This review may contain spoilers
The Best Interest of Everyone
What's right may not be legal and what's legal may not be right. The opposing views on euthanasia was discussed in great detail and according to the end, legality won. I want to say unfortunately but the other side of that coin would send a message of acceptable wanton killings.It is legal to execute a prisoner by lethal injection but illegal to give someone peace who suffers daily from excruciating pain.
The plot was very interesting, thought provoking and with a few unexpected surprises. The acting was wonderfully done by everyone. A Thai production of this caliber done in 8 episodes is a miracle in itself. The pacing, flash backs and character development produced a drama worth watching and watching again.
The divide between Thiu and Kan was bridged for only a moment and what a beautiful moment it was. Their moment of intimacy was tastfully done as expected from mature individuals. Thiu, tho a bit hesitant due to Kan's wound, encouraged by Kan, gave in. I must admit I was not expecting this as the previous meetings would show desire alone. Truthfully, I would have preferred for it to have not happened due to the ending.
The only question that should have been asked of Thiu but it wasn't...
If his mother, in extreme pain, had begged him to end it, would he have stepped back and refused, leaving her to suffer. The morality of these situations are ambiguous from the both positions taken.
Boss, the pharmacist, gave a stellar performance. From lover, to psycho, to unrepentant murderer. The difference between him and Kan would be the matter of choice. The patients chose Kan. Boss forced his choice on them. His death was his choice and I was happy that he was not a hypocrite at the end. Rin, a surprise, kept her self righteousness to herself on hearing the truth but with conditions. Every story was not rushed and given enough time to be completed adequately.
The ending was as society would want but it did not hurt any less.
"Would you confess?"
"Only if it's you."
Painfully, they hug. Placing a petal in Kan's handcuffed hands, Thiu says, "I love you."
Both Kan and Thiu proved how much they loved each other.
Beautifull writing. It tugs at the emotions that are kept in check. Sammon, the author, and Sirilux Srisukon, the screenwriter, thank you. The dialogue was enhanced by every actor's performance and well worth the praise. I will look forward to seeing these actors in the future. I hope a S2 is made.
Go watch!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I need more of JJ & Tor!
The acting is SOOOO good, especially Tor! I love how everything is wrapped up in 8 episodes= clean and sweet cut.Each episode keeps you wanting for more, and boy- when that kiss finally arrived- im like YESS!
It tackles the topic of euthanasia in a really diverse way- including explaining the legal side, moral side, and even talking about consent, etc. It's amazing to see BL starting to touch on deeper topics beyond just 2 men kissing each other (although i love watching that lol)
I especially love the ending as to how Wansa held Doctor's hand and then dropped the Hydrangea which represents "forgiveness"- just WOW! Got me crying so badly- it's just so beautiful
Side note, Tor looked so much like Namkoong Min somehow, especially the eyes expression. I think it's probably the similarity in character they have played before than the actual actor looking alike
Anyway, this BL is just so FKING GOOOOOODDDD- I'd totally up for more collab from this duo again!
Was this review helpful to you?
Amazing!
Watching this series made me cry and be happy at the same time.The chemistry of the male leads is very good.
The ending was so good and very good acting.
I would like to see them in another bl series if it's possible.
I love everything in this series. ♥️
It was really nice to watch this masterpiece for a while but it's very short only 8 episodes 😖
It was good watching so I'm not going to complain 😌
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
everyone should watch this
this series is so unique for so many different ways. I actually loved how the romance wasn't actually the main focus of the story, but the two main leads had such insane chemistry. the storytelling was perfect and always kept me guessing, having plot twists that made sense and made the story more interesting and complex. I don't think until I watched this that I can say that a BL series has made me question my own beliefs and morals, but Spare Me Your Mercy did exactly that. it was a powerful commentary on the fact that the law does not always have ones best interest in mind. everything about this series is amazing to me, and I am really really hoping for a season two. also Tor and JJ did absolutely amazing in this I am definitely a fan of both of them now. I highly recommend this masterpiece of a series!Was this review helpful to you?
A beautiful piece
[DISCLAIMER: I am just writing this so that it stays on my profile. Like I do often with series I rate a 10. And lot of the stuff I vent about are often repeated by me]OVERALL:
I just finished it and am still hungover. I usually watch something else to distract from the previous series but I want this to last a bit longer. From the beginning it felt a bit different, and it was. Almost every episode was gripping, they kept a good pace and ended at an acceptable point. And the last episode, especially last few scenes were amazing.
SOMETHING SPECIAL:
One of the reason being, BL tag often ends up being a glass ceiling. The expectations is usually just for a light hearted fluff or sexual exploits of hormonal men in love, and that's what most try to deliver. Plots and acting is sadly not stressed on a lot. Normal protocols include : throw in a popular "couple", slap on a few provocative scenes, and despite having very promising plotlines, just not care about it. BUT this was a an all rounded drama and I loved it a lot.
PLOT:
The premise is delicate, complex and very much of a gray area. Personally, I could feel and see distinctions between what I considered "right" and "wrong" in this series. It helped that (much like the time when I was watching Dexter) my thought process made me feel legally wrong doesn't always need to be morally wrong.
CAMERAWORK:
The cinematography, was good. The lighting and filters stayed true to the mood of the story.
DIRECTION & WRITING:
Story has a good flow, directed pretty well.
SOUNDTRACK:
I became a huge fan of both the opening credit and OST of this series, again, suits the whole aura of this series very well.
ACTING:
Like another review already mentioned, almost everyone did a great job. Leads were exceptionally good. The chemistry was not overly stressed on but it was very much there. Their thoughts, empathy, sense of duty, internal struggles were all portrayed very well, even when it was without words. I am a fan of both the leads, and even plan to see what their other works have been like!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I LOVED IT
I loved how euthanasia was looked at from different POV. Doctor’s POV as more of a morality issue. Boss’ as the wrong way to perform it. And Thui’s legal POV. Both Kan and Boss had good intentions but Boss had no right to do it, literally killing people, on the other hand Kan respected wishes of the patients, which would make it legal somewhere else. Thiu holds the opposing views to theirs, he looks at it from his professional POV, which makes euthanasia illegal and unacceptable for him. I think it gives us all a side to be on (well maybe not Boss’s side, I think, he’s just an example of how it shouldn’t be done) and for many it opens a conversation regarding euthanasia since it’s illegal in most countries. I really didn’t want it to end like that but I think it makes sense that Thiu arrested Kan, I don’t think he could live with himself, knowing that Kan continues euthanasing people, in his eyes and according to law it is murder and from how I understand the character, he thinks it’s his duty to act according to law (and I mean it is his job). I still hate that Kan got arrested tho.Was this review helpful to you?
Killing me softlyyyyyy
As a series that tackles the highly controversial topic of euthanasia in Thailand, this show is expectedly quite intense.The show has received some criticisms for romanticising Dr. Kan’s actions and his controversial stance on patient care. The series highlights ethical questions on what constitutes murder and whether life is worth protecting at all costs.
Plotwise, the many twists in Spare Me Your Mercy make for an engaging and compulsive watch. But I want to talk about the unexpectedly spectacular chemistry between Thanapob and Jayler. Despite the captain’s suspicions of the doctor, the doctor’s thoughtful and charming ways gradually chip away at Tiw’s walls, giving way to a sweet and ambiguous relationship that’s neither friends nor lovers.
Spare Me Your Mercy wants you to root for Dr. Kan and Tiw, but also makes it incredibly uncomfortable for you to support a relationship based on lies. Overall, this was a great storyline that hits you with both butterflies and feels. Great show.
More reviews: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/
Was this review helpful to you?
More of Thriller with Little bit of Romance
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. One of the best thriller genre BL in recent times. Though the team have given very little romantic moments for couple, you still feel the butterflies in your stomach in those scenes.The only reason i reduced 1 point was for not having more episodes. Its sin to end such great show in 8 episodes. Otherwise its a perfect show with right dosage of everything. Hope they give us special episode or something in the coming days.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
One of the Most Entertaining Thrillers in 2024!
As the curtains close on Spare Me Your Mercy, the Thai BL series delivers a poignant exploration of morality, love, and loss. Adapted from Sammon’s novel Euthanasia, this melancholic drama probes the fine line between compassion and crime, framed by a chilling mystery involving rising deaths among terminally ill patients. Starring Tor Thanapob as Dr. “Kan” Kantaphat and JJ Krissanapoom as Police Major “Thiu” Wasan Khambunrueang, the series challenges viewers to grapple with the ethical complexities of life and death.The show opens with a gripping investigation into stolen potassium chloride from a local hospital, setting the stage for a tightly woven web of suspicion. Potential culprits emerge, including Nurse Onanong (Fresh Arisara Wongchalee), Pharmacist Boss Chanchai (Aelm Bhumibhat Thavornsiri), Dr. Rin (Prim Atchareeya Potipipittanakorn), and Hospital Director Somsak (Gandhi Wasuwitchayagit).
Read the complete article here-
https://theblxpress.wordpress.com/2024/12/26/spare-me-your-mercy-series-review-ep-3-to-8/
Was this review helpful to you?
tor... you are an acTOR alright
overall, that was a satisfying story and has an ending that makes sense. for a show that highlights euthanasia, i like that they presented different people's views and perspectives on it and just let the audience know what they feel about it. it did not feel preachy at all. this is my first time watching tor who played dr. kan and i gotta say, that man can act oh my gosh. he was able to portray this compassionate doctor but in a blink of an eye, could turn into someone so sinister. his performance in the last episode was one of the best ones i've seen from thai media (not that i've seen a lot, i don't think) and even made me tear up. his chemistry with jj was great. with romance as a supporting narrative only here, their chemistry is still palpable. i wish it was developed more but i guess, they did the best they can with only 8 eps. there were times where the investigation and police scenes made me roll my eyes but hey, that's not really something new in fiction stories like this and it's not a crime series so it's fine. as a psychological thriller, i think this one did it successfully.(it does make think.... do i really want to have the option of euthanasia for myself too or that's that me be being depresso idk... no really, i want it lol)
Was this review helpful to you?
not a BL
first WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT ENDING?! I knew there were only 8 episodes and still I kept hitting next because SURELY THAT IS NOT THE END.and yet- it fits. an ending as gray and ambiguous as the heart of the story. (but that didn’t stop me from knocking my rating down half a point from a solid 8 to 7.5 because I’m petty and HOW IS THAT THE END?!)
this is not a BL. if you are here expecting smoches and high jinx or angst and fists fights, please move on.
this is a complex story that should make you question how you feel about end of life care. The story does a good job of showing both sides of the argument it presents, without ever leaning too heavily in favor of one or the other. I found myself agreeing with almost everyone at one time or another.
recommended for: people who love suspense and plot twists you can see a mile away, people who like melodramas that make you question ethics and humanity.
(NOT recommended for people who need closure because COME ON with that ending!!)
Was this review helpful to you?
A moral dilemma drama
This is a show about two people with strong values, trying to do the right thing. If you're reading this review before watching, just know that it's a very good show, that happens to have two men with feelings for each other. The focus on romance is just one aspect, not really the focus. It's quite serious, though there's small moments of humor and happiness, which I believe add more dimension. Without the moments of peace and joy, the characters would have been very flat. It is on the slow side, but I didn't find the pacing to drag. Eight episodes was perfect, imo. It told the story without any unnecessary side plots. If you're in the mood for something to make you think, give Spare Me Your Mercy a try.Was this review helpful to you?
