My Stand-In (2024)

The Novel and the Series

My thoughts bout the early part of the series and the differences that I saw between the light novel and the series.

LA Joe is different from the novel Ah Xiang. Zhou Xiang is already kind and soft hearted but Joe really took it to another level. (The ending really annoyed me). He still cooked breakfast for Ming🥲. "In the novel, Ah Xiang shoved MingXiu away harshly and fled frantically from his own home. Then he drove aimlessly as he didn't know where he should go. He can't go to Wei Ge's (P'Wut) house because his sister-in-law is pregnant and he doesn't want to disturb them. And so after driving aimlessly in that winter night, he decided to go to the company and stayed in Wei Ge's office."

Joe again is used as a scape goat between Director Pao and that snake. P'Wut also is kinda different from Wei Ge in the novel. I know and I can see the brotherhood between P'Wut and Joe but dyk that in the novel it was Wei Ge who convinced Ah Xiang to accept that lead role offered by Director Pao? Because since Ah Xiang already offended that snake (yes, I'm not gonna say his name even the og from the novel) and he will surely receive some backlash from that snake's fans as it was already rumored (everyone already knows) that the lead role of Director Pao's next project is that snake. Then his reputation will surely hit rock bottom and it'll be difficult for him to get any stunt jobs or any job in that industry. It's a lose-lose situation and so him accepting it won't really change anything. But rather it could give him a slight chance of finally making a break through. That snake and Ming didn't directly kill Joe but they pushed him in that direction. So Ming... grovel hard.

This will probably piss off all of you more. In the novel, after that snake attended the conference as the lead role he eventually dropped the project. He actually didn't want it. He just hated Director Pao and more importantly, he didn't want a mere stuntman to take his "place". So the project was eventually scrapped.

I wish they stuck to the monk rather than a fortune teller. And they changed that connection to his father?? Wth? It was supposed to be MingSu's master. Yan MingSu is Ming's older brother. P'Mike (MingSu) is the older brother of Ming. They're taking the character set-up of P'Mike and distributed it to other characters.

1st, they changed May into a supportive and loving sister (which takes away the character set-up of MingSu in which he's the only one who cared to support Ming after Joe's accident when everyone in the family are turning a blind eye that Ming is suffering due to a death of a male "lover" and he's the only one who accepted Ming for being gay). Which is why he was the only one who knew how much Ming loved Joe. I can accept this because May was such a b*tch in the novel that made me think that she and that snake deserves each other. Plus, more people to love and stand by Ming's side so I'm fine with it.

2nd, as I've mentioned, the monk (in the LA is a fortune teller). The monk would show the supernatural events that Joe went through and the connection between Joe and Ming which involves fate and karma. Changing it into a fortune teller kinda makes it shallow. Moreover, it is an opportunity for them to show their culture. Hence, I really don't get why they had to change that.

3rd, P'Mike having a monk as a master would show that he is not the type of wealthy person whose life only revolves around money and that he is someone who values the teachings of a monk. So when he saw that his beloved brother is almost at the death's doorstep, he sought the guidance of his master.

I am utterly disappointed of how much they downgraded Yan MingSu (P'Mike). He's probably the 2nd if not the top favorite character of everyone who've read the novel. He's the BEST BROTHER anyone could ask for. Someone who'll always make sure Ming is still breathing no matter how far and tired he is. He would fly in and out of the country just to take care of his younger brother. All those sleepless months just to take care of Ming because no one in their family wanted to accept that Ming is gay. He took care of Ming himself all while managing their business. And he doesn't look down on Joe unlike the typical attitude of those wealthy people. I really loved MingSu's character so I'm really emotional with these changes. His role is actually more significant.

I liked how Poom showed Joe's feelings, you can really see it his eyes softening while watching Ming but then the moment he heard how Ming would only smile when he's acting in that snake's movies, you can see how it made his walls higher and stronger.

I don't get why Joe was looking aimlessly around his house. Ming left it EXACTLY how it was 2 years ago as it is in the novel.

I needed THE mental breakdown that MingXiu showed in the novel.. My heart is sad for Ming but I hope they wrote it with something like hyperventilation. I needed the scene where Ming is having a hard time breathing. I just needed more anguish? Because seeing him crying is making me heart ache a bit but I hoped what I felt was heartbreaking instead. I really shouldn't have read the novel first. Up, my baby you did well.

BUT the scene where Ming and that snake are talking in Ming's room is a hella lot MORE satisfying than in the novel for me. In the novel, it was Ming who went to that snake's room. Ming did slam the door after their conversation but this in LA is much much more satisfying. I laughed so hard as it was so satisfying when he casually just pointed the door and did the hand thingy like he's shooing him away and kicked that snake out. He didn't even bother to look at him nor walked him to the door 🤣. And the way he reminded that snake of the fact the of all people, he has the least right to talk about Joe in front of Ming because they were the reason why Joe was pushed into making that decision.

I like the added detail where this is a sequel of that snake's first movie with the same director. I also loved how the director regret his decision of encouraging Joe to sign a contract where he won't be credited.

I've read comments saying it was Joe's fault why his second life is becoming like his 1st one. Like why did he accept Ming's but rejected P'Wut and Sol's help. He and Ing (I finally know her name, I've been calling her Chen Ying) have a 3million thb loan from a loan shark which is really dangerous. And his mother is sick and is in need to receive dialysis every week which cost a LOT of money, they needed a better place to live for Ing's condition. He needed to pay that loan ASAP, have a good place to live, money for dialysis, other medicines, hire a caretaker for Ing and money for other expenses. So, why did he reject P'Wut and Sol's help? Because he felt guilty to receive that AMOUNT of financial help from them. He knew P'Wut somehow still blames himself why Joe died and so P'Wut has been very active in giving him support as a way to release his guilt for Joe's death and Sol practically told him that he's only receiving this much support (the jobs that P'Wut got for Joe2) was because he reminded them of Joe1. He felt guilty of using that to get their help. Jobs are one thing but financial matters are a different thing. So why did he accept to be a "stand-in" AGAIN for Ming? Because with Ming, it is a transaction. He doesn't have to feel ashamed nor guilty (but it must have been painfully heartbreaking for him to practically sell 1 year of his life to ming of all people) because Ming was still gonna screw him over so why not benefit from it? Joe's decision is actually the most practical choice. He wasn't being dumb.

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My Stand-In? More like My Stand-6-Feet-Away-From-Me-Please....

Okay, so I actually kind of enjoyed it, but I also found myself feeling immensely unsatisfied at the end. I like doing pros and cons lists, so I'll start with that.

Pros:
1. The acting. I especially though Ming's actor really gave this snarky and condescending, yet desperate attitude to Ming.
2. There were no overbearing advertisement placements that are unfortunately abundant in Thai BL series.
3. It wasn't a show that had overbearing comedy or goofy sound effects.
4. The show looked pretty nice. I mean, some of the fashion choices were not it, but the lighting and directing looked enchanting at times.
5. Did not take place in a generic high school or college.
6. Some of the characters worked for me (I'll go into more depth about this later).
7. Some of the fluff scenes were actually extremely cute, but I had to turn my memory of the previous episodes off in order to enjoy them fully.
8. The nsfw scenes were pretty good ngl.
9. That catfight between Ming and Sol was pretty funny and just made so much sense character-wise lmao.

Cons:
1. Joe.
2. The fact that they end up together. It has been a MINUTE since I found a main couple nearly equally intolerable (the last time was probably Clary and Jace from Shadow Hunters.
3. Sol's existence.
4. The semi-rushed last like two episodes.
5. The random old blind guy that can astral project or something for some reason???
6. Joe's death was entirely unintentional. Call me basic but I actually wanted there to have been some bigger conspiracy or something idek.
7. His family suddenly became accepting???
8. The side pairing of Mike and Jim was barely explored in the slightest. Truly unfortunate because I hadn't seen Inntouch in a role since My Engineer and I was looking forward to more scenes from him.
9. It felt like acting and stunt doubling became lost in the plot already by the halfway point.

Sound:
Pretty forgettable, but not the worst I've ever heard in a drama. Sometimes I liked it, sometimes I actually wondered what a song had to do with the scene it was playing in (maybe because I can't understand Thai I couldn't tell why it was playing during certain scenes).

Characters: Oh boy, where do I even start?
Joe: I cannot stand how he was written. I do not understand how he could continuously be the biggest loser to the point that I didn't even feel bad for him anymore after the 100th time of me yelling "BREAK UP WITH HIM!!!" at the screen whenever he forgave Ming for being the absolute worst lover. Also, I know calling yourself "paramour" makes you feel a little better about the situation, but let's be honest here; you're a hoe-for-hire. And don't get me wrong, I love a good hoe character, but Joe was not a fun or relatable hoe character he was just a pathetic one. I actually sympathized with him at first but then I lost all sympathy by the end when he forgave Ming completely after LITERALLY DYING TWICE BECAUSE OF MING AND TONG'S ANTICS and had the audacity to say "you should forgive yourself as well" like okay man, just admit you are a complete pushover that has a hero complex enough to sacrifice yourself for this guy Tong that literally ruined your life. Also, why did he choose to lose his virginity to the incredibly intoxicated Ming? Like, that was dubious consent (and stupid) right????

Ming: He was a walking red flag. Bro was clearly selfish and narcissistic and it makes me sick that he got to be with the guy he treated terribly in the end. Also, why did he have such a fetish on male backs? You're telling me that he fell head over heels for someone solely based on their back in dim lighting that he saw on a mall screen? Yeah, okay. I also have no idea why he kept putting so much faith into some random blind old guy that set up like Mickey Mouse tea tables and chairs in the MIDDLE OF A FOREST. But, whatever.

Tong: Okay so I might lose some people here, but I actually liked Tong. I mean that I liked how he was as an antagonist, not his personality because FUCK THAT GUY. It was honestly refreshing to see an antagonist that seemed realistic rather than cartoon-villainy in a Thai series. He felt like someone you might actually meet in real life and that made me more invested in his character. The way he was mostly chill, yet still felt the need to put his name on things to secure his position made sense and the way he got cocky and took a gamble that backfired so he secretly abused his in-laws' trust to attempt to cover it up messily also felt kind of believable. Then the way he was using his own future baby as leverage as a last-ditch effort just sealed the deal for me. Though I do agree with other reviews mentioning how he didn't deserve a semi-redemption arc and happy ending, I think it made sense for his character. He never struck me as fully morally black, so while that redemption arc felt rushed, it also didn't feel impossible to me. His happy ending made sense because a lot of the time people like him get away with the things they've done because of status, reputation, family ties, wealth. etc. So while I find him detestable, I get why he got his happy ending in the end.

The rest of Ming's family:
1. Mike was cool. He's played by Inntouch so I automatically felt a little (a lottle actually) endeared to him as a character. I liked how you could tell he did care for his brother, yet wasn't just going to give him everything off the bat without verifying things for himself first. One of the few characters I sensed true maturity from. Too bad him and Secretary Jim were so neglected because I was kind of getting interested in them by the end.
2. May: poor girl was as forgettable as Secretary Jim. She had such a lack of relevance that I genuinely started to wonder if they forgot to include her in the family drama or what. Literally just served to be Tong's walking leverage.
3. The mom: I did like her by the end. When she called Joe a gold-digger I kind of laughed.....but then I thought that was probably was too because her and the husband look like they are at least 20 years apart and they already have three adult kids so I have no idea what that was about. The way she was avoided being seen by Ming made her seem a lot scarier than she actually was, which I felt was a bit anti-climactic. I could tell from her reactions that breaking Ming and Joe up actually hurt her deep down, but she thought was doing the best thing for Ming and her family by keeping someone like Joe out. Also, that final scene where she had dinner with them was adorable. Loved that.
4. The dad: This man just screamed domestic abuser to me. The way everyone in the family was scared of him (except for that ballsy loser Tong it seemed) and even his wife had no power to sway his mind honestly irked me. Though, there are actual families out there like this, so I didn't think it impossible. But, like, then they tried to push him just wanting the best for Ming and not being homophobic at all and I was just like "Huh?" They really tried to give him a Fighter's dad from Why R U? treatment I swear. I MEAN HE LITERALLY PULLED OUT A GUN TO THREATEN JOE AND THEY SAY HE IS ACTUALLY A PRETTY UPSTANDING GUY? YEAH MAYBE PULL THAT ISH IN A UNIVERSE LIKE LOVE SYNDROME, BUT NOT HERE MATE.

Other Joe's mom:
She annoyed me. I have no idea why Joe was SO attached to her. I understand feeling the need to repay her for her efforts, but this man called her "mom" like it was natural like one month into being her impersonator son. OH R.I.P. original Joe btw. He was so irrelevant and his weirdo ex too like anything linked to him lost relevancy by episode 5 or 6. Also this mother made me so mad when got mad at Joe for being a "paramour" and lying about taking out a big loan, but bitch didn't you also take out loans and sacrifice your livelihood to help your son live well? Stop acting like he sold his soul to the devil or something. You know I bet she wouldn't have acted NEARLY as hypocritically like that if he agreed to the hoe to a rich WOMAN instead. Just admit you are still mega homophobic and be on with it sis.

Sol:
Dear god he made no sense to me whatsoever. You could take him out of the story and virtually nothing would change. Why was he even here? His reason for leaving Joe was already dumb and rooted in homophobia to begin with, but then he suddenly, what, became gay and missed Joe so he no longer felt like Joe had bad intentions? Wtf. Okay, guy. Also, this man could NOT TAKE A HINT! Joe was so CLEARLY NOT INTO HIM.....yet he still kept pushing that fact that he liked him onto Joe...like, I'm pretty sure Joe knows you like him after the fifth time you told him so you don't have to reiterate it again mate......him leaving for South Korea was so refreshing because if he decided to stick around and be an eternal third wheel I think I might start feeling sympathy for Joe again. Oh wait, how come Sol could keep coming to Thailand for extended periods of time? Isn't the Kpop industry quite demanding on its actors? I figured he was a solo actor, but even that didn't make up for the times I questioned how he could spend so much unfiltered time in Thailand. Also, he filmed a BL music video....but isn't South Korea pretty homophobic? I wonder how that went over for him when he returned......


In conclusion; this series gave me a semi-headache. By the halfway mark I was already counting down the episodes until the finish mark because the characters (JOEEE) were tiring me out so much. Joe will now go down in my TierListMaker BL Protagonists list as near-bottom tier. Let's make a more tolerable main couple next time please. <3

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Confusing at first but incredible acting.

I wasn't planning to watch it at first but then i followed the mass.
I'm gonna be honest the first few episodes were kind of confusing to me but once i got the hang of the plot then i started to get invested in the characters.

The story is something i've never seen before in bl and the way they executed it was quite good, it could have been better for some parts but overall this was enjoyable.

Joe is an absolute sweetheart, i couldn't help but feel bad for him literally every second of this damn show. I have no idea if Poom is a new actor or not but his performance was pretty impressive.
I still don't like Ming and i had a really hard time believing in his redemption arc or whatever they tried with his character.
Tong was despicable and i hate HATE that he got an happy ending.
Everybody was so good but i have to give it up to the main leads for their incredible and believable performances.

The music wasn't noticeable to me and i dont think this is a show i would rewatch. I feel that once you know the twists and turns they gave us every week it's not interesting to watch this again.

Overall this show was a nice surprise, i wasn't expecting anything from it but everyone did a great job. I don't agree with some people calling it the best show from 2024, there's a few that i'm enjoying way more but this was a great project nonetheless.

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joe deserves so much love

Thirty years ago, Korn and Intouch were university students in Bangkok. Intouch entered Korn's life despite knowing that he was the son of one of the most influential crime bosses in Bangkok. At first, Korn pushed Intouch away, but in the end, he couldn't resist the boy who was so full of life, his exact opposite.

However, their love was star-crossed in a time when homosexuality was unacceptable. Amidst mounting chaos in their lives, Intouch kept fighting for their future, but Korn could not deal with all the suffering and decided to give up. That day, the sounds of two gunshots rang through the air. Though their story ended in tragedy, something had tied itself between them and kept them bound even beyond death.

Years later, nineteen-year-old Pharm returns to Thailand as a freshman at T- University. Riddled with sad dreams that wake him with a wet face, plagued with a fear of loud noises, and bearing a birthmark on his temple, the boy has always had a sense that he was missing someone. Twenty-one-year-old Dean is a third-year student and the swimming club's president at T- University. He, too, has spent his life searching for someone whose face he can not remember.

The red thread of fate that had tied them together in their past life pulls the two boys together once again, tying them to each other and to a past that might not be worth remembering. The red thread that binds their two hearts together will always lead one back to the other; it may tangle and stretch, but it will never break.

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It was interesting but with further episodes I got bored

First of all, Joe needs therapy because Ming was using him as a replacement of Tong which was beyond infuriating. Also, I hoped for a revenge plot where Joe would make the ones suffer who indirectly killed him.

Ming was unlikeable, atrocious, narcissist and selfish. Ik his character is meant to be like that but atleast the writers could've gave him a redemption arc. Either ways the actor did a fantastic job with portraying Ming because he literally made my blood boil whenever his presence was on screen.

Regarding the side characters Sol's presence felt like nothing and the relationship between him and Joe was unnecessary.

What I liked about the drama was:
• chemistry between the lead actors
• ming's acting skills ( idk the actors' name)
• joe's visuals
• plot ( it was weak in the 2nd half)

In conclusion, the show got boring in the second half and I ended up skipping half of the scenes in order to finish it.

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ANNOYED TO MING AND TONG AND JOE IS A FOOL

This review is only my opinion, so pls don't hate me,
This drama is annoying, it was confusing from the start, Up was so annoying here I do not like his character, his role is to hurt Joe by keep on saying to him he is just a stand in, it was annoying the situation itself and his character but him acting it is not convincing for me , in some circumstances I cannot really tell if he was joking or serious for real, and Him liking the boyfriend of his sister ?? and then seems flirting with that flirty Tong , I am not into this kind of story.
I could've continued watching it for Poom or Joe because I liked his acting and I am so convinced with his facial expressions, but I cannot take the drama itself I cannot absorb it and Joe is such a fool to accept that kind of man , I cannot take that kind of character who doesn't value and see their worth , I have my own stress in my life and this drama adds on it AHHAH I am so sorry this drama is not for me , not a fan of Up now, I even liked him at lovely writer , but now I don't know , And poom I think I can just watch him on his next drama if there will be

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Overall best series of this year

story line is very interesting and both characters performed every emotion perfectly, although it's very hard to wait for next friday. Ming is rich and crazy while Joe is soft and caring. Their chemistry has lots of up's and down. In starting when they get to know eachother Joe put lot's of effort in their relationship but Ming only treat him asI replacement of Tong and always make him feel uncomfortable. But later when Joe reborn in another Joe body after 3 years in this mean time Ming realised Joe importance and care towards him, this whole time Ming suffers a lot. when somehow they get together again Ming put lot's of effort in their relationship. I hope this drama will get happy ending.

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I just finished the last episode, and in my opinion, the ending is too "joyful" for certain characters. I won’t spoil anything, but those who have seen the drama will understand who I’m referring to.

Ming's character stood out to me. Although I wouldn’t have enjoyed the novel due to many extra scenes, the drama's version made it more enjoyable. Up's performance was excellent. His naturally cold expression suited Ming, a character who openly admits he doesn't like people. Ming's honesty about his feelings was refreshing; he doesn’t pretend. If he doesn’t like you, you’ll know it, if he loves you, you’ll know it too, and if he’s indifferent, it’s the same.

Ming's journey is compelling as he evolves in showing his love while staying true to himself. Despite his mistakes, which in real life would be unacceptable for most, there are still those who would give him a second chance. Here, Joe was one of them. I only wish there had been more emotional scenes to reflect this growth.

Joe, on the other hand, remains consistent throughout. He is sweet, kind, and somewhat naive. While he isn’t the smartest, his natural gentleness wins over the audience. The actor playing Joe did an impeccable job; he embodied the character perfectly.

Tong, however, was a character I disliked from beginning to end. The actor did a fantastic job in portraying him, but the character's actions were hard to swallow.

The series excels in music and cinematography, with roles and actors perfectly cast. However, I felt it lacked an I love you at the end, which I was eagerly awaiting.

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