“All is fair in love and lies” seems to be the theme for TBS’s “Love is Like a Poison”. A mature Boys’ Love story between two men from the world of lawyers and legal cases. Young lawyer Shiba Ryoma played by Hama Shogo has been handed a hard case of proving whether a cryptocurrency company used an influencer’s likeness without his permission. Like a domino falling, he meets conman Haruto played by Hyodo Katsumi. Shiba has been unable to find any blatant legal ways to make his case. But like a second domino following the first, Haruto’s volunteered voice recordings bring the validity of the case before the judges. Despite Shiba’s misgivings and knowledge that Haruto is a conman, he still allows the man into his life and home.

The series told in 20 minute episodes, is not at all as cut and dry as it appears. Haruto is a master of double entendres and uses them as he sees fit. Shiba may appear cold and calculating in the court of law but is very innocent in terms of life outside of it. The very thing that Haruto uses to his advantage constantly. He pays close attention to Shiba’s actions and manipulates him often. But as the episodes play out it’s clear that Shiba enjoys the attention Haruto gives him. Confident he can maintain his composure around the attractive young man, he allows Haruto further into his life.

Whether through overconfidence or simply not caring enough to ask, he doesn’t make a point to learn more about his roommate. When Haruto displays his knowledge of Shiba’s favorite foods and makes them for him expertly, Shiba doesn’t ask how he knew that or how he was able to create such culinary perfections. Maybe it was the sexual fantasies he had for Haruto, or his pretense at not appreciating the attention. But by episode three when Haruto confessed his love for him, it appears genuine. Ironically, only Haruto seems to have any inclination towards negative thoughts towards what could happen between them.

The show uses its twenty minutes perfectly. With a small cast of side characters and cleverly planned distribution of information about the illusive Haruto, it works wonderfully as the viewer witnesses the two walking through the city. The sets are well created and serves to give the best emotional impressions as two men react to one another.

Whether it’s Haruto pretending Shiba’s succulents want him in their owner’s personal space. Or Shiba’s boss’ suspicious looks having recognized the conman from a previous case that Shiba isn’t aware of. The series so far is on point with showing love and lies can be the perfect mix.

Rating- 5 out of 5