Intro:

I am someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy genres like: romcoms, drama, etc. I mostly watch thriller and crime series. I'd say that my standards and expectations when it comes to content I watch is quite high. I can, at times, be quite a biased critic, as I tend to enjoy content that aren't unaware of social issues. I do love social commentaries that intentionally include social issues in order to show its faults and impacts. I tend to shy away from content with characters that act in stereotypical ways and where characters are excused or applauded for their certain insensitive/ bigoted actions.


Story - 10/10

What I loved about the drama is how informative it was. I loved that sex and intimacy was displayed in very raw and refreshing ways. The use of anatomically accurate words for reproductive and pleasurable body parts was so refreshing to see, as Asian content rarely touches on these topics without censorship. There were many different forms and types of sexual relationships touched on the show. The show touched on the importance and the unfairness faced by menstruating people: the providence of free pads/tampons and the pain of menstrual cramps etc. Other social issues presented in the drama were: Transphobia, Homophobia, Fatphobia, Sexism, Misogyny, discrimination against diverse sexual needs like BDSM, Abortion, Unhealthy Parenting, Responsibilities, Dating Abuse, Consent, Use of Protection during Intercourse, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Trauma, etc. I personally felt that the topics spoken about in the series were done very well. It didn't seem inappropriate or insensitive, rather it was represented in a motivational manner.

All the leading characters were very different to each other but they also shared similarities which allowed them to be friends. The highlight of the show was the character arc of the protagonist Alex (acted by New). He was always a decent person but his choices and mistakes made him grow up to be a person he didn't expect to be. I loved that they showed how the MC's actions impacted others around him, whether those actions were intentional or not. The FL who's life was adversely affected by the MC was shown with so much complexity and sympathy. The MC's mistakes and actions were never completely or solely the MC's fault. His friends and those around him are equally responsible. The "MC's mistakes" were the lack of actions rather than the presence of faulty actions. Even though he was never to solely blame, he never held his ground and never stood for what he believed in. His growth were he stops avoiding and starts fighting was amazing.

The MC was actually the hero and the MVP of the series. He shined the most and left the biggest impression and had the largest impact on me. By the end of the drama, I came to the conclusion that the world needs more people like him. His second chance really did allow him to be better himself and get to know the people around him on deeper levels. he took that opportunity given to him and made the most of it.

The pacing of the episodes were good. Nothing felt too fast or too slow. The time travel didn't feel messy. Although there were some plot-holes and unrealistic odd developments; they were never memorable. I have to add that as much as I love the story there were parts where I felt it could have been better and parts where I felt that at times the message that needed to be delivered wasn't the best out of the options available.


Acting & Cast - 9.5/10

As always the acting was done wonderfully. New really suited his role well, he perfectly brought his character to life. I was very impressed by Fluke's and Thor's chemistry. The pair stole the show every time they were on screen. I'm continuously impressed by Sing Harit's versatile acting. He had a tough character to play in my opinion but he truly nailed it. I was so attracted to Silvy's aura and presences. She felt powerful even without speaking or moving. I've felt that Joong tends to always act in similar roles. He's often the guy who’s shy but also straightforward, the guy that seems stoic by is actually a romantic, and the soft spoken guy with clear boundaries. But he really does eat up those roles every time. He's got a talent for making the viewer feel like he's in love with them whenever he establishes direct eye contact with the camera. He wasn't a prominent character but oh he definitely stole everyone's hearts in that brief period. New was just the best choice to play Alex. He simply exudes Alex energy. He's always been a great actor, even still he continues to grow. I'd love to see him playing serious and dominating characters too.


Music & Sound - 9.5/10

The music was top notch for me. Their OST "Sweet but Naughty" really became one of my all time favourite songs. It just felt right in an inexplainable way. Gawin's voice is just amazing to listen to. Sing Harit's "Safe Zone" was amazing too. I didn't really feel that the music stole the show. They were amazing to listen to individually but I barely noticed the songs when I was watching the drama. The music just blended into the scenes seamlessly.


Rewatch Value - 9.5/10

I this is one of the highest rating I've ever given to a show before. It wasn't forgettable but I'd watch it again just to be informed of the various social issues discussed. Plus I don't think I can ever get enough of New as Alex. The show was just being a green flag left and right. The relationships between the leads all grew to be so refreshing healthy.


Overall - 9.5/10

I loved the series. I recommend everyone to watch it. It's such a open-minded series when comparing to usual Asian content we are exposed. It was a satisfying watch and felt inspirational. Some of those characters were truly badass icons! I didn't know if I wanted to be them or do them.


Thanks for reading so far <3