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Journey With You (Chinese Series)

By Golu
I've always had kind of a love hate relationship with Chinese historical BLs. Some are genuinely excellent, but then there are others that cram in so much plot that keeping track of all the layers of betrayal and scheming gets exhausting, and I end up checking out mentally. Part of the issue is also just how much content is out there in this space, so something really has to stand out to keep me hooked. In this case, the production value is genuinely impressive, top tier stuff, but story wise, I just couldn't bring myself to actually care about these characters. There's a ton of political scheming and backstage manipulation running throughout. Somewhere in the middle of all that chaos, a hostage ends up falling for his own Prince Charming. The show runs eight episodes, each around 50 to 60 minutes long. After spending three years guarding the border, Fifth Prince Yin Qi gets called back to the capital because of a secret letter, only to end up walking straight into a deadly...
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Three: The Series

By Golu
The age old big gay question "Can a long term gay couple continue to be in a monogamous relationship after being together for a few years?" I have seen a few films/short films on the topic and it has been a mixed bag. This is the first series that I am seeing that tackles this subject with the possibility of adding a third person to the relationship. This is a 6 episode series, each about 12-15 minutes each. As individuals and gay men, we all have our opinion on adding a third wheel to the system, so its interesting to see how the makers of the series deal with the issue.

Dylan and Patrick have been together for about 5 years now. On Patrick’s 40th birthday celebration, Dylan starts feeling that Patrick wants to open the relationship. On confronting, Patricks suggests brining in a third guy to spice up their sex life. Dylan very reluctantly agrees to it. He confides this to his best friend Elliot. They go through a couple of options where Patrick enjoys each time but Dylan still can’t get over his hesitation. Things are about to change when Jason comes into picture. First Dylan wants this to stop but after seeing young and very handsome Jason, he gives in,. They both have a good time with Jason and slowly he becomes their regular. In fact he moves in with them making this a polygamous couple. While things are going ok, hell breaks when Patrick’s brother visits them. Argument breaks between the two brothers on their relationship with Jason. This makes Dylan worry even more as to where the relationship of the couple is heading to. Getting into action, one morning Dylan asks Jason to leave them forever so that he can work on his relationship with Patrick. When Patrick hears this, he argues back and wants Jason to continue. This leaves Dylan with 2 choices: either stay with Patrick with Jason as the third or leave Patrick because Patrick definitely wants to have Jason in his life.

This series beautifully explores what happens to a relationship when a third person is introduced. Thankfully it is not all serious. There is ample dose of comic relief thanks to Dylan’s friend Elliot. The actors playing the gay couple are both really good actors. It does not look forced but looks natural. I can totally see these kind of discussions happening among gay couples and friends and how each and everyone of them has their own way of dealing with these issues. Jason acted pretty well also and of course he did look the part of being a nice gentleman while keeping his smoking hot looks. And thats why everyone including the couple wonder why he likes being with them. I cant really find faults with the series besides an open ending which we can all have our interpretations. Well directed, well acted, crisp editing and no unnecessary sex.

Definitely recommend. This is no path-breaking piece of work but is definitely very good, handled well. Short , simple, very well and sweet. (7/10)
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Comments

luigi43 said…
IMHO and personal experience a long term gay couple is exactly like a " str8 " couple. a third presence is devastating.
October 24, 2017 at 11:52 AM
Golu said…
not even for adding spice?
October 29, 2017 at 7:32 AM
luigi43 said…
:-)))) Si fa ma non si dice......
October 29, 2017 at 12:59 PM
Unknown said…
It’s been my experience that when it comes to threesomes or “open” relationships, many times one partner wants and one doesn’t. Usually the partner that doesn’t either ends up sacrificing or giving in and accepting what the other partner wants or that partner ends up losing out and removing himself/being removed from the relationship. Now, as for the series itself, it was pretty nice even if they tried to give Dylan too much of a philosopical and moralistic tone in the script. It would have been much more believable if he was a bit more “modern” instead of painting him like a leftover from last century.
December 4, 2017 at 2:01 AM
Golu said…
True. There was this excellent short film in which one of the guys proposes to have an open relationship and they start a conversation. The moment his partner starts asking all kinds of questions, the first guy realizes that this is not for him.
December 5, 2017 at 8:34 AM
Unknown said…
I’ve seen that short film and it’s really funny (never mind that the two guys are really good looking too! LOL)
December 5, 2017 at 9:35 AM
Golu said…
it was really good and does bring in a very interesting thought process when a couple decides to open up the relationship
December 7, 2017 at 1:16 AM
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