Watch with Low Expectations

I give them kudos for trying something different. This series was ok, but it could have been a lot better. I think the BL sitcom concept is interesting. Unfortunately, this series did not execute it very well. I kept watching it because I like the characters and hoped the writing would get better.

The positive: The cast is great and their acting was awesome. They did a great job considering what they had to work with. The one good aspect of the script is it makes you care about most of the characters. The scenes involving Pleng’s imagination was great and found myself waiting each week for them. The theme song is very catchy. I wish the MV had subtitles. The series also had great sets.

The negative: The script is not the greatest. It took me awhile to figure out why many of the episodes seemed off to me. The reason is many of the scenarios that they place Rak and Diao in are the usual ones you would see in a regular dramatical series which does not work in a sitcom format. The scenarios also take away the BL enjoyable factor for me. The workplace jokes are over the top and are often very offensive. The jokes remind me of bad 70’s/80’s American sitcoms. There are also some running themes that became very annoying after a while. The very ending of the last episode was cute, but anticlimactic. It was done in the hopes of a possible 2nd season. As for production, the laugh track is annoying. They placed it in random spots that don’t fit in. There is also an overuse of sound effects. Using both in a series does not make it a sitcom. The content of the script also has to match the sitcom concept which this series fails to do.

Random Note:
The subtitle timing can be off-track. It’s either too slow or too fast at times. Some of them also include the timing notes for the subtitles.
If there is going to be a 2nd season, I’m not sure I will watch it. My wish list is that they keep the cast and set, but use a different screenwriter.

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Beautifully Decorated Cake That’s Missing Flavor

I placed spoilers at the end of this review.

Overall, this series was ok. Although it’s not a new concept, I still appreciated the attempted. It failed with the executed and something got lost in the mix. One problem is the pacing was a little off. There were some sections that felt rushed and disjointed. This caused some scenes to make no sense. Then we get sections with long useless scenes that are there as filler screentime. One example is there were too many flashback scenes in episode 5 and 6. There were also some weird scene placements which added to the story disconnect. Another problem is the script has many weak elements. Once again, there were one too many story elements/conflict scenarios for a 6-episode series. All the storylines were messily incorporated and received half-baked out-comes. Considering most of the cast is still relatively new, the acting was ok. I normally don’t single out actors, but Ohm unfortunately didn’t do a great job with his character. He didn’t show that much range of emotions with Shin. The cinematography and locations were stunning. However, it had some poor background music choices which did not match the mood of the scene.

Random Notes:

The two opening credits in episode 2-6 was weird.

Product placement was ok with one exception. In the middle of the 4th episode and during a very important scene, it turned into a Toyota commercial. This killed the overall significance of a scene between Shin and Peach.

If you are new to my reviews, I’m fascinated by seeing familiar location used in different series. The location for Peace’s house was also used in the series “Shadow” (Dan’s childhood home), “Sing Again” (Piano’s childhood home), “Mama Gogo” (Annie’s house), and in “21 Days Theory” (Q’s house). Yes, I acknowledge I'm a nerd for this.

******Potential Spoiler Alert******

On a positive note, this had a happy ending. However, it was rushed with everyone forgiving each other.

I wish they had just focused on one- or two-story elements that showed the character backgrounds, relationship development between the main leads, and friendship developments between all of the characters.

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Somewhat Disappointing

I placed spoilers at the end of this review.

It’s been a while since I was disappointed with a Taiwan BL Series. Overall, it is not a bad series. It just could have been much better. I appreciate the majority of the characters were working adults. It has some interesting story concepts, but suffers from poor execution. The script started off good but began to slowly unravel by episode 6. It completely came undone by episode 11. See spoiler alert at the end of this review for more information. The actors were great with what they were given. It’s not their fault that the script was greatly lacking in many areas. The cinematography was great, but had an excessively long picture montage at the end of each episode for some reason.

Random Note: Don’t stop watching after the excessively long picture montage at the end of each episode because there is an additional scene after it.




******Spoiler Alert******

Although it had a happy ended, episode 12 was bizarre. It tried to minimize a series situation from episode 11 to make it seem like it was no big deal. It also throws in a random wedding for a side couple that is introduced in this episode.

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Makes you appreciate what you have

This had a great story concept. I’ve always wondered about the personal stories associated with the objects found in second hand shops. The only problem with the script is it does fall short on the execution with the first two storylines. However, it did a great job transitioning into the next storyline. The series has an outstanding cast that did a great job with their characters. It also had beautiful cinematography and great music.

Very Brief Storyline Review (Don’t worry, no spoilers):
Bond and Relationship (Episode 1 & 2) – This was ok. The main problem is they tried to pack in too many story elements in this section.

Memory of Happiness (Episode 3 & 4) – This was ok. The script felt incomplete which made it lacking something.

Road to Regret (Episode 5 & 6) – This story was a lot better than the first two. However, there was a miss opportunity in completing Got’s storyline.

Our Soundtrack (Episode 7 & 8) – This was a good story and was the first one that felt complete.

Love Wins (Episode 9 & 10) – This was a great story that also felt complete.

Somewhere Only We Belong (Episode 11 & 12) – This was a great story. I loved how they incorporated the other 5 stories toward the end.

Random Note: The story hints in the teaser trailer for the first 2 stories were more interesting than the actual stories we get in the series.

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I placed any potential spoilers at the end of this review.

It may not be as good as the first series/movie, but I still enjoyed it. The general storyline is good, but the execution was not the greatest. There were times the script was on point, but then felt rushed in other areas. The script also had some weak and confusing elements. They did their best explaining why the character Go Yoo Han was missing. However, the acting was very good considering what they had to work with. My main problem is they used a different cinematography style from the first series. I know it was going to be hard to compete with it, but it felt like they didn’t even want to try. This was probably due to production cost.




******Potential Spoiler Alert******
The description of the series/move mostly reflects what happens with the exception of referencing a TV producer character that is not really introduce.
Interestingly, the movie version does not include the scene that hint to a possible 3rd season which the series has. It was weird not to include it in the movie. The scene hints reintroducing the character Go Yoo Han possibly being played by a different actor.

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Short and Sweet

I placed any potential spoilers at the end of this review.

I’m usually not a fan of the step-brother storyline, but this one was a feel good and sweet one. The cinematography was also very beautiful. I also thought the acting was very good. My only criticism is the beginning is a little weird for me. See the spoiler alert at the bottom if you want more info.



******Potential Spoiler Alert******
For some reason they had the two main characters act like they were strangers when they supposedly were raised together. However, this is only a miner detail. The series does get better after the first two episodes.

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Pleasantly Surprised

This has a unique story concept. It has a strong beginning, but then the script gets a little off track. Episode 1 does a great job providing you the backstory of Kuea and Lian’s family, and how their friendship started. The storylines become a little hazy by episode 4. However, the last episode does end with a very uplifting message. The cast was great and did a great job with what they were given (the script has some problem areas with character development). The songs were great, but there were times they used music that did not fit the scene’s mood.

Random Notes:
I was pleasantly surprised with this series. I was a little hesitant before watching this because I did not like Mandee’s last series (Why R U).

Lian’s house was used in the Baker Boys Series. Once again, I get a kick when I see a familiar location used in different series.

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I placed any potential spoilers at the end of this review.

The acting was great and it had wonderful cinematography. However, the story concept was ok. The script started off strong, but it lost steam by the end. I personally think that episode 8 could have been handled differently. The series is also too long. It has 20 episodes and each episode can be over 90 minutes long. This is also why it took me so long to finally commit to watching it. Because of the number of episodes, the series felt repetitive at times. The series could have been 14- or 15-episode series max.



******Potential Spoiler Alert******
I did not like the ending, I wished the character Jang Han-seo lived.

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It’s Ok, but the series was better

The movie/series: Although the storyline is basic, the script was well executed. It was not overly dramatic and gave a more realistic viewpoint about the LGBTQ+ community. The actors did a wonderful job portraying their characters. The cinematography and graphics were great. The series wisely used all of its screen time. The opening and closing credits for the series was very cute and fun to watch.

The movie: On the positive side, they did add a few new scenes. Overall, the move version was not as good as the series. This is why editing is very important. They did a decent job editing it into a cohesive movie. However, they made poor editing choices. The main problem for me was key scenes were cut from the series. I’m assuming this was done for timing purposes, but I felt most of the cut scenes helped with the relationship and story progression. There was also many scene placements that was changed throughout the movie which didn’t help.

Random Notes:
The series was another BL office romance from 2023 that a really enjoyed watching. I just wish the movie version retained the same magic the series had.

I strongly recommend watching the series version. The added scenes were cute, but does not compensate for all of the cut scenes. As for my rewatch value, the 1 is for the movie version. The series is definitely a 10 value.

The movie didn’t clearly mark the college flashback scene which was 4 years ago.

The colors are not as vibrant in the movie version. The picture appears dull.

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Strong beginning; Weak ending

What the description on Netflix and MDL, even the move itself, fail to note is this is loosely based on events during a 2003 SARS outbreak in Taiwan. Unfortunately, this is one of those movies that grabs your attention within the first few minutes and then just leaves you with a very abrupt ending. It just leaves you with too many loose ends and no overall resolution to events. This is sad considering the actors were wonderful portraying their characters. Even with the sudden ending, it had great cinematography and pacing. However, the editing can make viewers uncomfortable which I think was the purpose.

Random Note:
It felt like the writers did not want to fully commit to a sad ending or that they lost steam at the end and gave up.

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An Execution Casualty

I placed major spoiler alert at the end of this review.

First off, I was happy but skeptical when this was announced. Happy because I thought this franchise was done, as its future was unclear. Skeptical because I didn’t know who the screenwriter was. I was also hesitant about watching this because I’m not a fan of time travel love stories because they rarely end well. I would have skipped this series due to this concept, but I gave it a try because it is part of the HIStory Franchise.

This part is about the series as if it was not part of the HIStory Franchise. This had some interesting story concepts that got lost with poor execution. The main problem is the script. Although it had its cute moments, it had too many things going on. See the major spoiler alert at the end of this review if you want more information. I wish they had cut down on all of the various story elements and stuck with the two main story concepts that were listed in the synopsis. It has a great cast that did the best job with what they were given. Some of the acting seemed over the top, but I don’t think it was the actors’ fault. This was probably due to poor choices made by the director.

When comparing this to the other series in this franchise, it doesn’t quite measure up. This script reminds me of season one because it had a lot of the same quirkiness and weird story elements (soul swapping and time travel). Again, the main problem is the script. It appeared the screenwriter did not have any original ideas and pulled multiple story elements from the other seasons in hope it would make this series fit in.

Random Note:

Overall, It’s not the worse series in the franchise. It just could have been better. Despite my long rant in the major spoiler alert section, I would rewatch this at some point. Especially now that I know which sections I can skip.

I like the mention of HIStory 3: Trapped because it’s my favorite series from this franchise.

For those that are new to my reviews, I love seeing familiar locations used from other series. The bar used in many of the scenes was the same one used for My Tooth Your Love series.

******Major Spoiler Alerts******

The main problem with this series is the script had too many story elements. For the first main couple, it started with some sort of time travel mixed in with a body/soul swapping element with He Bo Wei. This also introduces a mystery mystical character which pops in every once in a while. They mixed this with the traumatized past but you saved me combo with Hai Yi. On top of that, we get the classic “I’m gay for you” story element between Hai Yi and He Bo Wei. This includes the very classic evil ex-girlfriend (fiancé?) that actually causes trouble for both of the main couples. As for other main leads (Lin Huai En and Liang Wen Hsen), there was a hidden love element mixed into an office romance involving the classic new employee and boss scenario. They also include an age gap between them for good measures. This also includes the jealous manager Tony trying to sabotage the office romance by using other employees as his minions. Then they add an attempted murder of Lin Huai En by the manager Tony and his minions. We then have the sudden death of Hai Yi’s father which leads to the common misunderstanding/lack of communication story elements between both main couples. Then they add the old fashion disappearing act from Liang Wen Hsen. This is also tied into the other old fashion element of I’m pushing you away for your own good involving both main couples. Because they have to remind us this is part of the HIStory universe, they introduced random characters from a previous season towards the end of the series. If it was not for MDL, this would have gone over my head (I didn’t watch HIStory 4). However, this helped the script check off the step-brother turned lovers story element too because they had to waste a lot of screen time to give us their backstory. They also wanted to emphasis this with Ye Xing Si very bizarre introduction of Fu Yong Jie. Then we get the usual last episode plot twist that was not really much of a surprise and clears up all of the misunderstandings in a manner of minutes.

The relationship progression between Liang Wen Hsen and Lin Huai En happened way too quickly. They go from co-workers to a couple in what seems a manner of weeks without them actually dating in-between.

As for the attempted murder, Liang Wen Hsen does not take Lin Huai En to the hospital or have a doctor check him after almost freezing to death. Manager Tony or his minions don’t receive any real consequences for their actions.

Although the last episode had a happy ending for both couples, it was very bizarre. Why did they feel the need to incorporate the step-brother couple from the previous season towards the end.

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It Falls Flat on Many Levels

I placed a spoiler alert at the end of this review.

Thankfully this just had 10-episodes. That being said, this easily could have been a 6-episode series instead.

Overall, the series was cute but was really not that interesting. The ending was very lackluster and anticlimactic. The main story concepts are ok, but the script is greatly underdeveloped and falls short on execution. There were many times it seemed they just had the actors improvise their lines. For the most part, the acting was ok. There are a few actors that excelled from the others. The rest of the actors are not bad or good, they just need to work more on their skills. After a while, I found Plengrak and Duean Yi’s storyline exhausting. Especially the second to last conflict they threw in. See potential spoiler alert at the end of this review if you want more info. It also has too many supporting cast members. There are some audio/sound problems throughout the series. The cinematography is good, but there is a lot of misuse of screen time. The few songs in this were good.

Random Note:
I did not have high expectations before watching this series, but was hoping to be proven wrong. Unfortunately, I was not. The quality of MFlow’s previous productions are not the greatest. They always fall short when it comes to the script and production.

I could be wrong, but I’m sure the “movie” in episode 3 was Second Chance (an earlier production from MFlow Entertainment).

The English subtitles on Viki are ok, but they kept spelling some of the characters names wrong midway through the series. I was getting confuse at first as to who they were talking about.

******Potential Spoiler Alert******

Plengrak and Duean Yi’s relationship conflict in episode 7 was the most annoying. Instead of letting Plengrak explain what was going on, Duean Yi was very immature. This also had a half-baked resolution that does not make sense.

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One of the Best BL Series

This was an outstanding series. The multiple storylines were great. I love it when a series has a strong storyline which incorporates the bl couple(s) development. The script was wonderful, and I like how they tied up everything in the end. There were some elements of the script that are weak in my opinion (don’t worry, no spoilers). However, the weak points are minor and does not really distract from the story. I was also able to predict who had Black severally beaten. I’m not surprised that the acting was amazing because this series has quite a few veteran actors in it.

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When more is not better!

Well, I gave this series a chance. The series started off interesting (despite the very bizarre beginning) but this faded away with each following episode. I realized 3 things after watching episode 6. I didn’t care about the storyline, about the characters, and how this series would end. I actually love slow pacing storylines, but this was mind numbly slow. The script was a mess that had many elements that didn’t fit together or make sense. Everything about this story feels too forced. Especially the reasoning behind Piuno needing to work at the dog café. The overall acting was good. There were some actors that were better than others. However, I give the cast kudos for doing their best considering the script they had to work with. I like they didn’t waste screentime with opening credits, but they did waste it by doing unnecessary flashbacks from the previous episode. I may be old, but I can still remember things that happened in the last episode when each one is only 16 or 17 minutes long. There was also shaky camera work with some of the scenes and some scene placements that was weird.

Random Notes:

I’m probably one of the rare few that likes and enjoys Korean BL series with shorter screen time with a small episode count. This usually forces them to be more mindful of the pacing and story quality, but of course there will be exceptions.

At the time of this review, Viki has this listed as a “Hidden Gem” on their website. This is just my opinion but this is one stone that can/needs to stay hidden.

Once again, I’m going to sound like a broken record because the synopsis on Viki does not give an accurate describe of this series.

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