#@‌vivienneacting

[telomeke]

THE ACTING COACH ON ONLY FRIENDS

I'm sure we've all seen the screenshots from X/Twitter (Xitter?) featuring the superspicy takes by the Only Friends acting coach with the handle @‌VivienneActing.

I've only just found out who this individual is: it's Den Panuwat Inthawat and you read about more Khun Den's work on their biography page in MDL:

Many thanks Khun Den for your insightful, intelligent and informative takes on BL, queer and other media! 😍

[respectthepetty]

twitter (.) com/VivienneActing/status/1696107618799079704

i'm not sure if you've seen this before, but you were the first person i thought about as soon as i read this tweet 🫠

ANON! You GET me!

This is the screenwriter for Only Friends, and as I was scrolling through his posts, he has continued to 'like' posts such as this: (*cough* Sand is confirmed Pan *cough*)

And this: (@forcebookish, he likes your post!)

And he is my kind of man.

Because I truly believe the show is telling us that people have treated Top solely as a sex object, which is why he has been regulated to tight spaces. He is restricted and limited in movements because he is seen as a sex object in those spaces.

For example, people tend to forget that Top has a job. He is doing it here.

And he is doing it well.

Yet the conversation turns to his sex life.

Which makes sense since the plot of Only Friends balances on these characters' messy sex life, but while everyone else is allowed to have conversations about their lives, Top is always connected to sex.

Which is why Boston only views Top as a sexual being. There is no intimacy involved in Boston and Top's sexual encounters. It's sex. It doesn't need to be comfortable. It doesn't need to be nice. It doesn't even need to be enjoyable. And unlike Nick who has sex with Boston anywhere, Top is boxed in with Boston.

The photo booth - quick, standing, tight space.

The shower - hand job, standing, dark.

The car - cramped, quick, raining.

And all the spaces are public.

Because Top's entire sex life is public for all to speculate and comment on. Nick just didn't get a recording of Boston having sex. Nick captured Top as well, and nobody seems too pressed about that. Top is shoved into tight spaces for sex, yet his entire sex life is fodder for public consumption.

So what must be going through his head when he lays in a spacious bed with a person, not having sex, in a room with a closed door?

To provide something beyond sex.

To not be limited in space or action.

And perhaps be capable of not only keeping some of his life secret, but holding others' secrets as well.

I mentioned this before but Top doesn't appear to have friends. It was common for his parents to be away when he was a child. He is alone at the bar when we first meet him, and the second Mew lets him in, he inserts himself into the group.

Wonder why a guy who has been boxed in with his whole sex life on display would want out of that?

A slut tiger can't change his stripes . . . right?

Oh, look! Actual stripes.

Say "no" to sex Top. Do it for the narrative.

[tomatoland]

👀 Not Jojo and @/VivienneActing, the screenwriter of Only Friends, both RT’ing this analysis about Boston but Jojo even replying to it.

vid & tweet cr

[firstkhaolesbian]

ok i’m maybe 15% sad abt top now .

img source: VivienneActing (OF’s screenwriter) twt 17.08.23

[a-slut-for-vegaspete]

Playboyy – Porn without Plot?

Initial Thoughts on/ Reaction to Playboyy Episode One

As someone who loves to study (quite literally; I’m currently pursuing a MA degree in cultural studies) and investigate depictions of sex and sexuality in media, Playboyy has been one of my most anticipated releases of 2023 and it’s easier for me to work through my issues with a piece of media when I put my thoughts on paper or in a word document; so this post is primarily for myself.

Sex is sometimes presented as a personal, individual matter but in reality, our thoughts on sex, our dislikes and likes are a product or, at the very least, are shaped by, and of course in term can also influence, existing, dominant discourses on sex(uality), gender, class, race etc. One example of this – one most BL viewers/ queer individuals will recognise  – would of course be sex between queer individuals; an issue that remains highly debated. Some people/governments to this day like to think that they have the right to dictate who is allowed to have sex with whom and what sexual practices people can engage in without facing societal/legal punishment. So sex is never just about sex but is always also political; it’s just that this is more obvious to people who are part of a (or multiple) marginalised group(s). Sex is an entangled, complex phenomenon that always needs to be understood in relation to other discourses on e.g. (normative) femininity/masculinity, national identity etc. So any sexual act (on screen/irl), whether intended or not, engages with these discourses, subverts them and/or reaffirms them.

Regardless of whether the creators of Playboyy – or any piece of media for that matter – have meant for this series to serve as a critique or subversion of certain ideas surrounding sex and sexuality, the series (un)intentionally presents us with certain performances of sex and in doing so adds to, intervenes in and shapes existing discourses on sexuality and influences how topics such as kink, queerness, sex work (to name a few) are understood and talked about. 

Since only one episode has been released so far, and since I don't know what goes on in the writers’ minds, I, of course, can’t say for certain whether Playboyy is intended to engage with the political and social aspects of sex. However, I do think that Denice’s Twitter accounts (he is one of the writers (@ VivienneActing)) can provide us with insights into the writers’ intentions behind creating this show. In addition, the opening scene of episode one makes it clear that this piece of media, in some capacity at least, serves as a social commentary on the construction of sexual practices and sexual identities (in Thailand). The viewer is seemingly directly addressed, questions regarding sex are posed and the statement that “sex has many forms and careers in many places with many preferences” is made, which leads me to think that the creators have thought about and want the audience to critically think about how sex is often presented and talked about within dominant discourses. The character goes on to say that “it would be great if we could stop faking it and be frank about it”, which implies that the way we currently talk about sex is dissatisfactory to the character in the show/the creators of the show and that this series intends to present their own – potentially non-normative – views on sex. Especially the comment that “it’s a shame that we can’t be that free in this country” functions as a critique of how sex and the sex industry are frequently conceptualised in Thailand. (And when I say ‘Thailand’ here I of course don’t mean the entire country; I’m specifically referring to people/institutions/political parties that uphold and propagate conservative beliefs on and attitudes regarding sex. And I think this is the part of Thailand the series is critical of here as well).

However, I also don’t want to place too much importance on the intentions of the creators (in part, bc as I have said before, unless we are told specifically we can only speculate about their motives). I for one am also very interested in how I myself (and other viewers) read and interpret the narratives the series presents us with.

Little disclaimer: I watched episode 1 last night, half asleep, I don’t have the best memory and since the story has literally just begun (and there are so many ways this could pan out), my stance on these issues will probably change with the release of future episodes. So my ramblings have their limitations. In addition, I’ve grown up in the West, which influences how I conceptualise sex(uality) and gender; which is definitely something to be wary of and to be critical of, as well. 

As of right now, I’m the most intrigued by Zouey and by how he navigates sex and how he expresses himself sexually. What I find so interesting about his character is his non-normative approach to sex. While he is introduced as someone who apparently hasn't slept with anyone yet, we also see that he has sexual needs and desires. I love that the show does not limit sexual expression to intimate relations between two or more people but also showcases the possibility of exploring it on your own. 

I’m fascinated by people’s initial reactions to Zouey and what people make of his character; in particular people’s thoughts on the scene where he is in a dark room masturbating to a painting. I do wonder how much the colour grading (quite dark and gloomy) and the music (somewhat ominous) might influence or shape viewers’ perceptions of this scene and their conceptualisation of Zouey, and more broadly speaking their reception of expressions of non-normative sexual acts (in media).

The way Zoey negotiates his boundaries regarding sex is so interesting to me, as he clearly feels sexual attraction but does not feel comfortable being touched sexually. (I do wonder if there is a reason for this. Not saying that there needs to be a particular reason; I’m genuinely just curious if we might find out more in future episodes). I personally love how that doesn’t stop him from blowing Teena (twice if I remember correctly). I think his performance disrupts the normative script of sex, (or one of the normative scripts. To say that there is only one normative way to have sex would be incorrect I guess). He definitely doesn't adhere to this script/these scripts, and this seems to have created discomfort/confusion for some viewers, while others seem to really appreciate it. 

Also a little side note: the way Zouey does or doesn’t have sex can also lead us to posing the question of what counts as sex. Only penetrative sex? That seems like a somewhat outdated and not exactly queer-friendly definition of sex, right? And what even is virginity? Is Zouey still a virgin or not by the end of the episode?

I think the first episode already touches on so many different issues and I love it. People have pointed out the different social statuses of First and Soong, so we already have a storyline that highlights how sex and class are interconnected issues. We have seen a fair amount of kinky sexual practices, and sex workers have also made an appearance. So to come back to my initial question, is Playboyy porn without plot? Personally, I wouldn’t classify it as such. In my opinion, while the first episode does heavily focus on sex, sex is used as a tool for storytelling and the creators have taken the unique approach of introducing the viewers to the characters via sex. Plus, there is the mysterious disappearance of Nun/Nant(?). But also to me, it doesn’t really matter whether this is porn without plot or not. Firstly, because I think that sometimes (emphasis on ‘sometimes’, okay?) when something is labelled as porn without plot this is done to discredit a particular piece of media and to paint it as something that is inherently ‘less’ (less serious, less valuable etc.) and I don’t agree with this particular conceptualisation of plot without porn because I think it fails to recognise the value of such stories, not just for people’s own enjoyment but also in regards to academic analysis. And secondly, because I am more interested in how the series is situated (and maybe even actively positions itself) in relation to broader discourses such as (non-normative) sexualities, kink, sex work (in Thailand) etc. and for this we don’t necessarily need a “good” plot structure. So I, for one, am I excited to watch (and analyse) the rest of the show. 

[namtanlovesfilm]

I liked only friends and most of the characters but I wouldn't watch it again which is disappointing because I was expecting it to be my show of the year. The way people talk about jojo as a writer I had high expectations. I get gmmtv wants to go bigger each year with the releases but I wish they would write out their shows before showcasing them. I genuinely think a lot of what ruined only friends was how hyped it was from the beginning, because it seems like the writers went into the writers room wanting to live up to the mess people were expecting and so they threw everything in there. And I also really hate how jojo and vivienneacting (one of the other writers' twitter handle, idk his name) were constantly on twitter explaining character motivations or talking about what went into a scene and why, or editing the show in real time (to cut scenes out) based on viewer feedback. I feel like negatively impacted the viewing experience and the weekly discourse around the show. It wasn't just people watching the show and forming opinions from what was onscreen, it was people watching the show and using what they read on twitter and in interviews to form opinions about the characters and where the show was going

yeah it was also one of the shows I was the most hyped for this year, but honestly practically all of them have let me down... I agree that the shows changing so much from the mock trailer to the final product bc they're not fully ready when the mock trailer is launched usually leads to some disappointment, though some shows end up way better than their original mock trailer as well. also, if a show needs to have its characters' actions & motivations explained at every step, it's not a good show. a piece of media should be able to stand on its own without any context of why it was created or what it wants to say. of course, it's always better to have more context but it should be a bonus, not a requirement to enjoy the show. and editing the eps according to what fans think is truly terrible as well, fans shouldn't dictate a show but its creators should.

xxx

[thatgirl4815]

it’s a translation error. the writer replied with what that meant! also what i got from that line (and again spoilers for anyone that wants to read the novel despite us seeing this scene already) is that he’ll figure things out and fix it, especially based on sand then (in his head) expressing that even though ray looks worried the smile he’s giving is one of a promise. maybe there’s a better translation for what he said but it gives me the vibes that he’s promising sand he’ll fix things. https://x.com/vivienneacting/status/1713860544661483569?s=46&t=f3gxMlccjR3oQ5hW3qKitQ

Ah, thank you! That's helpful. I guess the use of the word "actors" was confusing me, but looking deeper that metaphor makes more sense. I really like the descriptions being used. It's nice to get a look into Sand's thoughts to see exactly how he's interpreting Ray's actions. (Just another reason why I really want an English novelization, lol).

[plantsarepeopletoo]

Only Friends Music Ep2 (2/2)

Part one covers the first half of EP2, or you can find links on my pinned comment.

This is a series of posts taking a closer look at the music of only friends. Reminder, Playing with the music is like body language, it moves with the conversation. Verbal says something either through lyrics or something like a song title.

Warning, this is long, but a lot of it is lyrics and music players.

Last song of [2/4]

Song: Alright Come On by Sonic Spark Type: Vocal Scene: Friends go wakeboarding

The friends and Top go wakeboarding and Alright Come On sounds like a party song, something to hype everyone up. Lyrics start when Top goes out on the water,

Oh you're so pretty and mean It ain't what it seems But you really stand out against the lined up faces

They edit the song so the lyrics pause, and we get Mew correcting Cheum, saying Top isn’t his boyfriend. The lyrics start again when April is out wakeboarding

When are we going to be alone I guess the fight is on A knock out for a kiss in the empty spaces

At that line, Top turns to look at Boston, who had been staring at him.

[3/4]

Song Blue Skies by JAKE $ING

Scene: Top is helping Mew put together a table

Type: Verbal/Playful

In the show, the song has no lyrics, but it does use the song as a way of expressing the emotion, and beats of the scene. The drum beat starts after Top says, “so that you can think of me when you look at it”. And continues while Mew offers the cookies, and Top tries to get Mew to feed him. The rest of the instruments come in after Top says “I've been doing this for so long that my arms are tired. Can’t you see?” Everything but the drums pauses when Mew picks up a cookie, and there are three bass drum beats like a heartbeat before Mew asks “How about I feed you like this? If you want it come and get it” 

Keyboard and guitar start up again, Mew puts the cookie in his mouth, a snare beat as Top moves to get the cookie, and the song continues in full from there. It dissipates along with the mood when Mew pushes Top away after he goes in for a kiss, yelling “You can’t do that”  

Here are the lyrics, not in the show, (Translated lyrics in [brackets]. Used google translate, so I left the original Korean.)

Wow You look so perfect  I’ll hit the ground  If you keep on looking at me like that  And you  Don’t know what you do to me  And I  Would probably go and end it all If you found out  No words can explain what  I’m feeling  Being with you feels as easy as breathing  And right when I do you just  Go on and steal it  Am I out of my mind?  You got me so high  Being with you feels like blue skies  [I'm bored day after day without you]  너 없이 하루 하루 지루해  [I can't think when I see you]  난 널 보면 생각 잘 안돼   [Because you are so beautiful]  아름다워서  You got me so  [Time goes so fast when I'm with you] 너랑 있을때 시간이 너무 빨리 가  [Now when I see another girl] 이제는 딴 여자 볼때  Out of focus, [I can’t see] 보이지 않아 [Only you] 오직 너 뿐이야 (okay) [Never turn my gaze] 내 시선은 절대 안 돌려 [From the first moment I saw you] 처음 본 순간 부터 It was clear skies from day one got me so high  [Floating] 붕뜬 spaceship, we in that ufo sight (we in that)  I’m falling fast for you, no parachute  [Leave now] 이제 떠나버려 lonely life 'Cause I finally found something true 

Lyrics tell of falling for someone, but being horribly afraid to let it be known, I know I’ve gone off about Mew needing control, and I am thinking it’s because of fear. Top has so much more experience than him, and @VivienneActing just tweeted that Mew may be Demi, so this might be one of the first times Mew is feeling like this. That’s why he needs to control the beats of the relationship, or Top might set his own pace again like he did at the beginning. I do think Mew has feeling for Top, but he might not trust Top enough to let him actually kiss. Especially as their first kiss escalated so quickly beyond Mew’s control

While the song talks about it being easy to be with a person, and being so high, it also talks about falling without a parachute. Emotions both new, and stronger than he’s ever known. A mixture of euphoria and fear.

For further reading on Mew thoughts from @rocketturtle4:

More specific, but slightly older (EP3 and before writer’s Demi tweet) here. 

And more general, but more recent (EP4) thoughts on communication here

The Negotiation scenes:

This section is a bit different because we get three scenes of negotiation in a row, and just watching how differently they use the music. Especially with Sand and Ray's scene at the end.

Song: Look At Me Closely by Blue Topaz Scene: Top asks to stay the night at Mew’s place, after the cookie.

“Can I stay the night here?” Top starts the negotiation as the drums of Look at me closely start. Mew puts up a boundary, saying Top can stay, but sleep on the sofa. Top pushes at the boundary, testing if he can get more, “I didn’t get out of line (before). Don’t you trust me?” 

Side note, look at everything someone says if they say this very closely. Are they pushing you to do something you’re not comfortable with? 

Back in the scene, Mew remains firm, reminding Top that they have reset, this is their first sleepover. That “We are not a thing.” The guitars come in, without the bass, but they continue their talk. Mew stays firm in what he wants until Top relents, only asking for a blanket, and the music fades.

Song: Running Around In The Dark by Ryan James Carr Scene: Boston and Nick talk about their relationship

Running around in the dark- Nick fumbling around in the dark trying to be more than just a “favorite”.

Nick starts with "What are we to each other?" Boston counters with giving him options, "Fuck buddies, or Friends with Benefits?" As Nick thinks, drums start playing, the negotiation has started.

The bass comes in while Boston explains, fuck buddies don’t care what the other does, while friends with benefits are friends but they sleep with each other. The music pauses when Nick asks "And what am I to you?"

"What is the matter with you? Don't tell me you're into this already. If so, I'll stop. I hate dramas." Boston has completely over ridden the negotiation, using his trump card of stopping completely if Nick keeps pushing. An low, droning organ song plays as Nick backtracks, "I'm not being dramatic. I asked out of curiosity." Higher piano notes come in right before Nick chooses fuck buddies, trying to set a boundary. Boston immediately pushes in, scooting closer to Nick, trying to appease him. "We can push our status a little farther"

The music just sounds sad, slow, with a distant sounding piano that doesn't quite have a melody.

Song: unknown Scene: Sand and Amm outside the bar

Next scene is with Sand, Amm, and Ray outside the bar. They play with the music again in a way I really liked. Sand and a girl walk out of the bar, Lost in a dream is playing, steady rock, confident. Stops when Ray shows up

While Ray and Sand are talking we get a drum, stopping with a Bass slide at “Have you known each other long”

Sand replies and we get a bassline and drums back as Ray talks to Amm, then music pauses “Come to my place instead.” And music comes in with everything, drums, bass, guitar, Ray is dominating the negotiation. It goes on until Sand pulls Ray away from Amm. We get a bass drum start up at Ray begging Sand to go with him (With or without Amm). Cymbals and snare join as full drum beat at “You’re such a pesterer” And Sand apologizes to Amm, the beat pauses for her to scold him. She leaves then we get the full song. It's one of my favorite music scenes, do check it out, if you have time.

Song: อย่าดีกว่า (Better Not) by Micro Scene: Sand and Ray driving to Ray’s house Type: Vocal

Next scene, Sand and Ray are going to Ray’s. A Micro song plays i the background of their conversation. Ray sings the Chorus:

I better not, Just forget it, I should forget, forget it, Keep telling myself that I should not.

Whole song is about having a secret crush on someone and watching them, but the part that is actually louder, that Ray sings along to, is about not starting, about forgetting about the whole thing. EP4 Spoiler: So, we know who this was about now. And it’s interesting to me that Ray is singing this song with Sand in the car. Like he knows he still has an attachment to someone else, but being with Sand feels good. That the old feelings have no hope in being reciprocated so he should let go. 

[4/4]

Song: Halo: sing me to sleep Scene: Ray and Sand talking at Ray’s house Type: Vocal

Ray and Sand at Ray’s house, as Sand offers to be Ray’s friend there is a soft acoustic guitar. Until Ray starts playing Sparkle Shirt Shiny Shoes on the record player. It’s funky and just serves as background music. But, There is a sound, it’s like a head rush, when Ray asks if Sand has ever been hit on by a guy.

When Sand responds “If we click, I’m open.” Halo: Sing me to sleep starts, and plays until Ray lights his cigarette with Sand’s.

There are no lyrics in the show:

Broke, I can’t afford to let you in But we’re bad, so what’s the harm in one more sin? Take off your halo, you’re beautiful I don’t care if it tears me apart We couldn’t let go, from the get-go I think we’re past tryna to hide who we are Baby, I don’t mind you calling I’m still awake, come on by Say the things you shouldn’t be saying I don’t want you to act Like you still have that halo, halo, got that halo Like you still have that halo, halo, you should let it go Don’t stop, I love it when you touch my skin I know it’s bad, I don’t care if the walls are caving in right now I know it’s bad but I don’t care, I don’t care I need you to kill off my lonely nights Otherwise I’ll just be dead inside I can’t keep pretending you don’t exist Hate the lies, you know I can’t resist, yeah (chorus) Sing me to sleep, I need you, want you Don’t wanna dream, just lay ‘til darkness Sing me to sleep, I need you watching Don’t wanna dream, just lay ‘til darkness

Ray and Sand are already falling, even if they don’t admit it to each other or to themselves. They can’t afford to let the other in, but they can’t let go either. Sand tries in vain  a few times in the next episodes, but he can’t, the puppy dog eyes melt him. 

Ray needs Sand to kill off his lonely nights. “I don’t mind you calling, I’m still awake, come on by, say the things you shouldn’t be saying” Minor EP4 spoiler, Ray has Mew as his emergency contact, will drop everything to go to him. I could see Sand wanting to be that person, Ray’s Emergency Contact, even now, in this moment, Sand cannot keep his eyes off Ray. 

Song: A Heavy Load by Sven Karlsson Scene: After the smoky kiss Type: vocal

Music starts when Ray asks "Open enough for someone like me?" and pauses while they talk about if they can be friends if they continue. Then comes back after Sand agrees, after Ray puts out his cigarette, the lyrics play:

Don’t come round and waste my time A generation of my time There is nothing we can do To stop the plague from breaking through

It mirrors Halo, walls are caving in, the plagues breaking through. Lyrics continue, not in the show:

There’s a heavy load upon my back No way to throw it off For a second I believe it’s gone I’m just a fool out of luck Standing on the open road Always with the heavy load Don’t let me carry it along I think my head is full of stone There’s not a whole lot I can do When all my visions have come true There are times when everything feels great I’m on top of the world But eventually my spirit breaks Can’t get the final word (Chorus) Don’t come round and waste my time A generation of my time There is nothing we can do To stop this plague from breaking through

They’re just beginning their relationship, a relationship that will carry the weight of their loneliness, there could be more positive songs, just like how Nick and boston’s start with Lurking TIger, Mew and Top’s start with Always Always and Check for Pulse. 

It’s interesting to note that the hints the music is giving us about the characters' emotional arcs are paying off in the following episodes, despite the characters lack of self awareness in this episode. These songs are from episode 2, and as we have continued through episodes 3 and 4 more of our characters' arcs and feelings have been revealed to us (and sometimes themselves). Ray and Sand’s progress and self awareness have paid off the lyrics we see in this episode about feelings that need letting go of (Ray and Mew) and Sand and Ray’s combined loneliness and desire for an Important Person to share their loads. Mew has continued to struggle with control of his own desires and boundaries and we have seen how his feelings are overcoming his fear and desire for control. Though unlike Ray and Sand he seems to be lacking self awareness. Top continues to feel out the cracks in Mew’s boundaries (though whether he’s pushing through them out of a desire to be more or a desire to take and leave remains to be seen). Nick continues to try to get more from Boston, but most of their songs have not had words. They’re all going to boil over at the start of EP3 when we get a hip hop song begging for love. But that is in the next post!

Thank you so much, @rocketturtle4 and @shouldiusemyname for everything, editing, helping organize, and putting up with me.

[forcebookish]

Hi uh would you be happen to be on Twitter me and some ppl in the Fandom have been sharing your posts on Twitter and wanted to credit you threre since we love your posts

:O !!!!!

this is going to be such a needlessly long answer soz i technically have a twitter, it's @/farewellswords (i have it linked in my themed blog and ao3), but i more or less abandoned it back in 2021 and have only popped in every once in a while this year. most recently to freak out about @/VivienneActing (sorry, i don't know his real name!😩) seeing and agreeing with my post djlkjlwjgdlkd it's privated, i've had it for eight years and i'm following 600+ accounts so it's absolute chaos and i left it behind for a reason.

BUT if people want to credit me and let me know they like my posts, that's great! especially since my twitter links to my ao3 and this tumblr! but i have push notifications turned off and probably won't respond, unprivate/accept follow requests, or get into the weeds of other twitter-users' reactions/thoughts about it because that's kinda what made me burn out on twitter in 2021. (i mean, i already saw someone react to my post with "top has narcissistic personality disorder"🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄)

i'm pumped that y'all are loving these long ass opinionated posts😅 but if folks want to chat with me about them, i'd rather they drop me an ask :) you can send asks without an account, right?

[pandasmagorica]

Image text:

@VivienneActing • Jul 30 Well, I don't need some cis/het white women to tell ME, a GAY MAN, how to live MY life and represent MY community on screen. Thank you. • 16 AugUSt

@VivienneActing • Jul 30 Replying to @GrooveGrI4 I mean I'm open to any kind of criticism especially since we can't show everything in a 2-minute teaser, But not 'So the gays only have sex huh? Ew is that necessary…' YES we have sex, YES it's necessary. we LOVE SEX lol. irl we don't only kiss and pan to the fishbowl. Sorry.

To those people who wrote shit like: "BLs are more about sex now" or "where is the plot, too much NC" or even "all these scenes are for straight people fetish", for playboy the series and only friends, this is for you:

Congratulations for ridiculing a queer man for representing his own fucking community.

[thatgirl4815]

i guess they’re really going with the sand needs to learn to say no/get better boundaries angle with boeing? that’s what it seems like to me with this tweet from the writer https://x.com/vivienneacting/status/1715765092175040512?s=46&t=f3gxMlccjR3oQ5hW3qKitQ

That seems to be the case. I'm still conflicted about this plot point tbh. I understand that we have been shown this flaw of Sand's in the past with Ray, but I also think there's a difference in that Sand and Ray are now boyfriends, and Boeing is making very obvious advances on him that could threaten that. I also understand Sand having difficulty telling Boeing off or insisting that he leave him alone. There are a lot of emotions there that have built up over time that haven't just gone away (even if Boeing has been out of Sand's life for awhile).

Maybe it's the fact that I don't personally feel the weight of Sand's heartbreak or deep devotion to Boeing (in which case a flashback might've actually been nice this episode to portray that...maybe we'll get one in the finale). It just ends up feeling like a plot device to me at the moment rather than a reflection of Sand's flaws as a character that he needs to move past. But maybe I'm still speaking out of frustration alone and if I go back and watch the ep again my feelings will change. I need to stew over this for awhile.

If that tweet is anything to go by, it does seem like this will get resolved next episode though, so I'm happy about that. No matter what, it can't last too long given that we only have one ep left.