2gether The Series (2020)

2gether is best when it's the soft self-parody that it wants to be

Make no mistake about it, this is a very simple show. Boy A (Tine) asks the popular Boy B (Sarawat) to pretend to be his boyfriend to throw off the advances of Boy C (Green) and hijinks ensue. That is 2gether in what is a little more than just a nutshell, but boy does it make for a fun time. There is a woke part of me that found fault with the way that Green pursued Tine even after he's continuously rejected (that predatory gay trope isn't helpful but if we were to judge BL on its wokeness, well...) but beyond that, I found myself having a great time with 2gether.

2gether doesn't waste much time exploring any type of angst or drama, which is surprising considering that Tine is very much a stereotypically straight college guy with stereotypically straight college guy friends. Tine and his friends talk about girls, they go out and get drunk, and they're idiots through and through. It's lighthearted, it's fun, it's silly. When Tine's fake relationship inevitably leads to real gayness, for lack of a better word, Tine and his friends mostly just roll with it. In fact, more hijinks ensue. 2gether doesn't care about conflict past a surface layer, for better or worse. At one point, the series even lampshades the fact that what seemed like something that would play across multiple episodes only ends up lasting for one day.

Sarawat's friends are no different from Tine's, being a pack of dweebs themselves. Sarawat though, is a bit more aloof and laissez-faire despite his popular boy on campus status being played to the extreme. Sarawat is known to everyone, he has Facebook groups devoted to him, his seniors and contemporaries alike fawn and scream through windows for him and he's showered with more gifts than he can carry. It's all very over the top while Sarawat himself couldn't be bothered by any of it. Sarawat only cares about his small group of friends, his guitar and Tine.

But who are these friends that I'm talking about? Honestly, I couldn't remember their names up until I looked them up for this review. Seriously, the show barely acknowledges them. It's a shame too, since I know and love Gun (who plays Boss here) from SOTUS and SOTUS S. Here he plays a similar role, brightening up the screen whenever he's on, but that's it. He rarely gets lines. Man and Fong are the only two of the main couple's friends that get a fair amount of lines. Man himself is actually part of a romance subplot, but 2gether doesn't really care too much about that. There's another romance plot too. The other romance involves Sarawat's own brother being smitten with one of Sarawat's rivals (Mil), and said rival is himself smitten with Tine. But again, 2gether doesn't really care about this, and the show plays up the rivalry between Mil and Sarawat without laying out much of a foundation for it. As a result, the love triangle feels lukewarm throughout the entire show.

The series straight up not caring about some aspects of itself almost makes it feel like it wants to be a self-parody or straight-up comedy at times. If you see or notice something odd like a character suddenly showing up out of nowhere, the show is going to mention it. 2gether is a very funny show when it goes all in on the self-parody aspects, but it's not very good when it does anything else. It's odd too, because Tine and Sarawat are quite cute and all their lovey-doveyness and almost maybes feel very sincere at the height of their fake dating. It's when the fake dating is over that their chemistry somehow takes a dive.

Like SOTUS if you're familiar with it, 2gether is quite a chaste show. There's shirtless scenes here and there of the very fit actors but when it comes to kisses, you can count those off on one hand. I'm new to Thai BL, so maybe this is just to be expected for the genre. Anyway, had 2gether cut some of the fluff around Sarawat and Tine and limit the focus to the clearly preferred friends *and* dropped the less interesting romance involving Man and Type to focus on the potential that could have been the love triangle (love square?), the show would have been better for it. I know that the series is based on a novel though, so perhaps being so bold with its changes would have turned people off.

Though the show is about two guys fake dating, it also has a music theme to it. I was worried that it would disappoint in the audio department, but it actually exceeds expectations here. 2gether has a lovely soundtrack. The background pieces are all catchy and evoke the right moods. Wacky, gentle, tender. It's all there. The ending theme is fantastic, and there's vocal pieces performed by the Thai band Scrubb (that I'm now a fan of) that are all a joy to listen to.

Something that I noticed about the direction (or editing?) is that the show has a problem with scene transitions. At first I thought that maybe the show was just trying to be fast-paced, but the sudden cuts are disorienting. There are sometimes very sudden scene transitions. A change in location, a change in time, a change in characters. It just happens and you have to reorient yourself a bit to know what's going on. It's something that you'll get accustomed to, but it makes some scenes jarring for a couple of seconds before you reorient yourself. The acting is nothing to write home about, everyone portrays their character well enough. With the show glossing over so many of its details, no one really gets an effort to display much range but they're believable and clearly have fun with their characters.

Even though 2gether has some faults, I still recommend it if you want a light comedy that happens to have like a tablespoon of BL added to it. The main couple is cute. The music is nice. The show is fun when that's all it's focusing on. Don't expect more from it and you'll have a good time.

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I have seen a lot of BL series and I think this series is just overrated. There are far more better than this. The series is only good upto Episode 7 but beyond that is just disappointing. Nothing new (cliche) and is very inconsistent. I have a lot to pinpoint but I guess others already stated those.

I think staying at home during the quarantine period helps it gain of its popularity especially with new fans. Let me guess, if this will be aired earlier, it will not have the same large audience and viewers as it has now. But yes, they deserve the attention and success.

The visuals of the casts really added to that too but again let me tell you, if there's someone who really shines in the series, I would really highlight Win knowing he didn't have any series before this. Bright for me is somehow awkward (like he didn't want to but only did it just for easy fame - sorry not to offend anyone) but overall the rest are great so far. I also think FrankDrake is still underrated.

It's good slash not so good slash average series. I expected a lot but it turns out I was upset instead.

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Tagged as a "BL"

My 10th grade long distance relationship had more chemistry than this. The story outline itself is cheesy romance but in a cute way. But was that really a romance?

5 feet apart cuz they're not gay? Seems like they might be just two friends at this point. It felt forced. Like there could've been something cute there, but the direction went wrong. It's a run-of-the-mill BL (which i LOVE basic BLs fyi) except there was no romance. Just eye contact and aggressive product placement. It's a hint of a relationship through one long stare and then BOOM "look at me drink this brand name milk". I wouldn't mind product placement like this if there was a good storyline to include it in.

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Sweet & Quick ... & Lacking ....

My review is a personal opinion on the drama.

This drama started off really well, and strong, and on point, So What the HELL Happened?
The gave us characters that had more chemistry when they were "fake dating" than when they were truly dating. By giving us a couple that doesn't communicate and understands that there will be times when their relationship will be tested, but that they can overcome that. By dedicating more time on the development of the side stories (Mil's crush on Tine, the fights that had little to do with the couple, by giving us lack of real intimacy between a couple that is supposed to be "in love"... this for me was the sad part and worst part of the whole drama, the lack of intimacy between the ML's was just really sad, after the whole fake dating turned around, I was really hoping to see more of they "love" grow, but sadly that didn't happen at all, in fact they were more like friends who just hanged out, and possibly shared a bed together, Tine was so sure of his love for Wat, that every time Wat wanted to become intimate he ran off (face slap). I don't care for the kisses or the sex , but these two characters behave more like brothers than a couple. Depicting a couple in love doesn't mean having them do sexual things. It can be shown through different forms such as, both couples cooking together and talking about their day, doing something that creates a mood Comforting one another when one is feeling down, all we have is Sarawat just "patting" Tine on the head.

This drama felt liked it lacked so much potential. The only good thing about this I would say is that the music in the series was really nice, and Wat singing his song for Tine was the sweet part.

Overall: This drama started off at 10 but sadly lost its way!!!

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It’s a good drama with a banal story but a very good cast. I had very high hope for this BL, until the 9th episode, I was very satisfied with the result but after this 9th episode, the story went very badly and it became a disaster. GMMTV should rethink its way of trying to entertain by creating ridiculous problems in the main couple as it gets boring to see the same thing in their series every time.

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Why not follow the novel?

This review is from a non english or thai speaking, bl lover, film students point of view. From what i can tell is the casting really good, the actors really put there hearts into it and i can see that. There are many award winning acting pionts from different actors. And i appriciate it, i get really out of the story if the actors are not believeble. I really liked the simplisity and soft/slow pasing of the story in the beginning, its not a serie with a lot of hardcore stuff and i liked the atmosphere.I recommanded this to a friend that i new to bl dramas. So dont espected to much hardcore love scenes. I watched the serie while it was airing and i enjoyed it mostly But for some reason after episode 8, idk what happend but the pasing was really off. Moments with a lot of story where to fast and "boring" un importand moments where really long. Iy was also edited weirdly...I wanted to drop this serie after ep 8 because of the wierd storyline changes and editing... Oke so I personally did not read the novel BUT i do see stuff about the original novel online. From what i can see there did this serie not follow the novel, what made me a bit less interested to watch the rest But I wanted to give the serie a second chanse because i wanted it to prove me that the writers and directors knew where the were heading with the story. Today i watched the last episode as it was released and sadly im a bit disapointed. All the drama that was formed in the story between, tine and sarawat, mil, phukong, man and type where all over the place. I know 1 season of just 13 episodes is not a lot of time to really tell all the details of a story but for me the struggels, the pain and fights where all solved to quickly. I will not give spoilers for the people who still wanna watch this serie. But there are a lot of plot wholes. if one is really hurt by an loved one, one dont simply sleep 1 night and forgives/forgets. There where moments when things stared and ended in 1 ep without any reasoning given... also i know its an soft story but 1 good kiss would be nice. the side couples did not really have a lot of screen time for there relationship to develop..mil and phukong for example had an really foreced and weird ending... mil was hardcore interested in tine then suddenly, his switch changed so quick at the end... personally man and type where my favorite couple in this serie. Man's pure love for type and his reasons really studd out to me more than wat and tines story... i hope they will get there own little serie :) I still recommand you watch the serie for a light and easy watch but if you are someone like me, who really focuses on the story than you might get an headache.

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Stop hating a non problematic bl

Firstly i loved this show i thinks its such a simple storty told a in such a sweet and cute way. Peole who hate the show just because are lame. If im being honest the only thing i didnt like bout this show is how they villainised pam for drama which was poor writing. If yall didnt notice 2gether is the only show ive seen were a fem gay actually has a love interest and isnt just used for comedy affect. In terms of acting Bright was okay and Win was great, surprisingly it being he's first show he did well, so overall i think hating or saying this show is boring is just poor bl taste im sorry.

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The story-line is very simple but the presentation is fantastic. The director did amazing job by letting the characters to flow with the story and improvise it. The best part in the series are all the actors acting skills and specially the main characters; Tine and Sarawat, who does have a strong chemistry. Probably due to the strong chemistry between them even though a simple dialogues sounds great, emotional and natural. I like the fact the character Sarawat was made to play music and sing(his own voice) in the series. The dialogues delivery are superb. The choice dresses styles and color contrast according to the surrounding are on point. The OST are the best. Last but not the least, the writer of this novel really deserve the real recognition. The whole team deserve the round of applause. Kudos to the team.

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Petit drama sans réel prise de tête.

Lorsque j'ai commencé ce drama, j'étais enthousiaste à la suite de la lecture du synopsis. Je dois dire que le premier épisode ne m'a pas déçu et m'a donné envie de voir la suite =D.

Si Tine m'a un peu tapé sur le système avec son égo surdimensionné (Il est pareil dans le roman donc on lui pardonne x'D), j'ai adoré la personnalité de Sarawat. Il semble si "vrai" dans ses réactions qu'on dirait qu'il n'y a aucun "filtre".

J'ai aimé suivre l'évolution de ce petit couple mais également de leurs amis. (Bon "Man" est un peu lourdingue... Pauvre Type :D). Je regrette cependant ce côté "censure" qui donne souvent la sensation que Tine & Wat ne sont en réalité que des amis.

Vous l'aurez compris, j'ai tout de même apprécié cette série qui se passe relativement en douceur et ne vais pas tarder à me lancer sur la saison suivante ! :D

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Watching 2gether Felt Like Falling In Love For the First Time

Cheesy, awkward with ridiculous, over-the-top, manipulative plot points, but I absolutely love this series. Yes, the story is lacking, but the chemistry between Win and Bright is immense. Their chemistry is undeniable. The show concentrates on Sarawat and Thine's relationship first and the story second. It's like the writers just throw random situations at the couple to make audiences respond viscerally, getting angry whenever there is friction between Sarawat and Thine. An article puts it perfectly: "just a montage of elaborate scenarios designed to make your heart skip and legs quiver." I haven't watched a series or film that has made my heart hurt, race and flutter so many times. Yes, the show is manipulative, but it works. Absolutely charming, adorable and cute, watching the show is like experiencing all the highs and lows, the melodrama, the thrill of first love; the flirting, being chased, being loved, loving another person, getting jealous and being happy. On a site note, Win's performance is so good, especially considering that this is his first series!

This article perfectly articulates the beauty of 2gether: https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/tv/258771-reasons-thai-series-2gether-works

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I /heart/ this series. Read why..

Note: If you're reading this, please read til the end, I'd appreciate it.

Okay, so to start, this is my first time writing a review for a drama.. This series means a lot to me, that's why.. Despite what everyone says and although I understand where they're coming from, this is just me speaking from my point of view. Before you start being too critical, bear in mind that this series is meant to be a light love story between two boys. For me, the series serves its purpose in giving enjoyment to the audience from the first 10 episodes and trust me, all those 10 beat all the thai BLs I've ever watched and I watched a lot! Well I usually stop watching when it gets too awkward or cringy but for this series, never once did I ever feel that way.. They are adorable, soft, cute and sweet in their own way. You may say it's preference and I won't argue.. People might also say that the visual of the actors was what forcing some to stay but logically speaking, if the acting is super bad, would the series still be worth watching? Well I'd walk away for sure.. I won't say that everything is perfect in this series, I just choose to look at the flaws as the imperfections that made the series the way it is. Win Metawin and Bright give their characters justice and you'll like other characs as well as you go along..

The last 2/ 3 episodes might be disappointing to some (bad writing? weird character development? lack of intimacy between the main cp?) so you'll see a lot of those negative reviews and comments, but if you're really immersed in their love story from the start, see the characters' traits from every angle and not being too critical/ serious about everything, you won't be as heart broken ^^ Seriously, it is just a series, indulge the good memories and leave all the negativity behind. I got into this series by coincidence so I do not think it is biased of me when I put this series as my #1 among all bls I've watched. To me, personally, this series leaves such a great memory (Scrubb's music plays such a big part <3). I love my nuisance and his handsome prince with all my heart <3 People say this series is cliche, well it is, but if you really look right into it, it gets prettier especially if you have some intellectuals telling you the subtle and hidden meanings behind the lil elements of the story.

Coming from an international fan, this review might not be for everyone.. Want to experience the real thing? Watch it from Thai ppl's perspectives.. Go watch the reactions with eng sub.. I suggest go to Pakhe Channel for recaps and eye-opening insights when you decide to start watching (but beware not to spoil the eps beforehand, go to the recaps of the episodes after you've finished watching each one).

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