This review may contain spoilers
More Cohesive Than Season 1
Going into this, I was a little taken back that they only decided to continue the story of 2 out of the 6 couples they told in season 1. But by doing so, the plot was held together nicely, and they developed a decent story that followed along an easier path. Close Friend Season 2 has definitely outshone its prior season, and I'm quite pleased to say I'm looking forward to season 3.Let's Dive In.
They took the story of Piece/Typhoon and Jedi/Ray and combined the two, where both of their stories overlap with one another. Phoon and Ray have been friends for a while, with Phoon helping Ray with his obsession with Jedi and being a good friend that gives him great advice. And Pierce is the songwriter who writes music for Jedi. So throughout, they all have interactions with one another while simultaneously dealing with their own conflicts. In the end, it all gets better.
Their choice of only continuing the lives of only two of their couples was a great idea. It worked because the storyline isn't jumbled up, and theirs no time for filler or unnecessary situations, and it all flows steadily on a thoroughly planned out plot. Even though I would LOVE to see more of Jimmy and Tommy's story (the 1990s couple) I was still please with what we did get. Max and Nat's story wasn't all that memorable, so it probably would be difficult to fit them in somehow. Lay and Yoon's story was decent, but nothing I craved to see more of. And of course, the cat story HAD to go. Anyways, the choices in this department worked out perfectly, and I enjoyed what I got to watch.
I remembered not liking Peirce and Typhoon's story all that much last season, but they redeemed themselves here. Pierce has that incredible fear of coming out to his parents, and Phoon is patient, but since they've been dating for so long, it's getting old for him. Phoon also gets a job at the same company as Pierce which causes some office turmoil, but I like that this part of their conflict was resolved pretty quickly and didn't linger on much more than needed. Eventually, Peirce comes out to his parents, and everything is wonderful and rainbows. I'm satisfied with what we got, but their story could've definitely been a lot stronger.
Jedi and Ray were why this works so well for me. I'm not usually a big fan of the idol/normal person stories that follow the same plot: the public finds out about idol's boyfriend, idol is told to break up with boyfriend but he refuses, idol then goes public with his boyfriend, it all works out because they both gain more fame from it. It's very much so blah blah blah, but, because it was Kimmon and Copter, it just worked. Copter is fucking adorable in this with his little pouts, panics, and whatnot. Once again, their dynamic is spot on. Chemistry is strong, and I can't wait to watch their other projects together.
Something I don't normally speak on, but I liked that the actors had on barely-there makeup, and we actually see their skin and they look imperfect because that's how everyone looks. It's a very different change in the usually caked-on, filter-heavy shit that's usually plastered onto the faces of these actors. Good job!
I sometimes take time to watch the BTS of series, but this show gave us the honor to watch it by putting it into the outro of each episode, and it was a delight to watch. It shows you that these actors are close in real life and just had fun playing their roles. It makes the story feel more real in a sense.
Ratings:
Story: 8.5 - Decent. A lot better than their stories in season 1. It follows a straight path from point A to point B and doesn't have anything unnecessary happen. Jedi and Ray's story is a lot more endearing than Peirce and Phoons's, but still, a very good job.
Acting: 9 - Good! Everyone did decently, and nothing was off! Some hiccups here and there, but overall, it was fine.
Music: 8 - I enjoyed the intro song a lot. Also, the songs Jedi sings weren't that bad either.
Rewatch value: 4.5 - Ehh, probably not. Not because it was bad, but just because it wasn't so good that I just need to rewatch it.
In the last few minutes, they bring in the adorable Bas and his partner Dun (from Gen Y) and show us that they've been living in Korea as Bas' character lives out his dream until they find out about Jedi and Ray and decide to move back to Thailand. I'm kind of excited to see how season 3 will take place, knowing these two will be added into the chaos. Overall, a decent watch, I recommend it, and you don't have to watch season 1 to be able to watch this.
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Could have been so much better
The central theme of the sequel, how a romance shrouded in secrecy is bound to take its toll, is fairly relatable and promising in theory, but falls flat in the execution.I didn’t really like Ohm and Fluke’s story in season 1, and season 2 only proved to prolong the pain.
Sadly, Ohm’s character remains unlikeable, shady and somewhat one-dimensional. Like season 1, Pierce still doesn’t seem to put in any real effort into making his partner feel wanted or seen – he looks perpetually uncomfortable when he’s around Typhoon unless they’re alone (red flag), and there’s little evidence of him even attempting to include Typhoon in his social and family circles (red flag again).
KimCop’s story was among my favourites in Season 1 because of its refreshing premise, so I was looking forward to it in season 2. Season 2’s storyline explores the toxicity of internet mobs, the pressures that idols face to keep their relationship under wraps, and how easily relationships creak under the weight of relentless scrutiny.
Unfortunately, with only 6 brief episodes, the series barely skims the surface of all these issues. If anything, the backstory to how Jedi and Ray got together in the real world was strangely absent in this series, and audiences lacked the context to fully appreciate the depth of their relationship and how real it actually is.
My full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/06/10/close-friend-season-2-2022-review-bl/
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Close Friend season 2 was okay
Overall: we have a continuation of my least favorite plot combined with my most favorite plot from season 1. I thought the first episode was a solid start, but it fell into some cliched writing/characters.Content Warnings: something related to the 1st season with Jedi and Ray, non con (photos/posting, live streaming), dub con kissing turned consensual
What I Liked
- nice recaps of the stories from season 1
- integrated the two stories well
- was happy to see 2 established couples
- the cute moments
- the funny moments like when Ray was describing the real Jedi
- happy we saw a morning kiss between Ray & Jedi
- the friendship between Ray & Typhoon
- that Jedi fought for his relationship
- good production value
- enjoyed the behind the scenes clips
Room For Improvement
- Ray really needed a hobby or a job, he felt like a very immature character and it was difficult for me to root for their relationship
- Typhoon's lack of agency was disappointing when he didn't want to go home, also thought the plotline with the parents could have been done better
- not into the Jedi/Ray revelation about season 1
- that vanishing effect in episode 5 felt like they were ghosts
- odd scene with Typhoon and Pierce working out but sounding like something else, the mom opens the door and then is shocked that they are...actually working out???
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Better Than Season 1
Much better than Season 1.It's so much better when they devote more time to less actors. Having only two couples definitely helped the story lines to be expanded upon, and the characters' personalities and relationships were greatly improved upon. I still have a problem with bl's that refuse to allow for realistic kiss scenes, it's difficult to convince me to believe that love exists when the couples' relationships are so platonic.
Some of the conflicts get resolved way too quickly and abruptly, and that also affects the series' dynamics.
Also, the whole parents' disapproval and then their sudden change of heart makes the struggle of coming out to the parents less believable.
This series i definitely worth watching, just don't expect too much.
Not a high rewatch value.
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Slow paced
I was really excited for this drama to come out, and actually waited till it finished airing, to start it, and thank goodness I did that, as i am not sure if I would have been able to finish it.This drama was a let down for me, as I found it really slow paced and a few times annoying, I mainly watched this for Kimcopper, and although they did not disappoint on the eye candy side, the drama it self was a let down. Copper was a bit annoying most of the times like to the point of being a little to babyish and also he didn't seem to have enough confidence in his love with Jedi!!! They took the story of Piece/Typhoon and Jedi/Ray and combined the two, where both of their stories overlap with one another. Phoon and Ray have been friends for a while, with Phoon helping Ray with his obsession with Jedi and being a good friend that gives him great advice. And Pierce is the songwriter who writes music for Jedi. So throughout, they all have interactions with one another while simultaneously dealing with their own conflicts.
I did like how in this season phoon character at least developed and made less babyish, but I am not so sure going to to work in the same place as your partner is good idea to start off, but somehow they made it work.
Overall : this is short drama if you have time to waste and can watch while scrolling through phone.
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This review may contain spoilers
JEDI IS THE MAN.
I watched the 1st season, and was surprise to know there is a second one. Like the title says, Jedi is the best.Every scene with Jedi and Ray, I couldn't stop giggling and smiling at it cause it's just something amusing and cute to see. Dating your favorite idol - Ray, your reaction is totally justified lmao.
What I dislike: Hm, the story doesn't have THAT much new content to offer. It was pretty simple and ok. Honestly, I just stayed for Jedi and Ray. Typhoon and Pierce's story seemed a little...uh...weak? Idk how many times has it been but these two always act as sad/crying characters, or at least for Fluke. When will he ever get a break from crying, I feel bad for him hahah
The ending was okay. I liked how Jedi really didn't care about his fame just to be with Ray, even willing to bet it all just to show Ray how he truly like him! It was heartwarming to see Jedi always wanting to be with Ray even when he said he'll be busy or won't come home but in the end he did anyway uhuhu
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This review may contain spoilers
Way better than the first season
This was a good series I do hope for a season three, since the ending said to be continued. I’m really grateful that this series was made because each season was actually pretty enjoyable and way better than the first one. I’ll talk about both couples again so there might be spoilers. I really don’t like Pierce in both seasons because both seasons typhoon was always sad because of him, from the first season being Pierce didn’t really talk or hang out with him and spending more time with his artist Marc than his actual boyfriend and now he doesn’t even want to tell his parents that he’s dating typhoon instead he would rather say that he’s his junior rather than boyfriend which is understandable, but why do it when you’ve been together for so long because theirs nothing to hide because nothing really could happen the only bad thing is that his parents won’t accepthim. I loved Ray and Typhoons friendship because they were so funny and adorable. I still really love Ray and Jedi’s relationship still because now they’re dating in real life and actually are super cute together to the point they live together. Their only problem was that Jedi is now supposed to be “dating” a girl named Milin and I will say that I didn’t really like her because she was annoying to me. Overall Jedi will still give Ray more attention than what Pierce gives in two seasons. Also Jedi’s little “Hi” is so cute especially with Ray’s reaction every time he does it. I loved that Bas and Dun showed up at the very end, so I’m thinking they might be the next season couples? If we have one, anyways I really recommend this series and enjoyed every moment.
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