In a world where AI is steadily weaving itself into the fabric of daily life, the notion of a robot with human-like capabilities no longer feels like a distant dream. And if that robot is anything like Ever 4, it’s easy to understand the allure.

The new Thai BL series Eternal Butler, starring Kevin Chang as Heng Si/Ever 4 and Chen Chvn Ting as Luo Bu Shi tells the story of Ever 4, an AI robot demoted because of his advocacy for robot rights to the position of butler for a lonely, spoiled heir, Luo Bu Shi. Despite Ever 4’s initial reluctance, what unfolds is a tale of unexpected companionship.

The opening episodes lay the groundwork for the series, contrasting Ever 4’s dual personas. Beneath his composed, almost too-human exterior lies a rebellious streak, emerging when his glasses are removed. This duality serves as both a mystery and a catalyst as he’s paired with Luo Bu Shi, whose loneliness outweighs his defiance. Together, they spark a bond that is tentative but compelling.

The seeds of the story are carefully planted, and it’ll be interesting to see how they bloom. Hints of a secondary couple add to the intrigue; though their initial screen time consists of little more than a fleeting encounter, it’s clear there’s more to come.

Surprisingly, I find myself more invested in Eternal Butler than I anticipated. While the acting, pacing, and transitions leave room for improvement, there’s an undeniable charm that keeps drawing me in—a kind of quiet magnetism that’s hard to define. At its core, the series speaks to a universal need for companionship, raw and relatable, making the story work even when its edges fray.

That said, it leans into familiar territory, brushing against clichés akin to the repetitive loops of AI-generated writing. Yet, this predictability almost works in its favor. After all, this is a story about an AI robot learning to love—the simplicity of its premise mirrors the emotional depth it aims to explore.

Stories about robots finding humanity aren’t new. But as technology edges closer to science fiction’s dreams—and nightmares—such tales feel increasingly possible, even poignant.

For a sci-fi romance that blends charm with thought-provoking themes without taking itself too seriously, Eternal Butler is worth checking out on iQiyi. It may not break boundaries, but it might just touch your heart.

Rating- 4 out of 5