I Told Sunset About You (2020)

Superb❤️

This is one of the most heart wrenching and beautiful dramas I have viewed. It takes the bl genre to a new level. Every line , every frame is so powerful. The acting is beyond my wildest expectations. I felt every emotion. It is obvious that the writers wanted to explore the real issues faced by those struggling with their sexual identities. The confusion, the anguish, the denial, the rejection are all handled with such sensitivity. I applaud everyone who had any part in this magnificent production. It reminded me of former students I taught who struggled daily to fit in and be accepted. The cinematography was exemplary. The music outstanding. This was not wishful voyeurism or depicting the world as you would like it to be. This is depicting life as it really is even in a world where progress has been made concerning same sex relations. This is not just any bl. This is for anyone struggling with his/her identity. This is for anyone struggling with his/her feelings for someone else and not knowing what to do with those feelings. I can’t believe this was the first acting role for some of the actors. They were all amazing. I have rewatched this three times and downloaded the theme song. My only wish is that the upcoming sequel shows continued growth and acceptance in their relationship and refrain from the obligatory death at the end or having to choose family over love. I must add the supporting characters were awesome especially Bas and Tarn. I usually don’t like how females are portrayed in BLs but Tarn’s character was perfection. And I can’t say enough about Bas. This is real love, true friendship. Again I hope they don’t change their personalities in season 2. I like to see them evolve and grow as college students but that doesn’t mean they have to become mean or vindictive.

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VERY SPECIAL SERIES

It’s a really speacial series. It has a bound that any other bl’s has. The connection and interaction between our couple is truly something special and meaningful. You can’t watch this series with streotypical expectations, it has more different cultural, artistic vibes than basic thai bl’s. First i knew all the hype about this series and was very curious and don’t get me wrong when i watched the first episode -although it was very well produced and everything- i was not that into it. But after the 2nd episode i was a mess. I never cried that much on a drama. I literally cried 3 hours straight for the last 2 episodes. I was a mess really. When you started to empathize each one of them and feel the emotions they are here to give, it really turns to something else cause they really have a meaning under all of it. You just gotta feel right. And the ost, musics were really good too. I’m really looking forward to season 2, im just so curious!!!! Anyways very recommended, just be patient with yourself while watching it, enjoy!

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THIS IS MASTERPIECE

STORY
the story is natural and realistic. it is very beautifully packaged and full of meaning. even a small scene without dialogue has a big meaning.

ACTING
for billkin and pp acting, they improved a lot from the previous drama (my ambulance) i was really impressed and amazed. both of them have very good chemistry. And don't forget the side characters, their acting are so good too, like bass and tharn.

MUSIC
OMG The songs are very beautiful. I couldn't move on at all. Every time I listen to its music / scores, I feel like i'm in the film again and feel the happy or sad feeling again. The music scores are excellent. you can play it in youtube "nadao music" playlist "i told sunset about you scores"

REWATCH VALUE
Not gonna lie, i've wathed this series 6x times. Whenever i miss it,i watch it again and again.i just cant wait for ITSAY part 2. Everything was beautiful. miss them

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THE Drama actually makes you "falling in LOVE"

since my first contact of "BL" concept back to the 1990, I had read, watched and research a lots of books, comic, drama, movies , documentary and history.

for the first time, I felt all the symptom of " falling in love " as result of watching a TV drama.

heart ache, heart burn, reflex, butterfly in stomach, nauseous, stomach knots, crying and laughing ( sometime happen together ), you name it, I got it . it is kind crazy and unbelievable.

excepted all the positive feedback mentioned by other reviewers ( which I all agree), what mostly surprising is how good acting those two" junior "actors have done in the show . their acting are so "true" "raw" "and "detailed" --- Big thanks to the director, he coached very single moment of it


Watch it -- if you had lost faith in love.
Watch it -- if you want to experience what love is feels like without leaving your home ( perfect for COVID isolation)
Watch it---- it worth your time ( every single second )

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A true gem worth digging into

There are already many reviews written on ITSAY so one more of mine wouldn't add substance to all the praises that it has already received but I'm still giving it the recognition that it deserves. Two months have already passed since I finished this drama but I NEVER stopped thinking about it and even their OSTs are still on my playlist. It's THAT good.

I have to say Bravo to the whole team behind the production, from the location casting to screenwriting, every part of the series is so well-planned and well-coordinated. I feel like I'm really peeking into the world of Teh and Oh-aew and experiencing what they are going through in each and every of their happiness and struggles. To be honest, I was not anticipating much when I heard about how BKPP the series (after my ambulance ended) was happening because of the positive response from the fans. But boy am I wrong, because with Nadao Bangkok, there is no such thing as poor quality. The script is perfectly crafted for Billkin and PP. And it shows. The chemistry between our two leads are exceptionally phenomenal. Its so natural that I can see the exact moment that they fall in love even when no words were exchanged. They convey their feelings with their eyes and it's pleasant to see.

Besides gestures and facial expressions, the series also cleverly uses chinese expressions and objects to symbolize the state of each lead's emotions and thoughts. They are like little riddles picked up along the way for viewers to decipher. The cinematography is amazing, I feel like I'm transported to Phuket with each scene. Not to mention the colour tone and schemes used is not only pleasing to the eyes but also signifies our characters' feelings. The drama wastes no time in telling us the story. There are no filler scenes and every scenes has its story to tell. I also love how the plot is focused only on our two main leads, and there are absolutely no toxic characters just situations and circumstances. The series also highlights the confusion, foolishness, innocence, and awakening of love that we all felt in our teenage moments. Billkin's portrayal of Teh's turmoil, agony, rejection and acceptance towards his own sexual orientation was so wonderfully done. The drama doesn't hide itself from showing the ugliness of that despair but embraces it to give us hope at the end.

The brilliancy of the production even extends to outside of the series where we are treated to 5 music videos for their OSTs (4 of which was separately shot). Even in the music videos, you can see the leads remained in their characters as in the series which was delightful to watch. I never knew that by just exchanging glances, one could feel THAT MUCH.

ITSAY is a really special drama as this is a drama that was developed and produced from scratch (as shown in the documentary). You can see how they truly wanted to create that coming of age drama with LGBTQ element that transcends what we have seen thus far. And for that, I give the team all its due praises.

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Amazing, piece of art.

This show is amazing and means so much for me as an lgbtq+ member.
It make me so emotional, and the acting felt so real.
At the first episode i wasn't that interested but when she shows goes on, its getting better and better.
In ep 2 then you see that Oh-aew has a feeling for Bas.
You could also see how Teh and oh-aew is getting closer. I kinda felt bad for Bas he is an amazing character.
ep 3 was sooo good, the beach scene was so beautiful.
In further eps when Teh said he had feelings for oh-aew to his brother.
I felt so happy how the brother reacted. It was so sad to saw how LGBTQ+members have to go through that.
Also the happy ending got me sooo excited. And i cant wait for the next season.

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More than just a BL

Without hesitation : this is the best Bl series I have ever watched (sorry SOTUS I'm betraying you). The story is so well written because it seems so realistic, the cinematography was just absolutely amazing (it reminds me a lot Taiwanese movies). Every scene was beautiful. The chemistry between the two leads was captivating, I never felt so much tension and desire in a BL series before. The main leads suffer a lot, they are very confused about their feeling, their sexual orientation and it's why I feel that ITSAY is more than just a BL, it's a true LGBT story that everyone should watch! Their story is beautiful and you can say goodbyes to all these BL famous tropes (that I personally dislike a lot).

I just want to see the second part so badly!

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Every moment makes it amazing

I kept seeing people post on IG and Twitter about ITSAY this and ITSAY that. I had no idea what ITSAY was at the time and wondered why everyone was talking about these two boys named PP and Billkin. How good could it possibly be? Let me start by saying this is one of the most beautiful, well-paced, heartbreaking things I have ever watched. How could 5 episodes really make that much impact? Trust me, they can. I am now on my 4th rewatch of I Told Sunset About You, I never get bored with it, and it gets better every time. The moments created and emotions portrayed, both tender and heartwrenching, are some of the most amazing experiences I've ever seen captured in a series. The longing, the building of tension, the PERFECT placement of music, and the dreamlike atmosphere helps make ITSAY the best BL and series of this year by far. I can't wait for part 2 in March. If you haven't watched it yet, do yourself a favor and watch RIGHT NOW!

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A true work of art

This series took me completely by surprise. I enjoy watching BL's and I understand they come with this 'label' that involves many clichés we have grown used to and even look forward to, but ITSAY went above and beyond. It does not need or deserve simplistic labels, it is a work of art. The story is beautiful and senstive and follos a perfect pace.

I am in love with the OST and cannot stop listening to it.

A massive production where actors has to learn so much beyond acting the emotion. I am in love with Billkin and PP and their acting. PP is so expressive, they have such an amazing dynamic and it is really sweet to know they are close in real life, because I love knowing sets had a good vibe instead of those sad stories where you find out your favorite due hated one another despite amazing chemistry.

I truly hope season 2 does this justice.

As an actress myself I was very interested in the documentary (and recommend it to all fans of the show) and felt so nostalgy of workshops and movie sets (during the pandemic here in Brazil it is nearly impossible to work on lo budget or independent productions safely). I was so moved by the attention to detail...the way the coaches directed the actors in the very first workshop, to how amazingly sentitive the directly is in his director...I am blown away and breathless. I wish I could work ith Boss one day and have that experience, omg. Every direction he gave was alays caring and attention, he never lost his temper, he was alays on point, directing even movements that made the longing between the two characters all the more palpable, choosing scenes to reshoot that gained so much from his observations. I have no words.

I wish to see more and more from them and amazing careers because they deserve it.

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OUTSTANDING!!!!!

OUTSTANDING!
I like to consider as a critic but I’m not. I love to enjoy and experience a high production quality movies/series/songs. Until lately, I’ve been recommended to watch a series named: “I told sunset about you” (ITSAY). By far, best Thai BL I ever watched and it rocked my feeling to deep bottom. Because ITSAY, I decided to give my critic for the very first time as below based on mydramalist.com categories.
1. Production:
The scene set in Phuket, beautiful and amazing island which created the feeling for this series. (I try to imagine if happen in city but nahh). Choice using the old town brought the theme and meaning of the story. Excellent cinematography. Lifestyle, color, behind the scene, costume, natural environment, best formula and combination in this series.
2. Story:
ITSAY will give you the feeling of happiness, sweet moment together, imagining, wish and hope will happen to ourselves, painful and tears. The overall script and writer done the outstanding production for ITSAY. I’ve been watching many BL and read most reviews by far, for a foreign language LGBT movies/series, ITSAY produce a high-quality storyline.
The story will educate you what is Love, Family and Friendship. In reality it might not happen but I believe everyone do wish and hope to have own way how to Love. ITSAY able to showed few examples.
3. Acting
a) @BK (Teh) and @PP (Oh-aew), by far, I would consider both are experienced-skilled actor. There is no awkwardness in the scene, (perhaps some actors in other BL you will notice), their eyes contact & skill are so natural. Despite both came out less than 5 to 10 years, but take up such role and they had excel & execute right timing, right moment, right partner. Many kinds of genre movies/series but sadness, cried scene I believe, are the most challenging and need a lot of emotion to portray execute that moment. WELL DONE @BK and @PP. You both will have a good career ahead.
b) @Khunpol (Bas) after I watched the behind the scene (BTS), first timer participate in acting, no surprise the effort he put in. Good job.
c) @Nut (Hoon) not many scene however he portrayed as Teh’s elder brother, silent but sharp and observant. His connection with @BK, was so good. How many of us receive brotherhood connection like this especially we are Asian?
d) Tarn, she played the role who was in love with Teh but to out only be his best friend. Her role was important and heavy to carry which a girl heart broken, confused and felt been played. Her beauty in the series was attractive and her sadness, I guess many people had felt it.
Main role to supporting role, each played their strength and hardly to judge their weakness. Proud to watch the crews line up.
Visual
Not so much like those wuxia or action however the visual effect was so good. If you have watched, there was a scene under the ocean, OMG. Love it.
OST
Not many actors can be singers, or vice versa. However @BK vocal was good at his age. The feeling and emotion on the theme songs, I like it. @PP vocal was good and what make him different when he sang the Chinese version esp when this is not our own mother tongue. Smart choice because of the series which relate to the story plus marketing propose, I guess PP maybe first or not the Thai Actor had performed a Chinese song under his belt. Bravo!
I highly recommend to everyone, do not discriminate because this is LGBT BL story but take it as a culture and enjoy the production.

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A Coming-of-Age Masterpiece that Everyone Should Watch!

I told sunset about you is an utter masterpiece! It oozes coming-of-age nostalgia with it’s beautifully written story/characters and it’s incredible direction/production. This show has left me speechless and constantly thinking about it and wondering how a show can be this great. It has become my favorite asian series of all time and I don’t think that any series will be able to be at it’s level. My review will basically be an appreciation post for the show and not contain any spoilers!

DIRECTING/PRODUCTION: From the cinematography to the color palette to the lighting, everything about this show is so carefully and artistically executed with so much attention to details and feelings. Every scene has a purpose for being there and it can be seen with the beautiful directing, transitions, and frames. There are no filler or meaningless scenes since it’s always building up to an explosive scene revealing new feelings and info. The perfectly shot angles elevate the show and make it seem like an “expensive” movie (compared to other low-budget and awkward thai series). And wow... the color palette makes the show seem so nostalgic and melancholy even though it’s set in the modern time. Such beautiful and awe-inspiring cinematography! Not a spoiler, but the most gorgeous/well-thought out scene to me is the “wall panning” shot at Oh-Aew’s house. Almost every scene leaves me in shock at it’s beauty.

CHARACTERS: All of the characters in this show are amazing! There are no mean or annoying characters put in for drama. I even fell in love with all the side characters, even the ones who we aren’t suppose to root for, because all the characters are truly great friends and people. The male MCs, Teh and Oh-Aew are such deep characters, and although they each have their flaws, they embody what a teenager who is in love feels and acts. Teh is impulsive, ambitious but so so caring. He is also super direct with sharing his feelings (for example jealousy) which is what I love so much. Not a spoiler but although he is portrayed as selfish in the beginning, there is so much character development that you can visually see that you can’t help but fall in love with him. As well, Oh-Aew is such a sweet and understanding person who always knows when something is wrong with Teh and also knows what he wants. He grows alot as well in his journey to discovering who he is and I love him so much!

ACTING: When I first watched, I thought that the 2 main leads were “alright” actors. But as I continued watching, I noticed how natural all the quirks looked and how both the actor’s eyes and actions conveyed SO much more emotion than just their dialogues. There is so much sexual tension and emotion that you can feel in your bones and it’s because of the 2 male leads’ great chemistry and skills! Amazing acting from the actor who played Hoon as well!!

STORY: It is a coming-of-age, friends to rivals to friends to lovers and I am totally in love with it. There are no weirdly fast feelings that suddenly appear and there’s no sexual assault or consent issue. There are so many subtle symbolic references and reoccurring themes/ideas that help to create such a deep and intriguing story. I could list them all out but it’s just better to notice and appreciate them yourselves!

MUSIC: Simply amazing! The ost is so beautiful, both musically and lyrically. I remember looking up the full english translation and I full out bawled my eyes out because it’s so heartbreaking yet real. The melody for “Skyline” is so sweet and pretty, I fell in love with it on the first listen. As well, the theme song “skyline” plays a role in the show and is always played at the right times to enhance the scene.

Overall, the show is such a beautiful yet relatable story of 2 teenagers growing up and coming to terms with their feelings and self-identity. I HIGHLY recommend everyone watch it. If you are on the fence about starting it, please open up your schedule to watch it! You definitely won’t regret it!

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Wow, This Is An Incredible Series -- Seriously Do Not Miss It

Top-level points: This is a wonderful production, and is well worth your time to watch it, and watch it again.

Detailed, committed – one might even say loving – cinematography that makes maximum use of color and natural scenes to produce enchanting images. A soundscape that catches you up and transports you – without your even knowing – into a whirl of emotions. Actors who enjoy wonderful mutual chemistry and craft performances of characters who have a LOT more depth than in most BLs. I am not a teacher, but I think this series is a “how-to” example of how to create a beautiful cinematic work that grabs the audience and moves them deeply.

All of that said, it is not perfect, although I can understand those who say it is. Sure,Teh had many reasons to cry (having sacrificed his future for love and obtained only what he believed to be rejection), but as a plot device the depictions of it were overkill. Billkin’s performances of Teh’s sobbing were I am sure very difficult to do, but sometimes they missed the target – as another reviewer commented there were moments when I wasn’t sure if he was crying or laughing. Just too much angst.

Another imperfection: I stand in awe of the music team’s work and the lovely soundscape they produced for most of the scenes – but they erred in the choices at the end. After the hug on Cape Promthep, the two protagonists have finally finally found each other and declared (in deeds if not in words) their mutual love. It is THE culminating moment of their dramatic arc – but ewwwwwww....the music that plays is a fluffy, airy little version of “Really Special,” in which the “Chai ry blauw” refrain just comes across as totally inappropriate. Fer Chrissakes, these two have just broken lifelong chains of fear and inarticulacy that had previously doomed them to constant mutual incomprehension. They are finally free and can have hope for the future. And this moment deserves more dramatic music than fluffy fluffy “Chai re blauw.” (Yes, I know some of the other lyrics were apt but that doesn’t cut it for me……it was the tune that was in my head as I was watching, and the reaction was NOT positive.)

But in the end, all of these imperfections are small. Taken as a whole, the work is a masterpiece, and the achievement of all those who worked on this masterpiece is very very large. So do watch it yourself – Personally, I think it’s even worth paying for, to see the top-quality HD stream from Vimeo (but I recognize that many people cannot afford the price, until maybe someday it comes down.)

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Now, having said that, I will offer some more detailed comments on various aspects, and on the first episode. Probably more detail than most people want, but if it bores you, feel free to stop reading. There’s too much emotion inside, and it’s therapeutic for me to write it out…….

Cinematography:

After the lousy flat cinematography in so many BL dramas, this one is like a garden blooming in the desert. Those who composed the visuals (Director Boss must have had some pretty good help) love colors, and idealize the natural scenery of Phuket. (All the gritty parts have disappeared from this reality.) And either Boss and Co. love the Sino-Portuguese architecture of the Straits Chinese cities or they just liked it as a convenient backdrop – whatever the reason, they have put together a stirring visual ode to Southeast Asia and it alone moves the hearts of people who, like me, love that region.

Soundscape:

The OST is wonderful wonderful wonderful!! Not only for the main songs which are excellent but for the creative use of the melodies to craft background music that grabs the viewer and pulls them into the emotional maelstrom. Skyline is a fantastic theme, and it is translated many times, with different vocalizations and instrumentalizations. There are several versions of “Skyline” that play during moments when Teh is tongue-tied and helpless because of what he perceives to be his “destiny” preventing him from loving another guy. Watch the scene in Ep 5 where Bas is announcing to their class that he really likes Oh, for the interplay between the “Skyline” piano and the wild, bereft look on Teh’s face……it’s a killer of a scene. (And those who complain about Billkin’s acting need to watch this……he’s fantastic.)

And for the use of vocalization, watch the Ep. 3 scene in the hammock on the beach . As the boys talk, there is just the sound of crickets near the beach. However, from the moment Oh begins his self-revelation, female voices in the background are drawing the viewer in, and creating a musical frame for the emotional moment – but then Teh just cannot bring himself to answer Oh's implicit declaration of love. So Oh says “Okay, whatever makes you comfortable. But I think you're jealous.” Oh’s love, at least, is clear. But Teh just cannot be honest. Then, high and clear, an "a capella" voice with a concert-hall echo sings key lines from Skyline. (Could that be Billkin, singing?) The subtitles don’t translate the lyrics at that point, so many non-Thai viewers may not recognize how poignant they are: "In the end of a love novel, normally, those who have been apart are brought back, so they can see each other again and say "I love you" one more time. But in my reality, our love cannot be like that." The music expresses Teh’s reality, where love cannot be; it has to stay “The love that dare not speak its name.” And the scene changes. Just superb composition, both audio and visual.

Acting:

The cast did an excellent job. The two leads are both so young and still a bit of “raw talent” -- I am just overwhelmed to think of the potential they both have. I hope they can fulfill it. They have such good mutual chemistry, and they have mastered the art of showing through the face what the character is feeling, deep inside. People have criticized Billkin for a “wooden” portrayal of Teh, but that is the whole idea – Teh comes near to being an emotional cripple. A character who has spent his entire adolescence hiding his feelings, he dare not let his emotions be seen, until they well up inside and he cannot stop crying. I think Billkin’s portrayal, which alternates wooden moments with raw emotion, is spot-on. That IS Teh. Even at the end, on Cape Promthep, after having gone through his own living hell with his family, he cannot bring himself to answer Oh’s question “What about you and me?” But Oh, who may yet qualify for sainthood, is willing to accept the silence. All he wants is not to be shut out of Teh’s life. Watch his face during this scene – PP Kritt brings to painful life the vulnerability of the hopelessly-in-love young man. (All I want to do at that moment is hug Oh, and reassure him that he is loved.)

The supporting cast is excellent as well. Nat as Hoon comes across beautifully as the empathetic brother. Bas, played by the very young and VERY talented Khunpol, is possibly the one character who tugs on everyone’s heartstrings in every aspect – he loves, he respects, he sacrifices selflessly. It is a great performance. And Smile as Tarn is convincing with all the conflicting emotions that flow through her. So much stronger than many of the actresses in the BL world. Also, the two kids who played young Teh and young Oh really did an excellent job, too. Bravo performances all around.

Episode 1: (huge spoilers here….really don’t read on unless you’ve already watched)

I have to say a few words about Ep. 1 because on first watching, it left me kinda cold…..like “why all this to-do about the kids?” I really wondered if I should continue watching the series. Frankly, I went on watching just because of the cinematic beauty – the lights and colors and images of SEAsia. I am sooooo glad I continued……

The thing about the first episode is that the viewer doesn't know what to watch for. It seems a bit disorganized with these scenes from the past life of the boys Teh and Oh, and then Teh doing some sort of university acting test and it kinda jumps around. (That non-linear storytelling is not a feature of later episodes.)

But omigod, now that I've been through the whole story and have gone back and rewatched ep 1 I would say it is a masterpiece. The cinematography -- use of colors, framing of shots, beautiful use of Phuket scenery (which only gets better as the series goes on)......it's all fantastic. And then the performances......wow. I was not a big fan of Teh -- in fact they both had asshole tendencies displayed in ep. 1. Only on re-watch can you really see Billkin's superb capture of the internal struggle that already had Teh locked into an emotional prison, and how that plays out on Billkin's face. If you don't know what you're looking at, that is so easy to miss.....

Note that the scene where Teh dedicates his audition performance to Oh, with tears brimming in his eyes -- that scene actually came several weeks BEFORE they "buried the hatchet" and became friends again. What that says: for five long years Teh kept Oh in his heart, so strongly that it came bubbling out in his university auditions when he thought of Oh. He WANTED to make up and be friends, but "couldn't push send." And then, a few weeks later, when the reconciliation finally happens, and The has cried for Oh, in front of the audition panel, Teh still cannot bring himself to tell Oh how important he is. When Oh says "we can be friends but maybe not best friends" look at Teh's face!!!!! He is crippled by fear. Five long years, and he can't bring himself to say "but I missed you so much." Instead he says "yeah sure, whatever you want." Pushing the love down.....hiding it inside.

But then immediately he begins the series of good works to try to help Oh. He cannot bring himself to tell Oh he likes him that much, but he starts helping him.....over and over again. Works of love that neither of them recognize -- oh, but on rewatch we recognize them. Instantly you realize how completely relatable Teh really is. And it culminates much later, with the cut-up workbook that Teh cannot use to get his own life back on track, because he cut it to pieces to try to help Oh. Teh was not the only one crying, at that point……

Rewatching Ep 1 will make that all now crystal clear.....Now it all becomes obvious; you know what is coming -- the hurt that Teh's fear and self-suppression will do later, to almost everyone -- Oh, Bas, Tarn, his mother and of course Teh himself whose life is derailed and who is nearly broken by it -- all that pain begins squarely in Ep1. Far more are the tears I shed on rewatch, knowing what is to come.

Fortunately (skipping forward to the end of the series), Hoon has helped Teh cross his own Rubicon……and he is able to declare himself to Oh. There is hope. Teh finally realizes that destiny does not bind him to be a slave to fear. (In the lyrics from an old Stephen Stills song “We are not helpless; we are men. What lies between us, can be set aside and ended.” )

The creative team is going to have to find another theme song (or some new lyrics for “Skyline.”) Or at least I hope so……if the second season smashes that hope…….it will kill me too.

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