“Boyscation Too” Series Review (Ep.1 to 20)

“I’ve stopped taking myself seriously because now I understand how fickle my thoughts are”- Sushant Singh Rajput

The only thing that drew me to this reality show was the constant buzz on our website. Readers have constantly flocking to the “Season One Review”, maybe in the hopes that they might find something connected to the sequel. I wanted to know what all this buzz was about. Even though, our team member who reviewed Season One warned me against it, I still decided to give this show a chance. Presumably, I was surprised but also disappointed. While the show doesn’t dare to draw comparison to the recently concluded popular dating shows like “His Man”, “Sparks Camp” or even “The Boyfriend”, it is definitely missing the uniqueness that would set it apart from them. Hosted by Vinci Wong, who is also the producer of “Boyscation Too”, this LGBTQ+ dating reality show is set against the stunning backdrop of Bali and features a diverse cast of participants from Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand. Let’s get to know more about the contestants before we dive deeper into the review-

1) Kurt, Art Student (20)

2) Antony, Business Planning Consultant (44)

3) Kendrick, Butcher Shop Manager (25)

4) Yiboh, Fashion Designer (26)

5) Lori, Financial Advisor (29)

6) Stone, Perfumer (34)

7) Jason, Fitness Center Creative and Marketing Manager (29)

8) Ivan, Digital Media PR Consultant (35)

9) Calvin, Global Pharmaceutical Deputy Director/Pharmacist (35)

10) Tyler, Doctor (24)

The Failed Matches & The Ridiculousness of Their Situations

The only thing that I felt while watching these men pursue their love interests/crushes was how fickle they are. Nevertheless, they were also stubborn in their choices and that led to a lot of failed matches and loss of potential love stories. I was sourly distressed by their choices.

Lori & Ivan

These two could have been an explosive pairing, if Ivan wasn’t so hung up on Jason (well, quite a few guys were, I still don’t understand the charm). Lori is such an easygoing and friendly person, he really cared about Ivan. Despite their failure to match, I’m glad that Ivan didn’t lead him on. That would be a disaster in making.

Kendrick, Yiboh & Juzco Love Triangle

Yiboh redefines the very meaning of “Fickle-minded”. Yiboh and Kendrick were acquainted through their exes who were friends. So, there wasn’t much happening between them because Kendrick had a crush on Jason. But then the clandestine photoshoot where they were paired changed things and Kendrick started seeing Yiboh in a new light. They choose each other in Bali and returned home to date. Unfortunately, things went awry when Yiboh went on a trip with fellow contestant, Juzco and few other friends. The nighttime trip changed his opinion, and he broke up with Kendrick to pursue Juzco. Yes, they seemed to be more comfortable and have an ease which was missing in the conversations that Yiboh had with Kendrick. Sure, this is a reality show and contestants are allowed the freedom to choose and pick. But where does that leave Kendrick?

Stone & Nelbon

These two were pretty consistent since their times in Bali to their subsequent dates in Hong Kong. Stone was married before and the thought of his sudden divorce triggers his insecurities and fears. As such, he had quite a few reservations about his budding romance with Nelbon. Nelbon on his part did everything to reassure him but I guess that wasn’t enough. Because in the end, Stone still choose to walk away. They were my favorite pairing and it was heartbreaking watching them break apart.

Tyler & Kurt

Another couple who failed to make the mark were Kurt & Tyler. Kurt still has this childish disposition that doesn’t let him realize how much Tyler cares and values him. Tyler has been looking after right from the start, and yet they failed to click, because Kurt was dead set on Jason. Like I said, these guys are stubborn and don’t know what is good for them!

Jason & Calvin

The one pairing that I didn’t care much about and yet they were the most popular. These two also are as fickle minded as most. Jason wen through contestants like he was choosing a new icecream flavor. He was there to date and decided he wants to try as many options as possible. Calvin was another fan favorite but his inability to commit is questionable, I mean why was he on a dating show if he is so hesitant to commit? It was actually funny watching Jason be shocked, because Calvin wasn’t ready to commit to him.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the only couple who survived this two months ordeal were Juzco and Yiboh; and while I have nothing against Juzco, I’m still questioning his sudden affinity to Yiboh. Juzco and Yiboh have a considerable age-gap and Juzco seems quite mature, which Yiboh isn’t. I’m wondering how their relationship will shape in the future. Will Nelbon ever give a second chance to Stone after the way he embarrassed him by walking out? Can Ivan remove his rose tinted glasses and realise what a gem Lori is? Kendrick should probably move on and find someone better for himself, instead of dyeing his hair blonde (Yiboh’s old hair color). I actually feel sorry for Vinci, I have no idea how he managed to watch these people onsite and went through the editing process.

Rating- 3 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala & Boyscation YouTube Channel

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