Is this technically a gay show? Even after getting through the whole thing, that's still kind of tricky to answer. There's never any physical intimacy shown between the two leads, not even a single kiss. What it gives you instead is something that goes way deeper than that. It traces an emotional bond that spans a full decade between two guys who are both dealing with their own baggage, and what they share basically amounts to being soulmates. The story moves across Japan, South Korea, and Berlin. Honestly, whether people want to call what they have a romantic relationship or not doesn't really matter to me. A relationship doesn't need a label like boyfriends attached to it to actually mean something. And closeness doesn't need to be physical to feel genuine. What this show captures is something quieter but way more powerful, a bond rooted in understanding, respect, and just showing up for each other. Across eight episodes, each running 35 to 45 minutes, this is one...
The season continues with the story where we see that Brian has immersed himself in work and despite the fact that he wants to move on from Jason, his friends and support system around him don't let that happen. In fact, the ghost of Jason still continues to talk to Brian. At a friend's recommendation, Brian finally decides to see a therapist to see if he can get help and ideas on how he can move on. The problem is every time he thinks of moving on, there is some guilt that encompasses him. Through various sessions, where he realizes how he and his friends have always put Jason on a pedestal almost like an angel like figure is what is hurting him the most and he needs to get out of that. Brian recounts an incident where Jason had a 2 month affair with a younger man, so it's not like Jason was without faults. Anyway, through a sitcom kind of narrative, over 8 episodes focusing on different themes, we see how Brian eventually grows and is able to move on from Jason (or is at least trying to). Jason's parents are th most supportive here. By the end of the season, Brian, reaches the point that he is fully ready to heal and move on - not to forget Jason, but to stop holding onto him.
The one thing I really like about the show is focus on older gay relationships which not many do. It is extremely realistic. I like what therapist says in the end that "There is still life after grief". Everyone has a right to move on and live their life. Just because you are moving on does not mean that you are forgetting someone. But you do need that space to make a difference for yourself. In this season, the friends do not get that much space like previous seasons, but we do see how relationship between Brian and Jason's best girlfriend get a bit strained but eventually they make up. The sessions with the therapist were also good and very focused. We do get to know that Jason was not all that of a saint and he did have an affair but its not like Brian to confront about this in his friends circle. The titles of the episodes were very appropriate on what they were focused on. I feel, I was able to connect with this season a little more than the previous ones and I would recommend this for a feel good and realistic watch. (7/10)
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