#FIAT IS TRIN

[bl-bam-beyond]

Meet Nai (NATOUCH SIRIPONGTHON aka FLUKE)

Meet Dan (PRACHAYA RUANGROJ aka SINGTO)

Meet Josh (POON MITPAKDEE)

SHADOW (2023, THAILAND)

Premiere Episode

Available on GAGAOOLALA

A BL with a horror element. A mystery being talked about is a student that disappeared named Trin.

Nai (FLUKE) is the subject of bullying, he's being called Fruitcake. Dan is the new student and his inability to swim had Nai saving his life.

But was it his inability or the shadow that seems to be stalking him.

Dan has passed out as the shadow hovers at least twice. Is Trin ( the missing student) a part of the shadow or is he the shadow?

@pose4photoml @lutawolf are you watching this one?

[pharawee]

S H A D O W ♠ Episode 7: One Armed Man

[lost-my-sanity1]

why am I still hoping for trin to be alive I mean nai and dan literally saw his ghost 😭😭

[lurkingshan]

Shadow episodes 8–14

Well, that went to some unexpected places! I’m not sure it entirely held together in the end, there were definitely some dropped threads and weak spots in the cast, and the back end wasn’t as tightly paced as the first half. I still enjoyed watching this show overall but the back half didn’t live up to the hype they built with this release schedule, unfortunately. And not gonna lie…I kinda hated that ending.

Some initial reactions:

As I mentioned back when I finished part 1, this show is emphatically not a bl. There is no romance and the protagonist is not, in fact, gay. I do think this show marketed itself to bl fans and did a little dishonest baiting on that front and I will side eye it for that. It does have several explicitly queer characters and themes, however, which is probably why it’s on Gaga.

They disappeared Danai from his own fucking narrative! I was already bummed by him disappearing into a shadow coma for most of the last two episodes; it already felt like he vanished from the resolution of his own story. And then that final reveal that he never actually came back and Trin has somehow managed to possess his body. So the end for Danai, the character we’ve been following this whole time, concluded with him passing out on stage during his attempt to expose Anurak during the play and then getting squashed by Trin in the shadow realm? Thanks, I hate it! 

The reveal of the shadow as the forest spirit (not to mention that goofy ass costume) was also kind of a letdown; I have no idea what this forest ghost has to do with the backstory they showed us for Danai and his family, and I ended the show still unsure of why this spirit glommed onto Dan in the first place. The complete dropping of the family trauma theme is especially egregious to me; I was so interested in everything they set up for Danai in part 1 but they left most of it on the table. Strange writing choices.

The final reveal of Brother Anurak’s whole deal lacked juice (and as the story continued it became clear the actor playing him was not strong enough for the role). Nice guy tries to do what’s right and fails and cries about it for twenty years is just kind of boring as the ultimate reveal of a spooky mystery story. And I didn’t really expect the haunting to be about state-sanctioned murder in the end. While I appreciate that the show is referencing real history and making a (somewhat garbled?) political statement here, this direction for the story felt like an awkward fit with the beginning, which was more about family trauma and homophobia. 

I thought Trin’s story was the best executed part of the show. Fiat was great in this role and his plot and characterization stayed consistent throughout. 

Poor Nai. The way Dan gave him that total stone face and zero reaction to his attempted kiss was almost worse than an outright rejection. And then the show added insult to injury by having Dan say he liked Cha-aim after all. You expect me to believe that shadow fucker is a straight dude who wanted to date the insipid girl? Okay show!

Anan was a pretty decent antagonist for most of the show (I hated that dude and his evil ass teacher girlfriend) but I thought him getting another girl pregnant and then murdering her together with the teacher kind of came out of nowhere? And ultimately his story didn’t connect to the larger reveal, he just exited stage left before the big dramatic climax. 

After part 1 aired @wen-kexing-apologist tried to tell me my boy Josh was evil, and I was not having it. *Captain Holt voice* Vindication!!! Josh is just a garden variety dumbass teenage boy.  I always believed in you, boo!

All the teachers were, in fact, sus. Not a single decent educator among them.

Fluke Natouch is very, very pretty. 

And that’s all I got! I can’t honestly say I recommend this show to anyone who hasn’t already watched part 1, but for those of us who already arrived here I look forward to reading about the things you noticed that I didn't. This show has style and some of the cast is great, but the writing just didn’t hold up. 

[bengiyo]

Shadow Ep 1 Stray Thoughts

Let’s get started with our first spooky show of the year! They dropped seven episodes at once, so I will be updating sporadically. I’m excited to see Singto, Fluke, and Fiat work together.

Now why the fuck are they starting with me watching Fiat vomit? What did I do to deserve this?

Episode 1: The Lake

Interesting. We watched Trin (Fiat) vanish in 1998. Now it’s 1999.

It’s been a while since I saw Singto in a role. He’s still so beautiful.

I am constantly skeptical about Thai brooms.

Rerng is the one who found the boat with Trin’s jacket in it.

Thai shows always push in on a hand on the shoulder. Ever since the Gifted I do not trust anyone who does that maneuver.

FLUKE

I hope Nai continues to be a menace, and that Dan continues to not fall for it.

Oh, lovely. Slurs and homophobia.

Hey! Josh was in Our Days!

Very amused at them putting Singto in a show with hazing and bullying, and then letting his character be sassy about lions.

So they want us to think that the school isn’t big on this hazing stuff, or at least this one brother isn’t.

Is Dan here for treatment for these night terrors?

Why does Fluke always have his shorts so high on his hips? This is a Fluke thing, not a character thing.

What in the Dye – Fantasy Official Music video is happening to Dan in this pool?

Okay, Nai, that was a terrible dive.

Nai seems to perceive whatever this shadow phenomenon is that is plaguing Dan.

This man is literally drowning in front of them and these kids are worried about the gayness of it all. Where the hell is their teacher?

Thank you for the info dump, Nai. Let’s discuss how catty and gossipy boys are.

I hope they join the drama club so we can see actors playing newbie actors.

Oh ho! Nai is a nerd who’s read or seen The Lord of the Rings and seems to have a grasp on English.

Every time we see Dan interact with this ‘shadow’ we see him in the same space he was already in but no one else is around. Is there some other layer of reality that he’s perceiving?

I’m always curious about how to perceive the use of English in these shows? Dan has written notes in Thai, but has also asked the question “who?” in English repeatedly as well.

Nai confirming that he did experience the phenomenon and asking about a spirit realm, and confirms he can see ghosts!

What is Trin doing on the water, and what does it mean that Nai perceives him as a ghost standing on a boat and Dan sees himself on the boat with the shadow before  him?

That was a solid opening episode! We’ve got a few levels of drama to focus on. We’ve got a brother who knows Dan too well, we’ve got a drama teacher whose dealing with rumors, we’ve got omnipresent homophobia, we’ve got varying levels of supernatural awareness, and we’ve got a mystery!

[befuddledcinnamonroll]

Ok, finally managed to get through Shadow episode 4 with some breaks (note to anyone who is triggered by abuse dynamics or self harm, it's a bit of a rough one), and then episode 5 was a breeze, because I am totally ok with dead people walking around!

There isn't much change in my perspective on the shadow itself, though I did find the hug interesting, and the shadow bringing Dan to confront his father. All that makes me more convinced the shadow is Dan himself, or an element of him. I have more to say about his last scene with his father, but I think that'll be a separate post.

I really liked seeing more of Trin, both because I love Fiat and have missed him (goddamit, give us Wish Me Luck already!!), and because we got to see that he was a genuinely special person.

But of course that's the kind of person most at risk in an oppressive institution.

Literally at this moment

was when I said to myself, "ah, of course, that's why they killed him".

Because he spoke truth to power and advocated for equity and against abuse. And nothing is more threatening to an institution that depends on fear to keep people in line.

When Trin's entire deal, as someone who struggled with mental health and the stigma around it, was to lead with compassion and integrity. You really feel the genuine loss of him not being in their world anymore.

Also, major eye roll at all the "narcotics" talk. But it also makes it pretty clear that the police are only interested in making this go away. I think they did mention Trin's father was a politician, so it could entirely be him pushing to get the case closed to stop public scrutiny, but I wouldn't be surprised if there was a school/politics/police interconnectedness - because that's how it works in real life.

My poor baby Nai, I was so worried for him here. He so smol.

And what the hell Yada?! You get all fucking high and mighty about queer people when you are a literal fucking predator? I hope you get eaten by bees.

Side note: I have to shout out Fluke for being such a fantastic physical actor. The way he embodies the tension of the world that Nai lives in is just incredible. I just constantly want to give him a hug.

[lgbtally4ever]

SHADOW

Thai BL Series

VIU Original

Anybody else watching on GagaOOLala?

I’m only on episode 3, but so far it’s very interesting! Supernatural/psychological THAI drama BL.

Starring Fiat Patchata, Singto Prachaya, & Fluke Natouch.

On MDL, it lists 14 episodes. On GagaOOLala it shows 7 episodes in total. ???

[jenyifer]

Omphies how did I stay up until 1 am avidly watching Shadow. I finished ep 4 and I guess to avoid saying spoilers I’ll put a cut in here. I think everyone should watch it though. It’s beautiful and very interesting. I’m gonna talk about my predictions and impressions at this point.

I have found the mix of supernatural vs reality very interesting in the show. I know that’s the point but it feels like we the viewers are in between like Dan. The lucid dreaming is fascinating. I keep thinking well has dan been possessed by a piece of the Brother’s soul? Maybe the mom wanted them to be bond some way. So he’s worrying about Trin and Dan’s dad because that’s what the Brother is actually stressed about. They have police at the school and the brother has responsibility for Dan a teen with severe trauma.

The bullying of Nai really takes me back to highschool middle school when looking at someone too long would get you called Gay. It was just common bullying in the early 00s. It’s especially bad at Catholic school because 1 your body is evil 2 your thoughts are out to get you 3 don’t be tempted by your gay thoughts just don’t give in. Complete bullshit. But those scars get internalized and make homophobic adults and kids afraid that they might be the ultimate sinner and experience that shame. So been having fun thinking about how fucked that is.

Oh another Catholic detail I like is Dan not supposed to ask questions. I have gotten the well you just need to believe line when I would ask questions about certain things. Also I’m hoping for possession btw my grandma claimed I was probably possessed as a teen so you know it happens Dan shouldn’t feel too bad hahah. I was possessed because I was depressed and therapy wasn’t working. 🤷🏻‍♀️ luckily my parents don’t believe in that kind of stuff so there was no exorcism. But my grandma said mental illness is caused by satan so I find it interesting brother Dan is a psychologist or is he? Idk? I wonder if that will come into play.

I still love Fiat btw every time he’s on screen I know he’s supposed to be scary but it’s like I’m the dog in up when he sees a squirrel.

[therichantsim]

My Sims Dream Car

So @storiesbyjes2g​ did a car tag for the type of car your sim would drive if we had cars in the game. I think it’s pretty obvious what my sims drive if you’ve been following for awhile. I do occasionally use cc cars and poses, but if there were cars and all of the things this is what they’d drive.

Okay. So, up first is Isaiah. He currently drives a G-class Mercedes. He is not a brand loyalist but he typically keeps a car for a long time and takes very good care of them. His first car was a 1989 Ford Bronco. In my day that was a favorite amongst young, urban, hustlers. He drove that until his first investment property generated residual income then he bought a new used 750 BMW cash and gave the Bronco to his son Quinton. 

Which leads me to Quinton. His previous cars were handed down from his father. His first purchase was a Range Rover and he’s been loyal to the brand ever since. This 2020 custom wrap was his most recent purchase. 

Trinity didn’t drive for the longest time. Her first car was a brand new Fiat from her dad (which she totaled). Then for her 25th birthday he bought her a C-class Mercedes coupe.She had that until she became a mom and traded it in for a GLE350. 

Octavia drove the same old 1990 Nissan Sentra for years. She finally bought a Mini Cooper after restoring her credit from her first marriage. Her husband Isaiah bought her a Countryman after they found out they were expecting twins. She is loyal to the Mini Cooper brand. She’s been a fan since The Italian Job movie.

Rashad loves his beloved Maserati Ghibli all his cars have been red. His first car was from his parents. It was a 1990 Jeep Cherokee. Three kids later and he still hasn’t upgraded to something more practical. 

Mama B drives a Lexus RX and she’s a brand loyalist. Before upgrading to Lexus after her success as a fashion designer she drove a Toyota which owns Lexus. 

Last but not least is Derek, Trinity’s husband. He also drives a Maserati Ghibli as well, but with a custom matte black wrap. He will gladly trade her in for a SUV if Trin ever decides she wants have more children.

[bengiyo]

Shadow Ep 7 Stray Thoughts

Last time, things were awkward for Dan with Cha-aim as he tried to give room for her to potentially grow closer to Josh, but Cha-aim is still interested in Dan. That nasty teacher Yada is pregnant with Anan's kid WHILE MARRIED, and seems to believe she's going to move overseas with him and the baby later. Dan started seeing Trin during the day and followed him into the Funhouse, and Nai also led Anan there who seems to also see Trin.

Holy fucking strobe effect, Batman!

Oh no. Anan thought Dan was responsible for this and now he's lost his ring.

Episode 7: One Armed Man

Anan knows too much about this place. He feels like he can challenge authority.

I'm so glad Nai is still focused on the Trin mystery.

Uh oh. Dan is tripping. Didn't Trin mention seeing dead bodies in one of his sessions with. Anurak?

I think Anan needs a good stomping to rearrange his attitude.

I'm worried that Nai doesn't seem to be seeing the Shadow anymore.

I hope nothing bad happens to Cha-aim in this show. I like her a lot.

Anan is so gross. Nai, please develop better taste in men.

I want to know what that memory flash about the person with the rifle was about, and who is stuck in that room?

What is this shadow and why does it keep touching Dan this way?? What did Nai see?

Interesting. What prompted Dan to envision this mystery boxer before this story?

Oh, he found his ring in time to beat the shit out of Anan. I hope Anan has his whole fucking life rearranged.

This was a fascinating experience. I'm not certain yet why we were introduced to this lore about the one armed man at this point, but I guess we'll see when we come back on December 7. I am glad they got Singto, Fluke, and Fiat for this. I don't think I'd be this invested with newcomers or less known actors. We've got a lot more to unpack, and I'm still not certain how supernatural this is going to end up being.

[bengiyo]

Shadow Ep 5 Stray Thoughts

Last time, we got the morbid details of Dan's home life, and saw how horribly his dad abused him and his mother. I am also concerned that someone else molested Dan. Dan's dad died, and they had a terrible last conversation in the dream space. We left at Dan seeing Trin's body in the pool.

I don't think Dan is off base in his assumption that Anurak knows what happened to Trin.

Episode 5: Trin

Feels very intentional that they got Singto and Fiat to bash the SOTUS system, and grabbed Fluke to talk about homophobia.

What kind of narcotics are we talking? I will not gasp over this.

I still like Cha-aim.

If Nai's vision is to be trusted, Trin is following Joe around.

Is Trin's ghost following Joe, and did he perceive Nai's awareness of him?

Oh good. I've been wondering what was the relationship between the two known gays at this school. I'm so glad this show nodded to message boards and how critical they are to the history of lonely outsiders and outcasts.

I see. Yada is hooking up with Anan. My disgust grows further.

Did they kill Trin? What the fuck??

Who benefits from this smear job on Trin? Is it the same person who leaked his letter?

All he was doing was smoking a little weed? Be serious.

I'm so glad we're finally getting a chance to see Fiat in action more.

All this shit they talked about Joe and Trin, and Joe handled that situation with Trin properly by acknowledging his feelings while making sure he couldn't give his student hope.

Brother Anurak, what did you do? Why are you so guilty?

The previews for the next episode are always hard for me to resist clicking next.

I hope we learn more about Nai and Trin. It's so lonely being gay when you're young and don't know anyone. The conspiracy around Trin grows. If he was smoking weed, how did the police verify that, and who was dealing to him? If Joe rejected Trin, why does he have the pen offered as a promise, and why is Trin still hanging around Joe almost protectively?