The Luminous Solution (2023)

The Confusing/Boring Solution (interesting premise let down by poor writing/editing)

Overall: although episode 6 finally explained things, they ruined Ryou/Mai. It could have been a masterpiece with solid writing but I regret watching this. Aired uncut on GagaOOLala (1st episode was 1hr11min), cut on YouTube PTG Entertainment channel (1st episode was 45min). September 2024 they released the uncut version on their YouTube channel https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLwO0HIPrzVqg8pOveOEbzGzubh0XVs7D&si=YWn1lSeK9Yv-oWbn I watched the uncut version.

Important Plot Points to Know
- the very first scene is a flashback, there are flashbacks several times but they don't indicate they are flashbacks, the woman in the flashback is a character in the present
- the sandwich dude is playing two characters, himself in the present and his dad in the past
- the world building is explained in the final episode

Content Warnings: non con touching/attempted rape, punch, bullying, manhandling, non con turned consensual, slap, manipulation

What I Liked
- an established couple with realistic relationship issues
- decent solo NSFW scene (only in uncut version)
- camerawork where everyone else moves at a faster speed but the main character doesn't, to show how he's stuck
- the high school storyline up until the 2nd half of episode 5

Room For Improvement
- the way it started was confusing (note, this is a flashback)
- scenes jump with no explanation of how a character got there/when, for example, when/why/how did he get that business card? they never show the one guy being locked in the locker room? (explained in ep 6) why does Patis get a key from that nurse? why didn't they actually show the wish asking scenes in more detail (explained in ep 6)
- they needed to do more world building/hints prior to episode 6, they should not have included that grocery store scene
- episode 6 ruined Mai/Ryou, Mai should have stopped right away, also Ryou's wish was so awful, so we don't even know if the love was real or just because of the wish
- I don't want Thana and Patis together for many reasons
- I'm not sold on that level of tame kissing with an established couple and then how Patis is reluctant many times
- stupid wishes, why ask for a job when you can ask for a trillion dollars???
- cliche female character
- the pink transition effect was distracting
- open ending
- confused why they age restricted their youtube episode themselves as the cut version doesn't have anything in it that warrants being age restricted
- episodes are odd/out of order on their youtube channel

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Confusing and messy, but with a great plot twist

It was a mess, from start to finish. The trailer / teasers for the series looked really interesting and really promising. I was looking forward to the series for a while now but was left feeling disappointed in the end. I do think the series was too short to really get deep into the stories of everyone involved – the two main couples and the owner of the coffee shop.

The plot idea was not bad. It is actually quite an interesting one, especially with the plot twist we got. But the execution was not the best. I think the series would seriously benefited from a few more episodes, which would hopefully give them a chance to develop the plot in a better and more easily understood way.

Thana & Patis: I was looking forward to this couple. They are in an established relationship, something we don’t get often in main roles, and are dealing with realistic problems a couple might face at a certain point in their relationship. Thana is feeling stuck, both at work and privately, while also sometimes feeling like he is not good enough for Patis who appears to be the more successful between the two. Patis is sweet and hardworking but doesn’t really have much time for his partner. All of this combined, puts a strain on their relationship. I actually found the two incredibly awkward with each other, especially their intimate moments. Patis didn’t really seem like he enjoyed them, at all. For a couple who has been together for over 10 years, the two don’t communicate nearly enough. They don’t talk about anything. So much of it could be avoided or resolved by talking. I did expect what their main conflict would be, including who would cause it. I don’t think the two of them are a good match for each other. I also don’t think the actors had good chemistry. It all felt very stiff.

Ryou & Mai: The two have an enemies to lovers story, but because of the time restraints, it seems very sudden and kind of out of the blue. It feels like we are missing some scenes to help us understand how their relationship develops. Also the fact that it went from zero to a hundred in a few seconds doesn’t really help. They both seem similar in the sense they don’t really let anyone close to them too quickly, they find it hard to make friends. Ryou is more independent though, while Mai seems to be someone who hates being on his own. Their chemistry was better, but things moved so fast with them. Sex can’t be the main basis of a relationship if you want it to last. They also didn’t communicate with each other when it was needed.

There was a lot of flashbacks that left me feeling quite confused at times. I think it’s because it was hard to tell they are flashbacks when first seeing them happen. The coffee shop cards just appearing with no reasoning how, why, and when was also very confusing.

The coffee shop owner was strange. I don’t fully understand how us knowing her story is important for the events that are happening in the present. Is her magic good or bad? I am not sure. It seems mostly neutral to me, but because people don’t really know how to make a wish, it usually ends up blowing in their faces.

I wasn’t a fan, but seeing it’s quite short, I finished it. There are quite a few plot holes and scenes that don’t make much sense. The final episode only made everything even more confusing. And it made the whole timeline of the series make even less sense. Not that it made much sense in the first place.

I do have a very important question though. How old is Time? They said he is supposed to be in high school, but it wasn’t really his thing, so he is doing homeschool now. He gets involved with someone who is in his late twenties (at least), so their minimal age gap is around ten years.

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Such a complicated mess

No idea where to begin... I never expected this series to be any good and I was not mistaken. But, I also never expected 6 episodes of confusion and more confusion combined with poor acting, terrible directing. This has to be one of 2023's weakest BLs and we've had several disasters this year... here's why:

1. Gun Napat simply cannot act. I'm sure he is a charming person in his everyday life but he either never listens to his acting coach or he just can't produce any leading role material. He was the funny character in the quite disappointing "Love by Chance 2: A Chance to Love" and then he was lead role in the mediocre "Golden Blood" and his acting remains almost the same. No improvement over his silly way of delivering lines without any particular emotion and always crooking one side of his mouth when he smiles or when he is angry or when he is sad or when he cries. I'm not sure if it's a nervous tick or he has an issue with his face but it is always the same. One side goes up no matter what so he seems to be smirking when he is crying and that, to me, is so distracting. He is also the least believable doctor in the entire world, but that is not his fault... that is the production and director's problem to cast him in that character.

2. The plot twists were so much it was making me dizzy, especially in the end. Mai turns out to be Thana, Ryou turns out to be Phatit and from what Dena narrates near the end of episode 6, Nack turns out to be Naphat. So, this story seems to convey the message that nobody was happy with their situation so they all had to resort to wishing in a mysterious café first managed by Kaownah and then managed by Kaew (I think that was her name). It is a never-ending train of persons who are unhappy and want to wish for something else. Ryou wanting Mai to love him, Nack wanting to kiss Ryou, Thana wanting to find a job, Kaew wanting to see her son again. All that would have been fine, but the jumps in timeline from the past to the present are so confusing at times that I don't know what wish are we on or who asked for it.

3. Forgettable characters. None of the characters is really likeable... maybe Ryou saves himself but then he goes and wishes someone to "love him forever" (as if that is something you can just unilaterally wish for). Nack is a bully to Mai because he is jealous that Ryou likes Mai instead of him. We think he is the one that locks him up in episode 1 but it turns out to be Dena who is also jealous because she likes Ryou but he thinks of both her and Nack as best friends. As a result, they also go to the café to wish for something but I nearly had to pull out a board to write down who was wishing what and what timeline was it happening. Then, Kaew takes over the café and we see Dome (previously seen in 2Moons2) appear and at first I thought he got Kaew pregnant during their high school years so I was confused. Later, I realized he is the son of that relationship who Kaew gave away for adoption and the father looked exactly like the son... I mean, they could have used another random actor to portray the father instead of having Dome play both roles (and considering he was one of the weakest in 2Moons2, his acting is not exactly prize worthy). Bhu (who we saw in "Manner of Death" and "Nitiman") and Ryou seem to have the most chemistry between them but I felt both were a bit subdued in their roles and didn't give us more memorable moments... probably because of...

4. Poor directing/writing. The concept of the show is not that original but the execution could have avoided this confusing mess. Situations that were never explained as, after finding out that Mai and Ryou are Thana and Phatit, we ended up jumping from the past to the present to see all the things that led each of them to wish in the café. We fell into the usual clichés of Mai not wanting to be gay because of his parents but then contradicting himself when he almost rapes Ryou. The usual jealous third wheel that tries to sabotage a relationship like we saw Dena try to do by locking up Mai or Nack try to do by bullying Mai. The common love triangle with Ryou being the center of attention as both Nack and Dena like him but he only has eyes for Mai. The cheating moment with the lead couple with Thana getting oral sex from Time only to be discovered by Phatit and then the most ridiculous conversation happening between them with Thana asking for forgiveness and Phatit suggesting that if a couple stay together for a long time, cheating is bound to happen so his "brilliant" solution is proposing an open relationship so Thana can have sex with whoever he wants as long as he tells Phatit about it. If all relationships went like that, well, I'm sure it would be a disaster for many. Most of the situations in the show were poorly handled which led to more confusion and things that had to be solved near the end of episode 6.

So, in the end, a disappointing series that at least ended after 6 episodes instead of torturing us for 12 like others have done in the past (see Love Syndrome III with Frank for an example). A shame because now for every decent BL series we have, we seem to get 4-5 mediocre ones and 1-2 complete disasters.

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What did I just watch?

When I read the synopsis. I was expecting a really cool story.

These characters didn't have such big problems that they would need a "wish" to solve it. Like what were their needs?

Also what a waste. I hate this jealousy trope where two characters fall in love but because a third character likes one of them they try to sabotage their relationship. Like move on. My whole life has been a series of unrequited love and I ALWAYS just wish the best for the person I like. How immature do people have to be that they don't realize that by forcing someone who doesn't love them into a relationship they are both going to be absolutely miserable. Come on. I had my first crush when I was 3 years old. Yes I remember them - we were best friends, and even then when my brain couldn't even process complex things I was just happy when they were happy even though I knew they didn't like me back - because their dad would always use "getting them married to [me]" as a way to get them to do their chores.

This show was not well written or executed. Directors/Writers please come to me when you want to flesh out your story and dialogue. I don't speak thai but I am happy to work with your writers and storytellers to create good scripts and solid stories. I can add all the cheese and corn you want into the script.

Honestly, with the supernaturally inclined synopsis, there was so much potential to this script but it was completely wasted. I think this was meant to be a bit like the k-drama "mystic pop-up bar" but it failed miserably.

The twist was weird. Like what was the point? Other than to be a twist. It made no logical sense.

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Boring at best

To be honest after episode 2 I realized I wasn't that interested in anybody else's storyline except Duen and Mai. I thought those two had lovely chemistry that was strong enough to carry their own series. Both actors were also good, especially the actor playing Mai. I saw him in Nitiman and really enjoyed him in that as well.

The whole magic cafe thing was a complete waste of time and an unnecessary gimmick to add mystery to the show. Sigh. I couldn't continue watching those scenes because they were so dull.

A mildly annoying issue: I watched this on YouTube and whoever uploaded it, has put the uncut version behind a pay wall. And all I could think was for what?? Why would I pay any additional money for this though?! To see some extra naked chests and a few kisses? I can get that for free from so many other shows available on YouTube, IQIYI, Viki, Netflix, etc. What a useless money grab.

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IDK what to tell you

the casting was too good for this to play out the way it did. the characters had tons of personality it felt very realistic and relatable when it comes to life. now the plot--- the plot was most definitely there, it just lacked structure when it came to the outline and the editing. I felt like it was a lot of "ooouu's and ahhh's " from me while watching but I had to infer a lot of the time for the story to connect. It most definitely was rushed, I think the series would've been more successful with 10-12 episodes cause the finale leaves you more confused than any other episode. Nothing was really resolved you literally have to come to your own conclusion.

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Wth

Lol wot a load of twoddle are u actually bloody kidding me ?it was a complete waste of time,who finishes a series in that way ? i mean come on you should of saved ur money coz tho the concept was there its turned out absolutely poo ,sorry but in ny opinion the actors were wasted on the whole thing,my kids could of done better it just made no sense at all,wot the hell was the point of that creepy cafe and even creepier woman ?total waste,please analyse before putting out there coz omg wat a total waste of time,an dont get me wrong everyones entitled to theyre opinion but anyone who gave this even a bit over 4 or 5 needs to rewatch it ? soz just my opinion ?

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Messy miscast but emotionally intense

I'm submitting my first review of a bl drama because i think the negative reviews while somewhat justified appear to ignore the beauty and sorrow of these lovers. By episode 4 it is obvious that of the 4 lovers 2 are steadfast loyal kind and gentle in their love while 2 are erratic and self absorbed.
All the clues are given. If you force or wish someone to love you you may get your wish but it will not change the nature of that person. Thana loves Pat to the best of his ability but their love is not and never will be equal. Thana's wish is rather shallow compared to the one made by Pat of love forever. Thana just wants a job.
Pat cannot cheat. Thana needs to. What i liked about this drama: unlike many bl dramas you are forced to think. Pat was so committed to Thana that after he saw him cheating
he would have permitted Thana to have other lovers and you know that if they stay together Thana will eventually cheat again. Does pat feel guilt over his wish? The relationship between Thana and Time. Time gave him freedom and friendship when he needed it and was a positive in Thana's life. Their sexuality was intense. They fit together. The young lovers Mai and Ryou and their first feelings. The foreshadowing. The near rape which is telling of their personalities. Pat as the stability. Thana as the disrupter. Pat as caregiver working but still cookin and cleaning. Thana as needy smoking and Time. Pat as honest. Thana deceitful. Pat successful. Thana perceives himself as a loser. A lot to think about. What I did not like: while it was really impossible to present the flash backs due to the nature of the story or to connect the 4 lovers in person with each other there may have been a better way to hint at their relationship. This is a writing problem. While I do agree that the actor playing Pat needed more range but to blame him for his boyish face and expression may not be fair. Better direction needed here. After all they gave him the part. Director. Casting. The names issue needed better explanation. Writing. More explanation of the cafe, the witch, the son that was given away was sorely needed. Dena in love with Ryou totally unnecessary. The wished for kiss needed more exposition. In fact it needed to be hotter with Pat a little swayed. The absolute end is rushed and confusing. Who loves who in the end? Other wishes? what? Totally worth watching but requires thinking.

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Confusing and messy.

At first, when I saw the trailer they showed, I felt that this series would be very special. However, when the series started airing, I gradually became disappointed with it. I really had high expectations for this series.

Then, I tried to keep watching it until the end, but there were still a lot of plot holes that misunderstood me and made me confused about what they were playing. I still didn't understand the plot when I finished watching the series.

Then I chose to pay more so I could watch the uncut version to better understand the contents of the story. Unfortunately, I'm still disappointed with the plot they gave, there are too many gaps that could still be filled, but instead they chose to leave it alone.

Luckily I was still able to enjoy this series a little until the end. Thank you to Mai and Ryou who kept me going until the last second of this series.

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Was that really the end?

I despise, seriously despise, loose ends at the end of anything I watch. I almost screamed at the movie screen when I watched "Into the Spider-Verse (Miles Morales) 2" when they flashed that stupid...to be continued...at the end.

This drama was a mess from beginning to end. What I liked: 1) an established, long term relationship 2) seeing Gun Napata and Bhu in another drama and 3) Dena's character 4) Dr. Prame and the nurse
What I disliked: 1) was there a plot or story line? 2) the messy...everything but especially the ending 3) the cowardice of Mai 4) the inability to perceive that a high schooler is desperate for your, a 25+ year old, attention 4) the so called story was all over the place, bouncing between some weird cafe, an established "older" couple and some high school kids exploring their first crush...huh?

Waste of time.

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Original story with great acting

I went into this kind of reluctantly, since the rating was only 6.5. I ended up really enjoying the originality of the story and the great contrast between the reality of relationships and the fantasy of a wishing cafe.
Yes, it's messy. But isn't that what relationships are? All main characters performed very well. Good chemistry, good timing. There were some gaps in the plot, but not too disturbing.

What I did not like was the lack of acting skills of the supporting actors. Overacting, weird expressions, robot like performances.

For a young production house and inexperienced actors, this was extremely well done.

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The worst possible solution

Even if the only way to solve a problem or right a wrong is to go to a magical café and make a wish, please don't go about it like all the characters did. I know it's fiction but oof-

The story was confusing from the beginning to the end, despite the fact that they revealed almost everything and answered most of the questions that built up during the beginning in episode six. I watched all the characters make the messiest decisions and then immediately run to the café to fix the result of their actions, without ever knowing how the magic and wishings of it worked. Understanding that part of the appeal was the mysterious aura they maintained around the café, it still would have been engrossing for the viewers to have the world building revealed bit by bit in each episode as opposed to revealing everything in the finale. Long story short, they either needed more episodes to fully delve into the mysteries of the café, the beginnings, turmoils and eventual conclusions of all the characters and romances, or they needed better, more crisp writing that focused on the important aspects instead of giving backstories and screentime to characters who were only present, in a way, to fuel the decline of the leads.

None of the characters were especially interesting, no one could be deemed likeable, and the romance between these characters was as likeable as they were.
I wanted them to showcase a situation where the adult leads are caught at a crossroads, going through a bad phase in their relationship, a slump in their careers, that's what the summary promised! Instead, I got a mess. I didn't want to see a loving relationship but they kept pretending that everything was hunky dory, then all hell broke loose, and boy how! Thinking about how to explain their relationship is making my head hurt, it was that kind of a mess. I never got why they were a couple until they made that reveal in the finale.
The other couple was much better, and despite the lack of proper development (which is a recurring theme with everything in this series, nothing is developed or explained well until the last episode when it's all dumped on us in an information overload), they had me rooting for them. Until, of course, the reveal in the finale ruined their story as well.

The big reveal that we were seeing the same characters as their younger and older selves didn't work either, this was the only thing that became glaringly obvious as I watched and it should have been the biggest plot twist. They tried several others too, but at that point, I was too exhausted to care about some half done suspense. The cherry on top was the fact that when everything suddenly made sense, I just hated it even more. It was such a tedious process to get answers that simply made me angrier, and then just tired because of the realisation that an interesting premise had been melted beyond recognition and turned into a steaming pile of nonsense.

I'll be outright, reading this review will make it seem like this a series you need to watch to understand but even having watched it, I'm still confused. And a little nauseous because of how confused I am. And furious to the level that some of this may make no sense, but at least that's in keeping with the series. Give yourself a break and don't read too much into anything that you watch in this, and if you're as confused and angry as I am when you finish it, you know this review is here to help give you a little more clarity.

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