Khaotoph
My Imagination, USA
This review may contain spoilers
Imperfect, realistic take on modern love
I initially was drawn to watch this series via the trailer. The All Star cast excited me and the adult storylines seemed to be a “finally” moment for many BL fans of diverse ages and nationalities. As someone who identifies as a part of the LGBTQ+ community, I felt that this series has something for everyone. Character development is a true strong suit of this series, and I was impressed by the writing and each character we are given. From the innocent, naive virgin who has his perspective shifted from heartbreak (Mew) to the one sided, slightly obsessed guy in love with a toxic f***boy (Nick), there was character development to appreciate from all. (Even Boston got a tiny, TINY change of perspective or introspection, albeit not enough).
I found myself identifying with Nick (Mark) the most, and it was impressive to see him and Boston (Neo) act out their toxic characters and situationship in a mature way. The writing for them was spot on nailing the essence of a situationship that many of us in the LGBTQ community can identify with all too well. Likewise, the evolution of Sand (First) and Ray (Khaotung) is a roller coaster that most viewers will find that they can’t help but root for. While Mew (Book) and Top (Force) did well and the acting was great, I found myself less invested in their story.
My only wishes for this series is that the trans and lesbian characters had more development and screen time, and a scrapping of the Boeing plot twist/character introduction, but enjoyed the mature writing of the overall series and felt it truly nailed many aspects of the often messy and drama filled romantic tropes that exist for some of us in 2024.
Watch this series if you want some drama, plot twists, character development and growth, a great OST and playlist, mature characters, and someone to root for or identify with.
Don’t watch this is you want a cookie cutter GMMTV BL with nothing but happiness, no conflict, and a perfect romance! (also you will get plenty of fansevice fluff in Only Friends, you just have to wade through a pool of sometimes toxic behavior to get there).
I found myself identifying with Nick (Mark) the most, and it was impressive to see him and Boston (Neo) act out their toxic characters and situationship in a mature way. The writing for them was spot on nailing the essence of a situationship that many of us in the LGBTQ community can identify with all too well. Likewise, the evolution of Sand (First) and Ray (Khaotung) is a roller coaster that most viewers will find that they can’t help but root for. While Mew (Book) and Top (Force) did well and the acting was great, I found myself less invested in their story.
My only wishes for this series is that the trans and lesbian characters had more development and screen time, and a scrapping of the Boeing plot twist/character introduction, but enjoyed the mature writing of the overall series and felt it truly nailed many aspects of the often messy and drama filled romantic tropes that exist for some of us in 2024.
Watch this series if you want some drama, plot twists, character development and growth, a great OST and playlist, mature characters, and someone to root for or identify with.
Don’t watch this is you want a cookie cutter GMMTV BL with nothing but happiness, no conflict, and a perfect romance! (also you will get plenty of fansevice fluff in Only Friends, you just have to wade through a pool of sometimes toxic behavior to get there).
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