My Engineer (2020)

First off I want to say I started this with no expectations whatsoever. I'm relatively new to the BL world, even though I think I have seen all the worth while titles.
After TharnType, I didn't think it would be possible to love another BL as much... WRONG... Oh so wrong...
My Engineer captures you in the first minutes and never let's you go until the last moment, I didn't fast forward at any moment, which is Rare.
All the characters are awesome, the actors did such an amazing job, the script was really great, so enjoyable, it moved me on a series of different levels...
I didn't feel disappointed in any way... I'm so looking forward to the second season... I don't know how I'll be able to wait.
It's an awesome BL, hope everyone gives it a shot!!!
Happy drama watching!!!
Xoxo
Uni

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I originally dropped this but after seeing a RamKing fan video on YouTube I decided to pick it back up again. Naturally they became my favorite couple of the series; I could watch an entire season of RamKing and not complain.

[ BohnDuen ] - The main couple but maybe my least favorite. I just didn't really care for them. They're cute, but Bohn's jealousy and cat/mouse games got old quick. It felt manipulative - Duen would do something that Bohn misunderstood, then Bohn would get mad, then after Duen apologized Bohn would forgive Duen but not tell him and continue to play mad so that Duen felt worse and continued to beg for Bohn's forgiveness. This happened in nearly every single episode. I would understand if Bohn's insecurities stemmed from a fear that Duen might want to date a woman (which is a common cause for jealousy in a lot of BL dramas), but all of Bohn's jealousy was directed at men that really didn't even express interest in Duen (except for the one but even that had faded by the time him and Bohn were together). Long story short - if this drama was ONLY about BohnDuen then I would've dropped it and not continued.

[ MekBoss ] - I really liked the relationship that developed between Mek and Boss. It makes me sad that Mek's actor is most likely not coming back for season 2, but I'd also really love an actor that can speak Thai so they don't have to dub someone. That was the only uncomfortable thing about their relationship for me... But I really loved the way that Boss so proudly announced his relationship with Mek at the end. I'm excited to see what season 2 holds for this couple because I think it'll be fun watching them navigate going from friends to lovers. I love friends to lovers relationships so I'm excited!

[ TharaFrong ] - I didn't actually see this one coming but it's a cute couple. The ending though... "brother." Ugh. Poor Frong. I'm really interested to see where this one goes because it sounds like it could take some time to develop just based on Thara's words in the final episode. I'm just glad that Frong moved on from Duen and doesn't have to be used as some kind of weird plot device for BohnDuen drama (at least more than he already has).

And finally on to my kings...

[ RamKing ] - Honestly the only reason I returned to watch the show. I was bored in the first few episodes but I loved Ram IMMEDIATELY, and I absolutely adore King with all of my being. I love my little plant and dog boys. I want them to fall in love and just be together forever and live somewhere with a bunch of dogs and plants and quiet. Their scenes were so good and the development of their relationship is probably the most wholesome of all the couples. King really had to work to earn Ram's trust and is clearly one of very few people that understands him. I'm a sucker for relationships that aren't easy or immediate, so while it was a bummer to leave RamKing's ending "open," I'm also really glad that they chose to do that. It gives me something to really look forward to with Season 2 because I can't wait to see how their relationship further develops now that King has confessed.

CAST/ACTING - I really love the cast! There's a lot of chemistry between all of them and the acting was great. I'm looking forward to seeing how they all improve by Season 2.

STORY - The story is fairly straightforward. It's mostly character driven so there isn't much of a "plot" going on outside of the relationship developments. But I never mind series like that because I think character development - if done well - can be plot enough.

All in all, I'm really glad I decided to finish watching this and didn't just drop it without continuing. The first few episodes were hard to get through, but I'm glad I stuck around (even if it was just for RamKing). I've followed all of the actors on Instagram and I really recommend following Perth's YouTube channel! He speaks English, Thai, and Japanese fluently; it's really impressive and I appreciate his hard work to touch 3 groups of international fans.

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I didn't really know what to expect from this drama and I was really surprised. The trailer is good but it doesn't give you much to make you think 'wow I really want to watch this.' However, it really didn't take long for me to really get into it. The main couple have sweet moments all the way through but it also shows the reality of a relationship of any kind and how others can really impact on it in different ways (jealousy, friendship, crushes, etc.). I like the main couple but actually the reason I rated it so highly and loved the drama so much is because of the side main characters. I absolutely love the developing relationship between King and Ram and the relationship between Mek and Boss. I cannot wait until next year when season 2 comes out because I want to see where all their relationships will go. Although this drama actually doesn't have too much proper intense drama, it has a lot of genuinely sweet moments and moments that will make you laugh so if you want a sweet and funny BL drama then this will 100% satisfy you.

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Okay so it's been months since i watched 'my engineer' and i don't completely remember everything but i did want to share my thoughts about it.

I will start by saying that the only reason i kept watching this was because of RamKing and TharaFrong. They were the only interesting couples for me.

I didn't like the main couple (DuenBohn) because i felt like they were way too childish and lacked communication. It was frustrating to watch them.
I also didn't find MekBoss interesting. i skipped most of their parts so i can't even say much because i don't remember.

RamKing deserve to be the main couple!! their chemistry was amazing and i love how Ram is a more quiet, serious and tsundere type while King is the more joyful and loud type, they just work so well together.
I loved TharaFrong a lot as well, probably because i'm a sucker for enemies to lovers kind of romance lol
They were very entertaining to watch, and hopefully their relationship will develop further in season 2.

I just hope that season 2 will show more progression of the couples, especially RamKing and TharaFrong.
(btw no hate to any of the actors!!)

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Useless story

Well, if you have never seen a bl drama, why not, you could benefit from it: almost all the standards are present, a little too much: it quickly becomes boring. However, the two heroes, the main and secondary actors had the potential to move from the standard bluette without surprise to a slightly more intense and original story about how two boys get close, court each other and become boyfriends ... Unfortunately, the scenario opted for the medium version, boring or even full of clichés. I am 40 years old and I watched bl dramas until ten years old, I read very enthusiastic reviews on this show. Well, I respect that, tastes and colors, it's unique to everyone but if you are touched by Until we meet again, Where eyes Linger or Theory of love, this show is not for you ...

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I was very weary of starting My Engineer since the trailer did not really give it justice in my opinion but once I watched the first episode I was hooked. There's something incredibly attractive about the series from the moment it starts. The series is very organic, relationships develop on their own and there aren't many unnecessary plots needed to move the story forward that paint the characters in a bad light. Though there are moments of jealousy they are never made to be that one character is too weak to dismiss the affections of another. The characters in this fall in love and ultimately confess their feelings unabashedly and that is beautiful. I think GMMTV's reign is ending as the top BL producer.

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This is one of my favourite drama. Storyline is amazing but chemistry between main couple is little off, they always argue ?. Anyway I like all the 4 couples , specially #RamKing #Makboss ❤❤❤ . Relationship between Thara and Frong is growing, they seems more lovey-dovey gradually. Every one did well whether its acting or comedy timing, is on point. I am just rooting for everyone, just want second ASAP,???????. I have some complaint, just 14 episodes ??? I wish it could be longer and I got to know Ryan aka Mek will not be part of second season, it will be a huge loss for sure. He earned his place in everyone's heart, you can't just throw him away like that, I don't know the reason but who ever is saying he is rude etc etc I don't believe this.
At last I wish for all of them huge success ❤??

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My Engineer came out around the same time at 2Gether, and it was natural for the latter to overshadow the former. A comparison is inevitable, and My Engineer succeeded in many places where 2Gether failed.

STORY
My Engineer does not offer anything unique in its premise. Its starts off with many Thai BL tropes: someone tricking another into a relationship, unrequited love, fujoshi's, and engineering students. But what it lacks in originality, it makes up with thoughtfulness and subversiveness. The main characters are well fleshed out and have their flaws, something that Thai BL shows rarely incorporates into their plots. Bohn is a spoiled playboy who thinks he can get what he wants but finds himself out of his depth when he falls with Duen, a shy, naive, but thoughtful medical student who thinks he himself is not worth it. These flaws help drive the plot, and the climax did not feel contrived and feels natural from the slow buildup that occurs throughout the series. Even the supporting characters have depth. Most of them have family members who are rooting for their ships, which is both endearing and hilarious. Despite starting off with basic BL tropes, they end up subverting many them. The Top/Bottom debate was one classic example as well as how the show handled non-consensual sex. More humorous was how the series showed how delusional shippers can be.

ACTING/CAST
The cast is solid. Cooper (Bohn) has experience with another BL, MyBromance and plays his character's bad boy personality with aplomb. Talay (King), who also stars in my other favorite BL series YYY, does a good job depicting the perceptive genius who can point out everyone else's problems but his own. Perth (Ram) slays his character by the way he stares and glances alone. Even the weaker actors manage to make their characters convincing. Poy (Duen), is the probably the greenest of them all (and apparently bombed his audition, according to the director, Lit). The actor's personality is similar to the character's--which was one of the reasons he was cast--but the boy managed to pull it off. His interactions with his costar Cooper is one of my favorite parts of the series. Ryan (Mek), had his voice dubbed because he is not a native Thai speaker, but he makes it up with his facial expressions that displayed his pinning for his co-star Boss (you also get used to the dubbing by episode 4). Speaking of Boss, kudos to actor Intouch for making their relationship on-screen believable despite the huge language barrier.

MUSIC
I enjoyed the music and the OST. The chorus of the songs addresses the theme of series: that love has no rules. The song by Merry Dancers x GOH M is my personal favorite and carries the angst that the series can bring.

REWATCH VALUE:
To me, I know that a show has a high rewatch value when I go back to watch scenes that I find hilarious or heart warming. The show had so many recurring gags, and I can name a few: Bohn's friends betting against him, the simultaneous "chai's" whenever a character asks their friends about something, the delusional fujoshis imagining something that didn't even happen, family members trying to get their ships to sail, Duen inadvertently making Bohn jealous, Tang shading Ting's face, Tang bemoaning over everyone falling in love except her. I can go on and on, but these themes and patterns makes this show worth watching again and again.

Again, a comparison to 2gether is inevitable because they both came out at the same time and they also had similar scenarios. The love triangle between Boss, Mek, and Fon was handled well and treated the one who lost out (which I won't spoil) with respect and without villainizing that person. The love, affection, and tension between Bohn and Duen had a natural progression that built up through the climax and resolved at the end. It made sense and felt very satisfying (without the uh, let's just say, platonic interaction in the end). It may not get the same number of views and fans as 2gther the Series, but My Engineer The Series had good execution and deserves a second season.

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My engineer is that old bl drama, full of clichés that is kind of saturated to see. It is broadcast at the same time that 2 together, which is already a cliché, you could understand the characters until they seemed to be at the same university, or were nothing so innovative.

There is a positive point in the drama which is trying to develop or the same space on the screen for all couples who propose to do it, because the space on the screen does not mean to have a good development, Mekboss is a great example of that, they are as superficial as a very strange dubbing that either accompanies looking like a ghost.

Regarding the main couple, they record an endless round of provocations, excuses and a bizarre moment that they really like and are like the whole drama, but understand that he does not trust any other and never ceases to be.

The soundtrack is very bad in this drama and often spoiled the scenes.

the engineers feat doctors and administrators is not bad, just that cliché that you can watch as a passing entertainment, and for the history of very bad 2nd seasons in Thai dramas I don't have much hope.

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Surprisingly nice

Review After Watching Episodes 1-12
Having watched a few series with just too many characters, I was a little wary when I read that that there are four couples in this series. But after Why R U and 2gether, I wanted some BL fix, so I started on this one.

Some flaws of having so many couples in 14 episodes may still be seen in this series, but I think the editors have done their best to make the scenes flow and largely succeeded even though sometimes I find that a scene can be cut into too many smaller parts to bring in the other couples' stories.

The beginning of the first episode almost made me stop watching. It is, in my opinion, the worst part of the series so far, with Bohn as the campus prom king with hordes of screaming female fans. It's an overly used BL trope but not something unbearable. What I didn't like was the posing and all--yeah, I know he's supposed to be hot af, but it does nothing for the story (especially given that Bohn doesn't have a good reputation apart from his good looks).

But the series soon proves to be more interesting once Bohn sees Duen sleeping on a bench. No time in wasted in showing that Bohn takes an immediate interest in Duen. Yet, despite having Bohn and Duen as the main couple, soon it is the other characters' relationships that become more interesting, and I wonder if any of the couples should have been the main couple instead:

1. There is Mek and Boss. Despite the poor dubbing of Mek's lines (the actor doesn't speak Thai), Mek is the character I feel the most for quite early in the series. He's secretly in love with Boss who seems to do nothing but hit on girls in front of Mek and even gets Mek to help him. But Boss is not an irritating character--despite seeming frivolous, it's clear that he does feel a sense of inferiority because no girl seems interested in him (until Fon comes along, but she neglects him too). When it turns out that he has been secretly in love with Mek too, the twist is somewhat unbelievable, but who has the heart to complain about this if we can see Mek finding happiness? This is my favorite couple in the series.

2. There is Ram and King, who are both interesting characters. King is outgoing and very good in his studies. Ram, the junior, on the other hand, doesn't talk much. (Perhaps he's the real mute husband.) Ram is a really tough guy (a professional boxer), a loyal friend to Duen and also emotionally vulnerable. Ram talks to his dogs (he says) while King talks to his plants, so there's perhaps a strong similarity between the two despite superficial differences. King seems to take an interest in Ram at first sight, but it could be because of Ram's looks or his unique tattoos rather than conscious romantic interest. This ship is interesting as there isn't a strong indication of budding romance from the start, but we see King being genuinely nice to Ram and Ram slowly opening up to him. Interestingly, it seems to be Ram who develops romantic feelings for King first. [Additional comment after watching the final episode: In the final episode, however, it seems that King has liked Ram for some time, but he Ram's usual reticence makes King unsure if his feelings are reciprocated.]

3. Thara and Frong is unfortunately the ship that starts sailing the latest. I say it's unfortunate because they look really cute as a couple--cuter than Bohn and Duen as a couple, really. We don't see that much of Thara at first, but he seems affable and caring as a doctor (medical student). He's quirky in a likable way, gushing about how cute his pet lizard is (not the humongous one that almost got to Duen) when others think he is gushing about a cat or a dog. Frong is another interesting character with too little screen time. He seems like a much more pleasant person than Bohn, but it's unclear why there is deep tension between Bohn and Frong from the start. (Frong is said to have almost toppled Bohn's position as the prom king, but is that really such a big deal to either of them?) He also doesn't like Thara at first for reasons not fully explored.

I find the relationship between Bohn and Duen cute at the start. But the writers could have done a better job with Bohn. He seems perpetually upset or jealous about something, which doesn't really show the depth of his feelings for Duen. Some viewers don't like it that Duen doesn't want to be more physically intimate with Bohn, but I don't think this is the main problem for Bohn. I think there is too much focus on Bohn's proneness to jealousy (although it can be funny, like how Bohn gets jealous of Thara, who is merely Duen's cousin). A nice scene involving Bohn and Duen takes place at the end of Episode 12 when Bohn keeps trying to say sweet things to and have a romantic time with Duen but Duen seems oblivious to it. Bohn seems upset, especially when Duen falls asleep in the middle of a conversation, but he gently shifts Duen's head out of the sun and onto his shoulder. If there were more of such scenes, it would be great.

That said, the series is interesting as a sort of meta BL, making use of common BL tropes while critiquing them. The husband/wife trope is invoked, but quite explicitly dismantled, with Duen (the gentler guy) showing an interest in being the "husband" and top. The series has the guys falling in love with one another, but doesn't fail to have the characters point it out.

Additional Comments After Watching the Entire Series:
The last two episodes don't disappoint. Bohn and Duen have a misunderstanding, but they expectedly patch up. The makers of 2gether (which I do love) could have learnt something about making the final episode end a little more beautifully for the main couple. It doesn't take much to leave the audience with lingering sweetness: loving hand-holding, affectionate time alone (rather than being in crowds), a loving gesture to affirm the love.

Mek and Boss also have a happy ending this season. Thankfully--it would be too painful to see Mek ending up unhappy in Season 1.

There is promise of more to come for the other couples in Season 2. It's a good thing that there seems to be no hurry to take things further for them. But the Thara/Frong ending is a tad too much of a tease, with Thara saying to Frong, "We're brothers (P and Nong), right?" I'm pretty sure it's an innocuous remark--Thara is the senior and Frong is the junior, so they are really P and Nong in Thai since it's not like they are a couple or anything. Frong seems visibly disappointed by the remark though, so I can't wait for things to go further in Season 2.

Hopefully the success of Season 1 will lead to better budget for Season 2. I do think there isn't a need to focus on all the four couples in Season 2 though. I'm satisfied with how Bohn/Duen and Mek/Boss have ended up though I suppose the issue of parental objections may crop for for Bohn/Duen.

Despite being a terrible year with a pandemic going on, 2020 has been spoiling us with surprisingly good BL series. Let's hope the trend continues.

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While watching my rating went from 7.5 to a 3

While watching, my thoughts on what I might rate this show went from a 4 to a 7.5 the slid down and ended at a 3.

Acting was strong by all. They really did a good job despite the drek they were given. Dialogue was very simple but at least had a flow to it. The weaknesses lay in the storytelling and reliance on ridiculous plot devices to keep it going. Also, the further the story got, the more distasteful some of the topics and relationship dynamics became. By Ep 10 I was pretty fed up with the writers, by Ep 12 wished it was over already. Only continued for King and Ram (one of the secondary couples) and THEIR story is why I'm giving the overall story rating a 3 instead of a 2. If seperated from the rest, I would rate their scenes a 9/10. One basic kiss per couple. PG for intimacy, PG-13 for themes.

King and Ram was the only healthy relationship, and had a very sweet progression. The only ones whose actions matched their words; were consistently thoughtful, sweet, and supportive of each other. Until Ep 14 when the writers suddenly wrote them out of character (I felt) to be dramatic and force romantic confession. These writers are so lazy and unimaginative.

Ep 1 & 2 were silly when setting up the story between the two leads (Bohn & Duen) & I fast-forwarded bits. But Ep 3-6 had me invested in them and the side couples, especially King and Ram, and I didn't fast-forward. There were multiple genuinely funny comedic moments that had me laughing out loud. I was feeling really positive about this show, but that started to slide in Ep 7 and things just got worse from there.

GENERAL SPOILERS BELOW:
I liked Mek but his best friend and unrequited love Boss was whiny and annoying. Wanted Mek to have a happy end but at the same time didn't care about Boss. Frong starts with completely unexplained/inexplicable deep animosity for Thara. In Ep 9 started to enjoy their interactions but their start felt like just a plot contrivance without any thought behind it.

Ep 7 started fast-forwarding small bits again. Ep 8 was ridiculous; the hot/cold dynamic between Bohn and Duen was getting really repetitive and the "plot" devices sprung up to keep that going were getting more and more stupid and annoying. Ep 9 and the relationship between the lead couple is so juvenile, immature, thoughtless, rather mean, and all for completely STUPID reasons. First it was over-reactive Jealousy, then who is the "wife" and who is the "husband" because of comments made by others. It's getting really hard to keep caring about them. I mean, they are supposedly into each other but are each offended, almost disgusted, at the thought of being "the bottom"? And all the friends feed into this and make fun of them about being the bottom? WTF???

The BL obsessed and delusional sister is so awful. It's one constant cringe whenever she's in a scene. Also every background female and their friends loudly shipping whatever guys were hanging out in front of them was rude and toxic. Normalizing that behavior, when it's none of their business and can impact people's real lives negatively, is psychologically unhealthy.

Ep 11, seriously, who is THAT scared to be kissed by their boyfriend of multiple weeks? (Bohn & Duen). The actors are doing what they can with what they are given, it's just the script making them do inane and ridiculous things.

Ep 12-14 fast-forwarded most of it. King and Ram are the only ones I kept watching.

After showing some promise of an enjoyable show at the beginning, I was really disappointed, frustrated, and annoyed with what the writers did with it. Very juvenile.

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This Drama is addicting

It might sounds weird for you guys who already watch the show, but BohnDuen is definitely my fav couples out of the 4 couples.
[BohnDuen]
For this couple, their interactions are so cute, and reminds me a lot of Kongphob-Arthit interactions, but I don't like how Bohn is overly possessive with Duen. I hope in the 2nd season, Bohn would be more patient and not being a fuckin jerk who always gets jealous and make Duen angry. But honestly I don't hate Bohn, bcs he just loves Duen too much :3
[RamKing]
I love this couple so much, but I don't get why Ram would text King even if King is already in front of him. But I love how their love progresses little by little and not too rushed. I also love how King is always taking care of Ram, that day when Ram found out that his dad is cheating with his neighbor who happens to be his bestfriend, King didn't ask and waited for Ram to tell him the story when he's ready. I like them so much :)))
[FrongThara]
I love their interactions, it's not too cheesy like BohnDuen, but somehow it's so cute. Their interactions are mature, and I love how Thara loved Cupcake lololol that's some funny scene this series has to offer. Also I like Frong a lot, bcs his smile tho, it makes me scream everytime he's smiling oh my god that smile is the killer move. Somehow, I pitied Frong bcs Thara is a lot like Duen, since their cousins lololol Thara is so pure and I hope Frong is patient enough to chase after him. They deserved more screentime in the 2nd season.
[MekBoss]
I also like this couple, but, bcs Mek voice is dubbed and unfortunately didn't matched the mouth movements, it makes me kind of annoyed and failed to focus on the whole love story about this couple. They should do it like Because Of You, speaking a different language but they still could communicate well is somehow cute. Set the dubbing aside, I think their interaction is cute but sometimes it's kind of sad, but I'm glad that all ends well. I hope in the 2nd season they cast ryan again and cultivate the love story more.
Anw I'm excited for the 2nd season, and all the best for it!

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