“It’s just a game of control… until the rules change.”

Chinese BLs are on the rise, they are dropping left and right; censorship be damned. Although most of these productions are anchored abroad, the actors involved and the production team are ready to take unwarranted risks. Also, their chemistry is undeniable while the storytelling is palpable. “The Gaze” portrays the intense attraction and attachment between two individuals from different spheres of life. The first four episodes premiered last weekend, and I’m in awe of the production. Starring Zhu Jingxu & Luo Dianxia in lead roles, the show focuses on the heartwrenching romance between a cold, arrogant tennis genius and a gentle, debt-ridden team doctor when they are forced into a secret “special service” contract. We are indefinite variables added to this equation, which makes the storyline equally intriguing!!

The Main Couple Who Are At Odds

Li Youen (Luo Dianxia) is a soft-spoken, gentle doctor. Sadly, he is the only breadwinner in the family after his parents’ death. His younger brother, Xiaosi suffers from aplastic anemia and, because of his continued treatment, Li Youen is debt-ridden. He does all kinds of odd jobs and loan sharks often harrass him for repayment of dues. Things change when he applies for a job at a renowned tennis club. Zhai Qiuyu (Zhu Jingxu), the best player on their team, suffers from a serious injury. Qiuyu has a reserved personality and is quite coldhearted. When Youen attends the interview, Qiuyu offers him a new deal- to offer special services to Qiuyu, alongside becoming his personal therapist. Initially hesitant, Youen declines the offer to protect his pride. But he is backed into a corner, when loan sharks start pursuing him again and hospital bills start accumulating. Unwillingly, Youen accepts Qiuyu’s offer and moves into his apartment. In the beginning, Qiuyu’s unpredictable nature makes it difficult for Youen to adjust to the new place. But as they spend time together, Qiuyu begins to adjust his temperament and understand Youen’s difficulties. The actors have a natural chemistry.

The Supporting Couple Who Deliver

Zhou Song (Ji Chuan) is introduced in the second episode as Qiuyu’s acquaintance. Although Song seems pleased to meet Qiuyu again, it becomes obvious that Qiuyu doesn’t like him much. They play a game of cat and mouse, as Song pursues Youen endlessly to become his muse. We might think that he is interested in Youen, but as they spend time together, it becomes apparent that Song isn’t romantically invested in the doctor. He just loves to tease Qiuyu and is concerned about his childhood friend. Gu Hao (Zuo You) is the onsite photographer for the tennis club. His primary job is to follow Qiuyu and post updates about him. He is also Qiuyu’s huge fan and, apart from the coach, the only person with whom, Qiuyu gets along well. For Gu Hao, it’s love at first sight when he meets Zhou Song. Despite being born in an influential family, Zhou Song is a kind of loner. Gu Hao’s bright personality draws him closer. Frankly, the supporting couple have better chemistry and much better scenes than the main leads.

First Impressions

The first four episodes portray the intense & complicated relationships between the two pairings!!

I’m invested in both relationships, although I wish the main lead had more scenes. The first four episodes were too much centered on the misunderstandings created by Zhou Song’s sudden entry. Qiuyu’s hot temper doesn’t help the situation, so their budding romance often gets sidelined. In contrast, the supporting couple have a breezy love story. They are cute and adorable!!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- Drama Hotspot! YouTube Channel