This review may contain spoilers
This is an easy pass
Unfortunately with this series there were more negatives than positives. On paper the show's location and plot could have made this a decent easy to watch BL with focus on the relationship development of the couples with a simplistic plot. Unfortunately the potential was lost.First big issue with the show is the pacing. The first 2-4 episodes are really slow, even if there is three main couples that the show focuses on. The slow start combined with only having 8 eps made especially the last two episodes to feel comical in terms of amount of things happening; there are several serious hospital related illness that get treated, one character reconnects with their mother (this is covered in a couple of scenes), there is a dept issue with a gang involved that gets resolved, a distance relationship that both start and end in the final episode, one the character leaves to his old work back to Bangkok without telling his love interest, then as quickly gets back and the relationship continue as if nothing happened. In a very odd way the show made me feel that they simultaneously didn't have enough plot for three main couples, but also that the relationship archs had to be rushed trough in the end.
The second big issue for me relates to one the couple in particular and I feel bad for the actors, bc a lot of ppl had been hoping to see them in a show together again. Dindin's and Tawan's relationship was a blast from the BL past that I wish we would just not see anymore unless the series is meant to describe a toxic dynamic and environment. Considering the general vibe of the show, having a couple showing their "love" by constantly throwing punches at each other just looked and felt unpleasant as a viewer. With the other two couples there is at least an attempt trough dialogue scenes to build believable relationship, but with Dindin and Tawan the hostility is present to the very end of the show, which really made me question the choice of them still ending up together.
In conclusion:
- I would not recommend this one, everything ends up feeling off.
- After all 8 episodes you will most likely be left with two conflicting feelings; finally it's over and the couples needed more on screen time to feel genuine.
- There is a decent effort to showcase a survivor story of someone dealing with childhood abuse trauma, how this can affect adult relationships and how to work past such trauma, but it's not enough to save the series.
- Let's please not promote punching someone as a sign of showing love, this trope needs to be left to the BL history and stay there.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A drama with a lot of family heart!
After watching Song Wei Long in another show this past week (Shine on Me) I wanted another fix, so I went back and re-watched Go Ahead. I saw this when I first got into Asian dramas, and I wanted to rewatch it to see if I still felt the same about this family story.Now I knew what to expect, the slower paced, longer episodes, I did appreciate the family dynamic a lot more a second watch. The siblings closeness was enjoyable as before. I loved their banter and tight bond.
The dads were fantastic – Mr Lin, especially. Those moments when he was cooking for the family were perfect and I loved how peaceful the family was when it was just the five of them. One of my favorite scenes was when Xiao’s dad took him to the Chinese medicine doctor, it just felt very real and his love for his son came through clearly, though he wasn’t always able to show it.
I wasn’t entirely sure I believed in the romance aspect of the show. It felt like Jian was talked into it instead of falling for Xiao naturally. I did adore how devoted to her he was. His yearning eyes gave me butterflies. And standing up to his disapproving mother had me giddy!
The girl friends were perfect additions and I really enjoyed their side stories. And I covet their cute little apartment!
What stuck with me most from the show were the moms. Oh, they made me have the biggest feelings! And most of those feelings were boiling rage!
These were fully grown adults yet the moms were pulling the strings in their lives! By the end, I could understand Tang Can’s mom maybeeee changing for the better. But there’s no way sweet Ming Yue’s shrill, overbearing mother changed. If we’d had a look into the future, she would still be the same. I was glad the dad wanted a divorce!
Now, let’s get to the vilest villain in this show. Xiao’s mother.
What a vicious piece of work she was.
She was the most insincere snake, and I never once felt she was being genuine in anything she said. She abandoned her young son, blamed him for her mistake, and yet wanted to force him to take care of her while she treated him like crap.
I was furious watching her on screen, her attempts to manipulate Xiao were infuriating.
She could see how utterly miserable she was making her son and yet she clung to him like an octopus on his face. Were we meant to feel sorry for her in the final episode with her inexcusable last ditch action? Were we supposed to feel redeemed by her “nice words” and seemingly changed attitude toward Jian? Because I felt nothing. She did exactly what a narcissistic would do and that was manipulate everyone’s emotions to turn the tides her way again. The best thing Xiao could have done was go no contact with that emotional succubus.
The parents are my biggest pet peeve with these types of characters that appear in most of the shows I watch. (sadly, it’s usually the mothers, which saddens me) Despite the parents' terrible behavior, the child is pushed to forgive and reconcile. Oh, I get steaming mad! I try to understand it’s a cultural difference, but as I see it, you don’t need to redeem every vile character by the finale. This mother was a fine example, I would have been happy if she’d fallen into a bubbling volcano.
It's a testament to all three actresses who played the mothers how great their skills are because the objective was met and I hated them all, lol.
Overall, lovely watch and I’d watch it again one day (fast forwarding through the mom!) The acting was exceptionally good, especially the emotionally heavy scenes. Those guys sure can cry so well!
(Also, I didn't intend for my review to become this long - that's how big my feelings were lollolol )
Was this review helpful to you?
Rocky Start, Grew On Me Later
I won't lie. I almost dropped this one, but something told me to keep trying and by the time episode 3 ended, I was hooked. This was really well done. The only thing that kept pulling me out of the story was when the dubbing was off. I know China dubs practically everything and I don't fault them for that. It was just very obvious in places and I had to get myself back into things afterwards. And the constant playing of the OST. It's a good song! I just felt it was played a bit TOO much. Otherwise, great show!Was this review helpful to you?
Blackstar
Such an amazing cast (top actores) that i would expect something much better. Huge disappointing with this drama, and in the end was no easy to watch all episodes. Nana's music "Blackstar" save my daySuch an amazing cast (top actores) that i would expect something much better. Huge disappointing with this drama, and in the end was no easy to watch all episodes. Nana's music "Blackstar" save my day
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
*taps chin contemplatively* Hmmmm...
This is yet another show that took over my Twitter feed for weeks and has (as of now) very high ratings, but I just seem to be on the other side of the majority.👻Let's start with the good👻
1. Arthit's r/ship with Direk - If there's one thing that Thai BLs will give you, it's a shitty dad. They are a dime a dozen. Out here, like they are trying to win 'worst BL dad of the genre' or something. That's why it was so refreshing to see how healthy and utterly unserious the relationship between this father and son was. Please, can we get more of this? I'm tired of all the a-holes.
2. This gave me 'Semantic Error' vibes in a couple of ways
a. Daotok reminds me of Chu Sang U. He is very robotic, especially in those beginning episodes. He seems to have a bit of a hard time peopling and a harder one understanding Arthit
b. How Arthit pursues Daotok. He lowkey basically annoys him into liking him. Which is what Jae Yeong did to bag Sang U. It wasn't on the same level, of course, but Arthit took a page from Jae Yeong's book. I like this version of pursuing what is basically a spicy street cat in human form. You have to be willing to annoy them and push boundaries (knowing that it will earn you some scratches) if you want them to notice and keep noticing you.
3. The relationship development in episodes 4-6 - This is where their relationship, the slowburn as it is, shines the best.
4. That NC scene - Who directed that shit? And can we have them coordinate more scenes in the future? Coz Holy Shit... Lemme not say more on this very public platform.
5. Solid friend groups for both characters
👻What Could've Been Done Better👻
1. The 1st 3 episodes - The pacing is off, and overall, doesn't add much to the plot or the overall plot. Perhaps, you could argue that it helps introduce us to Daotok's powers and helps with forced proximity between the characters. I'll agree with you that it's true.
But the fact that each episode is about an hour long, and we don't really get to see much of Daotok's power after ep 3 (I think), and the girl from jail ups and disappears until she's needed for some sleuthing later, it overall feels like a waste of time.
Maybe they didn't have enough material to fill 8 episodes and chose to drag this out. Or maybe they did, but chose the wrong thing. IDK, I haven't read the novel.
2. Arthit's behaviour in that living room scene in Ep 6 - I have no idea where that behaviour change came from. He'd been such a respectful green flag in the r/ship, then all over sudden.... TF? That kiss and the reasoning behind it weren't it. It reminded me of those Korean manhwas that start so healthy, genuine, and respectful, then, for some unknown hellish reason, the author decides that s*xual assault is what the story needs. Their makeup after that was really cute, but I'm sure they could have done quite literally anything else to bring them closer. Not this predatory act
3. Ep 7 & 8 - More pacing issues. And the absurdity of the choice to include a random shooting? It reminded me of those useless 3rd act break-up scenes. Where the author or screenwriter is like, 'Ah, they are doing too good and too happy right now. Let's include some drama.' And now, as the reader/viewer, I'm stuck wondering where all the unnecessary drama came from.
The shooting incident didn't even add anything to any relationship. Daotok had already accepted being with Arthit. He didn't need this random occurrence to make him 'realize' his feelings for the man, or whatever point they were trying to make
Overall, I'd say that this is fine. While the pair is cute together (I really enjoyed how cute n needy Arthit became once he started pursuing Dao), the overarching story itself leaves much to be desired. What had the potential to be good is ruined by pacing issues and side quests that could have been done and over within 2 episodes, tops.
Random (unrelated) thoughts
i. I could not help but wow at how beautifully their skintones contrasted. Generally, BLs love that (slightly) tan topXpale bottom thing. I usually notice it as like a footnote in my head, but it doesn't stand out to me. Maybe this time it stood out coz of how deeply(?) tan Ngern is. I pray that that man never touches skin-lightening products
ii. If Ngern and Joss Way-ar ever took a gym pic together while flexing those biceps, shoulders, and thighs, I would potentially, spontaneously combust. May the gyms in Thailand remain open, and may these two never stop going
Was this review helpful to you?
A powerful drama—beautiful, heartbreaking, and perfect.
Honestly, I can’t understand why people are rooting for the male lead…I really like the actor, but his character is unacceptable. Come on—he’s a drug trafficker. Yes, he got involved to save the woman he loves, but that doesn’t justify anything. He wants to save his family, his beloved—fine—but what about everyone else?
How many lives has he destroyed through drugs? How many families has he harmed?
I cannot accept it, I do not forgive it, and I will not excuse it.
I hope he and his girlfriend are arrested and pay for their crimes—which are far from minor.
That said, the drama itself is good. I’m enjoying it. I do recommend it.
Final thoughts (05/05/26)
Reaffirming what I said before: they should have paid for their crimes, especially drug trafficking.
I feel sorry for the fans, but I believe this was the best possible ending.
A powerful drama—beautiful, heartbreaking, and perfect.
Here is the revised version with the adjustment, keeping your tone and meaning intact:
My favorite character was Hong Bin, without a doubt. A truly remarkable human being—exemplary and deserving of all the recognition. To me, no one suffered as much as he did. Letting his own son go to his death requires far more than courage… I don’t know if I would have even a fraction of his conviction, bravery, and selflessness. It was deeply painful to watch.
My second favorite character was Chen Hui. Xu Kai brought to life an unforgettable character—gentle where he could be, reckless when pushed, intelligent until confronted by his own nature. Brilliant. If this were a revenge drama, I would definitely root for him. But here, much closer to real life, I cannot forgive him. He chose the worst path. He involved innocent people, destroyed his family, and ultimately couldn’t even uphold his own love.
Outstanding. 10/10, without a doubt. A great drama.
I loved it.
Was this review helpful to you?
Worth the wait!!
I have been waiting for this drama cuz of Jiarui, Yan-an, and Duling after FOF, but everyone was just so good with their characters that I feel in love with it. I really enjoyed every bit of it, and it was worth all the wait!! It's literally a masterpiece for me like pls everything was mind-blowing, and just literally wow!! "Ruirui" had me giggling as "Ji Ling", but he made me cry too like please I love his tiny face, and adorable smile so much!!(ps: recently lost interest in costume dramas, so I was literally skipping all new ones no matter how much I looked forward to it earlier, but this one brought my Xianxia and Wuxia heart back to life, keke)
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Second time is a charm
I am still watching this drama and honestly finding it a bit hard, but I will persevere. I read the reviews and I accept that everyone is entitled to their opinion. It frustrates me that some reviewers are criticising the FL on her acting and outfits, do they not realise that these are decided on by the writers, directors and stylist, they are actors and must do as they are directed. As for the stylist, I don’t really like the outfits on any of the actors, the ML mother for example, what on earth have they got her dressed it? The split either side of the dresses are too high up , in my opinion too revealing for a woman of her age. As I’ve said I will persevere and hope it gets better.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
One of the best enemies to lovers stories ever!
Honestly, I don't even know where to start with this drama! It was perfection, from start to finish! Lu Yuxiao and Hou Minghao's chemistry was literally off the charts in this, and I also adored the side characters in this drama as well.I also loved that some of them got their happy ending <3 This drama had me giggling and kicking my feet at how utterly shameless Ming Yi and Ji Bozai are, but also had me bawling my eyes out at the angst! The angst was so heart wrenching, and I hope that Lu Yuxiao and Hou Minghao got their flowers for how incredible their acting was! Lu Yuxiao is a phenomenal actress, and the way that she acts in sad scenes??? SO GOOD!! like you can feel every emotion :(( and Hou Minghao??
The way that he's able to express so many emotions with just his eyes is honestly insane. He didn't always have to show his emotions outwardly on his face, because his eyes honestly did a lot of the work. You could just feel and see all the emotions in just his eyes alone. He's so expressive!
The love story between Yan Xiao and Mu Tian Ji (the Princess of Jixing Abyss) was also so beautiful?? Their story honestly had me in tears, and the angst between them was equally as devastating as Ming Yi and Ji Bozai's! Their love was so beautiful, and I honestly really enjoyed seeing their chemistry as well <3
Oh and Situ Ling..... man I have never felt so conflicted over a villian before. He was honestly so freaking sweet and cute but I kinda hate that they made him turn evil. I really wish he didn't turn evil, because I think that there was so much wasted potential with his character.
Overall, this drama had me bawling my eyes out and it devastated me in every way, but the ending was so worth it!! The ending is literally so freaking amazing and I loved how it ended <3
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This starts with one of the dumbest bets I've ever seen—and somehow, it works perfectly.Two rivals who have competed in everything since high school continue their ridiculous rule: the loser must obey the winner. This time, it leads to something far more intimate.
It's chaotic, funny, and surprisingly addictive. The chemistry is already there, and the setup promises a messy but entertaining relationship.
Was this review helpful to you?
A drama that will make you laugh and cry all at once
This drama was honestly so much fun! I loved how hilarious it was, and I am also a sucker for a transmigration drama <3 I LOVED the chemistry between Ding Yuxi and Esther Yu, I just think that they work so well together! This drama had me laughing but also bawling my eyes out towards the end! I even loved the side couple, but I wish that they gave more screen time to our main couple of Mu Sheng and Mao Mao. It was so beautifully executed, and the visuals in this drama were so gorgeous!!Was this review helpful to you?
Porn without plot
Well this is unsettling.. I'm a bit concerned for people who enjoyed this. Constant sex scenes without any consent whatsoever, yikes. Might as well just watch straight up porn at this point.What was there to even pay attention to? I already dont remember anything from the storyline.
This was a no for me.
Was this review helpful to you?
Mature and healthy love <3
This drama has by far one of the healthiest relationships I have ever seen! Yu Tu and Jing Jing are two people who are mature and also respect each other so deeply. I watched this drama in 2021.The slow burn was kind of excruciating, but it was so worth it in the end! I absolutely loved how they were able to reconnect, even after years without seeing each other. Their relationship is just so beautiful to me, as they are able to focus on themselves while also being in a committed relationship. Even though they spend a lot of time apart, their love and trust for one another doesn't ever falter.
Was this review helpful to you?
Still my favorite after 2 years
I never jump into slow burns because they're just not my cup of tea. But jj did not feel like I was waiting for something that would never come. They did not tease us with unnecessary "moments" between the main couple –and making the wait more agonizing– as most slow burns do.The story progressed, and I did not feel like romance was missing from it. I enjoyed it in its own pace, appreciating the attention to the action parts. ( I cannot begin to explain how much I loved the balance between the comedy and deep/more serious topics as well.)
But of course, when Jack and Joke finally got together, I was waaay beyond excited for them. And it still didn't feel like "the wait finally paid off!", it just felt casual. My problem with slow burn is how usually they have feelings for each other since the beginning but either won't admit it to themselves or just don't realize it.
J&J did the opposite, they developed their feelings throughout the story and their own conflicts, without any unnecessary romance drama.
Although towards the end, the bad guy started to feel a little bit "cartoon villain" viby, but that's not really a problem for me. I had a good laugh at how ridiculous some of his lines were.
10/10.. I truly recommend this with my heart :)
Was this review helpful to you?
