Reviews

A charming, heartwarming drama

A charming, heartwarming drama. What's not in it.. (similar to the "classic" dramas) It has no evil, chaebol-rich poor - classes, a love triangle, or a memory of love from first grade 🙂 , it has ... perfect casting of all the actors, great chemistry that builds slowly. , it has healing and recovery, stories of love / affection / support, greetings with kindness and sensitivity, humor, (and a little sadness) - of all age groups (youth, second and third age) and their coping in different situations. Admittedly, you have to get through the beginning and it is also a little slow (but it doesn't detract from the plot but is required). ..a charming soundtrack (I downloaded the criminalist to Spotify)
I enjoyed it…

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No Chaos, No Toxicity—Just a Solid Story

The Burning Sun is honestly a breath of fresh air in a genre that often relies on the same tired tropes. From the start, what stands out is what the drama chooses not to include. There’s no drugging, no abuse, no manipulative mistresses, no over-the-top revenge plots, and none of those exaggerated twists like hidden identities or long-lost children. Instead, it focuses on a grounded, simple story about normal people, and that alone makes it feel refreshing.

The story is straightforward but engaging. It doesn’t try to shock you with unnecessary drama, yet it still keeps your attention through consistent pacing and a clear narrative direction. The writing stays focused on its core idea until the very end, which makes the whole experience feel complete and satisfying. Even the plot twist, while not overly complicated, lands well and adds just enough excitement without breaking the tone of the drama.

The relationship between the main leads is one of the strongest aspects. It develops naturally, without forced situations or artificial conflicts. Their bond grows gradually through interactions that feel realistic and human. There are moments where you might feel frustrated with the male lead, and other times when the female lead might annoy you, but their reactions and decisions still feel believable rather than exaggerated for drama.

If you are expecting a heavy romance filled with intense intimacy and dramatic declarations, this might not be the right drama for you. The romance here is subtle and grounded. It focuses more on emotional connection and mutual understanding rather than physical affection. That said, the chemistry between the leads is still strong and easy to watch.

Another highlight is the supporting cast. The drama keeps its character list relatively small, which works in its favor. Every character has a purpose, and no one feels unnecessary. Zizi, the male lead’s friend, and other side characters all contribute meaningfully to the story. Special mention goes to the female lead’s brother and the male lead’s sister, whose roles play an important part in bringing the main couple together. Despite the limited cast, the scenes never feel empty or boring.

The villain is also handled well. Instead of being overly dramatic or cartoonish, the antagonist fits naturally into the story and adds tension without overpowering it. It keeps the conflict interesting while still staying within the grounded tone of the drama.

Overall, this is a well-paced, cleanly written drama that proves you don’t need extreme plot devices to tell an engaging story. It’s simple, realistic, and emotionally satisfying. If you’re tired of exaggerated tropes and want something more natural and easy to watch, this drama is definitely worth your time.

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Just a simple, uncomplicated story that made me happy

This is my first ever review on MDL. I'm not very good with words but I've been watching BL since 2008 and I can say with confidence that this series was a breath of fresh air.. was the story basic?yes. But that is what made it special. It simple,adorable and entertaining. As a neurodivergent person it's nice to see a character similar to me being loved so much. Some might think it's cringy and annoying,maybe it is and that's fine. If you are the woke type who wants mature and thought inducing series, DWY is not for you. If you just wanna feel happy and content 10/10 would recommend.

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Two Hits and a Miss

The large gap in quality between the segments makes it hard to provide an accurate overall rating for this anthology.

1. Interior Design (Michel Gondry): 4/5
Even though I had no clue where this story was headed, I felt like I was in good hands and I enjoyed the ride. It featured Gondry’s signature surrealist take on themes of alienation and personal purpose, and sparked an introspection that stuck with me after the segment was finished.

2. Merde (Leos Carax): 1/5
The "art" of this one probably went over my head. Between the unbearable main character and a plot that refused to make sense, the narrative was so unappealing that finishing this segment felt like a chore.

3. Shaking Tokyo (Bong Joon Ho): 4/5
Bong Joon Ho has dipped his toes into almost every genre, so I was excited to see his take on romance. As someone who isn't usually a fan of the genre, I appreciated how added a fantasy twist in this exploration of social isolation. The plot was engaging and the visuals were beautiful (some of which felt like visual ASMR designed specifically for A-type brains like mine). Much like Gondry’s piece, it left me reflecting on its themes even after it was over.

Overall: 3/5
Quality: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3/5

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people are dying, kim

it is i, the niel.

do these guys even have any professional ethics? i loved dunk's acting in this. he wasn't a useless character, and he was a real person. his eyes still remain open whilst kissing, but that's part of his charm. i was compelled, and i'm glad gmmtv didn't give him a goofy character this time. i liked him in a more serious role. there were still many hr violations. dunk is inherently goofy, yet i'm his biggest fan. joong also did a good job, unsurprisingly.

the plot was the real winner of this show. i was hooked from beginning to (almost) end. the last 15 minutes of the final episode were filler, but that's fine. there were so many characters, but i was able to keep up with what was happening with all of them. they made a smart choice by having only one couple, and keeping the show focused on them. i wasn't overwhelmed by unnecessary romance. ultimately, the crime aspect of the show's plot was kept central, rather than underdeveloped romance. the main plot was really interesting. this concept has been done before, but i was curious as to "who done it" the entire time.

i will say, i clocked the ending and other elements of the plot from the start. even so, that didn't take away from the enjoyment of it. there was room for improvement, though. i didn't mind their romance, but there could've been more of a slower development. they were u-hauling it. that sometimes made the dialogue between them unnatural. sometimes, they were developing the romance at times when they should've been focusing on their employment. they could've been investigating parts of this mystery way sooner, but they were too busy committing hr violations (lol). tbh if i were their boss, i would've been like "congrats on your relationship, you're fired." overall, thoroughly enjoyed! for a gmmtv show, impressive work. #longdunk4lyfe

best,

the niel.

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Pretty and emotional, but not very gripping

a nice show overall, but honestly it felt like it lacked a clear plot. The whole time I was watching, I kept wondering what the actual endgame was supposed to be. The concept itself is interesting—an immortal and a Spirit Lord—but the execution didn’t feel strong enough to keep me hooked. It wasn’t boring, but it also didn’t feel gripping. A lot of things were happening, yet it somehow felt like nothing was really happening. It felt more like narration than actual progression, and I never got that feeling that made me want to keep coming back for more.

The first half of the show felt especially slow. It leaned more into a fluffy and light tone, which was fun at times, but it made the central storyline feel weak. The whole “senses” plotline didn’t feel strong enough to carry the entire drama. The show only really picked up toward the end, where things became more action-heavy and exciting. I actually found the last part much more interesting because you could finally see things moving and progressing. It did feel like everything important was pushed into the final episodes, which made the earlier part drag in comparison.

That being said, the drama was still enjoyable. It had humor, it was a bit bittersweet, and it had some emotional moments that worked really well. It just didn’t have that strong, addictive quality or that memorability that makes a drama stand out.

Dilraba really carried the show for me. She was absolutely stunning, and her presence fit the character perfectly. She balanced the softer, more playful side and the cold, powerful Spirit Lord side really well. Her styling, costumes, hair, and overall look were incredible, and you can tell there was a lot of effort put into her appearance. Acting-wise, she was great, but I didn’t like how her character was written. The shift between her when she had her senses and when she didn’t felt too extreme, almost like two completely different people, which made her feel inconsistent at times.

Arthur Chen, in my opinion, can act, and I don’t really agree with people who say he can’t. He has presence and he delivers in emotional scenes. However, I did have an issue with his styling, especially the wigs. Most of them just didn’t suit him and honestly took me out of the scenes. He looked much better in armor, and I actually think he fits general roles really well because he has that strong aura. But in regular outfits, it didn’t always work for him. As for his character, I didn’t fully connect with his love for her. It felt like he fell for her too easily, and I never really understood why he loved her so deeply. It made the romance feel less impactful for me.

The chemistry between them was nice, but not something I’d call memorable. Some scenes were done really well, and you could feel the connection, but overall it didn’t fully convince me. Part of that might be the dynamic itself—she’s supposed to be centuries old, while he feels much younger—and it didn’t always come across with the depth it should have.

Miles Wei was really good as a villain, as expected. He always does a great job making you hate him, which just shows how good he is. My only issue was the dubbing because his voice didn’t match him at all, and it was very noticeable. It kind of took me out of his scenes. The rest of the cast did a great job as well, especially the child actor Chen Ying, who always delivers emotionally. His storyline was heartbreaking, and I really liked his end arc. Fang’s storyline was also very sad, especially everything he sacrificed, and the side characters overall added a lot to the drama.

Production-wise, the drama was beautiful. The cinematography, CGI, and fight scenes were all really well done, both in the mortal world and the spiritual world. The fight scenes especially stood out to me. You can clearly see the budget in the costumes and overall visuals. Everything looked polished and high quality. The OST was also amazing, and Liu Yuning, as always, did a great job.

As for the ending, I have mixed feelings, but I did enjoy it. I liked both versions of the ending, whether he stayed as a spirit with her or she became immortal. Personally, I preferred her becoming mortal because it felt more meaningful for her character and her dream. The last episode was very emotional, and I definitely cried, especially during his death and seeing her constantly losing the people she loves. His final act of giving her all the senses so she could live the moment fully, even at the cost of his life, was really beautiful and one of the stronger emotional moments in the show.

Overall, it’s a good drama, but it doesn’t bring anything new or particularly memorable. It’s softer than typical xianxia dramas and not very dark or intense. I would still recommend it, especially if you like emotional stories and strong visuals, but I wouldn’t go into it expecting a very strong or gripping plot. It’s more of a relaxed watch that you can enjoy without thinking too deeply about it.

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Magnificent but dark and disturbing series with 3 Red Flags

PLOT: Jira, a painter struggling for recognition, meets Pheem at a club. Pheem, an IT specialist at Ko's company, introduces Jira to Ko (who needs a fake Ko as representativ for his business). Jira and Pheem are attracted to each other. But while working under strange circumstances for Ko, Jira realizes that Ko is his muse, the one he wants to paint.

+++ Superb cast with Off, Gun (who gave their everything in this series), and Dew, all vying for the title of the most twisted, complex, and tortured character. The series allows them to showcase their talent and previously unexplored facets of themselves.
+++ Masterful direction, whether in terms of pacing, cinematography, framing, lighting, etc.
+++ The paintings are magnificent, sensual, and evocative.
+++ The entire cast is good.
+++ Excellent OSTs
+++ The story is realistic, both in terms of the economic and technological context, and the psychology of the characters.

### The message about AI dangers remains very superficial. It's alluded to through art, but only alluded to. It doesn't address the jobs lost, the slave labor of the AI ​​"controllers" (underpaid Africans who watch content 10-12 hours per day), the environmental consequences, etc.

=> This is far from your typical BL. The tone is unsettling, but I would definitely rewatch this drama, at least for some of the truly beautiful scenes.
*********************************************************
Dark and disturbing series with 3 Red Flags

PLOT: Jira, peintre en mal de reconnaissance, rencontre Pheem ds 1 club. Pheem, IT ds la Cie de Ko, fait se rencontrer Jira et Ko (qui a besoin d'1 fake Ko pr son entreprise). Jira et Pheem sont attirés l'un par l'autre. Mais en travaillant ds des circonstances chelou pr Ko, Jira s'aperçoit que Ko est sa muse, celui qu'il a envie de peindre.

+++ Super cast avec Off, Gun (qui ont tout donné ds cette série) et Dew qui concourent pour le personnage le plus tordu, le plus complexe, le plus torturé. La série leur permet de montrer leur talent et des facettes d'eux-même jusqu'alors inexplorées.
+++ Réalis° magistrale, que ce soit en termes de rythme, de beauté de la cinématographie, des cadrages, lumières, etc.
+++ Les peintures sont magnifiques, sensuelles, évocatrices.
+++ L'ensemble du cast est bon.
+++ Excellentes OSTs
+++ La story est réaliste, tant sur le contexte économique, technologique, que la psychologie des personnages.

### Le message sur les dangers de l'IA reste très superficiel. Il est évoqué à travers l'art, mais juste évoqué. Il n'aborde pas les emplois supprimés, le travail d'esclave des "contrôleurs" d'IA (africains sous-payés qui visionnent des contenus 10 h/jour), les conséquences écologiques, etc.

=> On est loin de la BL habituelle. Le ton est perturbant, mais je regarderais certainement à nouveau ce drama, au moins certaines scènes de toute beauté.

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the series are top tier.

the ost is a top tier, it suits them and it makes me joining the vibe.

i guess, sotus is really a top tier before as arthit and kongphob has been an iconic character even right now. actually it still has an essence of sotus but it still has a different vibe because they're more mature and the thing that they don't do before, it's been demonstrated here. it's kinda good that they're basing on the real life situations. indeed what a great comeback for them eversince p'singto signing back again. i love how they still care for each other after many years have passed. I'm glad as well I watched sotus before watching this one, well i don't have any regrets now as i know where some adapted scenes came from. I'm looking forward to their upcoming series which is write you again. you guys amazing, keep going.

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I kept waiting for it to get worse and it never did.

In episode 10 I was incredulous at how good it was, and once I reached episode 20 I just kept waiting for the ball to drop but no, I was on the edge of my seat until the very end. Just goes to show how good the source material was, I guess.

Changyu hooked me in from the start, I love her. She flew into my top 3 favourite heroines within the first few episodes. Her frankness, kindness, strenght.. ugh she is AMAZING. This show had incredible cinematography and every shot left me in awe. The main pair was so beautifully wonderful and I enjoyed every second. I binged this show in 4 days, that's how GOOD it was. I have to admit, I've been underestimating Chinese dramas because the few I started watching years ago were with weak female leads and overall lacklustre plot, and therefore I never tried again but my god am I glad I did.

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✨️The Sequins ↔ Swords Switch♻️ °7.6° °vg°

It opens lush and golden. Indian Summer is keeping fall warm and cozy… but today it has started to rain.

SG is a 2010 release that is rated 96 on AWiki. It is 1 season consisting of 20 65-minute straight comfort-food episodes. It maintains a pulse of 60 for the entire run (except when Oma starts shrieking). Other than the chaebol son with a toxic mother, the only other trope we must suffer through is amnesia, and it's short-term.

I've been longing to watch these super popular classic shows from the 00's and 10's for awhile, but was sticking with the services I have for a while longer before springing for that Viki pass (it's incompatible with my SamsungTV). Then, Netflix pulls this magic act and drops a couple dozen classic titles! I'm in Secret Heaven! Currently working through The Master's Sun and Pinocchio, I watched SG in tandem with My Love ft🌟. Both shows are strictly just for fun with SG holding up much better in the comparison. It's steady, it doesn't drag, and…. Hyun Bin? ¡HOLA, muchacho🤭! They save a tasty surprise for the final episodes as well.

Fluff is therapeutic, but when it comes to empty/wind-down entertainment, it's generally of lesser technical quality, and its perceived value is more user-specific. We're all entitled to our own flavor of mindless entertainment. No judgment here. There's shows I've rated a 7 that I'll rewatch before shows I've rated a 9 - because on most days, comfort trumps everything. SG is a soft patch of foamy moss in the warm afternoon sun. Cozy up.

Ha Ji-Won (Empress Ki) is “Gil” Ra Im, a tough girl. The toughness is all an act, though: She's a stunt woman, thus she acts for a living. She's hustling through life just trying to keep her head above water. She doesn't need the wrong kind of attention. She definitely doesn't need the attention Joo brings.

Hyun Bin (Crash Landing on You-9.1) plays Kim “Joo” Won who plays at being real. Spoiled son of chaebol isn't the best character for HB to play, perhaps, but he grabs the shovel and digs all the way in. (Joo wakes up his friend in the middle of the night to discuss the “emergency” of him dating a woman who has to “rent” her domicile ~ like on National Geographic ~ 😅). Whenever HB's on screen it's a treat.

His Mr. Darcy level angst over falling for a woman who is clearly beneath him does start playing with his mind. He picks up an /imaginary/ Gil who accompanies him everywhere. In ep2 she starts talking to him. Even though she seems so real, it's quite easy to tell the difference between imaginary Gil & real Gil··· REAL Gil would NEVER smile at him like imaginary Gil does 😆.

ALERT! 🚨FASHION EMERGENCY🚨 Even for 2010 (for any decade, really) his sparkly windbreaker is the wrong choice. I'm sure Roller Girl would agree, the only thing that blue sequin jacket is missing is roller skates and a Richard Simmons headband. {Per AI/G: “It became such a meme that it spawned knockoffs, parodies, and even a fad in Korea back then. Hyun Bin himself still has the originals stashed in his closet because the drama meant so much to him.”}

Choi Woo Young (Yoon Sang Hyun from 18 Again) is the heartthrob "OSKA". Seul may be a side character in this drama, but in the world of SG, she's a leading lady. Gil doesn't hit it off with Yoon “Seul,” the other girl, played by Kim Sa Rang of Man of Men. She's not the only petulant actor featured prominently in the show. Lee Jong Suk plays young singer Han Tae Seon / "Seon”. It's obvious he's on his way to super stardom. He's wonderful in Romance Is a Bonus Book-7.9 and even better in The Hymn of Death-8.4.

Yoo In Na is in the supporting cast as “Ah” Young. She basically plays the same role in MLft🌟. She's even better as a FL than she is a smaller-minded side character. My first look at her was in Touch Your Heart-8.2, which I was surprised by, because I loved it so much when I didn't expect to. She's darling in it. Then I saw her in The Spies Who Loved Me-4.5 which I hated almost more than I loved the first feature I saw her in. It left me feeling conflicted. I have yet to see her in what could be the most popular show of all time, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God. Xiao Shi who was also in The Legend & The Great Doctor, plays Gu Niang, the FL's boss & stunt coach. He's a great looking guy but hasn't worked since 2012 due to an eye injury, which is a shame. The directors are Kwon Hyuk Chan (A Gentleman's Dignity), Shin Woo Cheol (Gu Family Book), & Kim Jung Hyun (At a Distance, Spring Is Green). Screenwriter Kim Eun Sook also penned Guardian & Descendants of the Sun-8.3)

About that extra flashy jacket: They knew what they were doing. I'm impressed. It's a lead pipe of a metaphor, but it IS a (very sparkly) metaphor: First impressions are important. In that jacket, he's advertising how he sees the world as sparkle and flash. But it's all plastic. He has nothing of substance. We meet her, and she's all in black, strapped up with a knife, and ready for combat. No sparkles. No flash. She's getting ready to puncture his illusions. Lots of fluff shows don't bother that much. Respect, where respect is due.

AI/G: “Joo-won’s world is literally coated in sequins—cheap, reflective, attention-grabbing plastic that catches every light but holds no warmth. That tracksuit isn’t just ugly; it’s a billboard announcing “I buy significance instead of earning it.” Everything about him screams curated emptiness: the designer labels, the immaculate hair, the arrogant smirk that’s really just armor. Then cut to Gil Ra-im. Black tactical gear, hair tied back, knife on her thigh, moving with quiet, coiled purpose. No ornamentation, no need for it. She’s substance incarnate—strength earned through sweat and scars, not purchased in a Gangnam boutique. The contrast is immediate and brutal: flash vs. steel, illusion vs. reality. And the writers trust us to catch it without a single line of exposition. That’s confidence. You’re right—most fluffy rom-coms would coast on pretty faces and meet-cutes. Secret Garden bothers to plant a thematic seed this obvious yet this elegant in the first two episodes, then spends the rest of the show watering it relentlessly (body swap and all). It’s why the drama still punches above its weight fifteen years later. Respect very much due. They wrapped a shiny, ridiculous bow around some sharp observations about class, gender, and authenticity—and somehow made the bow the best part. Keep watching. The sparkle vs. steel clash only gets richer.”

Each lead nails the body swap. It's always more obvious with the man, but they are both wonderful. She, as a HE, accidentally kisses his male cousin. HB's reaction (looking shy, foot curled onto toes curled behind other toes while touching the lips whimsically) is darling. Ha Ji-Won is superb in ep13 when she starts to give in, slightly.

This is how a woman can both hate a man and protect him at the same time: “I should be the only person to torture him.” 😅 One of the secondary couples still loves each other, but they use the primary couple as fodder for revenge against the other. It's an interesting take on the love triangle and shows how feelings can grow toxic quickly and thoroughly. It's horrible, what they're attempting to do, but the show somehow makes us feel for them, nevertheless.

I struggle with romantic body switches, because the idea of being attracted to myself is icky🤢. That makes me wonder if I'm too hard on myself, then? I would like to see a body switch where the new chemistry truly takes over. (Mr. Queen-9 came the closest that I've ever seen, which is one reason it's exemplary). In such a body switch the couple could realize: Hey, for whatever reason, that person really IS attracted to me. That would be freeing. At least they kept the switch-device limited so it does not dominate the entire show. Ep14's kissing scene is a “9,” and it isn't during a switch. I truly love the vibe of the last switch. At this point, physical bodies mean nothing. They have a deeper connection. That alone raises SG by a point.

The last episode is a lovely wrap-up. They take their time with it, which is something that too many shows, especially from around that time, fail to do. We get to peek at their life in the future, 3 children in tow. In their family, allowance is a matter of leverage and cosigners, while punishment might be 💯 jumping jacks, 💯 PT sets or 💯 pushups…


QUOTES🗣

When it comes to women, even the most ordinary one can become a queen, and even the most precious woman can become a common peasant. It all depends on how her lover treats her.

Forgive me for forgiving myself too easily.

The subconscious is a terrifying thing.


IMHO〰🖍

RATINGS 🎬7.8 🖊6 🎭9 💓7 🦋8 🎨🎶7 🔚8 🤗5 ▪ LEVELS 🌞4⚡3 😅3 😭2 😱2 😬2 🤢2 🤔4.5 💤0

Shazams: I See You Leave by Yoon Sang Hyeon

Age 12+ Language: 1 @$$hole and not much else. Rated: 15+

Re-📺? I keep switching on this. Idk.

In order of ~lite&trite~ to ~heavy&serious~ you may also like:

👥Body Swap or something close to it 💱

The Beauty Inside-6,
My Runway-7.5
The Miracle-7.7
Secret Garden-7.6
High School Return of a Gangster-7,
Mr. Queen-9,
The Golden Spoon-8.1,
Oh My Ghost-10,
Parasyte the Grey-6.9,
Death's Game-7.8
Bulgasal: Immortal Souls-6.1,
Black-9

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A breeze of fresh air, a fresh plate of pancakes

If three years ago you would have told me that Domundi was going to produce a heartfelt, university romance where two autistic boys fell in love, while also discussing parental neglect and abuse, the risks of love bombing, and showcasing what is nothing short of a trauma response; all the while drizzling the corniest and most delightful humour on top of it – I would have probably laughed out loud.
Now, I am happy to be proven wrong.
Duang With You is, if I may continue with my syrup metaphor, a stack of pancakes. Complete with blueberry jam, whipped cream and syrup. Mistakenly, at first, I thought I was going to eat it the same way I ate 2gether: happily guzzling the sweetness of what is presented, while the tanginess of the blueberries would be an after taste a couple of episodes would give us after some sloppy pacing.
Once again, I love to be proven wrong, for Duang With You needs to be savoured pancake by pancake, episode by episode. Some pancakes you will enjoy with the funny whipped cream of Duang and his friend’s shenanigans to get Qin to fall for him. Some others you will also sponge in some of that delicious syrup when Qin starts to sweeten up for Duang. And then, you will get to the pancakes that have been soaking in the tanginess of the blueberry jam. And then, full already, you will realise that this show has been preparing you for one of the most graphic and well-acted scenes of child abuse. And the result of that on an untreated, traumatized young boy. You will look for a scoop of whipped cream, for a drizzle of syrup, but this show is going to tell you to wait, to understand that life comes with its horrors and its blessings, and that sometimes having the right person by your side is what you needed all along. Not someone to save you, or solve it for you: but someone who hugs you through it. Someone who just wants validation, an OK, the green light from you to be let in.
And then, it’s whipped cream and syrup again. You can still taste the lingering tanginess, but you know it’ll fade out eventually. It too shall pass.
I don’t think I can describe this any better, I don’t think I want to. This show is a genuinely beautiful experience, perfectly crafted and paced, and even more so acted by two debutant actors who committed to their roles with professional care and responsibility. The environment and setting of this show are constructed so meticulously, every detail helps you piece the character’s inside world like a fun little jigsaw puzzle. A small hint from Duang to help you fall in love with him. Domundi hasn’t come out to play, they are coming to clean out some tropes, and refresh the stale air of the Thail BL world.

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New Siwaj, slow down.

MY ROMANCE SCAMMER
In any normal context, while consuming any normal media that is an adaptation, I’d make the effort of at least consulting the bare minimum facts of the original source material, before considering giving my review. With Thai BLs, this does not change. What, just because the quality of these works is subpar at best, I will give them no such respect? You must have me confused. As much as I can, I like to do my due diligence in being interested in the source material. Unless the edits made in the adaptation are well needed for this to work on screen, or to be any good. So, imagine my surprise when a well deconstructed couple like U and North get nothing but crumbs of attention, and our main couple, Tim and Pai, get caricatures of their struggles instead of the fleshed out, introspective moments of pure dilemma given in the novel.
My Romance Scammer was set off to be a well, as it says in the title a ROMANCE comedy. That’s what the first pilot promised. And that was my first mistake: never trust the first pilots. Bonus mistake, never trust a New Siwaj promise. For, in the middle of the filming, starring actor Junior comes out of the woodwork to let us now that this is going to be a drama. As in, this show will dive deep into the characters, which should have also been a red flag: New Siwaj, as we known, can’t do character-driven stories even if he had a step-by-step guide for it. It happened with Faifah in Perfect 10 Liners, and it happened here with U and North. Which, I could concede on as we had 12 episodes, and a whole mess to resolve, some comedy relief was needed.
Still, here are my points: U and North weren’t a comedy relief. They were a weird mix of goofy, voice of reason, background noise. Their characters too dilute to have a true purpose on the show. Sure, a character can contain multitudes, but North’s and U’s were never fully defined, because there was no actual interest in diving into their background. North’s ex who broke his heart, U’s dilemma of resorting to do what his mother does, although he knows how everyone suffers from it at the end. The redeeming, the rekindling. It was too rushed. I’d say too out of character if we knew what kind of characters they are besides: goofy, airhead, naïve rich boy (literally all of Poon’s characters under Siwaj), and sincere, kind, genuine poor boy. That’s it.
Not like I expected any grey areas or complexity, but I wanted some cohesive narrative that could show me their shadows.
Because shadows we get with Tim and Pai, so that’s not my issue. My issue is that someone must have lost some pages of the script, because we were told that Tim’s parents abandoned him; yet he is the one asking for forgiveness. For resorting to scamming after being practically destitute, unable to finish his career and find a job to sustain himself, and also, being forced to help his parents pay THEIR debt. So, that was not only bewildering, it was bad all around. Nobody noticed? After the many times of reading the script? During filming? Editing? Or was this scene filmed first and the backstory later?
If that’s the case, that shows another problem I have with New Siwaj: he thinks he can handle all of that. Sadly, he can’t. You can’t possibly pretend to release 5 projects in the same year, and have them all be a hit. Even less any good. You can’t possibly focus on 5 projects at once, one of them being the mammoth called Fourever You with 5 couples, and have them all score any higher than a 5/10. The only saving grace for Siwaj is the acting. Because boy, were they acting. Junior has the range (graduated from the Nadao School) and here we revert back to his debut in Midnight Museum, where we saw a yearning, grieving boy. Here we have Tim, a smart, calculating yet sweet man, who in face of adversity strategizes, manipulates with surgeon-like precision. Yet, he is too soft-hearted to commit.
Now that’s a character description. We can do something with that. Junior did. And Mark, because he is also incredibly talented, and I can’t wait to see more of his acting range in 21 Twenty-One; bounces off Junior’s acting like a dream. I can’t sing enough praises about Mark’s acting in the wedding crash scene. I felt that in my gut. So, as I said, New Siwaj works with great talent yet he gives them absolutely nothing to work with. Feeds champions a strict diet of ice soup and boiled chicken with plain rice.
Because yes, U and North were lacklustre, but Ohm and Poon’s chemistry was pure gold. They felt comfortable, there was that invisible magnetic pull of attraction, undeniable and almost tangible between them. They just fit together, and it was absolutely beautiful to see Ohm on his goofier side. But, if I may have my last complain: where is the bed scene, New Siwaj?
So, to conclude: great premise, awfully executed yet brilliantly acted.

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