecting "red flag" or "toxic relationship" tropes.
In that regard, Double Helix succeeds partially. One of its strengths is the contrast between the sweet, innocent school romance in the beginning and the later exploration of homophobia, family pressure, and the struggle to fight for one's own happiness. Emotional scenes play a major role throughout the series, and one of my favorite moments was Lu Feng's honesty in EP 10. Overall, the main couple's storyline worked well for me, while my enjoyment of the side plots (e.g. the main character's families) varied considerably.
Music: The soundtrack was enjoyable, and 3 songs from the series have already made it onto my Spotify playlist.
Rewatch Value: Honestly, I'm still undecided. The series certainly wasn't bad, but whether I rewatch it will probably depend on what future BL releases look like and whether I'm in the mood for something familiar that I know I enjoyed before.
Final Thoughts: I would recommend Double Helix to viewers who don't expect a completely unique story. The series includes several familiar BL tropes, such as the rich-versus-middle-class dynamic. I would also recommend it to viewers who are willing to engage with an obsessive male lead without immediately dismissing the character. Not because his behavior should be excused, but because fiction and reality are not the same thing, and some viewers may find the character study interesting.
You may want to check out one of the trailers first:
PS: Maybe checkout one of the trailer beforehand:
a) This trailer highlights some of the darker and more toxic aspects of the story: https://youtu.be/sA0yO7HmIEs?si=TLchsL_fZI-zAdJh
b) This trailer focuses more on the romantic side of the series: https://youtu.be/SAliAWjx-m4?si=QLIX_6PKnwVEh-v2
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