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...
Nott, a handsome inventor, lives in an all-boys apartment owned by Porpla, the Yaoi fan owner. One day, one of Nott's inventions causes an electrical fire destroying Porpla's Yaoi CDs. She decides to throw him out. Conveniently, Pun walks in at the right time and Nott, thinking on his toes, pretends that Pun is his boyfriend, appealing to Porpla's obsession with BL couples. Pun reluctantly agrees, but says that Nott owes him. Slowly they start to fall for each other. Meanwhile, Arm, the neighborhood boy has had a crush on Nott for a long time but he is the gentleman kind of guy. Even though he knows that Nott and Pun maybe getting together, he makes sure to let his feelings know to Nott whose reactions were very mature. Then we have Om, Nott's ex-roommate who has a crush on this girl Yuri who has been secretly stalking Nott. Eventually after some love, some heart-breaks, Nott and Pun are together as one big happy family.
The ending where Pun and Nott sort of become space ship and end up being in space was over my head and the subsequent 3 episode follow up on just the weirdest interactions between Nott and Pun completely threw me off. It was a complete waste of time. The only funny character IMO was Porpla and her two minions Latte and Mocha. They change in zillion outfits as per the mood which add a bit more silliness to the show, albeit a funny one. But the overall execution of the otherwise decent story left a lot to be desired. The gags were forced, acting was over the top and so was the direction. Arm was the only sane character and him confessing his love for Nott was the only decent scene in the whole series. Nott was geeky and I am not sure how and why he falls for Pun. Pun, at least has a back story that makes sense. Rest of the cast is supposed to be crazy and crazy they were, except none of that connected with me as an audience.
I would not recommend this series unless you want something super silly, braindead and over the top acting and humor is your kind of thing. (3/10)
Comments
I will try to find this series soon and catch up. PLese do let me know more recommendations if you have. It helps me prioritize to watch things that I have withh me
There are bad things so bad that they become good, like "Borat" or "Impastor", but this thing really is for... eem... acquired taste. /exits to the left, going to acquire some taste/
P.S! When do the nightmares cease to reoccur (asking for a friend)?