I really wanted to like this show. It has a few things going for it that we need more of in queer media, namely: a gay character who is open and confident in his sexuality but not relegated to a side role or comic relief, genuine chemistry between the leads, and the kind of physical closeness that's standard in depictions of straight romances. Much of the cast is also capable of delivering solid performances during key moments, and the editing is pretty solid as well.

However, TharnType manages to drop the ball in almost every other conceivable way.

The director seems only capable of delivering sensuality effectively—and even that is unfortunate when the sensuality is during a scene where consent is dubious or completely absent; dialogue which was awkward to begin with is also delivered in a way that's stilted and unnatural.

The writing consistently left me either cringing or dumbfounded. I often found myself asking "Who talks like this?" or "Why the hell doesn't he _____?" Characters frequently say or do things solely to serve the plot and not for any recognizable motivation, and even the main plot arc feels completely unnecessary in the end. Some character threads are started and then just left by the wayside until the post-series special, with zero attempt at closure within the series itself.

In the end, it all comes down to the portrayal of the central relationship for me. We're supposed to be rooting for them to be together, but that's difficult to do when much of their interaction is built on physical aggression, a lack of respect for consent, and jealousy and mistrust. This show deals with heavy topics like childhood sexual abuse, prejudice, and rape, but it does so without any of the subtlety and finesse those issues require, and problems like physically striking one's partner (in the face and and in the crotch) are just handwaved away without ever being dealt with.

I have zero issue with the portrayal of unhealthy romances in media (I'm a big fan of NBC's Hannibal, for instance), as long as they're portrayed skillfully. This show broke me. Finishing the last episode was like pulling teeth.

If you're looking for a show to watch without engaging any critical thinking, maybe this one could be enjoyable. If you're like me and can't turn the critical thinking off, you'd be doing yourself a favor by finding something better to watch.

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