From promising crime series to a BL of sorts...

(...that doesn't satisfy your need to watch something similiar to KinnPorsche)

Manner of Death has been thrown around the internet alongside Not Me as a series to watch if you're into more "dark themed" BL's like KinnPorsche. As the latter is in overall a great show I didn't need much more convincing to give this a go. At first, I was pleasently surprised to notice the plot emphasizes crime investigation over romance, which I would've preferred to be the case with KinnPorsche as well. That being said, the choice of approach turned out to be a double-edged sword: whereas Manner of Death had all the potential to be a solid crime series, the mystery-centered plot nabbed away necessary minutes from the main couple which is why Manner of Death barely scrapes the BL-surface enough to be called one. I don't mind this though, as I found it refreshing how the romance developed in a natural way in midst of trying to figure out who the killer is. This apply to the side couple as well, who I ended up preferring over the main ship. I'm usually not that into teen romances but That and Sorawit made me smile like an and I still think about them with warmth. I just cannot but respect the age appropriate portrayal of their developing relationship. Overall, I believe the production team also noticed the lack of BL tropes as they threw (out of nowhere) Inspector M and Oat into the love pool in the very last minute. (Not that I mind, I see the potential and I'd wish they would've given us more than just the one scene.)

So, in conclusion, Manner of Death isn't really a BL but a crime series with a pinch of romance. If you're looking for something as intense as KinnPorsche, I'd look for a another series. Even if you're okay with the lack of romance and smooches I'd still recommend you to treat your withdrawal symptoms with something else. For me, Manner of Death lacks in many areas where KinnPorsche shines from production values to acting. KinnPorsche is crisp, high quality of a show, whereas Manner of Death is murky and uninspiring. I bet making gifs of the series is a bitch.

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Decent idea and production values - everything else makes you want to have a refund of your time

Initially, I gave this a rating of 6.5 because I liked the idea of a BL set in a tailor shop (duh, men in suits) and for that, I was in forgiving mood. But later on I just had to drop the rating and even 5.5. feels a bit overrated.

The acting is clumsy expect for Tape who brings good comedic relief to the otherwise heavy-themed show about mental health issues and bad parenting. Also whoever plays Nawee's father deserves a shout-out because I'm in love with the man who gave me huge Mads Mikkelsen vibes. Hit me with the name if you have it, I promise I'll watch everything he's lent his charismatic face for. I don't have much to say about the script because it's nonexistent: boy meets boy, there's supposed to be some sparks and heat that is lukewarm at it's best. Throw jealousy into the mix in the last minute just for the drama because apparently mental healt issues aren't enough to chew on. There's some nice details worth paying attention to though, like costumes (once again, men in suits) and lighting but other than these, the show doesn't have much to offer. If you have something else to watch, I'd say skip this and use your time for something that actually has a plot and the acting doesn't make you uncomfortable . Naturally, this doesn't apply to Thailand's Mikkelsen. He's *chef's kiss*.

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