Bad Buddy (2021)

The series that breaks all the LGBT stereotypes in filmography

So, I have been following the director's work for a while and honestly, at the beginning I was spooked that he would be directing this series, because if you know him as long as I have, you know that he has done some series that were not done pretty well - at least in my eyes.

But than the concept trailer came out after New Year and I was hooked on the story since the release and I had been waiting for it to drop for like centuries. I may be different from other people - since majority didn't enjoy the concept trailer and feared the drama, while I on the other hand loved the concept trailer and wanted the drama right away.

I really won't be writing about the plot of this drama, since you can read about it on here, but I really wanna point out why the rating is so high and deserves to be high.

The thing that first attracts me with any drama/movie is the acting and with this I knew beforehand that I would be pleased, because Ohm showed everything he could in the movie Dew - it was spectacular. With Nanon, I saw glimpses of his acting only - from teasers and trailers, but I also knew he was super capable and I was right. The dynamics these two have is just over the roof. The script was written as if for them, because they embraces the roles as if they were strictly made for them. I love that the director gave them space to improvise and usually you know how good the actor is based on improvisation and in this case - it helped the plot a lot.

Secondly, the whole relationship dynamic was done perfectly, because they didn't just get together out of nowhere, we got to see that both had the feeling of love in them, but it was suppressed by other people, which is new. Honestly, in a lot of LGBT dramas where there is some issue with other people, the couple decides to selfishly just focus on themselves and give flying F about others, but these two reacted in more realistic way for the culture they were raised in.

Thirdly, I see a lot of people saying that this series has won the hearts of many because of the skinship - which in my eyes is a total bullshit, because the actors only showed how majority of relationships work. I can name quite a lot of dramas where it is clear as a day that the director and whole crew makes money out of skinship (purposely making few kisses or ending an episode with a kiss to put emphasis on how special it is~). Honestly, kissing and touching is normal and favored in a lot of relationships, and the way this director put them in the show was so so unforced and natural that I was in awe - also the actors improvised a lot of kisses as well.

Lastly, the biggest stereotype this series has broken is for sure the uke/seme one, which I always hated. If people just looked at statistics they would know that a big percentage of LGBT community switch in sexual relations, okay? And I loved that they showed this in this series, because believe or not, this is the first. First in the Asian LGBT cinematography and that says a LOT! Yes, it is up to the couple how they want their sexual life to go, but come on! Who would believe that ALL those couples in those LGBT dramas do not switch and are strictly top or bottom!

In terms of music, I loved Nanon's songs, but I did quite miss the Tily Birds songs which were hinted from the concept trailer. Yeah, it did make a small appearance, but I want moreeeeeeeeee.

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A really nice change of pace

Okay, in all honesty, this show isn’t flawless or perfect; it could have definitely handled quite a few things differently in terms of specific episodes and characters (writing-wise and editing-wise). But it succeeds so well at achieving what it set out to achieve. As in, dismantling many tropes of the bl “genre,” giving us a healthy, happy couple living their lives and confronting what is essentially generational trauma. It really all depends on what you’re looking for and where you set your expectations. If you come into the show expecting drama, angst and heavy emotions, you’ll be sorely disappointed, but if you come into it understanding that it’s a rom-com at heart, this show will hopefully bring some joy into your life. It’s not very story or plot-driven, but it is very character driven (which I personally like a lot—and the acting is amazing). I’m honestly so happy that Ohm and Nanon were able to play such endearing, warm, happy characters. This is the type of show that queer audiences need and deserve, one that depicts a couple facing all of the problems that come their way, together (drama-heavy shows are good too obviously, but it’s definitely not the only way to tell a queer love story). I think we can use a little rom-com fun sometimes. It’s a show that’s a really nice change of pace.

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A Family Feud, A Secret Romance

Bad Buddy was one of the most highly anticipated BL's of last year and arguably this is one of the best to come out of GMMTV. Ohm and Nanon were a perfect pick for the main characters of a rom-com enemies to lovers fiasco with wild family drama, crazy faculty rivalry, and a quiet romance between two supposed enemies.
The one thing I found to be a dent to the plot was how weak the conflict was handled. This is an overall rom-com that contains multiple goofy scenes so it's not taken seriously, but during the more serious scenes it interrupts the wackiness and was weakly resolved.
Regardless, though, this series remains a high favourite.

The acting is incredibly well done. The line delivery, facial expressions, body language and more was expressed in a believable manner. All of the actors were great, but I have to give credit where it's due and that's with Ohm and Nanon's acting. It felt genuine and heartwarming with their scenes, they nailed their roles to a tee.

It's great to see the romance branch out and how the dynamics are at play. There is a sapphic side couple which comes as both a shock and a hopeful step in the right direction for more opportunities to have diverse queer couples in series. Their development felt natural and sweet in every scene... and dammit, I want more!

Pat and Pran's development throughout the series was strong. I love how their opposite personalities go hand in hand. The way they express their love for each other was something not often seen in dramas (at least from ones I've watched). It was typical couple bickering, sweet affection and true feelings communicated all wrapped in one... or two, haha!

This series is a perfect lighthearted introduction to Thai Queer dramas. It does not have any kind of bad stereotypes, just people in love despite all odds against them.

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Happy, Fluffy and Intense!

First and foremost, I have never watched a single BL from GMMTV. Hence, I dove into this one with no expectations, without any prior knowledge about common BL tropes. I was immensely surprised by how popular Bad Buddy was. Everywhere on Tumblr, I couldn't escape it. Well, lucky for me. I'm so happy that I watched this drama while it was still airing. One of 2021's good surprises.

Two rival families and also next-door neighbors attempt to etch their grudge upon their sons, starting a chain of events from Kindergarten to University. Pran and Prat, the aforementioned sons, have their own cliques, friends and interests. After a few years of separation, they are flung together in the same University. But, this time, they get to decide whether they really need to rekindle their grudge, or start anew.

Is it cliché plot? Yes. But, it was a cliché done right. Right upto the ending.

The drama was a wholesome package. It had family, siblings, friendship, career, character growth and everything so neatly arranged, acted and directed that right now, I have nothing to complain about. I've not seen a single drama of both the leading actors. Their performance literally blew my mind and there were scenes where I would simply feel their emotions and smile like crazy because it was so unbelievable. That's some Oscar level acting. •_○

We slowly watch the two opposing rivals grow closer and support each other, ready to force real conversations when things go wrong. It was a simple plot, but the depth of sincerity and time the entire crew took to bring it to screen is palpable from the final product.
There were no unnecessary misunderstandings or time leaps that were senseless.

(I'll forever remember that one tumblr post that went: P' off, I'll be under your bed tonight.)

Shout out to characters like Wai, Korn, Pa, Ink, the theatre Big-Bro and Nang Nao who were a few memorable ones.

And last but not the least, the people who chose the BGM better get a pay rise. Because it was absolutely heavenly and pulled all the right strings, making the scenes indelible.

My review sucks and I know it. Bad Buddy is a story that needs to be experienced and I'm at a lose of words to describe my feelings.
9 is much too high a score, but this is definitely one of the most excellently made dramas I've ever seen. I'm so happy I watched it. The hype didn't lie for once. And thank you, tumblr, for bringing this to my dashboard and eventually making me watch it.
If you are seeking a satisfying and sweet, yet slightly angsty and serious escape from reality, definitely give this one a try!

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Healthy healthy healthy all the way!

Food analogy: Pure guilty sweet chocolate..best cheat diet as well as not cheat food.
I probably can't say anything new that already hasn't been said in other reviews. I can just agree on all the 10 on 10s this series is getting and argue with everyone who is not giving this a 10 on 10.
By far, the best. Just the potrayal of the characters in this modernized romeo juliet is out of the bounds. And let it just get out of the way that they couldn't have casted better. I am so glad to have given this series my time of the day and you would too.
Story: Quite generic tbh but you won't be bored for a second.
Music: Keeping the title track in my workout playlist forever. And the Ost's are mind blowing.
Acting: Least amount of overacting and oh that chemistry.. oh that kiss.
Rewatch value: you will be crazy not to rewatch and revisit this sweetness.

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a show filled with all the best tropes in the best way

Bad Buddy was my first foray into the world of Thai BL's which was a world i was hesitant to step into because of how much content there is, but i gotta say...what a show to pick as your first.

I spent 12 weeks watching the story of Pat and Pran and their journey from being so called enemies to the most loveliest couple that I have seen on tv in a long time. I contribute that all to the fantastic chemistry of Nanon and Ohm and the very apparent comfort they have with another that translated so well on screen for their characters. The show had such a nice balance of high comedy moments and then moments where you're crying because you can't bear the thought of something bad happening to these boys who deserve the world and more!

AND THE MUSIC! i would be remiss to not mention the music in this show! It helps that they had Nanon as Pran because that boy can SING. He provided two very lovely and heartfelt songs that are so very special to the show and i will forever have them on my playlist to remind me of the 12 weeks i got to spend watching this series.

I have to shout out to the inclusion of the ink/pha side couple which was VERY unexpected but oh so welcome! So often we see the female addition to the main couple be there for drama and then have little to nothing in the show to offer after, but bad buddy thankfully did not go down that path and instead gave us a sweet little romance that was presented so sweetly even with the short amount of time.

Overall, this show had a lot to be happy about: a feel good romance, well crafted angst, sweet side couples, hilarious group dynamics, GREAT soundtrack, and a general good vibe about everything.

I wouldn't take back a single moment spent watching this show whether it was alone or with a group of friends and I hope others who decide to give the show a chance also have the best time getting to see the beautiful and heartfelt romance and story of Pat and Pran - two boys who weren't allowed to be friends and then decided they couldn't be Just Friends ):)

I could not recommend this enough! Well worth the watch!

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This is a real 10/10!

I can honestly say without any hype or bs, this show is a perfect 10 for me. I adored every episode, it never got old and it left me with an enormous happy feeling. I did read the book first and honestly this is quite different, which I love. I would almost pit the book as it's own stand alone and try not to compare, both are worth your time though! I think we all know by now chemistry is king in this industry and these two had it. I know quite a few people complain about other epic BL series and their toxicity, but I personally have never been bothered and I love a wild ride. This show is not a portrayal of toxic love and I still felt myself floored by other elements. The excitement for each episode and the immense amounts of intimacy kept me going. There is no reason to skip this one now that it's finished, it is now one of the "epics" and is a must watch for any BL fan. I am whole heartedly satisfied and I would for sure watch this over again!

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So good at being good that this may be its flaw

Bad Buddy is probably the best conventional Thai BL series to come out in 2021. At the beginning of the year, there was A Tale of Thousand Stars, which was excellent and different from many conventional BL series. Then there were plenty of average to above average BL series that did not really shine.

The thing that first made me excited about Bad Buddy was the casting of Ohm and Nanon in the leading roles. Ohm has always been great in the roles he’s given, even the less important roles while Nanon always thrives with a well written role. Seeing Ohm and Nanon in the leading roles meant for me that Bad Buddy would not be one of those series with first-time actors trying their luck in a BL production; and most likely, the production team would not be amateurish as well.

Indeed, Bad Buddy did not disappoint. It is the perfect textbook example of how to do a conventional BL very well. The premise is not exactly original, but it is one that lends itself to endless variations. We have the sons of two constantly fighting families in the fashion of a Romeo-and-Juliet tale. At first, the two sons themselves seem to be engaged in a similar sort of rivalry, but soon it becomes clear that they are different from their parents.

Everything seems to hit the right notes in this series. Tension is mixed well with light humor. The portrayal of Pran’s love is suitably moving without being sappy. The pacing is also excellent. I doubt anyone will find it draggy or too fast. Quite quickly, we get to see Pran’s love for Pat, but the “unrequited love” part of the plot is not protracted for Pat also realizes soon enough that he loves Pran. When they become a couple, they face more problems together. (Not only are their parents always fighting, but their friends and faculties are always fighting too.)

There are the sorts of problems that drag on for too long in other series, but they get resolved fairly quickly in Bad Buddy. The effect is excellent as we get an overall lighthearted mood even though the problems that the couple faces become increasingly serious, culminating in their parents finding out about their relationship. We also get to see that two men may face problems but they love each other enough to not childishly fight and prolong any conflicts.

The series manages to avoid the problems that some other BL series have. It eschews having many side couples that can make the storytelling awkward and lacking in focus. It seems as though the team behind Bad Buddy has gathered a whole lot of feedback on other BLs and resolved to make one that doesn’t get all the usual criticisms. We see this when it makes fun of how BL characters claim that they are not gay (“I’m not gay–I only love one man.”). It also consciously avoids references to the BL couple as husband and wife. The series even cleverly manages to avoid the Penultimate Episode Curse (or the Episode 11 Curse which has the worst things like a break-up occurring in the second last episode), with Episode 11 focusing on the couple’s temporary “elopement” while showing their increasing awareness that they have to return home eventually. And instead of having multiple BL couples, the series is used as a means of testing waters for featuring GL. (The GL is cleverly kept ambiguous until the episode in which the women become a couple, so even if it is not well-received, any negative impact is likely minimized.)

What could possibly go wrong with such a series? Not much, to be fair. But perhaps Bad Buddy is so good at being good that we find few risks being taken. It is a lot of conventional stuff being done very skilfully. With such good actors and such a good team making the series, perhaps there could have been a stronger risk-taking spirit. Bad Buddy is a better production in so many ways than some of my favorite Thai BL series like Sotus, 2gether, He’s Coming to Me and Until We Meet Again. Yet, each of these other favorite BL series of mine has something that makes it more distinctive despite its flaws.

Bad Buddy is like a textbook example of how to make an excellent conventional BL series. But if I may have the audacity to be greedy, can everyone trying to make a BL series please learn the lessons that Bad Buddy has learnt but come up with something more convention-defying, something not as safe?

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I really enjoyed this much much more than I expected!!

I have not read the novel so all I know is the summary and the trailer, and I went in with pretty average expectations for the plot. But I am aware about how good Nanon's acting is after having loved him in The Gifted franchise, so I'm excited nonetheless.

Having watched this week by week, I did not expect to love it so much!! I thought the end was clever too and found it realistic and hopeful. One of the most interesting endings to a BL if I may say. Sharing my weekly episode reviews below:

Episode 1: Very promising start! We got an introduction to the characters and the main plot point of why their families hate each other so much. Pat and Pran are shown to not be on friendly terms (at least on Pat's side, because Pran seems very polite and generally chill). The music is a BANGER! I might be biased because this is totally my type of music, but for some reason it totally fits the aesthetics of the shots and the cinematography. I also love the domesticity in the ending credits!

Episode 2: Pat and Pran's dynamic seems to be much deeper than what we were first shown. From the first episode I thought Pat couldn't tolerate Pran at all, but here it seems like he let himself more, idk, loose? Like he's comfortably bantering and bickering with Pran and it feels very natural, so I guess this is actually his true nature that he has been suppressing for quite some time. The flashback also confirms this, but there has to be more than that because I'm not convinced that the "playing in a band together with the son of our family's worst enemy" is the reason Pran got transferred. Also hats-off to Nanon's acting. Ohm is also very good, actually, but more so Nanon. Anyway in terms of the leads' acting, this by far is on another league compared to other Thai BLs.

Episode 3: OKAY I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START. This episode basically confirms that Pat likes Pran somehow, and his antics are like a silly school boy having a crush. What was interesting to me was the episode opened with showing how Pran was Pat's "secret crush", but the scene was actually showing Pran doing something special for Pat, which is not something friends, or even bestfriends, would do! This episode was just full of heart-fluttering moments and there was no cheesiness or awkwardness at all, the acting and writing are so natural. I feel like the show is starting to bring out its big guns!

Episode 4: OH MY GOODNESS NANON. THIS GUY CAN ACT. LIKE /REALLY/ ACT. I have so many emotions during this episode and for me this episode went by the fastest compared to the previous ones; I just felt so empty after finishing it. I really like how they made the characterizations. Pran can't hate Pat no matter how much he wants to because he's already in so deep. Pat...wow idk where to start. Let's just say I feel so complicated about him and it says a lot at how Ohm and the crew put a lot of thoughts into his character. In any case, Nanon wins this episode hands-down. I literally felt Pran's pain. His character is so layered yet soft-spoken and I'm so glad we are able to fully experience this, all thanks to the role being in the hands of a very talented actor.

Episode 5: This is my favorite episode by far! So many things happened here without feeling too rushed -- from the "night after" and how Pran quickly bounced back after getting his heart broken, to Pat testing Ink's feelings, to Pat /finally/ realizing his true feelings, and so much more up until the climax at the end with the kiss. My favorite part is definitely towards the end with the Pat-Pran-Wai fistfight and how things are suddenly starting to explode. Pat is ready to risk it all while Pran, even without Pat saying anything explicitly, knows where things are going and he is not ready to deal with it. And finally during the rooftop scene. It was obvious how Pran has his walls built up but it has slowly crumbled down hearing Pat confess. When Pat kissed him, he just gave up and gave in and I love how this moment just feels so raw and intimate. I'm not lying if I said that I literally hear their feelings while kissing -- their emotions during that part was THAT good. Cue to after the kiss when Pran wakes up to his senses again and comes back to his demeanor of being "not ready" and walks away. The last time I cried for a BL was during ATOTS which says a lot; and all credits go to the director and especially OhmNanon, because it didn't feel like them at all, but PatPran coming to life.

Episode 6: I'll be honest and say that nothing major really happened this episode for me, but I still like the pace nonetheless because it's very realistic. Now that I think of it, while this is a romcom so far, I'm getting strong slice-of-life vibes from it which is different from other school BLs that have dramas every episode just for the sake of it. This episode we watch Pran avoiding Pat as he keeps his feelings in check, while Pat does all that he can to step into Pran's walls. The faculty rivalry (and Pran's friends planning to beat Pat up wtf?) is getting too tiring for me now tho, and my only hope is that there's a purpose for this conflict which can lead into a good character development that will help PatPran's relationship in the future. I also find the bet interesting because we know that they already know that they like each other, but their pride and competitiveness against each other that they had all their lives are getting in the way. Anyway I'm not too nervous about this because they'll eventually give up in one way or another, and seeing the preview for episode 7, looks like they're getting there soon! I really enjoyed this episode especially the new OST and ending credits! <3

Episode 7: PatPran boyfriends T-T Anyway before I go into that, this episode highlighted the chemistry between the actors from all the flirting up to their moment in the end. I'm not lying if I said that I was grinning from ear to ear the whole time because their domesticity and back-and-forth banter were so sweet, and if the acting wasn't this good it would have become cringy. Pran teasing Pat was definitely a delight to see after seeing him hurt in the previous episodes, and Pat as always is a very colorful character. What I did not expect to see though (or at least this early) was Wai. Him guilt-tripping Pran into helping him was so uncomfortable to watch and is definitely not a good thing to do even between the closest of friends. I'm interested to see how he would impact PatPran's already delicate relationship seeing how he seems to be a significant character. Finally my favorite part is the ending when Pat gave way for Pran and confessed his feelings. He set aside his pride for Pran and stepped up so they can stop wasting time on their little game, and now they're officially boyfriends T-T

Episode 8: This was the most emotionally-charged episode for me so far, and yes even more than Episode 5. The whole episode is filled with PatPran cute boyfriends scenes, but actually underneath all of that is a conflict that was brewing to happen with a secret that they literally have to hide from everyone, Pran's hesitations, and the differences betwen Pat and Pran's POVs. For me this episode is actually very smart because these sources of conflict were not presented in our face all the time -- it was sometimes masked with fluffy domestic moments, but actually if you watch deeper there is so much more under the surface. The big scene at the end was also a game-changer, and I think this is what will set the tone for the rest of the series.

Episode 9-12: These were a whole rollercoaster of emotions and I thought the ending was such a smart twist! I BAWLED during the end of episode 11 and what I loved is while you see this kind of thing coming, you also don't, so while waiting for the "will they separate will they not", it hit me a lot harder when it finally happened. Again, huge props to Nanon and Ohm's acting! And when the twist at the end was revealed, I LOVED it. It's always my main gripe with mid-show breakups, like how do these people not stay in contact with all these technology? But PatPran went beyond that and was brave enough to devise their plan, living up to their general theme of "fooling the world". I thought it was really smart and realistic too that the parents did not immediately approve, but still optimistic that they will surely get there :)

All in all, I highly recommend this show. A common plot made extraordinary with thoughtful acting and a writing that is full of heart.

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Pleasant series, not terrible, not great

While I am fully aware the Bad Buddy made a huge impression on a lot of viewers, for me it was just okay, a nice enough watch but nothing too special. Here are my pros and cons:

PROS:

OHM AND NANON. They are both very good actors, especially in more dramatic roles. They carried the series and were the reason I watched.

INK AND PA. Kudos to Bad Buddy for introducing a real girl couple! Fantastic development.

MUSIC. I enjoyed the soundtrack, and especially Nanon's singing.

CONS:

WEAK STORY. All the physical fighting was something that MIGHT happen in middle school, not in a university. Very juvenile. And did we really need another university setting? I checked my BL list: this is the 45th university-based Thai BL I've watched. Yawn. Pat's friends were jerks in the first half. Pat/Pran went from hate, to Pat liking Ink, and then... with NO buildup whatsoever, they're suddenly lovers. When exactly did Wai and Korn become gay? The last episode was weak, the "four years later" was a copout. And no scene with the parents, seriously? No acceptance (or dismissal)? Just... no.

BORING. Yep, I said it. The kiss came early on in the series. After that, the story itself pretty much fizzled, it was mostly cutesy-pootsy, lovey-dovey moments between the main leads. Pretty much just extended fanservice, no actual story.

I'll probably be tarred and feathered by all the BB uber fans for not giving the series a 10. Sorry, it just wasn't that for me, it was okay but just very ordinary.

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