“I didn’t watch the first season because my ex-boyfriend was on it.” – Lee Jun Sung

Season Two of “His Man” returns with this rather bold yet unassuming statement; and this pretty much spells the future entanglements, estrangements and angsty affairs that this gay dating show encompasses. The similarities and differences are pretty discernible; the show mostly follows the same tested format from the first season, but it is seasoned with spicy interactions that make it interesting. If you have watched the prequel, you will be surprised with the improvements in the sequel. The show does seem to drag in some parts, but that could be attributed to the longer runtime (approximately an hour, as against S1 where each episode was 45 minutes long). The contestants are comparably more intriguing than Season One (I’m having a hard time choosing favorites and that never happens when I watch reality TV). Without further ado, let’s take a quick detour through His Man S2- it’s obviously grander than S1.

The pilot episode sets the tone for the second season with surprising introductions where the first six contestants are sent on a three person date. It does seem shocking, but this was a really good way to start something new; because that’s what dating shows are all about. The contestants are out there to find a spark, their special someone with whom they share common interests. While the first six contestants get acquainted with each other in the first episode, the second episode makes surprise additions with wild card entries and the crew is complete. As against Season One (which had 11 episodes), Season Two is slightly longer at 14 episodes. The villa where the contestants are stationed is bigger, better, and more grandeur than the set for Season One. The posh environs and the luxurious setting will leave you astonished.

Let’s meet the eight contestants who are competing to find their better halves

Oh Min Sung, Lee Jun Sung, Shin Sung Ho, Yoo Seon Woo

Kim Yeon Hee, Yang Hyung jin, Jang Hyung jun, Kim Jeong Wook

What Happens in the First Two Episodes

Unlike the currently on-air Pinoy dating show “Sparks Camp”, His Man S2 doesn’t have a host. So the contestants are left to their own devices until they get placards with sets of instructions. The first episode does a subtle play by casting a wider net with a three person date. Lee Jun Sung joins Shin Sung Ho & Yoo Seon Woo on their date while Kim Jeong Wook joins Kim Yeon Hee & Oh Min Sung as a surprise entrant. It’s riveting, because this sets the ball in motion for future pairings. They are surprised, shocked, but also curious. I loved that they didn’t herd the contestants into the villa right away; they are afforded time so they get to know each other better.

After the initial introductions, I was invested in Lee Jun Sung, Shin Sung Ho, Yoo Seon Woo; especially Jun Sung, who has a unique personality. He seems reserved, rather introverted and that sets him apart (also, because I’m dying to know who his ex-boyfriend is). The contestants are quickly divided according to their rooms. Sung Ho and Oh Min Sung get single rooms; Lee Jun Sung and Shin Sung Ho, Kim Yeon Hee and Kim Jeong Wook get to room together. The first episode ends with the “Secret 30 seconds Call” where each contestant can call the person they are interested in. The mixed signals will leave you confused, but first impressions are vague and they are bound to change. The most surprising call was from Jun Sung to Sung Ho; that was a heart fluttering moment. Jun Sung seems so reserved that watching him interact with Sung Ho is really endearing. He also seems to get attached too easily; which could be in his favor or not (only the future will tell). Jun Sung and Sung Ho have an easy going camaraderie; which might turn into something permanent. They could either be best friends or maybe lovers.

The second day sees our contestants being paired for their next dates. They are told to choose random cards with arrows and hearts. Contestants with arrow cards get to choose their date. Sung Ho chooses to go with Seon Woo (leaving Jun Sung disappointed), Yeon Hee decides to go on a date with roommate, Jeong Wook, as such Jun Sung is paired with Min Sung. The entry of a new contestant leaves everyone surprised; they are even more shocked when the new contestant Yang Hyung jin snatches Seon Hoo away for a date (Poor Sung Ho is left alone at home). Despite the initial shock, I did enjoy watching the date between Hyung jin and Sung Ho. They seem naturally compatible. Same could be said about Yeon Hee and Jeong Wook. I wasn’t expecting much from their date because they have barely interacted in their room. But surprisingly, they got along well and their date was equally sweet. Jun Sung seemed slightly aloof, but with time he settled down into an odd dynamic with Min Sung. I wouldn’t say their date was successful, but it wasn’t that awful either. While others are enjoying their date, Sung Ho gets a surprise when the next contestant, Hyung jin enters the house and invites him out for a date!

First Impressions

Refreshing, that’s the word that comes to my mind when we talk about the first two episodes. The crew seemed to have learned from their past mistakes (I’m totally talking about the controversy that spurned after Season One ended). So they seemed to have picked contestants for this season after careful consideration. We don’t know much about them- their personal lives, occupations, social accounts are still under wrap. But that doesn’t dim the excitement surrounding each contestant. I’m particularly invested in Seon Ho, Jun Sung and Sung Ho. Jun Sung’s puppy love for Sung Ho is really adorable; even though Sung Ho just sees him as a friend. I’m pretty sure there are many fans who are already shipping them together. We don’t know what the future holds for them, but I’m hoping that they stay together until the end (even if it’s just friendship). I’m in love with Seon Ho, his dimples and his kind nature. He instantly grabs your attention with his gentlemanly behavior and mannerisms. So, I’m dying to know if he would walk away with the trophy (I mean his life partner). The first two episodes weren’t cliche; yes, they are still following the same old format (wish they would do away with that) but I’m giving them the benefit of doubt (please, show me something new & different). Not so boring, not so unsettling either!

Rating- 3.5 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala