My Stand In occupied my top slot of QL shows for... probably 10 or 11 weeks straight. I truly loved the novelty of getting to sink my teeth into some really excellent dramatic acting and well developed character beats. While I appreciate the fast-paced and tongue-in-cheek BLs, it was a lovely change of pace to really sit and let the mood develop properly. The cinematography and production were likewise top-notch, for a visually stunning series. Though the story had some minor faults, it was hardly enough to put a dent in the quality of this show. I look forward to dragging my only-when-the-show-is-finished watcher friends down with me again soon, because I am already missing this world.

-The Full Review-

STORY:
The best of this story was by far Ming and Joe. The relationship between these two characters was natural, real, and evocative. My Stand In was at it's absolute strongest in developing the push and pull between these characters and the believable stresses and reconciliations. Joe, by virtue of his goodness, could have been a largely static character, but his iron will really shaped him into a dimensional and human creature. Ming, of course, was an incredibly thorough character arc.
Within these two characters, the show left time for some truly gorgeous, long beats. The stand out among these scenes would have to be the funeral--occupying more than half of the episode, there was no rush. The audience was allowed to be steeped in the issues these characters are facing and feel the full force of the turmoil. It was some really, really wonderful writing.
That said, the other characters definitely suffered for Joe and Ming's spotlight. While some of the supporting roles--namely Sol, Wut, and Joe's mom--received full characterizations and properly motivated actions, some of the other minor characters changed alliances rather conveniently. It wasn't atrocious--but it does speak to some pacing issues and lack of development within the wider world.
I also found the ending to be a bit sweet for my tastes. While I enjoy a happy ending (and have no issue with My Stand In having a happy ending) the speed at which major issues between characters was resolved lost some of the weight of the earlier episodes and made the reconciliations feel a bit cheap. I'm not sure that I was entirely sold on the change in tone.

ACTING:
Well, first things: Up is a truly remarkable actor. I didn't know anything about him going in, and now I'm planning to watch... everything he's ever done. Ming isn't an easy task-- whiny and childish, but with a depth and charm that needs to shine through even at his most selfish. Up made moving between his tantrums and cruelties, and his playful, loving nature seem easy and natural. I especially enjoyed the way the weight of Ming's grief changed his posture in the later part of the series. It was really a joy to watch.
Of course, Poom is an equally excellent talent. I've heard a lot of comments about his downturned smile, but I actually found the most power in the set of his jaw. There's a moment I keep rewatching where Ming goes to kiss Joe and Joe is quite angry with him but has his reasons for acquiescing... and the clarity with which Poom conveys his entire emotional journey in that moment with no dialogue is quite beautiful. He's very precise in the performance he delivers.
Beyond the leads, I really enjoyed Paradorn as Wut. It's not often that middle aged adults get to have a nuanced and meaningful relationship with the young leads, and I really enjoyed how his performance wove between fatherly and friendly. Billy, Porsche, and Lotte are obviously newer talents, but similarly convey some compelling and promising performances. I'm quite interested to see what they do next.

PRODUCTION:
This team is absolutely dominant in the BL industry for beautiful and thoughtful production. Lighting, costumes, makeup, set design, cinematography, and sound were all absolutely impeccable. It is absolutely stunning to watch and I will happily follow anything this team does next. I hope they work together for a very long time.
I loved the costuming of this series, it felt very specific. The clothing choices were natural... but heightened. You could feel Ming and his families wealth, as well as the presence of celebrity. It contrasted with Joe's more mundane tastes very well and created a sense of separation and difference.
It was very interesting how the lighting team used such a warm palette but still managed to make the appropriate scenes feel sinister and cold. The atmosphere of Joe's house--and especially the outdoor lamps--created a central mood and heart to the series that was never lost throughout.
If I had to pick a favorite though, it might be set design. The color palettes and shapes of large objects in the rooms connected several disparate locations and created throw backs to unexpected moods. My personal favorite by far was the way in which Joe's room was made to feel like the room he was held captive in--perfectly capturing how trapped he felt in his current life.

INTIMACY:
This was quite fun! I thought the actors did a wonderful job of capturing the magnetic chemistry between the characters while also still giving their relationship space to grow. In both casual and NC encounters, early on Ming and Joe carry some awkwardness. They don't quite match properly, and the scenes can feel rushed or uncomfortable (even if they still express desire and satisfaction). As the characters grow closer and come to an understanding, those rough edges smooth out to something more romantic and easy. I liked it a lot!
I also simply HAVE to give a nod to the scene directly following Ming admitting he's afraid of Joe disappearing. The way Up and Poom developed the intimacy in that moment without any conventional touches or kisses was fragile and beautiful. The production allowing this moment to go on so long was absolutely the right choice and truly cemented the course of the series.

In all, I really, really enjoyed My Stand In. I absolutely recommend it and eagerly await what this team can bring next--either together or in their separate pursuits.