This was an incredibly long week filled with excitement and nerves! Getting to do my first interview was a huge deal, and Ark Saroj was an interesting man to get to know a bit better. Thank you to Kristen (find her HERE) for joining me live and to The BL Xpress for the great opportunity.

I will watch the rest of “My Golden Blood” with fresh eyes and a new mindset. My biggest takeaway is that it is a story about becoming human, not about being a vampire. Catch the rewatch on The BL Xpress YouTube channel. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed, especially if you’re watching the series.

“Heesu in Class 2” ended this week, and it didn’t fit into the classic definition of BL, so it got me thinking about exactly what BL is. Join me live on Tuesday at 6 PM PST on The BL Xpress YouTube channel as we discuss this series and the evolving definition of BL as a genre.

Now, onto the week in review!

Sunday, April 20

My Stubborn (Thai BL on iQIYI)

PREMIERE

First Thoughts –

1) That’s one way to start a show. Five minutes in heaven? …. 😳🤣🤣

2) It’s a good thing that Oat and Boat have good chemistry.

3) Suspend all you know about proper office etiquette and enjoy the ride.

4) I will watch another episode.

Last Meal Universe Episode 7 (Thai BL on OneD)

Thoughts –

1) This is the first time I felt a spark from Chun that wasn’t related to food. 🔥

2) This show continues to be a storytelling treat for me. The humor is right up my alley.

3) Chondan is finally like, “He may be crazy, but I want him to be my crazy.”

Boys in Love (Thai BL on iQIYI)

PREMIERE

First thoughts –

1) It’s refreshing to have the puppy love stories introduced so quickly.

2) The adult love story started and is progressing at a much slower pace, which will make a nice contrast.

3) The storytelling was clear.

4) I will keep watching.

Monday, April 21

Monday’s are sad with zero BLs.

Tuesday, April 22

You’d think that studios might take a hint and put a BL on Tuesday. There would be no competition.

Since that’s not the case, you can still join me live on the BL Xpress YouTube channel and chat about all your favorite moments. Let’s build community!

Wednesday, April 23

Something’s Not Right Episode 3 (Korean BL on Viki)

Thoughts –

1) I maintain that we need to lock the leads in a room with a mediator to help them sort it out, since they seem incapable of communication.

2) They had a cute pseudo-date, but I think only one of them thought of it as such.

3) How could they end it that way?? At least, another episode drops tomorrow.

Lost in the Woods Episode 6 (Thai BL on Gagaoolala)

Thoughts:

1) I understand Fifa’s sulking; I’d feel the same if Hem left without a word about his destination.

2) I appreciate Hem’s cleverness in leaving the crutches. 🤭

3) Fifa is very stubborn.

4) The visuals were stunning, as usual.

My Golden Blood Episode 7 (Thai BL on iQIYI)

Thoughts –

1) If the ripped shirt is any indicator, Mark and Tong ate well that night. 🤭😁

2) I love the highlights of Joss and Gawin’s beauty. All the camera angles are superb.

3) The music changed significantly in this episode. Dark things are coming… 😭

Top Form Special Cut (Find it on Tencent)

1) Making everything greyscale except for the honey turned this scene into a piece of artwork.

2) Also, the Q&A was really interesting.

3) Thank you. 😊🙏

Thursday, April 24

Top Form Episode 7 (Thai BL on Tencent)

Thoughts –

1) I’m so tired tonight, but I’m still glad I stayed up and watched.

2) Once again, the acting is breathtaking. I love how much trust Smart and Boom give each other.

3) The montage of their cute moments that happened while Akin’s grandmother was reading the letter he sent her was my favorite bit of this episode.

Business as Usual Episode 4 (Korean BL on Viki)

Thoughts –

1) This show is a lesson in what being passive in a relationship gets you.

2) If only Min Jun spoke his mind and asked questions.

3) I feel sorry for Jin Hwan. I’m surprised he’s even willing to hash it out with Min Jun.

Something’s Not Right Episode 4 (Korean BL on Viki)

Thoughts –

1) How can two boys still be so utterly clueless? They make me want to pull my hair out, or shove them together and scream, “Now, Kiss!”

2) There was some improvement toward the end. Still, both parties are horrible at communicating. I’m not sure how they’ve remained friends for so long!

3) I will continue watching. 🥴

Friday, April 25

Show I’m not watching:

Exclusive Love FINALE (Viki, Gagaoolala)

Fight for You Episode 6 (Taiwanese BL on iQIYI, Gagaoolala, Viki)

Thoughts-

1) I have a feeling heartache is inevitable. It has to be when there are lots of lies involved. 😭

2) I love Da Hei’s sister. She’s strong and resilient. I like how they made her character shine through within the first couple of minutes of her scene.

Sweet Tooth, Good Dentist Episode 5

Thoughts –

1) I’ve never seen Jimmy act in this type of role before! 👀 I may have to keep watching just for that.

2) The jealousy feels juvenile on all sides, especially with the actions they’re all taking because of jealousy. Did I act that way in college? I don’t remember….

3) The lesson learned is that sweets are delicious, but bad for your teeth.

Saturday, April 26

Shows I’m not watching:

Close to You FINALE (Korean BL on GND Studio YouTube channel)

Sashes and Hearts Episode 10 (Pinoy BL on Oxin Films YouTube channel)

The Bangkok Boy (Thai BL on Gagaoolala)

PREMIERE

First thoughts –

1) The opening shot in prison captured my attention, especially when it then jumped three years into the past.

2) The first episode was a lot to take in. 😳🙀

3) Already, at the end of Episode 1, two people the main character loves are gone.

4) It reminds me of West Side Story.

I will keep watching.

Heesu In Class 2 (Korean BL on Viki)

FINALE

Note: Episode 9 was released on Friday, but I was unable to watch, so I watched both on Saturday, and am summarizing my feelings here.

Final thoughts –

1) This is not a romance. It is, however, a beautiful coming-out story.

2) I loved how they used him opening curtains and letting the light in to symbolically represent climbing out of the black hole.

3) It’s worth watching, especially if you’re okay with the fact that the series is from the perspective of a boy who’s in love with his straight best friend at the beginning.

Next week is HUGE!

LIKE, REALLY HUGE!

Two major series that everyone is anticipating will drop. The first one is “Pit Babe 2”! The premiere will be on Friday, May 2, on IQIYI. I know a lot of people are anticipating this sequel, even with the controversy about the omegaverse’s removal. We’ll just have to wait and see what they do with it.

The next big series that is dropping its premiere this week is one we’ve all been anticipating for a long time! “The Next Prince”, Zee and Nunew’s new series, will begin on Saturday, May 3, on IQIYI. Right now, there is also a documentary on the making of the series on Mandee’s YouTube channel. Be sure to check it out. I think it will enhance the viewing of the series. I think this series is going to be special.