Innocent Playmates (2023)

A STEP UP TO LOVE

Probably the best Chinese BL Drama adaptation of the year 2023 so far. Addicted Heroine had issues back in 2015 after the NRTA stripped it down from airing before it was even concluded for having way too many bed scenes which was very tragic and since the beginning of the year didn't go well for shows like A League of Nobleman and Justice in the Dark which suddenly stopped airing without any news, Stay With Me has not only taken me by surprise but I'll highlight everything that makes the show splendid.

This time round, Stay With Me has a much darker tone attached to it than the original series and not to mention the longer run time gives us a more deeper understanding of the series since a lot of more scenes have been included to make it more interesting.

Secondly, the chemistry of the main leads is second to none and they have a more realistic evolution from enemies to lovers the fact being that each of them is a lonely and broken individual that eventually ends up finding refuge in the other, as the show progresses we can feel there compatibility becoming more and more intense.

Thirdly, boyslove is boyslove and we'll keep it at that, very much like the untamed, despite the fact that the series was deficient in kissing scenes one could literally read the sincere affection of both characters, Su Yu and Wu Bi have delivered it best yet again as I last felt the intensity of such a lovestory back in 2021 with the dramas KILLER AND HEALER and WORD OF HONOUR which I find to be the most appealing construct taking boyslove to a whole new and more humane and meaningful level as something more than casual sex between boys to a development of sincere and intimate feelings.

The wuxia fighting scenes were pretty much unexpected for a modern drama but as it wasn't overdone, I found them slightly more interesting to take in. While the Characters played by Su Yu and Wu Bi are more captivating since aside from being scripted, there is that understanding that can be seen on the screen instantly and felt that the actors opened up more sincerely to themselves and embraced their characters to give them the best reality. This for me is the most intense forbidden true love weathering the storms of life and standing the true test of time.

Finally, besides not being an overdone romantic show, Stay With Me is mature with very many heartwarming scenes, clear character development and growth, unrestrained compassions and bitter moments, feelings of regret and reserve which narrate the common, unseen hardships of life which make it a more realistic coming of age drama as we have gone through most of this in real life and watching the show is like a therapy that enables us best understand the characters played on top of just enjoying them.

Ultimately, Stay with Me has that urge that keeps you wanting more and more of the show, not boring at all but every scene only suspensive will have you on edge worried about what will happen next to keep you fully indulged which makes it so far my favourite Cdrama of the year 2023 having set a milestone in this industry and even perhaps my drama of the year but most importantly because it impressed me in more ways than I could have imagined.

At this rate, nothing can stop me from longing for a second season.

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