Happy New Year, everyone, and with the new year, big changes are afoot. Next week will be my last article and live for The BL Xpress. It’s been a joy writing for them this year, and I wish them well in all their future endeavors.

This article will take wings and find a new home on my personal Patreon account. If you’ve enjoyed it, hopefully, I will see you there. Also, I will be doing the BL Week in Review LIVE on YouTube on a new channel. Hopefully, it’ll continue smoothly without a hitch.

The week of New Year’s is always an interesting time because here in the West, we’re not used to things significantly halting, but they do in Thailand. Most shows are canceled for the week of the New Year. I remember the first time it happened, I was very confused. But, at the same time, it makes a lot of sense. Staff and actors help with the trend for the series, and they need a break, too.

We’ll continue our discussion about Melody of Secrets this week on The BL Week in Review LIVE. We’ll also discuss Heated Rivalry. I look forward to chatting with everyone at 6 PM PST on Tuesday, December 30.

Now, on to the week in review.

Sunday, December 21

School Trip: Joined a Group I’m Not Close to Episode 10 ✴️FINALE (Japanese BL on Gagaoolala)

Worth Watching

1- School Trip had such a light-hearted, delightful ending. I am looking forward to the 2 special episodes.

2- I love Watarai and Hioki and how they can communicate at such a young age.

3- Also, it was really cool to see how much Hioki grew over the course of this series.

4- I’m reserving final judgment until after I watch the special episodes, but I think it’s definitely a wonderful little series worth watching.

Head 2 Head Episode 9 (Thai BL on YouTube)

Set the truth Free

1- Van is a hot mess.

2- Why is J so worried about voicing what he sees in his head?

3- J’s mental state is starting to take its toll. I can’t believe he almost sleepwalked over the rail! 😳

Patreon Discord Exclusive:

Chosen Home Episode 10 ✴️FINALE (Japanese Queer drama on Netflix)

Not watching:

To My Shore Episode 12 (Chinese BL on Gagaoolala and Viki)

Monday, December 22

Not Watching:

Checkered Shirt S2 Episode 3 (Korean BL on YouTube)

Tuesday, December 23

The Love Never Sets Episode 11 (Thai BL on IQIYI)

It’s time for punishment

1- Was it just me? Why did they delete the evidence from the man’s laptop?

2- Saint and Ice boyfriend era is beautiful.

3- I hope Professor Mint gets what is coming to him.

Wednesday, December 24

Burnout Syndrome Episode 5 (Thai BL on IQIYI and YouTube)

Hot

1. The way Koh looks at the paintings is so sensual. The yearning to be like the person Jira sees is so evident on his face.

2. Pheem is obsessive in a different way. I hope he doesn’t get jealous of the fact that Jira can’t seem to draw him.

Patreon Discord Exclusive:

Let Me Into Your Heart Episode 4 (Thai BL on YouTube)

Thursday, December 25

Therapy Game Episode 9 ✴️FINALE (Japanese BL on Gagaoolala)

It has come to an end.

1- For me, the final episode felt a bit disjointed, like, what was I watching? Then again, I was really tired.

2- Overall, it was a light and cute watch.

3- Minato finally figured out that he didn’t need to have it all figured out, and I love that for him.

4- This series is easy to consume, but was somewhere in the middle for me personally.

Dare You to Death Episode 2 (Thai BL on Netflix)

Truth or Dare

1. I like that they’re going a little bit grittier with it. This episode had some thriller moments.

2. I like the ending where the inspector is asking the captain to trust him. They’ll keep his brother safe.

Not Watching:

Love Begins in the World of If Episode 6 ✴️FINALE (Japanese BL on Gagaoolala and Viki)

Got My Eyes on You Episode 5 (Filipino BL on YouTube)

Friday, December 26

Goddess Bless you from Death Episode 9 (Thai BL on IQIYI)

The Plot Thickens

1- I kept thinking it would be a cop we know…

2- The main ghost is terrifying.

3- I was surprised by the helpful ghost’s identity.

4- Do they really need a jealousy subplot?

Heated Rivalry Episode 6 ✴️FINALE (Canadian BL on Crave, Sky New, MovieStarPlus, and HBO)

Hot on and off the Ice

1- Heated Rivalry is very bingeable.

2- Hudson and Connor did a fabulous job with their roles. I’ve also enjoyed all of their interview clips that I’ve seen.

3- I’m excited to see the next segment of their story.

Patreon Discord Exclusive:

Melody of Secrets Episode 4 (Thai BL on YouTube)

On Hold:

Interminable Thailand Episode 8 (Thai BL on IQIYI)

Not Watching:

The Fridge Episode 2 (Thai BL on Monomax- no international premiere)

Sculpted Light Episode 1 ✴️Premiere (Chinese BL on YouTube)

Saturday, December 27

Me and Thee Episode 7 (Thai BL on YouTube and IQIYI)

How to Decide

1- Thee trying to decide where to put his gift from Peach made me giggle. Peach should have gotten him 2.

2- They’ve done an excellent job building chemistry.

3- Peach was so vulnerable. It was such a heartwarming episode.

Patreon Exclusive:

Fourever You Part 2 Episode 2 (Thai BL on WeTV/Tencent)

Not Watching:

To My Shore Episode 13 (Chinese BL on Gagaoolala and Viki)

Gu Jin Nan Qiu Episode 13- Members only (Chinese BL on YouTube)

Reloved: Start Anew with the Same Heart Episode 5 (Thai BL on IQIYI)

Sereno Episode 4 (Filipino BL on YouTube)

Today, which is Sunday, December 28, Love Alert begins. It is a BL from Thailand that is airing domestically on VIU Thailand and internationally on Gagaoolala. The premise is a messy college BL with a soap opera vibe.

Another series that is beginning will be Awakening the Steppe. It is a series from the Secrets of Us YouTube channel, and has a lovely preview. It is about travel and finding yourself. It will begin on Thursday, January 1