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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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After Forever: Seasons 1 & 2 (Web Series)

By Golu
This Emmy Winning Amazon web series can be best described as the story of love, loss, friendship and healing. Gay men in their 50's is not something that many films or shows have explored. So in that sense, this series does come as a breath of fresh air. With 16 episodes of about 11-12 minutes each between 2 seasons, it is an easy watch. Human loss redefines equation of love between people who are left behind and this show shows us how love makes a lasting impression on all of us.

Brian and Jason have been now together for more than 15 years. They have a very close knit circle of friends with whom they hang out with. These include the gay couple with a 9 year old son, who looks forward to his weekend cycling trips with Brian and Jason. We also have a gay couple, both named Paul, who own a restaurant. And then we have a straight couple where the girl has been best friends with Jason since they were young. Jason has now being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and he refuses to undergo chemotherapy and eventually passes away. Leaning on family (Jason's parents who are very close to Brian as well) and friends during Jason’s final days, Brian struggles to comprehend the immeasurable void that now exists after his spouse’s passing. Season 1 is all about that in multiple episodes. It ends with Jason's parents setting up Brian with a prospective match David. Season 2 shows David and Brian have been together for 6 months now. While their love for each other is solidly established, Brian still faces the difficulties of being in a new romance while he attempts to heal from losing Jason. The series continues with various interactions with these 2 and their corresponding friends. Brian has now started his own boutique firm and we also see some of the challenges he is facing. But most importantly is the challenge faced by David, who feels like he is in a relationship with both Brian and Jason. Even after so many years, Brian finds it hard to let go of Jason's memories and David feels he cannot take it anymore of being the third wheel. They eventually breakup.

Set in New York City, the show actually is presented simultaneously in three levels. Story of Brian and Jason; story of Brian with David and after Jason's death, from Brain's mind's perspective where Jason still exists and talks to him. The series does deal honestly with relationships and with loss. I feel this will have a universal appeal. The concept is very fresh and something that hasn't been dealt with before. Acting wise all the lead actors do a fantastic job, especially Brian. Yes he is struggling to move on after his husband dies and whatever others say, its not easy to just forget your whole past and move on. Only the person dealing with such a thing can connect. Having said that, I still felt that something was missing in the show. And I have been trying to think really hard what is it really. I mean it has emotions, very real, its about love, life and loss but still there is something thats missing thats preventing me to call put this show as great and not just good. I connected with the show but not with the character. I could empathize with the pain but not feel it. I wish i could say more details but I am struggling to find more context. Hopefully in a few days when I have processed more!! By the way, I did like the whole side story of the Dads with thier son and how they bring him up. I think there is a lot of potential there to grow it in a full fledged script of itself.

Irrespectively, this show is a must watch for seeing something new and real showcasing life of 50 plus gay men and for the sake of love. (7/10)
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