One of my favorite things about BL is the community it brings together and the positive message it sends about the LGBTQIA+ community. Of course, there is some negativity, but for the most part, all of the fans scream over all of the cute moments and my social media timeline is full of heartwarming adorableness. So, I was ecstatic to see the celebration of the achievement of marriage equality in Thailand this week. Congratulations to all the happy couples.
On a different note, here are some of my favorite BL series moments from this week:
1) Santa’s acting in “Perfect 10 Liners”. Who else cried with him? Was it just me?
2) For me, it’s stunning how nuanced Joong’s facial expressions are, and his ability to bring all these conflicted emotions to life as Fadel in “The Heart Killers”. It’s the most nuanced version of the “stoic, unfeeling persona” that I’ve ever seen.
3) The final scene in “When It Rains It Pours” was so interesting. The way they filmed and gave emphasis to the statue and how it made each character feel, plus the big reveal at the end was beautiful.
SUNDAY 1/19/25
For me, I am enjoying the contrast between “Perfect 10 Liners” and “The Boy Next World” on Sundays. They’re both based in college but are structured so differently. It’s fun to giggle and cry over one and theorize and speculate about the other.
Perfect 10 Liners Episode 13 (Thai BL on YouTube)
Thoughts –
1. I cried with Gun today.
2. The way Santa went from a cute ball of sunshine to broody was impressive.
3. Perth played the unfeeling, socially awkward youth perfectly.
4. Let this be the last of Yotha being the cause of Gun’s pain.
The Boy Next World Episode 3 (Thai BL on iQIYI)
Thoughts –
Watch past the seeming end.
1. I loved that Cir didn’t kiss Phu in his sleep. Also, Boss and Nouel’s chemistry is always great.
2. What do the graphs in his room mean?
3. I don’t like this new woman.
Theory –
Cir already skipped worlds before the crash, maybe even on purpose. He said he couldn’t live in a world where Phu didn’t exist… What if, in the other world, Phu was attacked by the thugs trying to break into his car and somehow died?
Your Sky Episode 10 (Thai BL on iQIYI)
Thoughts –
1. When the words won’t come easily, write a letter.
2. The fox figure is super cute!
3. Teerak’s silence at the end makes sense for his character. His dad’s conclusion also makes sense. Still, it was uncomfortable to watch.
Monday 1/20/25
Earth and Mix have set out to prove that they can conquer any style of acting. Outside of EMS EarthMix Space, I have never seen Earth so adorable. I just want to squeeze him. Fingers crossed Social Media engagement continues to improve for this series.
Ossans Love Thailand Episode 3 (Thai BL on YouTube)
Thoughts –
1. There’s nothing like a drunken night and waking up next to someone in your underwear.
2. I love how Heng can’t stop moving around his boss but can around Mo.
3. The acting and comedic timing are top-notch.
Mo: This will be the last kiss.
Me: Sure…. Good luck with that.
The dog buried the socks!! I laughed so hard at this whole farce.
Wednesday 1/22/25
The level of engagement for “The Heart Killers” on Wednesdays has skyrocketed. Who’d have thought we would achieve tweets in the millions when it started? Bravo.
The Heart Killers Episode 9 (Thai BL on iQIYI in the US)
Based on Taming of the Shrew but with an edge.
Thoughts –
1.Love is in the air.
2. Style managed to scale the 100-foot wall surrounding Fadel’s heart. The perseverance. 👏
3. Fadel’s soft look made my heart tremble. 💘
4. I’m convinced Mae killed Fadel’s ex.
5. I keep thinking, “How can this series end well?”
Impressions of Youth Episode 3 (Taiwanese BL on iQIYI)
Thoughts –
1. This series continues to be incredibly gentle in its delivery, especially watching it after The Heart Killers…
2. I like the story between the more mature pairing. For me, their scene was the most striking of the whole episode.
Friday 1/24/25
ThamePo continues to be a fun series.
ThamePo Heart that Skips a Beat Episode 7 (Thai BL on YouTube)
I can’t believe I just realized that the way they pronounce Thame and Po’s names when blended, creates the word “Tempo.”
Thoughts –
1. What is Jun’s motivation, anyway?
2. Is it too coincidental that the agency used the same song as MARS?
3. I’m surprised Thame didn’t speak his mind when he waited for Po outside the bar.
4. The boss makes me uncomfortable.
When It Rains It Pours Episode 3 (Japanese BL on Gagaoolala)
Thoughts –
1. I hope that this show won’t end up with a cheating plot. Let’s have open communication about our wants and needs. Of course, I realize this is unrealistic considering their current state of silence and awkwardness with their respective love interests.
2. The characters have depth and are uniquely flawed, which I appreciate.
3. The last 2 scenes are beautifully shot.
Eternal Butler Episode 7 (Taiwanese BL on iQIYI and Gagaoolala)
1. This story is light and fluffy in comparison to the other Friday dramas this week.
2. I enjoyed watching Ever 4 doing hard manual labor.
3. Also, Bu Shi is very generous and rich. Over USD 30,000 is a lot of money.
Saturday 1/25/25
This week, we had to wait until Saturday to finish “Fourever You the Series” Part 1. Then, I discovered that they did put the LGBT label on FC Soldout. I think we can officially call it a Korean BL Drama, so I’ve added my thoughts on the 2 episodes out already. Also, Flirt Milk began. Interestingly, the actual Thai title translates as “Love the Taste of Milk (Bland).”
I’ll Turn Back This Time Episode 3 (Chinese BL on Gagaoolala and YouTube)
Thoughts –
1. Why did I feel a sense of doom even though they seemingly evaded fate at the end?
2. Shi Wen: Gives a ring with no explanation and wonders if it’ll be misinterpreted.
3. Me: You could just, I don’t know, tell him what it means??
FC Soldout Episodes 1 and 2 (Korean BL on iQIYI)
First Thoughts –
1. This seems to be a sports BL with a twist. I think it’s going to have a thread about athletes as idols. It’ll be interesting to see where they take that commentary.
2. The two leads have the classic – fanboy meets his idol plot device. It’s one of my favorites, so I’m excited to see it play out.
3. The series has a solid beginning. I will keep watching.
Fourever You Episode 17 (Finale)
Find it on FastTrack on Tencent app here in the US. It is currently $1.99 to watch.
Final Thoughts –
1. I think North and Johan’s story was the most intriguing.
2. Some plot elements could have been written in a different order and I would have had more buy-in for the characters.
3. I’m so glad Ter’s father apologized.
4. I want to see more of Suea and Nao’s story.
5. This story might track better as a binge-watch, so grab your favorite PJs and a glass of something tasty and enjoy it on a rainy weekend when it’s chilly and there’s nothing better on.
Flirt Milk Episode 1 (Available on iQIYI and YouTube)
First Thoughts –
1. At first glance, this is your average college BL, but there were a couple of endearing qualities that made me curious enough to try episode 2.
2. I enjoy the character development arc that starts with someone who is repressed in some way from doing the thing they truly want to do, and through the course of the plot, we see them break free from their oppression. In my opinion, Nom fits this description well.
3. It was refreshing how Nom didn’t have to rope Phra-Ek into helping him with some kind of deal. He asked for help, and Phra-Ek said sure.
If I could have only watched one show this week for whatever reason, I would have chosen “The Heart Killers” because, in my opinion, it has the most complex plot and strongest acting of all the series currently airing. On a side note, if you enjoy silly ridiculousness hop on over to GMMTV’s YouTube channel and check out High Season: S3 Winter. You won’t be disappointed.