CloudGreen

So because I was travelling during the lead up, I didn't realize all this underhanded stuff was happening. I just last heard the first episode would release on the 20th, which was the day I got home. So I watched episodes 1 and 2 before finding out that maybe it isn't the most supportive move.

My verdict just based on 2 episodes is - yes - the production quality is lower than expected. After waiting years, it is a little disappointing. That said, I did enjoy watching and had there been a third episode to go to I would have clicked immediately. I'm a big fan of Jeff and Barcode independently but together is a dream, and they themselves don't disappoint. At least not to me. I do think Barcode's acting was superior in KinnPorsche and Dead Friend Forever, but it's nice seeing him in a more comic role. Same for Jeff: he's usually portrayed as dark and brooding, serious etc, but delivering alien lines in his deadpan tone was delightful. My only annoyance was that whilst the Korean translation was pretty spot on, the Thai translation I had was awful. I spent a lot of time translating Korean subtitles (of Thai dialogue) into English. That was exhausting.

Until they sort out the situation I don't think I can in good faith watch any more, but otherwise I would 100% watch the whole series even if the quality of production is lower than I'd like. I can't wait for Happy Ending, and it would be nice to have this chunk of Jeff and Barcode to tide us over until then.

Finally binged the whole series and finished this evening. Damn.

First off, loved the series. Love the dynamic between the actors, and I don't think anyone was the wrong fit for their roles. The main characters had amazing chemistry and it's more impressive considering how toxic and debasing the storyline was. There were times I thought they kept going round in circles with the evil, underhanded lies, manipulation, abuse, crying, forgiveness, etc. But credit to those involved I didn't ever feel bored watching. Do I wish I could delete my memory of the show to be able to enjoy it all again? Absolutely. Chinese BLs have this amazing and addicting way about them!

Only just learning there's going to be a special episode so I'll wait patiently...

I'm sorry to say...it gets even worse 😂

I literally JUST finished the series - binge watcher partner! - and I sort of get what you mean. The entire time I actually thought 'Damn, could you just pause and not do the first conniving thing that comes into your brain? You might actually get exactly what you want!' but he seems incapable of making the mental connections. The stuff going on with his family, and later in the series his brother demonstrates this hard, sort of paints his upbringing as 'kill or be killed' - if you don't pull a trick first, you'll fall by one.

I won't give spoilers, but the final few episodes do a good job humanising him further. There's a lot of character growth towards the end for most involved, but you still see those learned behaviours creeping in...

I just finished the series less than an hour ago and I completely agree with everything you're saying. I've recently binge-watched several series that I can describe as being charged throughout but fell at the final hurdle in terms of story and finality - those would have benefitted so much from special episodes bridging up gaps. Khemjira might have been a little slow at times in those middle episodes but in my opinion it ended strong and it felt perfectly packaged. Adding any more seems wholly unnecessary. I think you're right: there is a stink of a cash grab. I hope I'm wrong and they surprise us all with something special, but I do doubt it...

It’s this kind of insane optimism that proves to me the world still has some good in it 😂

Fantastically put, 100%. I also would say that I have sometimes watched great series with small, niggling problems that make me think ‘I wish they had just taken a little longer in production to make it perfect’ - I will happily (ok, impatiently) wait for 2025 if we’re gonna get a series based on today’s pilot. I honestly was in awe, I can’t imagine having a whole series of it!

I wasn’t too sure but reading your perception I can’t help but think ‘Yes!’ It totally fits the trailer, and if you’re right it’s going to be beyond epic!

When (or IF) this comes out, I’m hoping my excitement returns because I feel like we were cheated out of Jeff/Barcode after KinnPorsche ran into issues and a season 2 was permanently shelved. Wuju Bakery seemed like a great switch up that would get them together again but I agree with you 100% - Happy Ending looks 🔥 and guaranteed it’ll succeed where Wuju Bakery failed! It’s a shame for Jeff and Barcode, though, they did all the work and are let down by a crappy company.

I agree but honestly I liked see all ships sail! 😂

Ok, so thank you for actually giving a date because I couldn’t find a single piece of info anywhere! Where did you find out it was the 18th??

New Trend: Writing BL actors’ CVs based on their unique performances.

I rewatched the series leading up to the finale and I remember one scene (episode 1 or 2?) when White is in the bathroom - this takes place after Tan/New and Phee have started drugging them - and he is surprised to see the markings on his neck. He’s examining them in confusion or worry, but then hallucinates the masked man behind him outside the window and suddenly the markings were gone. So I think they were always just his own personal fear of being seen as dirty or infected based on Tee’s behaviour. The truth is, there’s so much left unanswered and we sort of have to just make ‘educated guesses’ about what was happening, but an argument can definitely be made both ways so I’m not surprised if fans have different theories! Maybe the special episode can help us figure some of them out 😂

Someone more astute than me worded it very well in a previous comment, but I’ll do my best to explain it like they did: White’s fear was Tee’s rejection which seemed to have been founded on Tee’s jealousy- which we see plenty of examples of in the earlier episodes when another guy just touching White was enough for Tee to storm off or get involved.
We don’t really have any evidence or clues that White was anything other than loyal to Tee, and Tee’s behaviour sort of seems enough to establish a fear from White that he’ll reject him if he thinks White is too friendly with others.
I really wish we could’ve seen more from their story. Despite the ending they had, it was actually such a sweet portion of the series and it makes me want to see the actors work together again. Just…with a better outcome 😅

As someone who will likely spend the next few months randomly analysing this drama, I cannot express enough how much I appreciate this! 😆 Well explained!

100% agree! He was just a pure and good soul caught up in the group’s ugliness. I wouldn’t lose sleep over anyone else dying but he hurt bad.

I honestly thought it was Non based on his height, build and haircut. But when I think about it, if it was Non then we would’ve been given a glimpse of his face - otherwise what would be the point in having Barcode film that scene?
I won’t lie though, it definitely looked like Non 😅

OH NO! That’s rubbish 🥺 This is why I normally only watch series when they are completed, that way I haven’t searched for anything and the internet doesn’t think to show me spoilers, but I had the Only Friends finale spoiled before I even started the show - just by clicking onto Instagram. It’s nearly impossible to avoid!

My job involves using YT for quotes 😭 I’m wondering if I should sign out of my account just for the day so I can still use it but not be shown all the DFF stuff. Sounds like sacrilege but anything to avoid spoilers!

Can I ask a dumb question? If the fan viewing of the final episode is tonight, doesn’t that run the risk of it being spoiled for people who are having to watch it tomorrow night? I feel like the second I log onto YT tomorrow there will be spoilers front and centre. It’s happened before. 🥲