Sotus S: The Series (2017)

It’s really good. I really enjoyed watching the second season as it focused on what being in a homosexual relationship in a work space and in public was like. Arthit has always been quite shy to express his love for Kongpob, but Kongpob on the other hand is really good at that. Arthit is still uncomfortable about being all lovey-dovey with each other in public and so this leads him to push Kongpob away often.
I completely understand why Arthit would act this way. Kongpob is the first boyfriend he has ever had, and he’s still trying to come around to it. Although he’s been with him for quite a while, he still isn’t fully comfortable. And this leads to him not being so affectionate unlike Kongpob, who craves affection from Arthit a lot.
There are misunderstandings and conflicts between them as both of them choose not to talk with each other at times. Some people were quite bugged about how Arthit was being so distant and/or upset and angry with Kongbop. But to be honest, Kongbop wasn’t informing him about anything, so of course he would get upset.
Eventually the two of them (sort of) take a break. And Arthit took some time to reflect, and when he knew he wanted to be with Kongbop, it made me really happy.
Gay relationships aren’t just sunshine’s and rainbows. Arguments can stir between the two. Some fixed, some not. I find Sotus to be a very romantic and quite real series to me, it being my first Thai BL drama ever.
I didn’t mind the lack of kissing, since when the moments when they interacted romantically still left my heart sore. It was good, nonetheless.

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This series takes place roughly 2-3 years after Season 1. Kongpop is now a third year and the head hazer while Arthit is facing new challenges that come with entering the workforce. Campus life is largely left behind, as SOTUS S focuses primarily on Arthit's life at Ocean Electric, along with the potential strain this puts on his and Kongpob's relationship. New challenges arise, along with new faces, and I think fans of Season 1 will enjoy this season as well.

Once again, the acting from all of the characters is fantastic. As Kongpob, Singto retains his sweet, endearing manner. No longer the head hazer, Krist shows us Arthit's softer, shyer side, and it's absolutely adorable. Krist makes the most melt-worthy expressions and seeing him interact with Singto's character is really cute. They have the same chemistry between them as they did in Season 1, which I think is both a good thing and a bad thing, and something I think a lot of people justifiably critique. My main issue is that Kogpob and Arthit still act as though they're in the beginning of their relationship, rather than a couple years in. I totally understand that Arthit is shy, and am in no way asking for full on public PDA, but a soft touch or brief hand-holding every now and then would have been nice. It just felt like their relationship hadn't progressed at all since the end of Season 1 and that which, again, occurred several years prior. It felt like Kongpob was still chasing after Arthit even though he already had him. We do get some more lovey-dovey moments towards the very end, and very cute ones at that! It just would have been nice to some of that scattered throughout the series. It's certainly not a deal-breaker, but those going into this expecting a bit more romance than what was given in Season 1 be warned.

The story line, I thought, was interesting, although I was getting a little bit bored towards the end. Something special about SOTUS S is that the director includes special scenes at the end of each episode, which are primarily flashbacks of events between Kongpop and Arthit after the latter has graduated. These were a cute touch. As with Season 1, there wasn't a lot of development with the side couples, which was disappointing as they had so much potential. One of the side couples could have been eliminated altogether and it wouldn't have made any difference to the story. I'd definitely be interested in seeing both couples developed further in a future series or movie, but I have a feeling that probably won't happen.

That said, I did enjoy SOTUS S, but I did enjoy SOTUS a little bit more. The university setting and hazing challenges provided a bit more diversity and variation than the obstacles in this season. Still, I enjoyed watching SOTUS S (incredible acting + charming MCs) and would recommend this franchise to anyone looking for their next BL to watch.

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I really liked this series! I dont really mind fluffyness or cuteness in dramas and there is a bit in here. The acting had improved a lot since season 1 especially for romantic scenes, theyre less awkward and you can see krist and singto look a lot more comfortable here. I wasnt fond of the many new side couples especially when characters seemed to get left behind from season 1 such as prem and wad, it is also seen that praepailin has a girlfriend and it would have been nice to maybe see their story :( but overall i loved the scenes with arthit and kong and i think its a very decent sequel, it made me cry a lot in happiness and sadness so be prepared for that!!

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I really enjoyed watching Kongpob and Arthit again. These characters are so real that it feels like they are your friends and you want the very best possible for them.

SOTUS S was one of the best journeys in romance and enduring love that I've seen. Singto and Krist did an amazing job in creating such honest, believable and caring characters. If anyone wants lessons on how to be romantic, Kongpob is the man to watch. He says so many sincere and heart-warming one-liners that I felt my heart melt many times. Honestly, I learnt much more about how to be romantic from this story than anything else I've seen. I'm definitely a better person because I watched this show. Along the way, I also picked up some very valuable life lessons.

I sincerely say "Thank you" to the director, the scriptwriters, the book's author and all behind the scenes crew. You have created something very special with the telling of this story.

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Watching SOTUS S Felt Like Experiencing Love

Utterly moving, touching and powerful. Though it isn't as well-regarded as it predecessor, I absolutely loved this season as it showed ordinary life and ordinary problems that one can face in the work environment and in love. All the trials and tribulations and the mundanity of ordinary life is shown clearly. It showed the realities of becoming an adult, struggling to adapt to a new environment and accepting your feelings and yourself. Watching this show, I had a similar experience with Carol, where I felt like I was experiencing a deep, profound love. Watching SOTUS felt like falling in love, being loved, realizing that you are worthy of love, that love is worth fighting for, the pain of having your heart broken and sharing your life with someone. The writing is oh so good. The performances are wonderful. I love how grounded and real this show is (like when compared to 2gether). The chemistry between Krist and Singto is electric (as can be seen in their live appearances). The first season focused on school life and coming out in school. This season focused on work life and coming out at work. Hopefully, if there is a sequel. it will focus on family life and coming out to the family. It would be so awesome to see Kongpob and Arthit's lives play out continuously throughout the rest of their lives. Without a doubt, the best BL show that I've seen. Its legendary BL status is well-deserved. It may also be my most favorite gay film/series thus far.

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Overview:

I tried my best to give this series a shot despite my initial lack of interest, as this series was widely acclaimed by many here. All in all, I felt as though was a complete lack of chemistry between the two protagonists and it progressively got worse with the second series. It made sense once I looked into the actors playing the main roles as Singto seems to have diverged entirely from BL series in his career, so his lack of passion and interest made sense.

Chemistry:

I feel as though it would behoove directors to intentionally cast "straight-acting" male leads as it leads to situations like these, in which chemistry is non-existent and hinders from the level of intimacy they're willing to perform. Not to say relationships are purely physical, but Arhit rarely touches Kong throughout the entire series, and his mood seems to change at the drop of a hat. Honestly, it seems like Arhit, whether it be the character or the actor, I'm not completely sure, is simply indifferent towards his "love interest". I would monitor the comments under the YouTube section and it seemed the fans of this series noticed it as well but stated that this was a more "realistic" view of couples which I completely disagree with.

Acting:

There wasn't much depth in the acting department, as Kong seemed very one-dimensional and almost always smiling at the most random times. His arsenal of facial expressions seemed to consist solely of smiling and staring. I already previously mentioned how Arhit felt indifferent most of the series, and I'm not entirely sure if it was due to the script or his acting. I think there's some validity to some of these BL series being "overacted" or too unrealistic, but this series definitely turned the temperature all the way down to the point where I question if they would even be good room-mates, let alone a couple.

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SOTUS was my first BL and I totally fell for this couple as well as developed a massive crush on Krist. So this was the second ever BL.

I loved it because it was them rather than for the storyline.

I think a lot of the boring stuff that happened at Arthit’s workplace could’ve been cut out and replaced with more Arthit/Kongpob screen time! Some of that was dull, I mean who cares about parts for a plastic grill? Why did Arthit have to have such a boring job? Come on writers, do what you’re paid for!

Also, come on, a bit more snogging between the two wouldn’t have gone amiss. It was so frustrating - even if Arthit’s character didn’t want PDA then behind closed doors it would be nice!

I had been hoping for some Wad/Prem action as well, but Wad ‘mysteriously’ had to go and care for his dad so wasn’t in this show. Shame!

I find it odd that a couple of years into a relationship that Arthit wouldn’t even know that Kongpob's dad was the boss of some big company. Fair enough that their families still didn’t know about them but surely you’d mention it? I’d like to have known moire about Arthit’s family too but no mention is ever made.

My heart broke when they parted for a while - stupid Arthit - but when they made up again I fell in love with them all over again.

Despite my complaining there was no Wad/Prem, SOTUS didn’t have the pointless side couples like other shows I’ve discovered since seem to have too many of. One is fine. SOTUS S had some half-arsed attempts at side coupling: Yong and the other apprentice engineer, Nai, making pie eyes at one another but it didn’t come to much (and that Yong guy is hot in other things but that moustache he has in this does him no favours), and Tew and that whiny kid, Dae, who turns out to be Arthit’s boss’s son - that just made Tew look like a creeper. Also Earth and Todd that was pointless. Less of this and more of the main couple please! More of Arthit and Kongpob’s university friends would be nice too.

Obviously I will watch again, I love my boys, but I may skip most of the unnecessary side stuff that added nothing.

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Perfect and beautiful

Many people dislike this drama because of the so called lack of action, I think this drama however perfectly portrays relationships. It tells about how relationships aren't always sunshine and rainbows but that couples do always hit a rough patch it depends on them if they work it out or if they choose to let it destroy them. I love how they taught us about work- personal life balance. If a person is getting distanced from you then the best thing to do is wait for them and not to hurry them and this is why I love Kongpob. Tew and Day were so precious like I loved them. Then M and May go together like finally and I am so happy. Also Yong and Nine and Todd and Earth (my role model) like oh my gosh I wish I could have seen Todd and Earth date tho. I hate John like ugh, he perfectly embodies that jerk that works in your office and will make you do all his work and it's so good that he got fired. Arthit always had a knack for dramatic confessions didn't he because like damn that confession (also let me pretend that I did not die of second hand embarrassment when he ran up there). Also the gears like oh my god Arthit's personality did a full 180 degree turn and this is how he ended up. I love how Arthit gets shy when Kongpob says something it's so cute honestly. My favourite part was 'P, aioon I love you'

(P.s can someone go tell Todd that Arthit's name is not Mr.Sun)

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A great continuation of the story from SOTUS

I liked how the stories of most characters from the first season continue in the second season. The seniors all graduated and have entered the working world, while the juniors are leading the hazing of the new freshmen and getting ready to do their internships. The majority of the series takes place during Kongpob’s internship in the company that Arthit works at. I think this kind of progress with the storyline was really nice, as we get to see all of them settling in a new stage of their lives.

M and May are finally official! Yay for that! But nay for some of the comments M had. At one point he told her she should get fat so the other guys will leave her alone, and that really bothered me. It has so many implications behind it – from saying bigger people are not attractive to putting the blame on May (which can be further extended into victim blaming). I know the series was filmed a few years ago, but such comments were already problematic then.

We got some new couples too, which I was really excited about. Especially because no other ships were sailed in the first season. Which is kind of realistic for university life, but still. One of the couples and its future are strongly hinted at, while the other couple has a date at the end. And Prae finally got herself a gorgeous girlfriend!

Kongpob & Arthit: I found Arthit, Mr. Sun, adorable in the first season. His reluctance and struggles about not being ready to come out are all very relatable and realistic. Kongpob is more confident and while he struggles to, he is a lot less shy about it. I guess it has to do with his upbringing as well. What wasn’t realistic was how the two were with each other. Not in public, but in private. They have been dating for two years, and yet they act more like it’s their first week of dating. It just made them look so distant from one another, like the two barely know each other. I also think that a lot of their conflicts and issues could have been resolved with simple conversations.

There were a few lines, especially from Kongpob, that hit me right in the feels. Arthit is really struggling with being in love with a man and not feeling like he is good enough for him. Kongpob is struggling too, he feels like his boyfriend doesn't care about him as much as he does and feels like he is the only one carrying the relationship. And that is exhausting.

The fact that Arthit knows absolutely nothing about Kongpob’s family after being with him for two years is crazy to me. Like do they never talk about their homes? What do they even talk about then? I am kind of disappointed that we didn’t really get any coming out to the family scenes. I feel like Kongpob is very close to his family from the way he talks with his parents, and I truly believe the two would be supportive of him. Especially knowing he’s seeing Arthit.

I feel like there are a lot of loose ends left. Maybe they were leaving things open in hopes of another season, but it was still kind of annoying. Or they could at least hint at their future plans some more or in a clearer manner. It did leave me a bit confused.

The bonus scenes were absolutely adorable! They even made me smiles after the emotional rollecoaster that some of the episodes were.

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A much needed correction for most of the things that bothered me in the first season

When I started watching this season I wrote: ", May they stop hazing and start being cute together... or deal with other stuff... that works too...

And well that was more or less what i got, the hazing took much last place and went from being about controlling the juniors to sharing experience with the juniors, though they did not seem to leave some guy alone this felt much better than the first season.

The relationship between the two leads got of to a really good start but having to much harmoney does tend to get boring so of course we did need to get some drama, but did not get to much drama, the series did kind of have a slow start but actually got better with time and did address some interesting issues and clashes between Kongpob is slightly clingy open and outgoing personality and Arthits more secretive closed off personality, who just closes himself in whenever faced with something he does not know how to deal with, combined with the fact that Kongpob does not seem to respect Arthits boundaries or need of space at all . Made me frustrated and angry (in a good way) at both of them, wishing they could communicate batter. They also show some of the struggles for being new in a work place with the added pressure of "do you have a girlfriend" and coming out/not wanting to come out in the work, or even show affection towards ones long term partner at work, or even at home.

I won´t say it ha a lot of cuteness in the series itself, those where more reserved for the extra scene in the end of each episode,
so try not to miss those. The side couples feel a tad unnecessary but are cute on their own slightly rushed way, giving the feel that viewers would need to see the characters coupled up for the show to feel complete.

The drama did have both emotional, funny and suspenseful scenes all things that I appreciate while watching a show and was most certainly highly bingeable, the red umbrella seems is also there to enhance a feeling and warn for trouble ahead, or at least give us the feel of trouble ahead. Also the product placement of head and shoulders did make way for several lovely, bubbly (literally) innocent shower scenes for those who like those.

All in all definitely worth a watch, and honestly even if season one will give you more context, you can probably skip it and go straight for season two it is much better,

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