Dark Blue Kiss (2019)

My jumping into Thai entertainment has been a fun ride so far with many satisfying discoveries. I was first introduced to the couple affectionately known as #PeteKao when YouTube recommended a three-part compilation of scenes from the series Kiss Me Again which featured the characters Pete and Kao.

How YouTube recommended it to me may have to do with me looking up Love of Siam after I watched it for the first time in late 2018, I think it was.

But I ended up waching the #PeteKao compilation. I then went on to watch Kiss: The Series (which I learned actually aired first, but its events take place after Kiss Me Again). And then I ended up officially becoming a fan.

So count me as one of the many people who looked forward to their story continuing with Dark Blue Kiss (รักไม่ระบุสถานะ). The series aired from October to December last year and I watched every episode the day after they first aired in Thailand. (Had to wait for the English subtitles of course, but all episodes were quickly uploaded to GMMTV’s official YouTube channel. Thanks GMM!)

Dark Blue Kiss was a fun, turbulent, but fully satisfying ride. A very soapy ride, to be sure. But a very satisfying series.

Dark Blue Kiss focused on Pete and Kao’s relationship hitting a bumpy patch with the arrival of troublemaker Non. Setting his sights on Kao, Non was the scheming villain wanting to steal the leading man away from the, well, other leading man.

It undoubtedly frustrated many fans watching the series. I can understand, but not agree with fans only wanting to see all happy scenes. Romantic scenes with kisses and perhaps more… action. Dark Blue Kiss was a drama series that showed how Pete and Kao’s relationship was tested and how they overcame it.

It had the type of story where the frustrations, misunderstandings, hurt feelings and difficult moments all piled up to help set up and culminate with a thoroughly satisfying conclusion. A conclusion that resulted in our main couple being stronger than they were at the start. But understandably, reaching that point requires an investment from the viewer. A commitment to see the entire series through in order to reach that fulfillment instead of just giving up on the series halfway through because there haven’t been enough kiss or bed scenes.

Now that’s certainly not the case for all fans. But it was a very loud faction of the audience and it was unfortunate that they were missing out on a well-developed story and thoroughly fun ride.

The second couple of Sun and Mork were also a highlight and perhaps got even more growth and development in the series than Pete and Kao. Of course, Sun and Mork were only peripheral characters in the previous Kiss series, so this was their opportunity to shine and have the spotlight on them.

Both couples’ stories though were equally engaging and in different ways. An established couple hitting an unexpected speed bump. And another couple just coming to terms with their new feelings for each other.

Dark Blue Kiss also had some very poignant and emotional moments, especially when it came to Kao struggling to keep his sexuality from his mother. Perhaps the best scene of the entire series was the moment Kao is able to honestly speak with his mother who comfortably reassured him that he never had any reason to worry about her possible reaction in the first place. A wonderful moment of unconditional love between a mother and son.

The series also certainly had plenty of lighthearted moments and balanced the heavier moments well.

The cast delivered good, solid performances. No question about the chemistry between Pete and Kao themselves, Tay Tawan Vihokratana and New Thitipoom Techaapaikhun. They have an undeniable chemistry that pops off the screen and are talented actors that can deliver any type of scene required of them, whether dramatic, romantic or something lighter.

Podd Suphakorn Sriphothong and Fluke Gawin Caskey as Sun and Mork also shared a great chemistry. Their complicated relationship was believable thanks to their performances.

AJ Chayapol Jutamat as Non, however, was a revelation. Having to walk the tightrope between a villain you love to hate and a broken character you can empathize with takes some skill. And AJ was able to show he could handle it.

Pluem Pongpisal as Sun’s brother Rain and the Gang of Sandee, Thada and June (Mild Lapassalan Jiravechsoontornkul, Mek Jirakit Thawornwong, Nicky Nachat Juntapun) helped provide much needed relief from the drama. And Ploy Patchatorn Thanawat as Manow rounds out the cast.

Oh and can we also appreciate these epic opening credits?

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I have lost count as to how many times I have binge watched this drama

I don't usually write reviews but I wanted to for this drama even though there are tons of reviews out there. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching, and binge watching this drama over and over again.

The story is good, the characters are freaking precious and their bond is something that's even more precious. I love Pete and Kao so freaking much. Thier chemistry is no joke. This is honestly my favourite drama and they are my fav ship right now. I fell in love with them and I even fell for the side couple Sun and Mork.

And the cool gang, especially June, I love him so much. There hasn't been a single scene with him where I haven't laughed. Sandee and Thada were equally likable.

I have read a tons of reviews on this drama and some people voiced out that Pete's possessiveness is toxic but honestly I enjoyed seeing him get possessive and protective over his boyfriend. On top of that, Pete is someone whose confession started from "I am possessive of you". So I couldn't expect any less honestly. His possessiveness defines him.

Talking about Kao, damn how can someone be so adorable. Kao is independent, intelligent and very caring. He doesn't voice it out much but he really loves Pete a lot and I love him so freaking much. All hearts to this cute polar bear.

Okay it's a messy review. I don't even know if this can be called a review. Anyway I recommend this drama. It's really really worth watching.

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The unique set of ingredients in this special series recipe make this the sweetest series I have seen to date. Each main couple has its own signature flavor, and the exceptional casting and performances of each cast member yield a meaningful and memorable whole that is richly textured and satisfying. I cheered both couples on from start to finish and would not accept an unsatisfying ending. Pete and Kao celebrate their three year anniversary in this series and are confronted by very challenging circumstances that could easily end their relationship . The series delivers everything you expect in an exemplary series: suspense, ambience, tenderness, sadness, joy, playfulness, beauty, humor. There are many memorable scenes in this movie, but the two most memorable scenes for me are the tender scene in the living room between Kao and his mom when things couldn't get any worse for Kao and the anniversary scene in the locker room with the string of lights and special arrangement of pictures and candlelight. The series is appropriately called Dark Blue Kiss--for the dark times encountered by the characters, the Sky Blue Cafe, and the signature Dark Forest drink that rises from darkening events. But the series might also be called--and perhaps more memorably--Deep Blue Kiss for that memorable underwater kiss which makes you effervescent and bubbling over with gratitude and joy.

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Too good to skip ...

At first, when I started watching Dark Blue Kiss, the story was cool, but in the meantime I got bored and stopped. After some time I had the chance to watch this series again ... Honestly! It was amazing!

Actors were handsome and talented, and the story grew even more exciting and interesting with each episode. The best for the end : the end of the show was a hit! I couldn't stop laughing, I even turned all red...
Sun & Mork is my favorite couple in this series, and it is thanks to them that I will definitely watch this series again one day. As for me, Mork and Sun were hilarious with their love and sweetness towards each other.

I definitely love this series and I would certainly recommend all BL fans to watch it.

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PeteKao

I finally watched this drama in its entirety. I was putting it off for so long not because I wasn’t interested in it, just the opposite. I knew that this was the last story of Pete & Kao that we will ever get and I did not want it to end. Because I love them so much. They are my Thai OTP to end all other OTPs. These characters made me fall in love with Tay & New - with Newwiee in particular, if you haven’t noticed by now ? - and their story, Pete & Kao’s, is what stuck with me ever since I’ve seen them on-screen together for the first time.

And DBK is simply amazing. Pete & Kao’s love for each other literally oozes from the screen. There’s no on-screen sex, there’s very little kissing and yet, there’s absolutely no doubt that Pete & Kao love each other so much it hurts. They’re the perfect proof that you can make a PG-rated BL drama and it can work. And Tay & New’s chemistry is really breathtaking here, honed to perfection over the years that they’ve worked together.

Their story in this drama was fascinating to watch. Pete’s love for Kao but also his unreasonable jealousy stemming from his insecurities. Kao’s love for Pete but also his reluctance to come out stemming from his fear of disappointing his mother. Pete’s desire to become better for Kao, to provide for Kao and Kao’s constant stress and need to work more, all the time, so that his mom and his sister won’t have to. And then the ultimate clash of their issues - made even worse by Non.

Gosh, whether you take book!Non or drama!Non, he’s a real creep. Yes, in the drama you understand him better but that doesn’t change the fact that he is a creep, obsessed with Kao to the point of stalking him and assaulting him, never taking no for an answer - and finally, almost ruining his life.

This makes for such a good, intense, interesting story, carefully build up and anchored in the characters’ traits, and the snowball effect of Non’s actions, the destruction of everything that Kao’s been working so hard for is heartbreaking to watch. But, gosh, does it give Newwiee some really juicy acting material to work with!

Truly an incredible, unforgettable story that sticks with you long after it’s over. PeteKao’s part of DBK deserves 10/10!

(Since I didn’t like SunMork, I’ll leave the rating of their story to their fans.)

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Highly recommend! Give it a go :)

INTRO: Let me start with the intro of the series. It was beautiful and gave subtle hints of the storyline. I loved how they filmed and acted out the intro. You could get hints of the characters' emotions that will happen in the series like anger, sadness, etc. I usually skip intros but I made sure to watch in every episode as it was very nice along with the music. Top 1 Bl intro ever!

ACTING: I loved everyone's acting in this series both the protagonists and the second lead. I couldn't find any awkwardness between them at all they flowed together perfectly. Tawan who played 'Pete' and Thithipoom who played 'Kao' had amazing chemistry. I could feel the fun, cute relationship they had. It was super cute to watch the way Pete teased his partner and the way Kao reacted cutely.

STORY: The story was alright very typical storyline of dramas created by misunderstandings and lying. But still, it was really nice to watch! The one thing I didn't like was the character of Pete. He was a very controlling, possessive, and jealous boyfriend who didn't understand his partner's feelings or listened to them. He was very immature and couldn't bother to listen and understand Kao's situation at all and would always sulk away and get angry and judge quickly. The second lead couples' story was a little different but I found that Sun's character was a little similar to Pete's in terms of the inability to understand. But Sun was very patient and soft with Mork.

Overall I really liked it and recommend to watch it as it was pretty good :)

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Underrated Series Please Watch!

This series blew me away! I went in with zero expectations, I didn't even know it was a sequel series (yes I went back and watched all of Pete and Kao's scenes from the other show, though I don't think it was entirely necessary) so I went in knowing nothing. First off, the intro sequence is everything. Such drama, such vampire realness with their dark suits, blue lighting and wanting stares. I was immediately brought in by the adorable pool scene between Pete and Kao, so cute and I must say those 2 actors somehow got WAY more attractive in this series than the other one. So did Sun, thank god.

The show tackles the struggles of coming out to a parent and friends, which was fantastic. We also get great pacing and respect between our couples which is much needed in these series. None of the tension felt unwarranted from either side during arguments which is great. I actually could identify with every party going through various struggles. The show also made some really really sweet realistic moments and I was HERE FOR IT. There's a discussion of gay marriage not being legalized in Thailand yet, which impressed me that they talked about. Also the discussion of becoming a better person for your significant other. Really well done.

Now obviously I think Pete and Kao were great, but they did have more development because of the other series. However, I was pleasantly surprised that I really enjoyed Sun and Mork's story too. We get a best friends brother scenario which was interesting and those actors had great chemistry as well. We don't need steamy scenes every episode to drive forward a plot, actually it gets in the way a lot of the time so this show didn't do that and I was relieved. There's solid side characters in Pete's dad (only supportive dad figure I've seen thus far), Kao's mom (sweetheart), Kitty (beautiful and says she likes girls which is HUGE), etc etc. Honestly 95% of the characters I loved, aside from 1 of the friends from the "gang" and Non. But obviously you aren't supposed to like Non, I wish we would've gotten a better conclusion to his arch but maybe that'll happen in a sequel? Other than that great cinematography, like really good and solid music. WATCH THIS SERIES!!!

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I have watched this series twice. I think you will enjoy this series if:-
1. You view it from Asian lens (further details in the review below)
2. You do not really give heavy emphasis on the inconsistencies within the Kiss series (ie some knowledge will be useful such as Pete and Kao are already together for 3 years, Pete's dad knows about them, etc)

I have not watched the earlier 2 Kiss series in entirety. So perhaps this might be the reason I enjoyed DBK immensely.

What I like about the series are:-
1. Each main characters were thrust into realistic situation that any gay man may encounter in real life.
Pete - having to constantly being compared with his dad's friends' sons and worry being a disappointment to his dad.
Kao - being a breadwinner for his family with his sis still in college. I felt his story arc was important but somehow misunderstood by some viewers without the understanding of the situation he was in. Coming out may put his and his mother's reputation at risk. This will certainly have economic impact (ie loss of students for Kao and promotion for his mother) even if he has strong support system and acceptance from friends and family. I felt this fear is very real especially in Asian society.
Sun - somewhat estranged from his dad because of his sexuality and the dad tried to bargain with him in return for his acceptance.
Mork - accidentally outed by a good friend (with good intention nonetheless) but reiterate to that friend that coming out is a very personal thing that can only be decided by himself.

2. The awesome opening intro with the dramatic music and symbolic action/item hinting at the storyline (ie the coffee bean and breaking of glasses) as well as the theme song.

Now this series is far from perfect. I wish they had done certain things differently. I felt the introduction of Non was to tie in to the Kao's fear of coming out but somehow the execution was muddled. There was no background to Non's action as to why he kept pestering Kao. Perhaps some flashback might be useful.

Nonetheless, this is my fave 2019 BL series for 2 simple reasons:-
1. Realistic scenes that any gay man would face. I especially like the conversation between Pete and Kao on needing to be a better person simply because they are gay.
2. Sizzling chemistry between the 2 main couples.

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Instead of writing a full heartfelt review on why I loved this drama, I'll give you some reasons to watch it:

-The main character's parents (Pete and Kao) are some of the best parents in the BL universe. I'm not even exaggerating. Both of them are iconic.

-SunMork. I don't want to spoil it for you but I can't help but praise these two actors. There did a phenomenal job with their characters. Truly amazing. The development is incredible, the fluff is there, the chemistry is outstanding, the acting is great too. I watched it for PeteKao but I'm so happy I loved this couple's story as well.

-PeteKao. Of course, our main couple. I fell in love with them when I watched Kiss Me Again, and they were literally the only good thing about that show. I'm glad their friends and their relationship has another chance and is developed in this show. I reaaaally loved New and Tay's acting, it improved a lot. Also, their chemistry is no joke. I'm just super happy we got a whole new season with just these two amazing couples!

-Realistic relationships. The way the characters dealt with the problems that they had to face was very mature and realistic. I, for once, didn't blame the characters for being straight up stupid. Very well-developed plot.

I think you can watch it without having to suffer through Kiss Me Again! Just go for it and have fun. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

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Good BL with a Killer Soundtrack

While Dark Blue Kiss may not go down as a BL classic, it is absolutely a must-watch.
Dark Blue Kiss is a continuation of the “Kiss” and “Kiss Me Again” series, with a focus on the side couple PeteKao. While I don’t think you have to watch either of these to enjoy and understand Dark Blue Kiss, the background is nice for anyone that might be interested in how they got together in the first place.
There are some continuity issues between the earlier Kiss series and Dark Blue Kiss, but it’s nothing so off-putting that it’ll completely take you out of the show.
Overall, it is a bit of an angst fest, but I felt that the conclusion was so satisfying that it made up for much of the pain that I experienced throughout. The finale kiss was definitely a “Dark Blue Kiss” that was so epic that it made everything worth it.
Unfortunately, many of their problems throughout were caused by miscommunication (or a lack thereof entirely), which is always frustrating.
Both of the main couples had great chemistry and played off of each other well. MorkSun was an unexpected yet pleasant surprise. Always love a good enemies to lovers storyline and they certainly delivered.
I’ve gotta mention the stellar soundtrack. I have no idea if this was just me, but I absolutely loved the OST. I usually skip over openings, but I never once skipped this one. The music slowly builds a great sense of drama that I felt really suited the show.
I would absolutely recommend this to any BL fan out there that loves drama, a great soundtrack and a satisfying conclusion.

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Here for PeteKao, stayed for SunMork

Kiss Me Again was a doozy to get through, but fortunately, I enjoyed everything about this series except Pete. He was a condescending, self-absorbed brat that was too wrapped up in his own reality to understand that his boyfriend is a human being and not his toy. Pete telling Kao not to tutor (the job he needed to help out his mom and sister) just because he was jealous of a CHILD is ridiculous. I don't care how stupidly hot Pete is, his actions were so unattractive.
I don't like how they went about developing Non. I really enjoyed him in the beginning; I actually shipped Non and Kao a lot more than I did Pete and Kao. Obviously, they weren't ever going to get together in any universal setting (cause everyone loves taynew), but still, I loved him until they turned Non into this overly-obsessed, vengeful-for-no-reason little brat. #justiceforNon2k21.
I'm not the type to cry at any series (no tears for UWMA or History: MODC. I'm weird.), but when it's a coming-out scene I will ALWAYS cry. Kao coming out to his mom was so breathtaking and so perfect and beautiful that I get teary-eyed just thinking about it. New and whoever played his mom did an amazing job.
Sun and Mork saved this series. Why do you think my overall score is so high? I don't know if it's because Pod is so shippable, or if it's because I'm in love with Gawin (most likely all of the above), but Sun and Mork are the best side BL couple EVER. It was fluffy, it was cute, it was captivating and I miss them. #bringbackgawinwherethefuckdidhego2k21.
The OST was a FUCKING BOP. I usually always skip the intro videos, but there was something so unskippable about this one. Loved it.

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