Not a Robot

I don't understand the references to Exile. Is it a band or a management agency? TIA and too lazy to research.

Because SOTUS is a GMMTV production, so they don't have to negotiate over rights.

I think it's because Will Smith earned $$$$ for the studios, so they gave in. TBH, with the BL fandom (look at how angry some of them are getting over the lack of a kiss), if I were a manager, I would be concerned. The constant demands for fan service, the countless videos proving they are a real couple, harassment of actors for having a girlfriend, etc. If I were a manager, I would be looking at that aspect as well. I wish the characters had a peck on the lips, but I can also understand views of management. If this were gay cinema, I think it may have been different.

I think that's the risk in using more established actors in these roles rather than LGBT actors or newcomers. One or both of them may not want to take the risk, or their managers do not want them to take the risk. Will Smith had a kissing double for Six Degrees of Separation and he said that was one of his biggest regrets as an actor.

I actually thought the morning after scene was pretty intimate, but I hate the two Ken dolls kissing more than almost anything, except for smoking.

Japanese intimacy is different from Western intimacy. They are in love with each other, but still using last names. Minato still says, "Tsuge-san." Adachi & Kurosawa showed up at the special place for their first date, when it would have been more logical for Adachi to go to Kurosawa's place to look for him. Kurosawa bought matching pens because he knew that Adachi would be shy. That's what an intimate relationship entails, being empathic toward your partner's feelings. Adachi said that he is no longer a wizard so the viewers know what happened. The cute way Kurosawa said, "Merry Christmas" was better that a kiss. I prefer the elevator scene, over the usual two Ken dolls kissing that Japanese BL live dramas show. I'm disappointed that viewers would be criticizing the scriptwriter. I really loved this series.

To me, this was the best series of 2020 and showed real intimacy.

I'm glad to hear that it's popular in Japan too.

Thank you for your response. I didn't realize that it was on so late and only in Tokyo because the show blew up so fast internationally. I'm glad that the Japanese audience found a way to watch it. I'm hoping for a second season or movie too.

I know this sounds stupid, but I don't know how to research this. Is Cherry Maho as popular in Japan as it is internationally? I hope so because this is a great series. Hopefully the cast and crew are rewarded for their hard work.

Where can we buy it? TIA

Now that Ton's friends have confronted him, hopefully things will change. They can now be themselves and not have to hide.

I wish that the lesbian couple had their own series because they even discussed mental health!! Hopefully there will be more lesbian and bisexual characters in the future. I would like to see a lesbian who is not male eye candy too.

THC is not going to resonate with everybody and that's understandable. I was just getting tired of the hate, especially when there are other shows where people are drinking cauldrons of toxic soup and loving it. The awkward laughing and playing along should show people that it's unhealthy to not be authentic. I was glad when they confronted Ton in Episode 6. I don't condone Chon stealing a kiss and was glad that his mother called him out on that. I guess that what I like about this series is that it shows that not living authentically is unhealthy for everyone, even the homophobic father. I like the comic relief (where Ton is asked if he sniffs his sister's clothes after a fight) because some of it is thought provoking. Maybe check back after the series is over to see if it gets better. Thanks for the discussion.

In Ep 6, Ton's friends confront him about his homophobia are trying to help him accept his feelings. Just because it's a comedy doesn't mean that it isn't meaningful.

I think so too, but that board is not full of hate like this one.

Thank you for your thought-provoking response. I appreciate that we can discuss this topic. I think that FZ shows homophobia and sexism in almost every episode. The promiscuous gay stereotype is a vehicle for homophobia as it perpetuates the view of gay males being sex-crazy and amoral. This stereotype may lead to discrimination in the areas such as adoption, working with children, etc, and it does it real life. I'm not saying there shouldn't be dramas showing characters who are promiscuous, or codependent women, but in my opinion, saying it isn't homophobic or sexist isn't accurate either. Drama is not more upstanding than comedy as FZ has shown. Tonhon's story being comedic does not mean his journey is invalid. Struggling with internalized homophobia does not have to conform to narratives that we are comfortable with.

The first episode was in my YT recommends and didn't know about this series. The the actors are doing a great job and I'm looking forward to the next episode.

Friend Zone 2.

I didn't see much discussion in that series, except to complain and manipulate, which is also lame. There is dysfunctional behavior and codependency, but viewers are rationalizing it. I don't agree with Tonhon's point of view, but the level of hate is "toxic" as well. Thanks for the feedback. We just have differing opinions.

I like this series. What I find interesting is that those who are screaming "toxic" have little compassion for somebody who is internally struggling with his upbringing vs how he feels emotionally. It's easier for Ton to hate, than to accept that what he is feeling, as it will deeply disappoint the father who he looks up to. Some people may not like Thai comedic tropes and that's understandable. GMM is airing a drama airing right now that (in my opinion) is really dysfunctional, but I don't see as much hate for it, in fact many people are stoked that there will be 16 episodes of "toxicity." I'm rooting for Tonhon because in the long run, it's better to be free to love the person you love.

So cute!