The Taiwanese BL First Note of Love ventures into the universal experience of loss and healing, using music as its emotional language. Led by Charles Tu as Neil and Michael Chang as Sea, the series introduces two characters whose lives converge by chance but are bound by shared dreams and mutual healing. Neil, once an idol, left the stage after his brother Matt’s untimely death. Sea, a budding musician, admires Neil’s former band Magnet, longing to mirror its success. Through this journey, they find solace in each other while piecing together fragments of their dreams.

Music in First Note of Love serves as more than a backdrop; it captures the essence of emotions too complex to articulate. The story presents music as a force that empowers yet exposes vulnerability. It’s a voice of courage for Neil, who faces the paralyzing fear of stepping into the spotlight alone. For Sea, music represents a dream he’s yet to fully realize, which is ignited by his admiration for Neil’s former band. Together, they’re drawn into a world of harmonies, grappling with the inner turmoil of grief, self-doubt, and healing.

The secondary romantic storyline between Thai musician Orca (Jame Kasama Kranjanawattana) and studio executive Reese (Liu Min Ting) also delves into grief while bringing their unrealized youthful romance full circle.

Where First Note of Love shines is in its depiction of universal human struggles: the fear of facing the unknown, the despair of loss, and the deep-seated need for connection. Both Neil and Sea are at pivotal points in life, mirroring one another. Sea, just beginning his career, unknowingly follows the path Neil once walked. Neil, in his twenties yet carrying the weight of someone far older, confronts the ghosts of his past and shattered dreams. Together, they stand at a crossroads, discovering not only love but also a sense of belonging they had lost along the way.

However, while the series is beautifully crafted and rich with poignant moments, it stumbles in delivering the emotional depth it hints at. The limited runtime restricts the series from exploring the complexities of both Neil’s and Sea’s stories to their fullest potential. Attempting to develop two couples and parallel storylines within a tight narrative structure leaves parts of their journey feeling incomplete. The rush in certain scenes occasionally disrupts the flow, creating moments that feel choppy and less impactful than they might have been with more space to breathe.

Ultimately, First Note of Love does draw viewers in with its music, cinematography, and resonant themes. The chemistry between Neil and Sea is undeniable, hinting at the potential for a deeply moving love story that, with a bit more time, could have delved even further into the complexities of healing and connection. Despite its rushed moments, First Note of Love is an authentic exploration of human vulnerability, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a journey of rediscovery, resilience, and the power of music.

I just wish it had had more time to tell what could essentially be a much bigger story.

Catch First Note of Love now on Gagaoolala.

Rating- 3 out of 5