I can’t believe January is already over. It was a great month for BL, and if it’s any indication this year is going to bring the genre to another level once again.

Of the series that ended last month, here are my recommendations:

1) “Our Youth” (Japanese BL) is a must-watch. It did a great job of balancing dark and light. It had a message and did a fantastic job delivering it. The actors had great chemistry, and the coloring and editing were beautiful. It does have a trigger warning for child abuse, but it’s still worth it.

You can find it on Gagaoolala.

2) “See Your Love” (Taiwanese BL) is also a must-watch. It is a lesson in acceptance and what it means to cherish someone. The pacing, direction, and acting are excellent. It addresses heavier themes, such as deafness and controlling parents, but somehow, each episode is still full of light. You can find it on iQIYI, Gagaoolala, Tencent, and Viki.

3) This last week’s highlights include “The Heart Killer’s” again. They keep delivering week after week. A notable scene was when Bison and Fadel (the two hit men) find out that they’ve been groomed by their so-called “mother.” Also, “Perfect 10 Liners” and “Your Sky” were both excellent. “Your Sky” in particular had some fabulous acting by the parents, which I feel is not often portrayed well in BL.

Sunday 1/26/25

Sunday’s lineup is everything I could ever want from BL. It has fun, it has drama, it has fantasy. It is my favorite day of the week right now.

Perfect 10 Liners Episode 14 (Thai BL on YouTube and Tencent app)

Thoughts –

1) I was blown away by Santa’s acting! However, I want to recognize that without everyone’s teamwork and excellent acting, Santa’s characterization wouldn’t have seemed so strong.

2) I’m glad that Yotha’s taking his time and not saying things he doesn’t feel yet. Still, I agree with everyone who says he could use his words more and define clearer boundaries.

The Boy Next World Episode 4 (Thai BL on iQIYI)

Thoughts –

1) Jin is telepathic. I wonder if it’s more than that because it seemed like he read the future, too.

2) Kudos to Phu for setting boundaries and Cir for respecting them.

3) I trust Jin, and he seems to trust Cir. Still, Cir is giving off a bit of a weird stalker vibe.

New Theory –

This is the 1st episode I’ve questioned the parallel world theory. I’m now wondering if Phu and Cir have some kind of psychic connection. Also, did Cir find a way to travel back in time?

Your Sky Episode 11 (Thai BL on iQIYI)

Thoughts –

1) I love that this ‘dreaded episode 11’ didn’t have a cliffhanger at the end. 🫠

2) The actors playing Rak’s parents and grandpa did a brilliant job. I was thoroughly impressed with their skill level and nuanced reaction to Rak’s coming out.

3) Rak wouldn’t have been able to stand up to his dad at the start of this series. Great character development arc!

Monday 1/27/25

I wish Ossan’s Love was getting more hype. It’s so hilarious and such a fun way to start the work week.

Ossan’s Love Thailand Episode 4 (Thai BL on YouTube)

Thoughts –

1) The boss is so sweet and loving in this version.

2) Heng is selfish, has no boundaries, and can’t say no. He’s a bit of a jerk….

3) The last clip after the director listing was so cute. Mister Saturn World advertisements… who’d have thought? 🤣

Note: Mister Saturn World is the EarthMix mascot. I’m so used to seeing some kind of product placement that it was hilarious when GMMTV used their own. Also, what a cute idea to dress it up in different outfits.

Tuesday 1/28/25

Tuesday’s are currently a BL drought with not a series in sight (That I know of).

Wednesday 1/29/25

Wednesday’s are hard to swallow, but do a great job of propelling me through the rest of the work week.

The Heart Killers Episode 10 (Thai BL on iQIYI)

Thoughts –

1) I didn’t want to be right about all my theories about Lilly. 😭😭

2) Kant is the king of flirting.

3) Considering the circumstances, Bison and Fadel are controlling themselves rather well. I could imagine just as easily flying off the handle and doing something dumb. I guess it’s a testament to “Mother’s” training that they are fairly level-headed.

4) I’ll be interested to see what Keen chooses. Will he help Fadel and Bison, or will he side with “Mother.”

Impression of Youth Episode 4 (Taiwanese BL on iQIYI)

Thoughts –

1) The adult love story is blossoming with gentle ease. It’s so relaxing to watch. 🫠

2) Did you also get the impression that Xing (the teacher) had never kissed someone before?

3) I laughed out loud at Lu Hui, kissing his friend to see if it felt the same.

Thursday 1/30/25

At least Thursday’s aren’t completely bereft of BL…

Checkered Shirt Episode 1 (Short episode Korean BL on YouTube)

First Thoughts –

1) I haven’t been impressed with SukFilm up to this point. Their series have been super messy (and not in acting or editing). Rather, their storylines have been full of cheating and other uncomfortable elements that I don’t typically revel in.

2) Checkered Shirt’s setup is simple. A college guy orders a plaid shirt and there seems to be something that will happen between him and the previous owner.

3) I didn’t see a messy setup yet.

4) It’s only 7 minutes long, so watching doesn’t take up too much time.

5) The subtitles and editing are well-executed.

Friday 1/31/25

Friday’s BLs always gently end the work week, and this week is no different. Though, I have a feeling things are going to change next week.

Note: Eternal Butler is taking the week off for Chinese New Year. They will be back next week.

ThamePo Heart that Skips a Beat Episode 8 (Thai BL on YouTube)

Thoughts –

1) Jun is full of BS. Though, I understand why he did that. He knew where Po’s heart was.

2) Thame needs to step up and think outside of himself more. I think he’s up for the challenge.

3) Thame was so ballsy at the end of the episode. What was he grabbing at that convenience store? Curious minds want to know. 👀

When it Rains, It Pours Episode 4 (Japanese BL on Gagaoolala)

Thoughts –

1) Nakarai Sei made a very good point when they were eating BBQ.

2) Did Hagiwara Kazuaki even pay attention to the details of his girlfriend? He’s so embarrassed that he can’t even ask her what she wants. I feel like all parties feel uncomfortable in communication.

3) Everyone has been ‘bro’d.’ Yes, I have turned this into a unisex verb.

4) This makes Sei’s and Kazuaki’s ease in communication all the more noticeable.

Blessing of Love Episode 1 (Thai BL on YouTube)

First thoughts –

1) I don’t believe this show will be for me. I couldn’t make it through the first episode.

2) It has other-worldly elements. In this case, it’s a human and a ghost love story, I believe. Though it could also be a deity.

3) Also, it has paid advertisements that break up the flow of the plotline.

Saturday 2/1/25

I’m not going to lie. Saturdays feel like slim pickings right now. I’ll Turn Back This Time is pretty good.

I’ll Turn Back This Time Episode 4 (Chinese BL on Gagaoolala)

Thoughts –

1) The chemistry in this episode was great.

2) It’s interesting that in this world, Shen Nan got there a lot sooner. It would have been interesting to linger in Shi Wen’s feelings more when he discovered that they were going to be brothers.

FC Soldout Episode 3 (Korean BL on iQIYI)

Thoughts –

1) I am enjoying the fanboy/celebrity crush storyline.

2) Ji-Woo’s slow disillusionment was cute.

3) Their first snow challenge was entertaining. How they didn’t all absolutely freeze in what little they were wearing is beyond me….

Flirt Milk Episode 2 (Thai BL on iQIYI)

Thoughts –

1) I am having difficulties with this series.

2) It’s not holding my attention like others that are currently airing. That’s not to say it isn’t cute and it might have a fun vibe with the younger audience. It’s got some interesting elements for a college BL.

3) It’s just not for me. I won’t be continuing.

This week had some highs and some lows. Still, the overall quality of this year’s series is excellent. My top 5 this week ranked by level of enjoyment are:

1- The Heart Killers

2- Perfect 10 Liners

3- Ossan’s Love Thailand

4- Your Sky

5- The Boy Next World

I guess this week was Thai-centric for me.