Reviews

Smells and mind games

I don't think the Evil God is dead. They blew him up the first time and he survived, so I doubt this time will be any different. I suspect that to actually kill the God, they need to destroy all the mini-statues first, though I'm not entirely sure how. They seem to be so lively and practically invincible. Plus, there is more than one to deal with! 🤨My biggest joy, of course, was seeing them finally end up on the same ship. I'm hoping for a proper reunion next episode, perhaps? 🤗🥹 However, Haixia could also strategically choose to act from the shadows. ☝️ And Hailou and Steven are such an entertaining duo! I can't stop laughing at how Steven just completely goes along with all of Hailou's insane plans. 😂Haixia's hunt while tracking the smell of cured meat was so trippy. 😵‍💫 Especially that scene in the storage room when the Evil God's mini-statue played those mind tricks on him, dragging up all the worst possible thoughts he could have about himself regarding his disability. Poor Haixia! 🥺😟P.S. But Miss Dong got me all confused. She's Haiqi in disguise, correct? Or did I miss something before...? 😕

Read More

My heart is bursting!

Spoilers ahead. And much gushing. This is just such a beautifully understated series. I love the seven deadly sins motif of this episode, and the last one too. Episode 2 dealt with lust but this one was all about envy. Now it could be said that Tan was jealous, but that's not quite right, and the implications of the difference say so much about Tan's feelings. Jealousy is the fear of losing something that you have to another, but envy is wanting something that another possesses. Tan doesn't have Barth, and - although it's based on assumptions and rumours - he feels like Cherry and Barth are essentially an item. He envies Cherry, not only because he (incorrectly) thinks she has Barth, but also because of the ease with which she can express her interest in Barth. The boys all think Barth is more cool because of Cherry liking him, and they can openly flirt (as least Tanrak thinks they're flirting when he sees Joseph tying Mary's sash), and Tan knows that this would not be the case for him. It's such an important statement about how LGBTQ people are ultimately not afforded the same right to love by society as heterosexuals.The shower room scene was amazing!! Tan being left alone and then Barth appearing brilliantly highlighted how their relationship is other, separated from the normal world. But that separation leads to freedom. I loved the way that Barth looked calm and confident, openly looking at Tan's body, while Tan looked scared and only took surreptitious glances at Barth's body - it beautifully showed the difference in how each of them view their feelings. The care that Barth showed seeing if Tan had a fever, and Tan's face - you could imagine how it must have felt for him having Barth touch him like that. And it clearly emboldened him because when Barth started tickling him and Tan told him to stop, who was it who went back to the other one first? Tan! And the tickling leading to that moment where their eyes locked and they both knew how the other felt was electrifying. And then the lights went off?!I may have screamed at the screen, "IT'S A SIGN! GOD WANTS YOU TO KISS!" ^_^; And the moment being broken by society returning around them - the room filling with people who would never understand - was so poignant.And the final scene. Tanrak physically shutting Barth out by closing the door on him but then still communicating through the mesh window?! An astounding metaphor for the fact that we can't lock out our true feelings, they always find a way in. Tan saying, "I don't even understand myself" with that pained expression on his face was so sad and I'm sure it will resonate hugely with a lot of people who have, and are, struggling with their sexuality, expecially those whose religions tell them that what they are feeling is wrong. "I'm not God's favourite son" is one of the most heartbreaking lines I've heard in a long time. T_T But also, I have to take a minute to fangirl at GemFot's kiss!! HOLY CRAP!! It was SOOOO good!! The way Tan's eyes stayed closed after the first kiss! The way that his eyes stayed locked on Barth's lips after it - the hunger in those eyes was insane!! The way he pushed Barth against the wall, hands in his hair, and kept going back for more!! It was sublime. Unless something goes very very wrong, this show is going to go down in history as one of the best Thai BL's ever made! I'm counting down the days until episode 4!!

Read More

What would Shrimpie do?

I wonder how they were able to hide that huge, cave-like construction in the lower parts of the ship. Mystery indeed! 🤨Fast Gun was not as useful a partner as Haixia would be, but he was hilarious for sure. 😂 I loved how Hailou was always half-hiding behind Fast Gun's back (I forgot the guy's name!), almost looking like he was ready to use him as a human shield if the situation called for it. 😏I particularly loved that they didn't forget about Haixia in this episode. I missed his presence on the screen, but at least they gave us his voice reminding Hailou to quit smoking, and adding that self-asked question, "What would Shrimpie do?" when Hailou had a dilemma. That was nice! 🤗 Overall, a quite funny episode. 😂

Read More

Choosing the path of healing

Hmm, A'Li told Xiuyao she dealt with the snakes herself, while to Captain Li she continues to say it was Master Zhu... She's confusing me there. 😖 But Xiuyao finally agreed to the leg treatment! I couldn't be happier for them! 🤗 How caring she is with him, running to ease his pain whenever she hears him groaning. They are so affectionate with each other; it's wonderful to watch the growth of their relationship and feelings. 🥰I am actually quite grateful they gave us not only A'Li's side of the story about what happened eight years ago, but also Prince Li's. They align, but give two different perspectives. I know it wasn't entirely Mo Jingli's fault and he was just an orphaned child, quite easy to manipulate, threaten, and scare. He has been a victim of his status and the Empress Dowager's and Marquis Muyang's greed and ambition; however, it doesn't justify the choices he has made now—especially regarding Ye Ying and Ye Li. 😠😤Ying's scene in the rain... I don't know if she'll turn out to be an antagonist at some point or not, but I feel so sorry for her. I just want to hug her and tell her everything is going to be okay, and that she should focus on herself and her self-growth instead of that scumbag. 😔🥺Side note: Ye Ying's actress looked so beautiful in that rain scene. ☺️

Read More

Injuries, backstories and many feelings

I can really understand Xiuyao's anger. He worries about her so much, and she keeps disappearing and doing God knows what while she's gone... 🥺 But now she's about to tell Xiuyao what happened between her and Prince Li. And did I get that right—he's responsible for everyone being killed eight years ago? I hope her story reveals that too. 😟😯I bet that master who "saved" her is also actually dead, and in truth, the one who saved her was herself... like it has been all those years. Oh, poor A'Li! Her head is even more messed up than I imagined. 🥺😟 I wonder what Captain Li thinks about her story.I did like that Ye Ying picked up the injured Mingxi. For a moment I thought she wouldn't... and their little conversation was as entertaining as I expected it to be. 😏😌 And the physician thinking it was Ye Ying who beat him up, lol? Did he think it was a lovers' quarrel or what? 😂 Her tantrum at Prince Li's party was totally justified. To humiliate one's wife like that? She's right—he could have just rejected the bride if he didn't want to marry her! Oh, how I hate Mo Jingli! 😤😠And Ye Ying is not Ye Li's father's daughter? To me, it looked like that guy who approached Ying's mother might have been her lover or something, and possibly Ying's father? 😯 I am so looking forward to Ying's character arc—her life has been built on lies, and she doesn't seem evil—so will it be a beautiful self-discovery arc or something else? 🤔

Read More

Trust given and betrayed

Ye Li is diligently administering Xiu Yao’s treatment and pain meds. She is exhausted and cold so he offers her a place by him. She runs off and he shows his disappointment when she arrives with pillow in hand. 😁 He shares his nickname and gives her such an adoring face at adding him and his happiness to her to do list. She is the first in a very long while to truly care about him as a person with no agenda. 🥰 The Marquis is receiving funds from his last weapons deal and lamenting the loss of his cronies and being blamed for Huan Fang’s death. He has no way to prove his innocence. There is hatred between his young servant and son. They both by for first place in the Marquis’ eyes. It seems the Marquis has gone vegetarian at the Empress Dowager’s strong suggestion. His son tries to give the carp to the young aide who refuses to take it. The official offered to take it to calm things down but it is clear this fight is not over between the two young men. Ye Li is quite the chess player and finally Xiu Yao tries his hand at the game. He too is defeated. Her skill at avoiding the stone dish collapse hints of sword skill. She diverts his attention by claiming menial chores as the reason for callouses. This hints that when she saw master Zhu she was the one fending off the snakes. Xiu Yao keeps asking about the lack of people as her life stories seem very solitary compared to the number that should be there. She keeps changing the subject to not give direct answers to people count. Her father sees a seer about his first wife and is told she is dead. He doesn’t believe it so visits Ye Li. She makes him cut to the chase and he asks about her mother. She very calmly states she has been dead eight years. This throws off her father who had no clue. This seems odd he has no clue but he feels even more haunted now with his nightmares. Since he deserted his family, he deserves the guilt.😝The spy friend learns that Ye Li employed the assassins on their way from the temple. As the details play out it was manipulation of events to get him to trust her with his leg treatment. He was so disgusted and angry to be so well played by the wife he was beginning to love and trust. He portrayed his absolute rage so well it was palpable. She cannot defend her actions and is finally pushed to see how they looked from his eyes. He is noting the Lishan related events and has sent his spy friend to keep digging and get to all the truths. He recalls an event with his brother where he is being strongly admonished for rescuing Ye Li and her mom from the bandits. He is reprimanded for leaving his post and that things played out as they did because he left. The empress Dowager has summoned Xiu Yao to the palace. She is irate that a trustworthy good official was killed. She has given Yuan Fang’s case to him and he is told to find out who killed him. No matter who it turned out to be she wanted them held accountable. It is not viewed as a bad thing by his colleagues so they embrace the new task. It is Ms Ye’s bday and ye Li and uncle are heading for the festivities. Xiu Yao has not accompanied her and it is not clear if he will go or not tho gifts had been prepared. Ye Li’s uncle tries to give pointers about keeping the peace in marriage. She responds that he takes others’ experiences to pass along as his own and is this what he learned from his Lishan mentor?😝 On the way Ye Li sees a scene with a distraught mother and stops the carriage. She gets out and recalls a scene with her mom striving to get the decree to save the prince. We do not have any confirmation if it still exists or was destroyed, but we can all hope with her it is yet to be found tho posthumously for the prince. Lots of emotions for our couple in this episode. Ye Li plots as well as she breathes and Xiu Yao is now aware of it. I hope he can set aside their differences to continue his leg treatments. She is having to accept the her plot to get him to accept them, may be the very thing that causes it to fail. Waiting to see if we get a peek at the Ye bday celebration and how Yuan Fang’s murder investigation goes.

Read More

this is keeping the momentum going as it started…

this is keeping the momentum going as it started on the 1st ep.... not a boring moment - but it keeps frustrating me that whenever Sun is around Jay, he become docile & weak - when he is neither(!). like put up a fight for gods sake ugh, he aint stronger then u - Not when u can beat the asses or a group of grown ass men while ur in a rabbit costume, that head alone weights a ton & u can't see for sh*t wearing it - yet he did without breaking a sweat. but he can't fight off Jay - why? cause he is the only one helping him in that company? i don't get it - but i get that i need to read the novel to get the bigger picture. ************************************************************************************************************************************************i thought Boss (Pakin) would be a guest role, but given how he reacted to Sky is he not gonna be a one off? i keep hoping Sun steps in & as he sees his younger brother in Sky, he helps him in some way - maybe i am wrong - will have to see what plot line awaits Sky. i hope there is one, cause i personally like him very much. **************************************************************side note: that preview took me out - like WTF was going on there, at 1st i thought Sun was getting bullied cause of Sunny by the other wanna-be actor's in the coaching classes (his manager signed him up for)- which would be logical given Sunny's behavior. but then the older pervy men & that ending - like what the actual f*ck type of coaching do they put newbie actor's through?!??? & i really hope the badass Sun from the start of the BL shows-up & we don't get the docile, pushover that needs his big, bad, backer (Jay) to come to the rescue. like plz

Read More

OMGGGGG!!! THEY KISSS

Episode 3 is where Ticket to Heaven truly becomes something extraordinary.The much-anticipated kiss between Barth and Tanrak was not memorable simply because it happened, but because of everything that led to it. Every glance, every moment of hesitation, every silent exchange throughout the previous episodes built toward this scene. When it finally arrived, it felt earned, emotional, and deeply meaningful rather than merely romantic.What impressed me most was the chemistry between Gemini and Fourth. Their performances make it easy to believe that Barth and Tanrak are two people desperately trying to navigate feelings neither of them fully understands. Even in scenes with very little dialogue, the tension between them is palpable. Their connection feels natural, intimate, and heartbreakingly sincere.Fourth once again delivers what may be one of the strongest performances of his career. Tanrak's struggle is incredibly complex because his conflict is not simply about love; it is about faith, identity, guilt, fear, and the possibility of losing everything he has ever believed in. Much of this emotional burden is carried through his eyes and subtle expressions rather than words. There are moments in this episode where a single look communicates more than an entire conversation could.Gemini is equally remarkable as Barth. His warmth, patience, and quiet devotion create the perfect contrast to Tanrak's internal turmoil. Barth never feels like a fantasy; he feels human, vulnerable, and deeply in love.Director P'Aof deserves enormous praise for the way he trusts the audience. The symbolism, visual storytelling, and religious imagery continue to add layers of meaning to almost every scene. Nothing feels accidental. The series constantly invites viewers to look beyond the surface and reflect on the relationship between faith, love, and self-acceptance.Judging by the reactions online, many viewers were left speechless by the emotional intensity of this episode, particularly the chemistry between the leads and the heartbreaking conflict within Tanrak. I completely understand why. Episode 3 doesn't rely on shock value or grand dramatic moments—it succeeds because every emotion feels genuine. It is beautiful, painful, and unforgettable all at once.This episode is a masterclass in restrained storytelling and a powerful reminder that Ticket to Heaven is telling a story that goes far beyond romance.

Read More

GeminiFourth shocked me on this one HOLYYYY

I already finished the novel, so I know what's up in each episode. In the end of the chapter, we got the kissing scene, and, in the novel, it was very intense. When I first read that part, the first thing that came into my mind is, "How are they gonna pull this off omg", don't get me wrong! I've always acknowledged their acting is great, but when it comes to kissing scenes, I would say they're okay (judging based on their previous series). BUT HOLYY SMOKES IN THIS EPISODE THEY SHOCKED ME SO MUCH. This is undeniably a new milestone for them—this is GeminiFourth stepping into a new era. I feel like a proud parent, I'm gonna cry :')) ugh I love them

Read More