RATING: A

This mini series is almost perfect. This series, along with Mr. Heart, made me realize I may like the shorter series better than full length. There’s something about the unrequited love, and leading up to admitting you like someone that is far more appealing than all the drama that happens later. Plus you don’t get all the unnecessary filler. But they still manage to cram a lot into these few eps. Hsia Yu Hao’s bad-boy turned good, his struggles with school, Qiu Zi Xuan’s injury, his sister’s crush, the brothers’ romance… and all the volleyball. While each story could have been expanded upon (especially Qiu Zi Xuan’s feelings about not being able to play anymore), overall they were all handled well and felt satisfying in the end.

There is a light touch here, a good mixture of drama, romance and comedy. The team Captain is a fun character who is very relatable. The brother/sister relationship felt very real. Her bad cooking was very funny. The step-brother romance, a familiar trope, worked quite well, due mainly to the strong performances of Patrick and Nick in those roles. While you know exactly what is going to happen from the start, it’s done so well that it’s a truly enjoyable journey.

ACTING/DIRECTION
Fandy was a revelation in his role as Hsia Yu Hao. He played the bad boy portion so well I was totally thrown off when he transformed into the doe-eyed puppy dog with nothing but love in his eyes every time he looks at his crush. Those moments when they are supposed to be studying and he can’t concentrate could play on a loop for me endlessly. While I thought he was cute at the start, he seemed to get even moreso as time went on. At one point, I had to pause because he was so stunning to look at. I believed every second of this performance. He is a star. Unfortunately, I found Zach’s performance lacking. He was so passive, his face a blank slate most of the time. When he did allow himself to emote he was quite good and I was immediately drawn in more, but he held back too much and displayed too little for me. The direction was strong and delivered exactly what was necessary.

KISSING/INTIMACY
Aside from one “dream” sequence (put in to give the fans a “hot” moment, I think, more than anything), there are only a couple of chaste kisses, but in this type of story, exploring the beginnings of a relationship, they were all that was necessary. The intimacy here is sold in the moments when the boys touch, be it leaning on a shoulder for support, tending to an injury, even a light punch to the chest. Somehow these resonated so well I got all I needed.

THE DOWNSIDE
Zach’s performance was the biggest disappointment for me. And, as mentioned, they could have explored the storylines in a bit more depth, but overall very little to complain about for this series.

These boys don’t at all look like a High School freshman and senior. Zach was almost 30 when he played this role. Set the story in University and I might buy it, but not High School.

SUMMARY
Very strong and satisfying. Worthy of watching repeatedly. One of the best I’ve seen thus far. Watch it NOW!