This review may contain spoilers
Successful yet conflicting
KP is probably one of the most successful BL series of the year 2022, or might I say, in the history of Thai BLs. I think 10 percent of the success belongs to that fateful 9-minute trailer the previous production company released one fateful day in 2020. I still remember all the clips and FMVs that circulated at the speed of light and the hype that came with it.
I personally feel conflicted. As much as I loved it, I feel guilty to admit that there were parts that simply did not live up to my expectations. (I have read the novel, so I might be a little biased towards one side or the other at times)
Story 10/10
A full rating because of the unique premise of the series. A mafia romance. A story that is bound to have action-packed scenes, angst, mystery, betrayals, and tragedy. It's never been done before. Some BLs have come close to this (HIStory), but none have carried it out with such perfection. I also applaud BOC for getting rid of some of the darker and inappropriate scenes that the novel had and watered them down for television otherwise, the pairings simply would not have worked.
Acting 8.5/10
However, I was disappointed by how kinn turned out. He simply lacked the edge that should have set him apart as the main family head. In the beginning, I was completely taken by his ice-cold and calculative personality. I expected more of that. Somehow love turned his brain mushy, unfortunately. We were shown his soft side and how he never wanted to be a part of this, yet I can't help but feel like they should have let kinn bring out his dominant boss personality more. It was a slight letdown.
I know I'm going to be a villain when I say this, but I simply did not feel anything when Porschay was on-screen during the beginning episodes. Yes, I'm keeping in mind that Barcode is a rookie. He deserves a 10/10 for doing so well during the ending episodes. The way he portrays his heartbreak and his confusion. in ep 14 brought me to TEARS. I'm only sad that I couldn't really connect to his character when he was in love (that sweet 10 minutes when he was lying down with Kim and told him he loved him). I've seen all the BTS and acknowledge his effort and talent. He truly grew through the series. Tong's physical comedy was *chef's kiss* and Apo was just absolutely loveable as Porsche.
Cast 10/10
The actors were perfectly cast for their respective roles. Their chemistry was ultimate perfection, and I especially have to give kudos to Bible and Build. They did an AMAZING job. Apo and Mile truly put their heart and soul into their NC scenes, and VegasPete relationship was beautifully portrayed. I think their pairing was truly a masterpiece. Jeff performed extraordinarily well, ESPECIALLY in the action scenes. He was the main attraction during the finale and left me speechless.
Music 10/10
The instrumental of Freefall brought me to tears, and Why don't you stay is a masterpiece. Jeff's voice is heavenly. I have been obsessed with these two since I heard them.
All the action and comedy scenes were vibrant and enjoyable. The subtle clues and microexpressions brought the series to life. The gradients used during the VP scenes were marvelous and were treats for us fans to analyze.
Overall 9/10
I'm eager to see where the stories might go if there is an S2. Unfortunately, there were a lot of strings left untied, which left me feeling unsatisfied. I think what everyone has to keep in mind is that KP (as told by the cast), is more of a BL romance with action rather than an action series with a BL romance. It is more lighthearted and comedic than expected but is all the more appreciated because of it.
I personally feel conflicted. As much as I loved it, I feel guilty to admit that there were parts that simply did not live up to my expectations. (I have read the novel, so I might be a little biased towards one side or the other at times)
Story 10/10
A full rating because of the unique premise of the series. A mafia romance. A story that is bound to have action-packed scenes, angst, mystery, betrayals, and tragedy. It's never been done before. Some BLs have come close to this (HIStory), but none have carried it out with such perfection. I also applaud BOC for getting rid of some of the darker and inappropriate scenes that the novel had and watered them down for television otherwise, the pairings simply would not have worked.
Acting 8.5/10
However, I was disappointed by how kinn turned out. He simply lacked the edge that should have set him apart as the main family head. In the beginning, I was completely taken by his ice-cold and calculative personality. I expected more of that. Somehow love turned his brain mushy, unfortunately. We were shown his soft side and how he never wanted to be a part of this, yet I can't help but feel like they should have let kinn bring out his dominant boss personality more. It was a slight letdown.
I know I'm going to be a villain when I say this, but I simply did not feel anything when Porschay was on-screen during the beginning episodes. Yes, I'm keeping in mind that Barcode is a rookie. He deserves a 10/10 for doing so well during the ending episodes. The way he portrays his heartbreak and his confusion. in ep 14 brought me to TEARS. I'm only sad that I couldn't really connect to his character when he was in love (that sweet 10 minutes when he was lying down with Kim and told him he loved him). I've seen all the BTS and acknowledge his effort and talent. He truly grew through the series. Tong's physical comedy was *chef's kiss* and Apo was just absolutely loveable as Porsche.
Cast 10/10
The actors were perfectly cast for their respective roles. Their chemistry was ultimate perfection, and I especially have to give kudos to Bible and Build. They did an AMAZING job. Apo and Mile truly put their heart and soul into their NC scenes, and VegasPete relationship was beautifully portrayed. I think their pairing was truly a masterpiece. Jeff performed extraordinarily well, ESPECIALLY in the action scenes. He was the main attraction during the finale and left me speechless.
Music 10/10
The instrumental of Freefall brought me to tears, and Why don't you stay is a masterpiece. Jeff's voice is heavenly. I have been obsessed with these two since I heard them.
All the action and comedy scenes were vibrant and enjoyable. The subtle clues and microexpressions brought the series to life. The gradients used during the VP scenes were marvelous and were treats for us fans to analyze.
Overall 9/10
I'm eager to see where the stories might go if there is an S2. Unfortunately, there were a lot of strings left untied, which left me feeling unsatisfied. I think what everyone has to keep in mind is that KP (as told by the cast), is more of a BL romance with action rather than an action series with a BL romance. It is more lighthearted and comedic than expected but is all the more appreciated because of it.
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