#and i'm very biased considering this BL is actually in my top 5

[lunabug2004]

I Will Forever Think 'The Eclipse' Receives More Flack Than it Deserves!

So much that I see about The Eclipse is negative, and while I do understand the frustrations the show (and some of the writing decisions) causes, I will never think it was a bad show.

I don't think I would consider any show that made me geniunely adore Akk and Ayan so much, as well as hate Thua so much, could be considered bad. There has to be a genuine connection to the characters in order to feel so strongly about them.

And Akk and Ayan's storylines specifically are very well-written in my opinion! Akk's especially, hits me really hard. I love the social commentary in the show, as well.

And trust me, I have my own issues with it, but I fully believe that all of these issues could've been avoided if the show was given the budget and run-time that it deserved. (Also makes me wonder why it didn't get those things...).

It's for these reasons that I can never say it was a bad show, or even a badly written show. (I would even recommend it regularly if I knew ppl who watched BLs 🤷‍♀️)

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - Screw everything else inject On1y into my damn veins

Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

Aug 2024 Week 4

Ongoing Series - Thai

Monster Next Door (Thai Thurs Gaga ) eps 5-6 of 12 - Extreme introvert dealing with a very hot, very drunk, very affectionate extrovert was an excellent experience all around. “I was drunk and talking out of my ass, but I wasn’t lying” maybe one of the world’s greatest confessions. How meta that he’s checking out the book of the story that he’s in. Carry on boys, very enjoyable, very Thai BL.

My Love Mix-Up Th (Fri YT) ep 12 fin - It’s cute. They are all very cute. I do like it when high school BL gives us a coming out sequence. I know it’s old-fashioned, but it’s a trope that goes with this particular setting really well, and I just like it when it’s done nicely. I’m not sure I needed it to totally dominate the final episode of the series. But it was fine.

I gotta say, Fourth is an absolutely outstanding actor. He really did knocked it out of the park in this last episode especially. 

In conclusion:

It was fine and it was charming, but it was also a little lackluster. Thailand managed to take one of Japan's softest cutest most bonkers BLs in recent memory and make it softer and cuter and... dull. They did this by watering it down. JBLs almost always have an edge to them, even the rom-coms, by dulling the edge, MLMU lost a great deal of the sparkle and tension as well. What an office setting managed to mostly maintain in the consummate hands of TayNew felt somewhat lackluster when handed off to the next generation and a high school setting. Cherry Magic was a lovely reinterpretation, Mix Up was an amateur's watercolor rendition of a colorful oil painting. Am I being harsh? G4 tried their best, and Fourth turned in some outrageously good acting in the latter half. But the show? It was fine. If you like water colors and you haven't seen (and loved) Kieta Hatsukoi. 8/10

This Love Doesn't Have Long Beans (Fri iQIYI) ep 8 fin - This was the first hint we got that the lead's relationship was anything more than sexual. And it was utilized for a breakup?! JJ and Wan's friendship is the best thing about this show. PWan selling JJ out to Methas was great. I was modestly delighted by the big fuck off ownership engagement ring. I admire a boy who likes to mark his territory with bling. I actually thought this was a decent final episode. If very rushed. I know, in general this ending was objectively weak, but I grinned the entire time, so I can’t really complain that much.

Final thoughts?

A story about a kid who infiltrates a cooking competition under false pretenses and then has to deal with the consequences when he falls in love with the head chef. The side couple is a poor little rich boy meets physical therapist (morality chain). The core friendships are excellent and the chemistry cannot be faulted across the (charcuterie) board. What this show lacks in substance it makes up for in health code violations. It was all chili all the time. Considering that the plot centered on betrayal but the romantic relationship never sweetened enough to balance that bitterness; one could be forgiven for throwing this one in the compost. But I got over all its weaknesses in flavor balancing for an ultimately satisfying meal, with a great dessert course. I've always loved spicy food. Plus the blooper reels were fantastic. 8/10

Addicted Heroin (Thai Tues WeTV) ep 2 of 10 - I like the side couple a lot. It’s nice to see that dynamic developed (as it wasn't in the CBL version). Of course, Thailand leans into a secondary couple, but I also like the super popular jock + geeky boy who couldn’t care less. You know what? I’m actually really enjoying this. And yes, I AM biased because it's August. (Wait, that could be taken several different ways this month. But you know what I mean.) Anygay, this is a lot softer than the original, and so Hero is much more of a pining character and less harsh. But I'm still enjoying it. I like the stepbrothers trope (we don’t get it very much from Thailand), and I enjoy the beats and pulses of this particular story. We will see if it derails into inconsequence and lack of conflict the way My Love Mixup did.  

Sunset X Vibes (Sat iQIYI) ep 11 of 12 - I’m enjoying this show but it should’ve been just 10 eps. It’s feeling bloated at this juncture. That said, I loved our little GL kiss. Very pretty. I also really like the bit with Sam and Yo flirting with each other. Sam trying to get Yo to call him P'Sam was fucking brilliant. And then slipping in all of those nongs. Delightful. Linguistic negotiation, it's what's for dinner... along with Sam's d**k apparently. I frankly did not think they would take this couple that far. So, thank you very much everybody involved.

Battle of the Writers (Sun YT) ep 4 of 12 - I do enjoy watching Yim freak out and fall in love all over again. The reality is still better for me than the fantasy parts, but it’s all fun enough. The magic mushrooms bit was odd. In fact, there is definitely a core tenor of ODD going on with the show. Which I’m accustomed to from Japan but I’m not really sure about from Thailand. Thus I remain engaged but suspicious of this BL. 

I Saw You in My Dream (Weds Gaga) ep 6 of 12 - Yu wants to take his baby on a trip, gets thwarted by his younger brother. Ouch. I really do think it’s time for Ai to tell Yu what’s going on with his dreams! Drunken boyfriend bolster pillow is a fav trope of mine. As usual, I’m catching second lead syndrome. What? I liked the rich boy badminton player. And then he picked up a guitar. Oh well.

The Trainee (Sun YouTube) ep 8 of 12 - No one cares about the hets. He was jelly? Cute. Also kinda an arse, by hey this is BL. 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

The On1y One (Taiwan Thurs Gaga) eps 1-2 of 12 - announced in 2023, high school, stepbrothers, and is reputed to be high heat. Based on a novel Mou Mou + the Your Name Engraved Herein team.

ARE YOU READY? I'M GOING TO NOT SO QUIETLY LOSE MY DAMN MIND

This is old-school BL and it’s bloody fantastic. Tsundere seme to beat all tsundere (smartest + tallest + bestest at everything but people) meets socially-ept cutie smart-ass protag.

They living together by end of ep 1 and start kissing by end of ep 2.

There is an Unknown quality to this, and that I love. Also, and ironic to say this while Addicted Heroin Th is airing, but this REALLY reminds me of Addicted. It’s so fucking good. I am all in on this show. Shut up while this eats my life.

Cosmetic Playlover (Japan Tues Gaga) eps 5-6 of 8 - Of course! The POV shift to the seme character at ep 5! How could I forget? Japan loves this beat! AND.... The running of the gays. And a use of a first name! So darling. Also some crazy great communication and conversation that is NOT a hallmark of Japan. Sahashi is so very possessive. I loved the switch that went on in his brain and the mania in his eyes when he thought someone else was interested in Natsume. I continue to love this.

I Hear the Sunspot AKA Hidamari ga Kikoeru (Japan Weds Gaga) ep 10 of 12 - I’m never going to like Maya. Sorry. And the leads were separated for most of this episodes so it was largely disappointing. I did like the insight into the way T sees the world, and sees the alienation of a disability and what it's dong to his friend. It’s very empathic. He’s such an appealing character in his obtuse bull-headed way.

Seoul Blues (Korea Fri? YouTube) ep 2 of 8 - It’s intriguing, and I'm happy to have anything from Korea on my dash. But, like Blue Boys, I’m not entirely sure if I like it or not.

First Note Of Love (Taiwan Mon Gaga) eps 3-4 of 12 - This may be Taiwan but I’m still in the "no singing" camp. I’m getting a slightly better chemistry feel off the leads in this episode. I’m not sure if they’re keeping it stiff because the younger character is under age or if it’s just that the actors aren’t there yet? (In other words is this a directing choice or a performance issue?)

Takara's Treasure AKA Takara No Vidro (Japan Mon Gaga) ep 8 of 10 - I've finally come down firmly on the fact that it’s the uneven power distribution (in terms of interest and enthusiasm for the relationship) that I dislike about this show. Generally, I like a power dynamic differential, kinky and all that. But this particular dynamic, when it’s the weaker personality that’s so much more into the stronger one? I never like it, unless it engages a serious pivot at some point. (See My Personal Weatherman or Takara & Amagi.)

It's airing but...

Sugar Dog Life (Japan Sun grey) ep 3 of 10 - I was really loving this one but I can't find ep 3 anywhere so I guess I gotta wait it out. I hope I get to see it eventually.

4 Minutes (Sat Gaga) eps 1-6 of 8 - Gaga picked this one up so we can watch it there. If I have time, I'll get caught up and put it into rotation.

In case you missed it

Meet You at the Blossom (China) - I'm eating crow, binging the fucker, and live blogging.

The Time of Fever AKA Unintentional Love Story 2 (Korea movie) trailer IS COMING IN SEPTEMBER!!!! (Yeah this is gonna sit here until then).

Next Week Looks Like This:

Upcoming BLs for 2024 are listed here. This list is not kept updated, so please leave a comment if you know something new or RP with additions.

Coming Next Month:

The Time of Fever (Korea)

9/1 Live in Love (Thai)

9/3 Happy of the End (Japan)

9/6 Kidnap (Thai)

9/7 The Hidden Moon (Thai)

9/9 Jack & Joker (Thai)

9/14 Love Sick 2024 (Thai)

9/17 Love is Like a Poison AKA Doku Koi: Doku mo Sugireba Koi to Naru (Japan)

More deets next week. It's late and I'm tired.

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

It was pretty. I am very shallow.

Even more pretty. Petition to have Tenon with his shirt off and hair back in every subsequent Thai BL? Just because.

(SunsetXVibes)

(Last week)

Streaming services are listed by how I (usually) watch, which is with a USA based IP, and often offset by a day because time zones are a pain.

The tag BLigade: @doorajar @solitaryandwandering @my-rose-tinted-glasses @babymbbatinygirl @babymbbatinygirl @isisanna-blog @mmastertheone @pickletrip @aliceisathome @urikawa-miyuki @tokillamonger @sunflower-positiiivity @rocketturtle4 @blglplus @anythinggoesintheshire @everlightly @renafire @mestizashinrin @bl-bam-beyond @small-dark-and-delicious @saezurumurmurs

Sigh, Tumblr in its infinite wisdom doesn't like too many tags.

[khaotunq]

Esme @itsallaboutbl tagged me!

10 BL Characters That I Want "Carnally"

What I'm gonna preface this with is I have no carnal desires for anyone, let alone any of these darling little freaks. My relationship with sex isn't complicated, it just doesn't really occur to me. That being said, based purely on physical/characteristic appeal and my own biases.

1. I would let Ray (Only Friends) ruin my life for a little while. It'd be fun and we'd do drive-thru rehab on the way. It'll be grand.

2. Also Ayan (Eclipse) and this is very apparent that I just have a thing about Khaotung. Who'd'a thunk't, with a username like mine.

3. Alan (Moonlight Chicken). Stable jobs and fruity shirts are tremendously sexy to me. He's also the only one on this list other than perhaps #5 that I would ever concievably trust in a room alone with my stuff, so he should probably actually be #1.

4. Will burn a building down with Sean (Not Me). Will burn anything down with him, honestly. For him.

5. Ink (Bad Buddy) I don't care that she's not a BL boy. She can do whatever she wants, forever.

6. Vegas (KinnPorsche). Don't ask, shan't explain.

i don't have a gif for vegas and i'm too lazy to go throw one together bc i don't have a kpts download so imagine him being a freak here.

7. Neo (3 Will Be Free). Idk I just appreciate a giant man that could probably carry me around without breaking a sweat. Also his tiny t-shirts delight me.

8. Prapai (Love in the Air). He's got money, he's pretty, and he simps hard. I'm not a very complex person.

9. Inspector M (Manner of Death). I'm out of ideas and he's pretty. He's a cop but we all have our flaws, I spose.

10. I'm going to put Sand (Only Friends) here purely because I'm fucking struggling but I have dated/fucked/worked with way too many fucking hippies musicians to ever actually consider him.

I did this off the top of my head so I'm sure I'll reread this in an hour and think SHOULD'VE SAID I'D PEG THE FUCK OUT OF YOK but we live and we learn, such is life and all that.

Bonus Yok gif because I didn't do a Vegas one, and I made myself laugh there.

Not tagging anyone because I absolutely did not do this the way I was supposed to :3 but if anyone wants to, pls feel free to say I tagged ya ♥

Ok I'm tagging @mushiemadarame bc it occurs to me that this is the kind of nonsense she'd love

[29daffodils]

2023 : the BL agenda

here's a list of BLs i watched in 2023.

listed in no particular order, with an overall rating according to my personal tastes and such. maybe a little funny comment too.

(please click on the names to be redirected to a liveblog thread and my subsequent mental breakdown over some gay men.

the ones not linked are those that i never liveblogged.)

favourites marked with ✨

KinnPorsche La Forte

4 out of 5

“i watched for vegaspete, i stayed for vegaspete. that's it. also apo's, bible and tong's acting. the plot kinda left the chat by the end, but overall it was a fun watch.

also my first ever thai BL, so, forgiven.”

I Feel You Linger In The Air

4 out of 5

“oh, yes, reincarnation! my absolute favourite trope. but ngl i didn't enjoy this as much. a very beautiful story overall, just not something i'll watch again. it was kinda meh for me. that's all. but i get why most people love it to death.

incredible characters, btw. those i will remember.”

Love In The Air

3 out of 5

“ok, i'll be honest here, paisky saved it. carried it on their backs. etc etc. i started watching it for phayurain, and then the first half and the lack of plot with the absolutely unhinged kidnapping scene threw me off. i am glad the second half exists.”

Only Friends

4 out of 5

“i came for sandray, i watched for sandray and i actually completed for sandray.

i'm a little biased towards this mostly because the characters were god tier if not for the randomness of the plot here and there. you could pick them apart under a microscope and still not be satisfied.”

Moonlight Chicken ✨

5 out of 5

“i would say i came for alan/gaipa and stayed for them until the end, but that would be lying. heart/liming have my heart too. and while I'm not too kind towards the main ship, they were an absolute delight to watch as well. the acting in this is top tier. the storytelling and cinematography absolutely gold. the whole atmosphere is magical. and with that OST, this can't be anything else besides a gem.

if you haven't already watched it, this is your cue.”

The Eclipse ✨

3.5 out of 5

“i came for firstkhao and i stayed for akkayan.

listen, the plot is something. it's not the most well executed. at some point i started thinking — the hell, bruh?! — but. but. it brings the point across.

this is a heartwarming show. i just wish it had a couple more episodes to tie it up nicely, because it was very rushed towards the end.

one of my favourites, despite the bad execution. why?? the firstkhao chemistry is unreal. it's funny, adorable, angsty. just what you need to cry your heart out (with joy).”

Our Skyy 2 [The Eclipse Cut]

4 out of 5

“i personally refuse to consider this as part of the eclipse universe. why? ayan — lovely, sweet ayan who'd lay down his life for akk — would never treat akk like that just to keep a surprise secret.

overall a good watch; loads of improvement in acting. but not something i'll visit again.”

Not Me ✨

5 out of 5

“i watched this for two things : the iconic pride parade scene + first as yok. i regret nothing. this was as good as they promised. the lot, the execution, the acting, the characters. this is as good as it gets.

i like to think eclipse could have been the same if not for the shoddy execution towards the end. overall great. a must watch for all BL lovers.”