Love by Chance (2018)

Ok first of all, it was so much better than I expected---not perfect but good.

PROS:

1. BEST IN DEVELOPMENT. For me, AePete's development from friends to couple was one of the most consistent and well developed progressions I had seen in a BL. None of their scenes seemed out of the blue or rushed. I forgave the over the top and cutesy dialogues of AePete thinking that this was Ae's first relationship.

2. In relation to the first one, I loved how they showed Ae's curiosity about gay sex. They really talked about sexuality! It wasn't one of those shows where their sexual orientation just suddenly shifted. The show was explicit enough yet it still seemed so innocent and wholesome. That particular scene where Ae searched about gay sex was really nice.

3. Perth's acting was so on point, also Earth's (Tar). They really stood out for me although the rest of the casts were fair enough.

5. The OST was nice. I was shocked the first time they used Love Sick's Shake (when Tum was playing at a bar). The use of love sick's ost made me feel nostalgic.

6. AePete's relationship was healthier than my body ISTG.

7. TINCAN. I had never been so invested in a BL couple since Sotus (which was, like, years ago already). I was literally screaming the every time Tin was professing his crush on Can. The build up of tincan for s2 was so effectively done.

Now for Can's character---absolutely lovely. The earlier episodes showed us a hyper and comedic Can, probably immature too. I thought he was one of the stock characters to provide comedic relief but as the series progressed, we got to see his depth. The later episodes where TinCan's relationship were staring to be established, it was really nice to see the different sides of TinCan’s characters. (I admit I kind of shipped TinPete at first).

The series did a good job at shifting my attention from the MC to TinCan to be honest. The latter episodes, I just almost didn't care about AePete anymore.

8. There were a lot of likable side characters like Techno and Pond. BEST FRIENDS AWARD, I say.


NOW FOR THE CONS:

1. Despite its college setting, a lot of the scenes felt like it was set in High School instead. I did say I forgave the cutesy of AePete's relationship but I admit I cringed sometimes. But I get the theatrics of it.

2. A lot of things were happening. Hadn't I watched TharnType first, I would have been so lost. But since I did know their backstories, I appreciated all side characters especially Type---he changed a lot.

3. CONSENT, KENGKLA, CONSENT. Techno deserves a better partner and brother! Technic literally helped Kengkla in getting his brother laid!! The series showed us nothing about techno seeing kengkla in a romantic light yet his brother still pushed it??? It would have been fine if they just kept it light but Kengkla raped techno and the people justifying it in the comment section are disgusting. To make matters worse, kla lied to No and manipulated him to be in a relationship with him. I dont think I will ever buy this ship no matter how the series will justify it. I was so uncomfortable watching that scene especially when they added in the OST they played whenever there were cute scenes.

Nonconsensual acts are so prevalent in BLs and it has been overlooked for so long, by so many, for the sake of shipping. I really am so keen about consent when it comes to BL and how most shows (and authors) romanticize it.

4. To continue, Tum's nonconsensual act bothered me so much especially knowing Tar's past. He did apologize and kind of redeem himself in the latter episode. And for this one, I was glad the series took it seriously.

5. And as much as I love TinCan, I didn't like how they started to realize their feelings when Tin kissed Can to "make him shut up". I just really tried to understand Tin's rash and straightforward character.

6. Chompoo's character. It was so shallow and obviously part of those unnecessarily clingy and childish female characters to drive the plot. Please stop this kind of female representation.

7. Lay was one of those exaggerated and illogical portrayals of characters to provide comedic relief in Thai BLs but it was annoying. I get it, she was a fujoshi but she went overboard on shipping real life guys. She went hard on fetishizing gay couples.

8. I mentioned the shifting of the viewers’ attention to TinCan but it took a toll on the MC. The ending was so unsatisfying for AePete and they basically lost momentum during the last episodes. They most probably had decided beforehand to have a 2nd season but really, a phone call? Even though they were shown to be imaginarily together, it felt so flat and unsatisfying. But I mean I didn’t mind it that much because my focus was on TinCan.

9. They went all out promoting Samsung lol.

10. I was not a hundred percent fan of Saint’s acting for this show. One of the main reasons why I dropped LBC after watching the 1st ep in 2018 was because of Saint's acting, sorry. He was good but some of the parts were awkward to look at especially when he was trying to cry.

11. Ae was sometimes annoying with his overprotectiveness. I get the BL tropes where the top really gets overprotective and jealous easily and that sometimes ticks me off.

12. What happened to the guy who was blackmailing Pete? I hope we get to see a resolution in s2 despite Saint not being in the series anymore.

To conclude, it's a nice BL. The main couple was wholesome and had a healthy relationship. Watching TharnType and LBC, I kind of get the feeling that the author chooses problematic and traumatic themes to intensify the story. A lot of authors do that and it seriously needs to stop. I have no problem with using rape or any traumatic events as long as they are not merely used as a plot device but are actually discussed and taken seriously. So done with romanticized nonconsensual acts.

I'm am looking forward to s2 because I love TinCan so much. Maybe the reason why I was surprised at how nice it was was because I wasn't really expecting much.

TharnType and LBC have too many issues that needs to be solved. I am only judging based on the series. I wish everything will have a resolution, good or bad. Nevertheless, I am invested.

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I found overall I really enjoyed this series. Compared too a lot of Thai Bl's I've watched, I found myself not feeling bored or wanting to skip through too many scenes. I feel like with a lot of Thai BLs- I start to get bored around 5-8 episodes in. But I found myself still looking forward to the next episode up until the end of the season (mainly because they made it fresh by adding some development between the TinCan ship in the final eps). This is one of the rare BLs I may even re-watch at some point...

But this is where we get into the main Pro and Con of the entire story…The relationships are a very mixed bag for me.
Pete and Ae: I absolutely LOVED the sweet, natural development of Pete and Ae’s relationship. (Although I will say I 1000% prefer Saint’s character in Why R U over his extremely passive character in this story). I put off watching this series for ages despite its popularity as from the clips I’d seen as I wasn’t convinced there would be much chemistry between Saint and Perth. (IE. in Perth being a convincing pursuer in the relationship and Saint being so submissive- especially after watching Saint and Zee in Why R U). But surprisingly it actually worked and created an interesting dynamic. It also helps that Perth has so much adorability and genuine sensitivity in his acting. I was extremely impressed by Perth and am keen to see him in future acting projects. I really enjoyed their relationship progression. And although the “drama” in their story really mellowed out as the series progressed- I didn’t mind so much as that’s when the show finally started to give some more air time to the other couples of the series.
I kind of love that they had no real petty, extended childish drama in their storyline. It was really nice to just see for the most part, a very non-toxic, sweet relationship portrayed in a BL. Really refreshing to not see the characters wait several drawn out episodes to resolve a simple issue or miscommunication they’ve had.

Tin and Can: This one REALLY surprised me by how much I ended up shipping it by the end of the season. For the first half of the series, I was really unconvinced by their interactions and was not interested in seeing them get together. I found Tin too be too unlikeable and Can too annoying. But when they finally gave them more air time and character development- I started to love this ship. I think a lot of this can be attributed to the actor for Tin (Mean). Once he started pursuing Can openly, he stole every scene he was in IMO. The way he even looks at Can melts my soul tbh- very convincing. I also just loved how he opened his heart for Can wholeheartedly and believed in him. Love it!

Now for the bad ships that really jarred my viewing experience. Seriously I feel like the following two ships are such a tonal difference from the main two couples and I hate it so much. It just does NOT flow with the rest of the show. These two also had barely any screen time over the series, which really doesn’t help their case either...

Kla and Techno: WTF. Just WTF. No. Seriously NO. We all know by now that lack of consent is a serious issue that is rife in BL dramas. I hated this. Kla never even tries to romance Techno the normal way even once. And instead decides that the r*pey taking advantage of someone while they’re drunk route is the way too Techno’s heart. The fact that Techno’s brother is complicit in the entire plan to enable his brother’s r*pe by his best friend is one of the most disgusting things I’ve seen in a BL.
That and once Techno is made aware of what’s happened- Kla further manipulates him by convincing him that he was the bad person who took advantage of him instead. And Techno looks so scared and uncomfortable during that entire scene. Utterly disgusting. Absolutely hated this. Please do NOT romanticize this situation!

Tar and Tum: It actually took me a while to realize these were the same characters from TharnType. But once I realized, their storyline made a lot more sense at least. Because before that I had no idea what was happening with these characters as they had barely any screentime.
I hated their entire plotline in TharnType, so the same goes here. (The lack of justice, etc. and the fact that the older brother is still predatory IMO). I really wish they clarified that they aren’t blood related early in the show as I felt creeped out by every scene they were in (I’m still not in love with the idea of step-brothers, but at least it’s not as bad as full on in*est).
I feel like the older step brother is creepy and predatory to Tar- which was only solidified where he himself tried to force himself on him in one episode. What the F*CK. Also the fact that their climactic scene in the last ep where Tar tells Tum about his assault is played right after the scene where Kla assaults Techno….yeah that is the most awkward, inappropriate thing ever. I literally can’t.
I will say at least the actors for Tar and Tum in LBC are 1000% better than their counterparts in Tharntype. But that’s where the positives end for me. It’s a shame because Earth is such a lovely, talented & adorable actor. I wish he had been given a better role with more air time in this series.

So overall I really enjoyed this season and was a fan of the main two couples... but I hated the side couples with a passion LOL.

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Important Topics & The Abuse in LBC

I stopped watching LBC because there are things that really bother me about this series.

Rape is a serious and important issue. It is not okay to have it be part of a sub plot (Tum & Tar) and then not bring awareness to how horrible and serious it is. I might be wrong but I heard that during the final episodes this issue is “ dropped” or forgotten or not brought up in the way that it should be (in a way that will bring awareness to its seriousness).

I also believe that consent is very important. I watched LBC quite a while ago but I remember an intimate scene in a locker room where a seemingly panicked Pete tells Ae to “ go slower” or stop but Ae keeps going anyways. So this was not consensual and could be seen as a form of harassment. Even though Ae and Pete like each other, consent remains very important and both people in a relationship should express their full consent before doing something intimate so that it doesn’t lead to harassement. This is another serious issue that LBC did not treat the way it should’ve been treated by making consent unimportant.

The last problem I have with this series is the fact that the actor who plays Ae was very young when it was filmed, around 17 years old I think. If the actor is still a teenager, is it really okay for him to act in sex scenes (even if they’re fake) ? He might’ve been fine with it, especially if he auditioned for this series or willingly wanted to be in it and knew about the scenes, but it is still a cause for worry. He was only 17, filming those scenes at such a young age might end up having negative effects on him later on or he might’ve been uncomfortable acting in those scenes from the start. Maybe I’m just being too paranoid. Either way, I don’t mean to offend the actor that played Ae or assume everything about his life, he is such a good actor and I hope that he is okay and that he will succeed in his career and be happy.


This isn’t really a review but me talking about some serious issues that didn’t get the awareness they deserved in LBC. It’s important to talk about these issues so that people know about important they are and act accordingly.
Rape is horrible and not to be taken lightly. Consent is always important, whether you’re in a relationship with the person(s) or not.
With that said, I hope these issues get the treatment they deserve in future series.

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Wasn't worth the time

I didn't enjoy the series, it might be, bc I watched it in 2022 for the first time after watching some other bl series. AePete had their cute moments and I liked Perth's acting, but I didn't like Saint's acting and didn't feel much of a chemistry between them. Pete is your typical "damsel in distress"-kdrama-FL in the first few episodes, I really hate that. And I have already watched WRU, in which I love TutorFighter as a couple as well as their characters, that's not the case for Pete. Even though I didn't want to, I automatically compared both pairs together and for me ZeeSaint is better, they were much more natural together than SaintPerth, their interaction felt very scripted.
I liked Pond, even though he is very annoying, he is a very supportive friend.

As someone who already watched TharnType, I automatically imagined the actors from TharnType for some characters and I have to say, that I'm glad they casted new actors and it's a pity that the TharnType actors didn't appear in LBC (since this was filmed before TharnType).

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There’s no other Bl series that has matched the chemistry and the acting in Love By Chance. I was shocked by how in just the 1st episode the series took off in such a powerful way. It tackles bullying, sexuality, coming out and many other issues. I am so happy to see that the series is getting the attention it deserves, i will definitely be watching this series over & over again, and follow up with the Work of the actors. I am just Hoping that they give us a season 2 cause us bl fans DESERVE! This series can go so far if the company promotes it right, its already being compared to the greats : Sotus and Addicted. Thank you GMMTV for this masterpiece, i definable recommend watching this masterpiece,you will get chills . - Fan from the USA ????????

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Love By Chance is a series every drama lover needs in their life. The story is interesting and (for the most part) well written and cute-- it brings back major Lovesick feels. I already love the characters, especially the main couple and Ae's friend group. Everything about this drama is really refreshing, and even though some of the same tropes that are seen in most other bl dramas are used, it's done in a way that makes the plot different and entertaining. The plot itself is a teeny bit dark at times, but the main couple is really cute and innocent, and their relationship/chemistry doesn't seemed to be forced or progress too slow. The cinematography is great, the music is pretty good, the acting is not over the top or cringey. The show has a lot of promise and I'm looking forward to the next episodes, I just hope it keeps going in this direction!

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I've never been hooked in BL series except this one. The chemistry is just amazing and the acting is just on point. The plot tells a sensible story, but unlike other BL series, this one is light. The main actors are really good in portraying their characters. Even the supporting actors are really good too.

Music is superb, I may not understand Thai language but the fact the that I get moved by the melody - it is good enough for me.

Overall, this is a kind of BL series / story that we need. Something that would put smile on your face after watching. Something that would inspire people to simply fall in love and enjoy life as is.

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Having watched TharnType first I was a little unsure going into this series, but overall I was pleased.

The acting and most of the storylines were good and the production overall was great. However, I did have a couple of thoughts.

Negatives:
1. Pete - was the most poorly written character, and early on I kept thinking is this guy an idiot or just plain naive. Either way, I did not warm to his character at all and subsequently, the Ae/Pete relationship just didn't work and generally skipped over their scenes.
2. THE Techno/Kengkla scene at the end and the build-up was just terrible. Look I don't have a problem with dubious consent or 'rape' in storylines but I do prefer proper context. Make it Right, for all its flaws, dealt with the issue better several years ago. Have some BL dramas really regressed to a form of toxic masculinity where rape is the way to a man's heart? It's even more problematic when juxtaposed with the Tum/Tar storyline that was actually really good.
3. Having seen TharnType, I do wish the was more continuity between this and that series. I personally preferred TT's Techno, Tum and Champ and LBC's Type. The only character that I have truly been torn on in both is Tar who was played equally well in both shows.
4. And what the hell happened with the Trump/Pete storyline. Just poor storytelling in my book.

Positives:
1. Tin/Can, Pond, Tar and Type are the show's saving graces.
2. I'm looking forward to LBC2 just to see the progression of Tin/Can as well as see what happens to Tum/Tar, that were really the only storylines I was truly invested in. I like a possessive lead with emotional issues.
3. The good production value and OST.

Rewatch value:
Maybe, probably not as much as TharnType but I'd give the Tin/Can elements a rewatch though.

Final thoughts:
This show had some promise but was let down by poorly executed characters and storylines, only save by the Tin/Can and Tum/Tar stories and the really well acted Type character.

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This is one of my favorite BL SERIES that I also included to my BL SERIES BUCKET LIST. I like how the story played by the characters. it gives connections and Kilig Factor of the ACTORS. I am a CERTIFIED BL SERIES FANATIC in the PHILIPPINES. First Two Episode of this series makes me get hooked to watch the upcoming episodes. the BL Series that's on my list are the following:

1. Together With Me The Next Chapter/ Bad Romance The Series
2. SOTUS/SOTU S The Series
3. Love by Chance The Series
4. My Tee The Series
5. 2Moons The Series


Thank you for bringing the Bring the Characters PETE & AE Alive #LovebyChancePhilippines

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