Be My Favorite (2023)

Inconsistent Time-Traveling Rules But A Warm & Cozy Time

The magic and whimsy of Be My Favorite gives me warm and cozy memories. It's not a perfect drama for reasons I'll go into later, but it definitely is one of the stronger BL's I've watched. It felt much cleaner than other GMMTV dramas in that the story had clear direction and no loose ends (at least for the parts that mattered). There was clear character growth for both of the characters and it was so satisfying to see Kawi become happier and more confident once he realized that he didn't need to time travel anymore to live a full and satisfying life.

The drama was also so dang pretty. Some of the scenes were absolutely and unexpectedly breathtaking.

I love romcoms with supernatural elements, so this could've been a 10/10 win for me, but the time traveling rules were very weak, or rather nonexistent. When Kawi first went back in time and it was chaotic, it made sense because Kawi was too preoccupied with making the future perfect that he ended up fumbling the present. When he returned, he was much more intentional with letting things play out, but when he went back, it was a mess. So what’s the lesson here? There needed to be a clearer connection between past actions and future implications. Like with most GMMTV dramas, I just turned my brain off and I was able to just fully enjoy the show.

The show really showed its strength with its surprisingly mature ending. I was ready to throw hands when Kawi got sick because I assumed it was the writers trying to throw an unnecessary last minute twist, but instead the twist of Pisaeng going back in time really had me floored. Pisaeng, having accidentally gotten Kawi sick in the future, considers ending his relationship with Kawi to prevent Kawi from getting deathly ill down the line, but Kawi, having grown so much in his time travels, tells Pisaeng that he's content with his life with him, and wants him in his life no matter what happens. They lived a full life in love, no need to tinker with the past.

What makes me love this show is that it's strong on its own. A lot of BLs falter because the writers rely too much on the ship or the mere fact that it's a BL to get attention and create buzz. But Krist and Gawin aren't a massive ship (and doesn't really seem like that was an intended goal of the show anyway given the lack of shipwork between the two) and you could've made Be My Favorite a het drama and it would've been JUST as good. I'm glad we're no longer settling for subpar stories to push ships and maximize $$$. I hope we continue to strive for quality dramas.

All in all, I really enjoyed Be My Favorite, a very unexpected pleasant watch!

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Weird plot holes and lacking chemistry sadly

Overall I enjoyed the majority of this Series. It did get a bit weird and confusing and illogical in the end.. but well with a time travelling plot that’s to be expected.

Interestingly enough I feel like both Gawin and Krist did great with their roles respectively. It’s just that the feeling of a very socially awkward 30yo in the body of a teen just makes for a weird feeling generally… krist did great at being exactly what he was supposed to be… I don’t see fault in the actors here but very much in the story itself.

While I did ship both characters together and I did feel like they liked each other, we were missing some actual vocalisation of those feelings from one side which made the whole thing feel a bit lacking in chemistry.. i feel like they could have put more effort into actually showing his feelings at some point, they were definitely there but the series just really didn’t give him a chance to show that.

The last Episode IMO overall was just unnecessary and could’ve been cut out of the series without any issues at all

I actually rewatched the first 10 episodes because I had quit at the end the first time around, I did still enjoy even the second watch though. Just the end really wasn’t all that giving.

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Annoyingly Cute

I love time travel stories. I love stories where characters try to fix issues in their past (like the film The Butterfly Effect). So far, I like this.

This is only the second drama I've seen with Krist. He's still pulling weird, but funny, faces! His character (Kawi) is a bit of a loser who can't seem to get anything right. I feel for him every time he hesitates as it feels so relatable. I feel for him every time he wants to be close to the girl he likes - Pear (Aye) - but doesn't know how to do it. It's relatable because it's hard to put yourself out there and hope you won't feel crushed. He feels utterly crushed.

I find much of this interesting because hindsight is an incredible thing. We assume that if we went back to a particular time or place, we could fix it and it would all be OK. In reality, how could it be? We would only be accounting for our effort and not of other people. There's a domino effect in everything: a slight nudge in a different direction must make everything that follows slightly different...surely?

What I like: Krist's acting. Gawin's character (Pisaeng's cool hotness). Aye's lovely character (Pear)
What I don't like: The whining of Krist's character - act your age and take a chance (but it is relatable!)

I was surprised by the transformation of Krist's character from whining and annoying university student to wise and mature young man. It was a good transformation and beautifully acted by Krist - I believed every version of the character.

I admit that the last episode brought a few tears to my eyes. It was sad, thoughtful and joyful.

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Missed potential

Bless Gawin for being an incredible actor who tried really hard to have chemistry with Krist. Despite the commendable attempt from Gawin and a really good script, I found Krist's acting quite lackluster which ruined the series a little bit for me.

Here's the thing, for a series to be good, the viewers have to actually like and connect with the character. This premise is not new, this formula is the lovechild of "About Time" and "When We First Met". I absolutely adored Pisaeng's character in this - he was sensitive, in touch with his feelings, and has a chronic case of puppy eyes which makes you really feel for him. However, Kawi is a hugely different story due to the execution. Kawi is very flawed, which shouldn't be a problem if it was portrayed by a more skillful actor who could help balance out the negatives with some humanity. I usually love flawed characters, it gives their personality some dimensions. This is not the case with Kawi. The script wasn't the problem in this case - the problem actually lies in the delivery. The script gave Kawi so much chance of redemption: the internalized homophobia, low self esteem, and eventual self acceptance. The delivery was the main issue. Internalized homophobia & low self esteem appears as selfishness and disingenuity. The eventual self acceptance didn't actually feel like self acceptance - it just appeared to be "oh, I know what outcome is the best for me now, so I'll go with that". This could've been much better with a slight tonal change in the delivery. The relationship ended up feeling imbalanced, with Pisaeng's character giving in to everything Kawi wants.

I couldn't fault anything else, really. The theme was interesting, side characters were very well developed, and each scene was made with purpose. I just wished they casted a different actor to play alongside Gawin.

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A big fat lie!

The series begins with a big fat lie in just under 2 minutes of its first episode!

YES!

The protagonist claims that he doesn't have good grades, his financial situation is even worse, and he has no friends. And do you notice it? Where is the lie here?
Kiwi (Perawat Sangpotirat) looks good. And we can argue if everyone thinks he's good looking. But I do mean that you guys find him far above average handsome, right?
A little hair out of his forehead and he looks really good. Kiwi plays a loner, at least in the first two episodes. One who prefers to go down to the basement to laugh than to move to the dance floor dancing. You have to make him a little nerdy at the beginning. That's the principle of "Yo soy Betty, la fea (Original) - Ugly Betty"
But let's wait and see.

Good-looking people don't have to exert a lot of effort to get to know other people. It sort of falls into their laps.
So I think Kiwi is wrong in this assertion. OK.. i was a bit overdrama, to call it a "fat lie" ;) But i can say, he is lying to himself.
Besides the stereotype that good-looking people have it easier, Kiwi claims that rich people feel less alone (than he does). This is quietly contradicted by Pisaeng (Gawin Caskey). I'm curious to see if the screenwriters flesh this out a bit more.

The theme
If you're under 25, you won't have that feeling as clearly as those over 25. Everyone at some point asks themselves the question, if I had reacted differently at a certain point, what would my life have been like?
So it's likely to be a series that will also appeal to older viewers. It's a smart move.

The music
Often (too often), catchy pop tunes are woven into a series ad nauseum. People forget that good film music underscores the story and the plot. The feelings of an actor are excellently carried by good music.
The music of "Be My Favorite" is outstanding for a series. There is a real full-blooded musician at work here, who was able to fit well into the story. Perawat Sangpotirat is credited as the composer. Kudos if the lead also writes the score.
In any case, it's worth indulging in the music as well.

Conclusion...
At the moment it looks like a very exciting story.
I feel entertained and invited by the story to keep watching.


23.06.23
Edit Episode 4:
I love Perawat Sangpotirat more and more as an actor.
Unbelievable how well he plays and makes even mundane moments seem real and believable.
He plays a nerd, so he's the nerd, and when the nerd dances, all you want to do is run. And that from such a good musician. Well. So a real accomplishment to dance so unrhythmically....
Who wants to be with such a nerd? And what's new in his world? Unfortunately, the episodes are short and fly by each other.
Of course, one would like to intervene and say, do this or that. But that's exactly what makes a good series: that you'd prefer to take the protagonist and tell him how to behave. He played so convincingly that you take the role from him.
Also convincingly played Sarunchana Apisamaimongkol. A beautiful woman and so gifted in acting. I am sure we will see more of her.
Although Gawin Caskey has a very short role in this episode, I found him convincing. Dear camera, dear director. Give him more time. I find the camera work too fast here, this character needs more moments.
Justina Suvanvihok, your moment was when you sang. That was beautiful. I can see that you feel very comfortable in that moment and in that role. Your role comes a little bit too short.
Kirati Puangmalee's is way too long for that. Very good actor who plays the ass of the series. He is really the worst. Boring, nerdy and dumb. So congratulations for playing your role so wonderfully. Don't be sad, villains are unpopular characters in series. But we need them, because otherwise you don't notice the very beautiful so clearly. But in this episode, I find his role a bit too much.
For Thanaboon Kiatniran, it's time for him to come out of the Support Roles niche. Hey Talent Scouts. You missed someone excellent here. He will shine in a leading role.


Do you agree with me? Or do you think my points are lame? Then make me a friend and write to me. Or drop a comment, I'll be sure to reply. Have fun and all the best!

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Pleasant surprise

I've watched a lot of Thai bls, especially the university-set ones, and they can easily blend into each other, and it's hard to do time travel well. I'm really liking this series, though. The casting is great! (Who else loves Max?) I love Fluke's character, Pisaeng; it's great to see some vulnerability, unsurety in him. Pear's deeper than many FLs, and I love her best friend. Well written so far, well acted. It's hard to wait in between episodes! It's 12 episodes, so I'm wondering where they'll take the story, but I'm hoping it continues to move forward, yet keep developing these characters and their relationships.

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Very confused

Hate me if u will but so far i really dont like that girl pear ,she liked pisang ok cool hes hot but he had no feelings for u so u decided to have a go with kiwi ?hmmmmm that was fast but then u have da audacity to be pissed no matter what u said ,girl ur lying because u found out pisang and kiwi are together so now u decided to move onto the runt of the group not ,lol are u kidding me have u no shame apart from the fact hes a plick and it would only seem can get a girl who actually liked u last but he turned down a pretty girl with actually feelings to be by the side of a girl that is probably gonna date u coz she couldn't get any of the guys she actually want pmsl what a joke total stupidness ?so hope it all works out ,but still a very amusing passtime ?even if pears got no shame nots a dick and pears friend has no sense.

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Interesting Time Traveling but just an OK watch

Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75

Time-traveling is usually not my thing but I read good reviews and thought I would try it out. Overall, it's an OK drama and I might not love it as much as others. A few quick thoughts:

1. I do like the time-traveling as it's an interesting take on how to go back-and-forth. I would probably be like Kwai and wanted to check a couple times to see if I am getting the desired outcome.
2. I like Krist's acting and his role is so different than when I last saw him in "Good Old Days". His acting is so good that I find Kawi quite an annoying character. LOL
3. I do not enjoy Fluke's acting. He did not impress me in "Not Me" and also not in "Be My Favorite". I don't find him particularly attractive so not being able to act matters more.
4. As mentioned, I find Kawi annoying. It's hard for me to root for him as he's quite selfish and wants it all. The girl, the boy, and everything to go his way.
5. Pisaeng is a very sweet character, despite Fluke's bland acting. I think Pisaeng is too good for Kawi.
6. For once we have students NOT in Engineering!
7. Product placement is actually on the light side. That's a pleasant surprise.
8. Too much cakey makeup on the guys - young and old.
9. I was more interested in the beginning and end of the drama. The middle dragged and I didn't care for Pearmai's mommy issues. At least we don't have an evil 2FL. I like the ending when Pisaeng get's to 'do' that as well. But then those last 1.5 episodes are soooo slow. Not much really happened.
10. I wanted to see more of Kawi and Pisaeng after they got together and not just a montage. I want more time when they are a couple.

Overall, it's an easy watch. If you like the leads and time travel, I'll recommend this. Otherwise, it's an OK watch.


Completed: 8/15/2023 - Review #340

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Quite dissapointing

The show starts off on a promising note, albeit with some familiar BL tropes that feel a bit overused. The main issue, however, lies with Kawi's character. As the lead, he is supposed to evoke our empathy, but the storytelling and acting fall short in this regard. While it's easy to understand Kawi's perspective, his supposed attraction and love for Piseang come across as forced. It feels more like Kawi is settling for Piseang after repeatedly failing to win over Pear, rather than genuinely falling in love with him.

This weakens the emotional core of the story, making Kawi's love for Piseang seem almost invisible. The show would have been much more innovative and inspiring if it had focused on Piseang and Max as the central, openly gay leads, instead of centering on an immature Kawi who only seems to grow up in the final episode.

Gawin delivers a strong performance, bringing depth to his role, but Krist's tendency to overact prevents us from fully connecting with Kawi. Overall, the show had potential but falters due to its uneven characterization and missed opportunities.

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Loved every seconde

There is nothing negative to say about this. The storyline, acting, chemistry,... Everything was just so sweet, romantic,...

I saw other Drama's starting these actors, but I must say they both were at their best in this one. Krist was playfully cute Even Fluke was at his best, I must honestly say I didn't like him in Dark blue Kiss.

I also love how it's not the usual "misunderstanding that could easily fixed with a simple talk" kind of drama. It was sweet, romantic, cool story line and at the end also some heartbreaking tension. It's a journey to find your soul mate and how sometimes it turns out to be not the one you expected it to be.

Also when they found out they were actually falling in love with a guy, their realisation that they are gay, each at their own pace, is beautifully pictured. Nothing was over dramatic nor childish.

Even the kissing scenes were just so honey sweet.

I can't repeat enough: I loved every seconde of this BL.

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