Only Friends (2023)

LOVE COCKTAIL

What a remarkable year, anyway I have jhus watched the first episode and this is a very good story, surprisingly after concluding the Chinese bl drama STAY WITH ME, Only friends has drawn a new line and I would like to give my reasons.

Firstly, they have done a good job with multiple couples. Thai bl dramas have always had the challenge of dealing with very many couples a number of times for example TOP SECRET TOGETHER but 2023 has taken a whole new level ever since MOONLIGHT CHICKEN aired earlier this year and CUTIE PIE last year, moreso, ONLY FRIENDS appears to be a more intense drama since the chemistry in every couple is not so complicated and fits perfectly right.

Secondly, I just love the character design and make up, I have always loved the trope of having a number of bl couples but more to it is each having a personality who is the polar opposite of the other, the same can be said for ONLY FRIENDS since all the main characters clearly appear to be from different worlds each with their own perception of things but somehow these differences have a way that they draw them together into developing feelings for each other and moreso understanding each other.

Thirdly, you'll certainly feel the sincerity of all emotions portrayed within the series, this is what makes a series most appealing to me, the fact that it goes from not only entertaining but also speaks to the soul, what's even better is that amidst all the drama, you can't possibly deny the love between all the main characters which stands out even in their silence and body languages.

You'll also probably be at the edge of your seat screaming since the series contains quite a number of intimate, flirty and even seductive scenes which for the record were not overdone but were captured just right.

Anyway, for me I could clearly tell from the beginning that the series and its production from the plot was well executed and not cliché, the entire thing might seem predictable but it also is full of scenes that will take you by surprise which makes it brilliant for a start.

Leer más

mostly a good mess

Overall: the trailer promised a bunch of flawed guys in messy relationships and it mostly delivered but some things didn't work for me. Aired 12 episodes about 45 minutes each on GMMTVs YouTube Channel

Content Warnings: manhandling, vomiting, manipulation, non con touching, non con recording/sharing, voyeurism, past attempted suicide, alcoholism, punches, drug usage, queerphobia

What I Liked
- they introduced the characters well, I could tell who they were and their relationships to one another
- some good showing not telling, just the way a character looks at another character tells me a lot about their feelings
- the different characters/relationship dynamics
- realistically flawed characters
- NSFW was well done
- GL established pair (however they had very little screen time and it felt like token representation instead of fleshed out characters/interesting plot)
- sweet moments
- how the ending credits change
- a character has two moms
- bixsexual representation
- ep 9 Sand and Nick were adorable
- showing a character going to therapy
- Yo & Plug's relationship and talking about the importance of trust
- production value

Room For Improvement
- Chueam just saying it was no big deal when Atom could have ruined a person's life and put him in jail was terrible character/plot writing (and unrealistic, I think most people would be super pissed at their sibling for that), and then there was a weak apology in the final episode
- Atom lying about non con also fuels the idea of survivors lying when in reality lying about this is very rare
- the flawed characters didn't bother me, but there wasn't enough growth for them to be in relationships, they all need therapy and to be solo for awhile
- Top, his redemption arc was not good, he ignored Mew's boundaries, was pretty manipulative and selfish, and the non con touching was awful
- Mew, seeing an optimistic character become jaded is something I don't enjoy watching, and I don't enjoy people who play games
- Ray, the writers needed to have him have a bit more character growth sooner and also not just say the right things but do the right things, he'd take a step forward and then a step back again, it's realistic to have setbacks but trying to cram everything in at the very end wasn't good
- Boeing, his character was not needed (although he was super hot), they should have spent more time on the other characters learning/growing (or not and then realistically ruining their relationships)
- the endings were really predictable and wish GMMTV had been a bit more risky
- showed monogamy as good and polyamory as bad
- there were a few jumpy parts, for example characters were cuddling at night and the next scene was during the day in a bookstore
- not a fan of the outfit/styling choices for many characters
- sometimes music didn't fit the mood like a serious part would have this upbeat music

(info) in ep 1 I was a bit confused by the colored wristbands to denote relationship status, apparently this is a real thing (which I think is an awesome idea)

Leer más

First Impression

This year has overall brought us some good series, and more to come. Gmmtv always produces, in my opinion, the best kind of series.

The cast is top tier, seeing a mix of multiple couples, and a new couple on screen brings me excitement. I have always loved them all in their own series, together or not.

Love seeing a hint of the characters personalities in just one episode. (ex: mew being a more soft guy, top being POSSIBLY toxic, etc) and much more to learn about each of the characters.

I really do wonder how this series will turn out, because I enjoy them being on screen, and seeing how it will go with these 6 will be interesting.

Leer más

This is gonna be an Intriguing Mess

Absolutely loved the casting and looking forward for the story to unfold.

I cant emphasize enough of how much i enjoy watching actors associated with GMMTV and getting to watch more than one BL couple in a single series is definitely a feast to the fans. TMI - First being my favorite of all :P

I love dramas that are a little twisted, dark and emotional. Enjoyed watching first episode and it felt like this is gonna be an interesting Mess , looking forward to how they are gonna wrap this up.

I am having a really hard time understanding few of the characters here because of One night stand concept which is alien to me but ya i am here for the mess to become messier. Each one of them has a different perspective towards friends . Super excited for the new episodes
I could tell what was running in their mind though they were silent just by watching their expressions, that is how much of a good actors they are!! Must mention the music is highlighting their emotions and is much enjoyable for us to listen

I can literally feel that this is gonna take my soul away by making me wait for the next episode each week

Leer más

AMAZING SHOW.

I know only one episode is out but this is my favourite show right now. I can tell it’s about to be even more good as more eps air. Only one episode out but I’ve already watched it twice ?
I Hope many people support this show and watch the new episodes every Saturday!! Not to mention, Khao’s ost for this show has been on repeat!! I love it so so much and the show itself. I haven’t loved something this much since msp ?
In conclusion, episode 1 was absolutely amazing and I can’t wait for more plot and what not, scared for the angst ngl ? but who isn’t ?. Anyways, everyone go watch episode 1 right now!!

Leer más