Reviews

A Thai Version of Tales of the City!

The headline might make it sound like a copy or a direct adaptation, but no worries it never feels like one.


I had been excited about this show ever since the trailer was released. Despite that excitement, before watching it I had seen comments saying things like “don’t watch this if you’re looking for the kind of BL produced by those X companies. ” and ain't gonna lie I backed down a bit. At first, I thought people were saying this because the series features more mature men and has fewer NC scenes, similar to Mandate, Spare me your mercy or other more mature productions. But they were actually right. This is a completely different kind of series.

The main couple has a remarkably social circle that includes many different people from the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout the series, these characters face all kinds of difficulties, ranging from assault and violence to unemployement, aging, and even death. Despite everything they go through, they continue to support one another and find ways to move forward.

The series gets its title from the fact that, in each episode, the characters encounter a problem that keeps them awake at night. The person at the center of that problem can be almost any character in the story. They are someone connected to the main couple, who then do everything they can to support them.

One of the main characters is also a cartoonist, and the series occasionally brings the comic-book universe he created to life through animated scenes. These scenes often represent the way he processes the problems he is facing, adding a distinctive visual elements to the story.

The show also explores subjects beyond LGBTQ+ identity, including contemporary relationship dynamics such as polyamory and monogamy. It even touches on the use of AI at one point. Although the central focus remains on its main gay male couple, this series should never be viewed simply as a “boys’ love” or “men’s love” drama.

Its references to real events, such as Sao Saw Et, are particularly interesting. Combined with the amount of information it provides and its consistently open-minded approach, these elements sometimes give the series an almost documentary-like quality.

There was even an episode explaining how a “Public Documented Will” is prepared. I am not sure whether this is something specific to that region or something that exists worldwide, but it was the first time I had ever heard of it. I was fascinated by the fact that I could learn so much from a show.

!!!One final warning!!!: the level of bullying in some eps is quite intense, so I would especially caution anyone who may be triggered by it. There were a few scenes that left me staring at the screen with my mouth open and made me physically set my laptop aside for a moment.

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Loveable characters - sweet story

The Great Show is a well told, tender hearted story. Even with its predictable plot, it was told realistically and with sincerity. The very talented Song Seung Heon brought Wi De Han to life in a charming, realistic, believable way. We’re given enough backstory to understand how WDH’s youth shaped him in the present day. He was on his way back to the National Assembly but had to navigate the shock of a lifetime to get there. WDH’s journey showed how difficult it is to maintain integrity in the cutthroat world of politics.

He’s probably one of the most imperfect yet transparent guys you can’t help but like. He just couldn’t get a break on his road to the NA. Yes he had a temper. Yes he said things he’d later regret. Yes he made decisions that could cost him that goal. But he humbly owned his mistakes and that set him apart from every other politician.

I loved the contract between Da Jung and WDH as well as the household constitution.

“A happy household isn’t made by perfect people, but it’s made when people with weaknesses try to fill in for each other’s weaknesses. We all have weaknesses, but in order to become a perfect family we should try hard together.”

Da Jung’s siblings were charming including Tak. Soo Hyun was an excellent friend/confident/support to De Han, Da Jung and the children (well played by Lee Sun Bin). All the supporting characters added to the story. I was pulled into the market community so much, at times, I found the student of business in me thinking of ways to help if I were there.

I would agree it’s a predictable drama, but TGS’s evolution still had the element of surprise when most of those predictable moments did happen. I felt the story was well paced. Each episode was eventful and I didn’t feel it dragged anywhere too long.

I liked this story so much that tolerated the ads on TUBI to watch it. I recommend The Great Show to anybody looking for a light but meaningful slice of life story with lots of heart.

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Not Exactly Horror, But…..

I placed spoilers at the end of this review.

Although this was more supernatural than horror, this was an amazing series. However, I could be little bias because I love this type of theme. This had an incredible script! It successfully grabbed my attention from the very beginning. The script also did a wonderful job linking everything together throughout the series. Even the ending was perfect! The whole cast was phenomenal. They did a fantastic job with their roles. This is also one of those rare times when a series uses it’s screentime wisely and pace everything perfectly with the number of episodes it had. This had visually stunning cinematography. They also did an amazing job with the special effects, CGI, and FX make-up.

Random Note:

Again, this is not really a horror series which means there is not much gore.

I got a little confused towards the end, but I thing that was due to the English subtitles and not the actual script.




******Potential Spoiler Alert******

I like how the ending is ambiguous. Not only was it awesome, they manage to make it perfect as a series ending while keeping the door open for possible more seasons. I would love to see different instalments of this world!

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This sad drama hits a little harder now knowing that lead actor Lee Sun-kyun took his own life.

He's so convincing at playing someone on the edge of breaking down, someone down on their luck pushed to the limits of their sad lives, someone who is silently one step away from ending it all. Brilliant acting.

…or was it even acting?

Reminds me of Leslie Cheung actually, in that both of them had this melancholy and sadness behind their eyes. Sometimes it's just acting, but it would seem like with them, it turns out there was something more maybe that made their performances all the more convincing and soul-crushing. Something, sadly, that was perhaps real underneath the facade of acting.

This show has got pacing issues though. Definitely could have told the same story in less episodes. Some of the drama involving the brothers got repetitive after a while of basically just the same stuff happening over and over with little new development.

IU doesn't really look the part of a hardened young woman who's had the toughest life, she'd be more of a fit in a Sageuk playing the delicate princess coveted by all actually, but somehow she made it work, which is a testament to her acting I guess.

I could have gone without the redemption story for the shithead too. He was literally the only reason why her life was so miserable. He didn't deserve anything, sorry.

Overall though it's a pretty good drama, recommended if you like that genre.

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The East Palace: Where the Greatest Evil Isn't Supernatural

STORY

The East Palace is a cinematic, visually stunning occult fantasy that takes place during the Joseon era. I believe Netflix labeled it as horror, but I'd describe it more as a supernatural mystery infused with palace intrigue. From the very beginning, the drama makes one thing clear: the true monsters aren't the spirits haunting the palace; they're the humans and the sins they commit. Every episode ends with a compelling twist or cliffhanger that kept me glued to the screen, and I ended up devouring the drama in a single day.

The drama clearly draws inspiration from Netflix productions like Kingdom and Stranger Things. While the individual plot elements aren't entirely new, the combination of Korean occult folklore, political intrigue, and fantasy action feels fresh thanks to the show's excellent execution. As someone who isn't very familiar with Korean mythology, I especially enjoyed seeing it being brought to life on screen. The action sequences set between the human world and the spirit realm were particularly exciting and visually imaginative.

Both leads are characters who have been wronged and cast aside in different ways. In a palace filled with deception and cruelty, it was heartwarming to watch them gradually learn to trust one another and become each other's source of comfort. I also appreciated that the writers didn't force a conventional romance into the story. Instead, their relationship develops naturally through their small gestures, loyalty, and the sacrifices they're willing to make for one another. Even without explicit romance, their emotional connection feels genuine and deeply earned. Although this is presented as a limited series, I'd happily watch another season exploring where the story could take our two leads and their spirit companion.

The cinematography deserves special praise. Every frame feels polished and cinematic, from the haunting spirit designs to the striking contrast between the human world and the supernatural realm. My only minor criticism is that some of the action scenes relied on overly shaky camera work, making them harder to follow than they needed to be.

ACTING / CAST

The entire cast delivered excellent performances.

Cho Seung Woo and Jang Young Nam were absolutely captivating as the antagonists. I'd previously seen Jang Young Nam in another drama, and I almost didn't recognize her here. Her transformation was remarkable. Not only did she convincingly portray a character nearly two decades older than herself, but even her voice, mannerisms, and overall presence were completely different. That's a veteran actress for you!

Nam Joo Hyuk and Roh Yoon Seo were equally compelling as the leads. Nam Joo Hyuk brought convincing emotional depth to a reluctant antihero who discovers something worth fighting for, while Roh Yoon Seo skillfully portrayed a young woman searching for answers while contending with a complicated relationship with her family.

MUSIC

The soundtrack felt cinematic in every sense, perfectly complementing both the breathtaking visuals and the shifting emotional tone of the story.

REWATCH VALUE

Because much of the drama's appeal comes from its mysteries and plot twists, the biggest surprises naturally lose their impact after a first viewing. That said, I think it's the kind of series that rewards a rewatch. Knowing the full story allows you to catch subtle details and foreshadowing you may have missed the first time.

OVERALL

The East Palace combines several of my favorite genres—mystery, fantasy, supernatural, and action—and I absolutely enjoyed it from start to finish. Its blend of Korean occult folklore with palace intrigue gives the series a distinctive identity, elevated by gorgeous cinematography, strong performances, and consistently engaging storytelling. If you're looking for a stylish supernatural mystery with compelling characters, excellent production values, and just the right amount of action, then The East Palace is worth watching.

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It's hard to give an opinion on this one. I really like the cast, they're truly charismatic and well developed for the most of It, I truly loved seeing their interactions. The action scenes were also great for most of the show, specially the final fight, that was truly chef's kiss. Soundtracks and insert songs were also really good and I loved them all. Now the issue with this show was the plot. The overall plot/story was actually good, the problem is that they took way too long to actually develop It and spent most of the show beating around the bush with filler episodes that didn't move the plot in any meaningful way, granted that some of those fillers were actually fun. The fact that the last 5 episodes are so good also goes to show the potential this show had if only they had spent more time actually developing the plot. All in all, It's still an enjoyable short watch that must be better when you binge watch It because having to wait a week for yet another filler episode definitely makes It feel less enjoyable.

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Mature relationship, youth spirit, relaxing and healing drama

I'm more to costume drama rather than modern, but this become my new favorite💗 I don't expected to like this drama very much, moreover this is about sport and I usually not really into this genre. But this is different!

The love story, conflict, and characters are very well writen! Everything is perfect! Even all the OST itself! I find myself really hard to skip the intro bcs it's just so gooooddd! I really loveeee all things about this drama, the love story, youth spirit, and how each of them have their own problems. Moreover the romance between the lead for me feels really mature especially because they are teachers, doesn't mean they are serious all the time, they also love to joking and teasing each other, but also they try to always understand each other and always be there even if one of them needs to be alone sometimes. Watching this drama makes me feel very cozy and excited, I'm jealous of u guys who watch this drama after finished airing, bcs it's really hard to keep waiting for the episode day by dayyy haha. The last eps feels too rushed! It's not enough for me😫 I need moree epsss!

The chemistry between the leads successfully made me giggle and blush while watching even though they do not have many intense romance scenes, character development for every character is really amazingg! Especially Wen Chengye! 🤩 Love the title "Road to Success" everyone has their own struggle that they have to overcome and a dream to achieve and the path is not easy. In some scene I caught myself crying! Which is very rarely even when I watch costume drama~ this drama success bring many emotions to me💘 I can say this is one of my best drama in 2026! Xinxin u success made me fall in love again and again with ur drama 😆 Chen Jingke u also success stole my heart in this drama haha

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First series that made me wish for a two person only cast

First of all, most if not all of the grade goes to the two main actors. Excellent chemistry, very good acting. What absolutely did not work for my was everybody else that appeared on the screen. Be it the parents, the childhood friend that has been in love with the ML since the womb, the absolute pest that was the 2ML. Every single one of them got on my nerves in different ways, though the end result was the same for all of them: I could not, for the life of me, stand another 30 seconds watching them.

Right now I am on episode 42 and I won't drop it because I've come this far. What I want to say to someone that intends on watching this one: if you're a fan of the two leads, do it. If you want a romantic, sweet and very, very healthy and discerning relationship, do it, though please do bear in mind that the supporting cast ABSOLUTELY DESTROYS THIS and not in a good way. Every single rage moment that I had as a spectator was because some incredibly annoying and disposable character was pissing me the hell off. The female lead had the very refreshing approach of putting those snobbish rich people in their place. She had her annoying moments too, but they came and went fast.

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A sweet BL for when you don't know what to watch

A perfectly average, if a little too slow, Japanese BL. I like that they very quickly discussed their romantic interest for each other and it wasn't made into a huge deal. Two other standouts for me were the main character's female colleague with her easy acceptance and advice and the little plot twist with the phone strap at the end, which was quite charming.

But both the characters behaved a bit too immaturely for their age; I wasn't sure if they were mentally 14 or just way too stereotypically Japanese for me to take for 1 hour and a half. They spent half their time talking to each other apologising for inconsequential things and talking in circles, to the point where it got on my nerve and the romance lost a bit of its magic by the end 😅.

But it's a nice enough palate cleanser of a movie, short and sweet and not trying to do too much, so I would recommend it for a rainy day when you don't know what to watch.

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