The journey we have been on since this show was first announced is just wild.
From the very beginning there was always doubt about whether it was romance or bromance.
Now, after what feels like 73 years, we FINALLY have a full trailer and there is STILL that same discussion. We know it's about gay characters but are still not convinced it's actually romance. So I guess it'll remain a mystery until we actually watch the show.
Personally I only got bromance vibes from the trailer, maybe unrequited love. But I would LOVE to be proven wrong.
This show didn't click with me, and it surprised me. It just hit me that one of the reasons is I think the supporting characters have no personality. A big part of a show winning over my heart is the ensemble cast working well together. Nothing against any of the actors at all, but the characters seem so blank and - most of the time - completely without charm. I actually think the tutor/groomer might be the most interesting and layered out of the supporting characters. Just my opinion, obviously.
Chinese BLs really is a powerful drug. It's like the obsession level is higher than with other bls, at least for me personally (and I've only watched two). Lately I've been seeing news about so many upcoming cbls and it makes me so happy 😭😭
So, according to the preview, Liuyi will reject Chusan but then Chusan gets kidnapped and Liuyi goes on a murder spree to rescue him because he "doesn't want to lose him again" and kisses him passionately. I am eating this stuff up with froth at the mouth 😭 😭 😭
I just watched the trailer and I don't think it gives off romantic vibes at all? More friendship between two people who share the same struggle about their sexuality. Is it just me?
NO SPOILERS, I HAVEN'T READ THE MANGA ~ But we all agree Ryo is already in love with Zen, right? I just rewatched the episode and it's so obvious.
Let's look at the proof:
- His obsessing over Zen's ex-girlfriends. He still remembers their full names and what school year they confessed to Zen. There's even a moment where it looks like he's scared to be confronted about the reason for his jealousy but Zen jumps to a clueless conclusion. - As Zen points out, Ryo basically admits to finding Zen attractive several times during their hilarious argument at the kitchen table. - The scene is dark but the LOOK on Ryo's face the second Zen says "Actually, I'm not against guys doing things with guys." - The most obvious proof of all: that Ryo initiates the hook-up. He just probably didn't dream things would go so far/well lol. - The "Sorry" in the end is obivously shady as hell and would normally make me jump to the conclusion that Ryo is out to humiliate him or something BUT combined with the other stuff... it's romance-coded.
i REALLY hope some rich Chinese people will fund the continued making of this show because the only logical reason I can think of for making the season this short is that they couldn't afford to make more.
Someone pointed out they're only up until circa chapter 24 in the novel and there's more than 100 chapters overall and extra chapters as well. So they have plenty of material. & Great actors who obviously adore working together. It would be a crime against art, the world, and humanity, to not make more of this!
Why exactly? This was ordered by Netflix and in production before either of the two you mention even aired. And…
Netflix had already bought the concept and it was always introduced as a love story - long before Heated Rivalry even aired. I will say, the marketing for Soul Mate has been extremely bad and thus created some doubt. But it being a LGBT show does not have ANYTHING to do with Heated Rivalry, I promise you. LGBT content has been popular for years, look at shows like Heartstopper and Young Royals. I'm not hating on Heated Rivalry, but I don't think we should give it more credit than it deserves.
Omg with the way things are going I can just imagine the finale will be like they get together in the LAST second and then *The End, Rolling Credits* 😭
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From the very beginning there was always doubt about whether it was romance or bromance.
Now, after what feels like 73 years, we FINALLY have a full trailer and there is STILL that same discussion. We know it's about gay characters but are still not convinced it's actually romance. So I guess it'll remain a mystery until we actually watch the show.
Personally I only got bromance vibes from the trailer, maybe unrequited love. But I would LOVE to be proven wrong.
Thank you bl gods for giving us 10 episodes which is actually a lot after jbl standard.
~
But we all agree Ryo is already in love with Zen, right? I just rewatched the episode and it's so obvious.
Let's look at the proof:
- His obsessing over Zen's ex-girlfriends. He still remembers their full names and what school year they confessed to Zen. There's even a moment where it looks like he's scared to be confronted about the reason for his jealousy but Zen jumps to a clueless conclusion.
- As Zen points out, Ryo basically admits to finding Zen attractive several times during their hilarious argument at the kitchen table.
- The scene is dark but the LOOK on Ryo's face the second Zen says "Actually, I'm not against guys doing things with guys."
- The most obvious proof of all: that Ryo initiates the hook-up. He just probably didn't dream things would go so far/well lol.
- The "Sorry" in the end is obivously shady as hell and would normally make me jump to the conclusion that Ryo is out to humiliate him or something BUT combined with the other stuff... it's romance-coded.
Did I miss anything?
Someone pointed out they're only up until circa chapter 24 in the novel and there's more than 100 chapters overall and extra chapters as well. So they have plenty of material. & Great actors who obviously adore working together. It would be a crime against art, the world, and humanity, to not make more of this!