The On1y One (2024)

Directors and Writers should create series without another season in mind.

I might've dug up my own grave here by watching a series directed by one of the saddest gay films I've watched to date (Your Name Engraved Herein) but considering how there was a kiss on the first two episodes each, I expected the pace to pick up but it didn't. I don't hate slowburn, but that build up for 12 episodes was for nothing which is a sucker because everyone in the cast really played their part well especially the oozing chemistry between the two main leads. I really hoped the director and writers wrote this without a second season in mind and serve us a season that ends on a good note/ a series that could stand alone even without renewal. The ending was so disappointing tbh, really don't know what to feel about the series overall. The plot was just going circles in terms of the development of their relationship, I feel like the series peaked in the middle episodes and just went down from there :(( hope this would get a season 2 and redeem itself.

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welcome home, where you belong :)

I had my reservations about watching The On1y One because I hadn't ventured much into Taiwanese BL dramas before; most of my experience came from Korean and Thai BLs. Plus, I had already seen spoilers floating around TikTok and Twitter, so I knew the general plot. But I’m glad I took the plunge to watch it. I ended up being quite invested in this drama, watching it as after everything was released because I don’t have the patience to wait for weekly episodes, but this was worth it. I was initially concerned about the “brother-turned-lovers” trope and how it would be received, but to my surprise, the series handled it in a refreshingly subtle way. It's now tied with Love for Love’s Sake and My Stand-In as one of my favorite BL dramas this year.

I thought the main conflict would focus heavily on their romance and how being "brothers" might affect the family, but the show took a much more toned-down approach than I anticipated. This subversion of expectations felt refreshing. Instead of over-dramatizing their relationship, the story balanced emotional depth and subtlety in a way that felt new and welcome.

If I were to compare this to another series, it reminds me of The Trainee with OffGun in terms of vibe. It’s not a typical BL where everything is centered around romance. It leans more into a "coming-of-age" story, but with a much bigger emotional depth. The drama captures raw, real moments, and the emotional buildup pays off well with each episode. Every character development felt organic, and it never felt too heavy-handed.

Jiang Tian, portrayed by Benjamin Tsang, is an incredibly layered character. He carries so much emotional baggage—trauma, defenses, and personal reservations—that he inflicts on himself. His complexity unfolds piece by piece throughout the series, with the “Jiang Tian’s Very Moment” segments at the end of each episode giving more insight into his emotional state. It never felt like the show was just telling us who he is; we truly got to understand him. Tsang’s portrayal is subtle yet powerful. His smiles are rare but genuine, and his emotional breakdowns are heart-wrenching, leaving me teary-eyed at times. His performance is a masterclass in emotional intricacy.

Sheng Wang, on the other hand, seems straightforward but has his own complexities. He’s more open with his feelings, particularly toward Jiang Tian, but he also has his share of emotional struggles. On the surface, he’s carefree and outgoing, but dig deeper, and you see someone who’s also reserved and introverted in his own way. His character development, especially the way he handles failing his test, was executed beautifully, and it added depth to his relationship with Jiang Tian.

Benjamin Tsang and Liu Dong, who play the leads, are exceptional in their roles. As someone who watches a lot of BL dramas, I can confidently say their performances were among the best I’ve seen this year.

The slow-burn romance trope was executed perfectly. The tension, especially during key moments, was palpable. Beyond the romance, the series explored various themes like familial pressure, school toxicity, and competition. It covered a lot of ground without feeling overwhelming. The pacing was gradual, and everything felt meaningful.

I also appreciate that the school setting wasn’t just a backdrop. It was integral to the story. You could feel the stress of exams, the pressure of maintaining grades, and the competitive environment between classmates. The school events, like the sports festival, were woven into the plot effectively, making the setting feel authentic and lived-in.

At its core, this drama is about understanding the complexities of life and how our decisions impact not just ourselves but those around us. Jiang and Sheng moving in together caused both of them to confront their own issues. Tian felt trapped, and Wang struggled with his father trying to replace his mother. Yet, over time, these tensions brought them closer. Even Wang's intentional test failures affected their dynamic, driving a wedge between them and forcing them to reevaluate their relationship. These small moments added layers to the story, making it more than just a love story.

The series isn’t solely about romance—it’s about healing. Tian and Wang heal each other in ways that are subtle but powerful. Wang’s friends play a crucial role in his emotional growth, and even the family members find ways to mend old wounds. This theme of healing is what makes The On1y One stand out.

If I had to nitpick, I’d say the production had some room for improvement. There were some awkward voiceovers, particularly with Jenny, and a few cinematography choices felt off, like the VFX in the first episode. These issues didn’t detract from the overall experience, but they were noticeable.

The casting was phenomenal. Every character, from the teachers to the students, had their moment. Even smaller roles, like Uncle Mute and Mr. Ding, felt integral to the plot. But I have to give special mention to Gao Tian Yang—his quirky and fun energy added much-needed levity to the series.

The ending left me a bit puzzled at first. It made me go, "Wait, that’s it?" But after reflecting, I saw how the lemon honey reference tied the story together, especially for Tian and Wang. It feels like they left room for a sequel or at least some special episodes, which I’d love to see.

Beyond the well-executed themes of healing and personal growth, there's an undeniable warmth and comfort that comes through. Despite the emotional struggles and complexities, the characters and their journeys give off a sense of familiarity and belonging. Watching The On1y One feels like coming home, where even through the ups and downs, there’s solace in knowing you’re understood.

This drama isn’t just about love—it's about finding where you truly belong, and that’s what makes it so special.

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Freefall, or, Now My Friend Refuses to Talk to Me.

A conversation between me and a friend called Zhuang Zhou:

Part I. Episodes 1-7

ME: There’s a new Taiwanese BL in town!
ZZ: Oh? Is it about stepbrothers?


ME: Ummm…
ZZ: Let’s run through the checklist. Are the leads unusually attractive?


ME: Yes.
ZZ: Is one of them poor, the other one rich?


ME: Yes.
ZZ: Is one of them a taciturn grouch, and the other a happy-go-lucky pout?
ME: Wait…
ZZ: A dead mother, or an absent father?


ME: Both!
ZZ: Does it go from (step) sibling conflict to (step) sibling rivalry to (step) sibling love to (step) sibling banging?


ME: I don’t know about the banging, but the rest of the arc is covered.
ZZ: Is there an outing by the beach, by the river, or in an arcade?


ME: Two out of three!
ZZ: Being pushed against a wall? "Spin the bottle"? "Teach-you-a-lesson" kiss?
ME: Uh-huh.
ZZ: An older, supportive side gay couple?
ME: Yes. But helpfully, they have no individuality so far.
ZZ: Cameos from other TBLs?


ME: Aplenty.
ZZ: A vague attempt at creating a stock villain?
ME: There is this kid who might fit the bill. But his only sin, as far as I can see, is wanting to be the best and popular. So, monster!
ZZ: Loud, intrusive background music?
ME: Yes! Why do TBLs do this? Sometimes, I can't even hear what they're saying.
ZZ: Pity. How about a timejump or a trip abroad?


ME: We aren’t there yet, but it is based on a novel, and the young people who have read it hint at both in the comments.
ZZ: Don't tell me they're going to pull another Addicted or Stay With Me on us.
ME: That's the fear.
ZZ: So tell me why I should watch it.
ME: Well, it is not without charm. The characters are in school, and they are actually shown schooling! You know, books, teachers, homework, and all that stuff which other BLs pretend don’t exist? Plus, in this world, the teenagers do have boners, which, of course, most teenage boys do all the time. (Remember what filth we entertained in our heads?) So, it is not chaste. And the leads do have great chemistry.
ZZ: Tell me why I shouldn’t.
ME: The fans might murder me for this. But the episodes are far too long for what they contain. They could have done each episode in 30 minutes or less (which the Japanese seem able to do effortlessly). I'm not sure what all those lingering shots of nothing accomplished. I love seeing the boys together. But this is not Andrei Rublev.
ZZ: It does sound like it is chock full of the tropiest tropes that ever troped.
ME: Doesn’t matter if done well, though, does it? I myself am a bit divided about the show, but on the whole, I'm rather enjoying it than not.
ZZ: Maybe I’ll give it a go. I’ll call you after it’s done.
ME: Shhhhh…. Don’t let people know we call each other! What will the teenagers on MDL think?
ZZ: Right.


Part II. Episodes 8 & 9

NOTE: ZZ has a very irascible sense of humour. His opinions are not mine :)

ZZ: I hate you.
ME: Why?
ZZ: For making me suffer through this show.
ME: Did you quit?
ZZ: Are you still watching?
ME (shyly): No...
ZZ: You do realise what you've done?
ME: What?
ZZ: You've made me want to quit Taiwanese BLs forever. After you ruined Thai BLs for me forever by recommending that pile of... Never mind.
ME: When did you quit and why?
ZZ: Fifth or sixth episode, I'm not sure.
ME: So soon?
ZZ: What was there to watch? It's every trope in the TBL book, but served half-baked and soaked in maple syrup. The boys were quite cute, yes, but they were clearly 30 playing on 17. Their roles and interactions were stale as last month's loaf. I'm fine with the step-brother trope, but tell me what was subversive about it? What was new? And it was so... slow... It wasn't building up tension. It was acting as a muscle relaxant. Which might be good for Wang, because he's clearly the bottom, but I kept falling asleep. What did you see in this?
ME: Just lots of lovely moments. Tenderness. Hope for a beautiful romance. Unlike you. Who has an iceberg for a heart.
ZZ: Which made you overlook all the bad signs posted along the way. Well, was it worth it?
ME: To be honest, I no longer know. Why couldn't they leave well enough alone? Things were good (for me) until Ep. 7. Then, at the end of Ep. 8, the boys move in together, and what should have been a beautiful moment was ruined by such an awful loud soundtrack that I thought, this has all the subtlety of a hangnail. It was a bad sign. Then Ep. 9 came and... I needed to be put out of my misery.
ZZ: What happened?
ME: Oh, ZeeZee. It was baaaaaad... an absurd kidnapping plot, strange bisexual love triangles between teachers without any palpable tension, students mooning their teachers, 25 minutes of a school sports day... IBS would look at that episode and say, that's bloated. I couldn't go on. But I hear that there was a bandit in the 10th episode, who provides the only possible excuse for our boys to finally sleep in the same bed together.
ZZ: Because you know... Wang, despite his build, is as helpless and maladroit as if he's always about to walk on a banana peel...
ME: Yes. The poor thing kept spraining his ankles. Despite fighting off thugs three episodes earlier, he's still afraid of sleeping alone with all that banditry.
ZZ: I told you. This is BL by the numbers. Why won't anyone listen to me? Have you been spoiled the ending? Was I right to predict a time-jump and a forced separation?
ME: It seems so. Which is why I quit. Either they will have to get precipitously to a happy ending, or, they'll do a cliff-hanger and wait for a second season. I'm not sure I wanted to stay for either. Do you think I should have?
ZZ: I don't know, and I don't care... I'm going to go sink into my bed like a hippopotamus and stuff myself with a Victoria sponge cake. Now, go away.

P. S. I did go back for the last episode, eventually. The ending was just... unforgivable.

Reader's Digest:
DO SAY: You're the On1y One.
DON'T SAY: I am the One & On1y...

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Open Ended

Decent "BL" good acting, good story-having more details about how the background affected the ML would have been nice. Script was really good, the moments at the end of the first few episodes was an amazing addition....all in all Im glad I watched it.....but heres the thing....

The leads kissed twice, nonromanticly, then nothing....One lead reacted to the other lead physically, then nothing....There was a Very NC scene but was not the ML.....then nothing.....then....The End. The Gay Second lead even confessed to his counter part....Then The End.

One moved classes to put distance but they still live together in the dorms, still have a blended family, still have the same "friends", still have time out side of school...the classroom change doesn't do alot...Plus the Second ML knows the others feelings and feels it himself and expresses his hurt knowing the First ML changed classes to avoid him. But Nothing. Nothing at all.

If it ended this was because there is a second season then this is a great cliffhanger!-Second Season not a frequent occurance with Taiwanese BLs though.
If there is a special episode, which I've seen Taiwanese BLs do frequently, then I hope it closes everything for both couples.
If it just ending here.....I'm not for it.
There are too many variables and I personally don't do Open Endings because of those variables....Everything about it was good...I just can't stand the "Heres something that equals nothing" string along.

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slow burn with emotial conflict and a cliffhanger

Why I do love slow burns, I am not a fan of mutliple couples, especially of the grown up sort on the side.
Two teachers are in the same boat as our MLs, but they know each other for more than 10 years and have not found the time to confess their feelings much much much earlier. This is a big downer of the whole show.
First I (and many others) assumend that both teachers where together, but much later on, we learn, that's not the case. That's also the reason why the female teacher has so much screen time.

Tians conflict is not really revealed. If you don't know the book, you don't know that he is a homophobe. The flashback in episode 11 shoulkd teach us that, but (!) it does not... yes he is disturbed what he has seen, but I would never have the conclusion that it makes him a homophobe. He also does not react as such in the two kissing scenes. So something is either lost from the book or lost in the script.

Other than that both characters are what you expect in a BL. One introvert, the other one an extrovert. Both with emotional damage. The character building was nicely done, You see that they are caring for each other and they are growing togehter. But they don't make the step to confess even when both feel the same. So the cliffhanger for Season 1 was done in the nicest way possible for the MLs, but the teachers were a disappointment.

So I personally have to disagree with "best BL 2024", I think that "Unknown" was better. It's a good show, with good acting, very good cinematography but the story is nothing we did not see already. It also has "Addicted Heroin" vibes but they resolve such a story in an other way. We get an unsatisfying ending because it looks like it was designed to have two seasons. Now we have to wait and see if we really get a second season, which is not a given.

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It's a cliche plot step-bro romance but it's so worth it.

This one is my very first Taiwanese BL. I'm quite shocked as well like it's 2024 and this was still my first one from Taiwan? I've known History long before but Idk why I still didn't watch it. It was pretty much hype back then. It's been so long since I've been inactive watching BLs. Tho I've been reading danmeis when I wasn't active with BLs.

Anyways, let get right into it. First of all I really love the overflowing chemistry between the two— Eric and Benjamin. The characters suit them well. Eric did a pretty good job with facial expressions. I know I'm biased but I really love his eyes and when he pouts it melts me. He's way too cute being a 30 yr old. Benjamin. He's good as well. He handles it well. I'm not good at this I'm sorry *sobs*. They're both doing well in terms of acting and delivery. I mean, you can't deny it. You can clearly see what their eyes are telling you. It looks simple but is quite well delivered. The plot is cliche. Addicted has it as well. But this one is a lighter version. Tho they are pretty much similar. I've read the novel of this as well.

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Fascinating chemistry, fun characters...but an underwhelming ending.

I was looking forward to On1y One as it gave me an impression that it'd be a BL in a similar vein to Addicted/Stay With Me, with what its teenage step-brother BL. It shared a lot of those basic beats with those series that it had me intrigued to see a Taiwanese interpretation of such a dynamic. I am also aware that this is actually based off of a novel of its own, but I've not personally read it so I know that going into this review I'm not as in-the-know of the finer details of the story aside from what I find pointed out on Twitter.

But as I've been watching this show...my interest waned over the weeks, I must say. I don't mind a nice slow burn story, and sure enough this season may not cover most of the novel, but reviewing this show on its own merit as a singular season with how they've presented the relationship...I'm not that satisfied with the ending. If it's supposed to lead to a second season - one that's not even technically confirmed to be in production at the time of writing - that's cool and all, but this season just feels very lacking. I'd hardly say this show is re-watchable, personally. At least if it's the only season we ever get to see.

That said, I did love Sheng Wang and his journey of self-discovery and his feelings towards Jiang Tian. I'm also a big fan of the secondary cast of friends. But what certainly caught my attention the most was Qi Jia Hao. His little venture throughout the season was in particular very fun to visit and I really wanted to see more of what he would get up to. Hopefully the second season does a bit more with him if it ever comes.

The overall romance is a slow one. And not just a slow burn. It's like we're watching an initial spark being made in real time so we can get to that burn. Yes, there's kissing in the beginning of the show, but the actual meat of the romantic tension is very, very quiet. It's like the most gentle breeze ever. The chemistry is certainly there and I adore both Liu Dong Qin and Benjamin Tsang for what they bring to the characters. I guess it would be nice if the pace would pick up a little bit as both Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian are dancing around the fact that they like each other and when the mutual pining is so obvious it gets to a point where I'm just hoping one of them takes the dive and does something a little more explicitly romantic.

There's also the secondary couple in the two male teachers who get into a bit of a love triangle and honestly? I. Could. Not. Care. Less. I feel like what the show is trying to do is almost present them as a parallel of sorts to the main couple but I do not see what purpose they really have in the show, and especially in this season. Undoubtedly they'd get more of a development in a hypothetical season season, but I can't imagine I'd be any more interested in what goes on with them. It's so obvious they're into each other and dancing around the truth from the get go that I caught that when I first saw them on screen, and considering we're following a primary couple with a similar story I don't really wanna see it twice.

The secondary couple is perhaps my personal least favourite part of the show. It feels like a drag when they're given the focus and I don't really recall if any of their scenes - bar THAT one in episode 11 - really impact JT and SW in any meaningful way. They feel like they could be removed or replaced and nothing would change. Why were they made teachers at the school? Seemed a bit like an excuse to put them in a love triangle and so we'd have an excuse to see them more often in context of the main boys. I dunno...eventually I just got to a point where I'm waiting for Sheng Wang and Jiang Tiang to show up again.

I feel like perhaps there could have been a review as to what scenes may or may not have been worth shifting to a potential second season and what could have been shifted over into this season to give it a more satisfying end. I don't know the novel, so maybe this was the best outcome in adapting it. However, I definitely think the end credits scene in Episode 11 - IYKYK - was...out of left field? I like the scene and what it does to inform us about Jiang Tian's backstory, however it felt so bizarre that we suddenly saw it in Episode 11 of a 12 episode season of all places. Am I the only one? Would it not have been a better fit, say, either at the very end of this season so we literally end on a saucy bit of exposition, or in the second season where it'd be adjacent to scenes that would better explain its context? It was a FASCINATING scene in the grander scope of the narrative of course but it feels like it was kinda plopped at the end of an episode and so close to the end of this season as well.

As for the last episode...yeah, uh, kind of a let down? I've already said I wasn't satisfied with the ending, but in general I just found myself amused at the fact that the main emotional conflict was...Sheng Wang moving classrooms. I'm sorry that really did take me out of it a bit because...huh? They already live together in the dorms so they don't really lack an opportunity to communicate or spend time together. Yeah, they're not in the same class but still. I wouldn't have minded this honestly if such a deal wasn't made out of it in the episode. It stops being a dramatic moment and feels a bit silly.

Overall, would I recommend this show? Yeah. I would. I absolutely would. The chemistry is there and I love the leads. I think if a slow burn and self-discovery is up your alley you'd like this. Plus the secondary cast is actually really fun to watch so all the friendship scenes and bonds between characters add some levity and vibrance to the show.

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The Lost and Lonly Ones

This is a story about friendship, family, and an over all feel of being lost... as well as probably shows two of the most lonly boys in all of dramaland.

Yep lost and lonley ones... While I do have some issues with the make up that I otherwise realry notice most of the filming has some pretty decent quality and shots. The monologs and dialog of this drama say alot less than the gazes, mimcs, light and slow mo angles filmed. You could probably watch this with nieter subtitles or sound without loosing the ffel of the story or feeling the leas bit lost. You may even find yourself enjoying it even more (not that I tieied) .

If you are in the mood for something that will make you feel all warm and fizzy inside, this may make you smile once or twice bit the over all feel to it is kind of depressing, and more of a feel things than feel good type of deal.

A decent watch leaving you wanting more and wondering was this all they had to tell or will there be a second season?

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Only Half of the Story

Rated // 37.5/50 ~ 7.5

This was deliberately written with a season 2 in mind. Since I'm in the west, I don't know what's coming from a novel or have access to the novel so the ending did hurt me. However, if you go in knowing that this is a story the develops over years in it's original work, the novel, then you'll not be too upset at the end. And hopefully our wait for season 2 wont be too long as the director appears to be really pushing for it now.

Having said that, this is true LGBTQ media to me. The boys are only 17 and both having their sexual awakening with the other, who will soon be a brother, as their parents are getting married. There's no explicit scenes, no kissing, not even a confession. It's teenage boys falling into a love that will looked down upon in the future and one of them decides to jump ship to avoid the heartbreak. It's hard enough being 17 developing feelings for the same sex as you, let alone that person is a soon to be brother. I actually really understand the ending and honestly, as sad as it is, it can also be left there too because sometimes that happens. Slice of life isnt meant to be fluffy because life isnt fluffy. A lot of relationships dont work out, esp gay ones.
For me, that's what separates queer films from bl's. It's focusing on the characters as people and the homosexuality happens naturally, especially when the characters are high schoolers still working themselves out.

I really didnt get the whole plot with the teachers though until the end. It was almost as if the writers were trying to create a mirroring plot, as if it were a glimpse into the boy's future.

Overall, I still loved this. It's a slow paced bittersweet reminder of gay youth and as the plot takes place on 2012, it hit me a little close to home. I really loved the sweet potential of each of the characters and I hope that season 2 materializes to watch that potential grow.

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So much potential and so frustrating

This is brilliantly acted and directed, and the writing is in detail much better than the average BL - but the story as a whole was tedious.

When you have characters kiss in the 2nd episode, you can't just slam on the brakes for 10 more episodes and then have nothing happen. The development of their relationship is beautifully done - slow burn at it's best - but it reaches a peak far before the end and then goes nowhere after that. Not slow burn - no burn, because to keep the relatioinship at a steady level they couldn't continue to show them quietly doing loving things to each other and so we didn't get any more of those beautiful moments.

Sheng Wang does what he does to avoid being turned on by the way Jiang Tian drinks water? After the enormous amount of focus on studies - and I mean ENORMOUS, there was no setup at all for him to do something that drastic. OK, so you're turned on. Go whack off and get it out of your system. Obviously there were deeper issues behind it, but those needed to be explored and not handwaved away with the sexy-water-drinking shorthand.

The could have entirely deleted the tiresome and totally unnecessary secondary couple plot and instead devoted that to Sheng Wang's descent into self-denial.

There's a scene a few eps before that where Sheng Wang explicitly names himself as Jiang Tian's home, which was one of the best scenes in the series and would have been the perfect place to end it. But unless you have a second season confirmed, then it's beyond frustrating to have devoted 12 weeks and hours to this to get absolutely nothing.

To be honest, what kept me from dropping the series was Andy Chen as their friend Gao Tian Yang, who I found enthralling. So hot and such a well-drawn and acted character.

Would I recommend it? No. Not unless a second season does come out and does resolve all the unresolved issues, which is ALL the issues since none of them at all are resolved. It doesn't sound to me like a second season is likely, and all those people, who appear to be most of the MDL audience, can blame themselves for watching pirated copies of this. That is stealing and it greatly diminishes the chances of BLs being made, so hang your heads in shame.

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