Mou Mou (2024)

Fascinating chemistry, fun characters...but an underwhelming ending.

I was looking forward to On1y One as it gave me an impression that it'd be a BL in a similar vein to Addicted/Stay With Me, with what its teenage step-brother BL. It shared a lot of those basic beats with those series that it had me intrigued to see a Taiwanese interpretation of such a dynamic. I am also aware that this is actually based off of a novel of its own, but I've not personally read it so I know that going into this review I'm not as in-the-know of the finer details of the story aside from what I find pointed out on Twitter.

But as I've been watching this show...my interest waned over the weeks, I must say. I don't mind a nice slow burn story, and sure enough this season may not cover most of the novel, but reviewing this show on its own merit as a singular season with how they've presented the relationship...I'm not that satisfied with the ending. If it's supposed to lead to a second season - one that's not even technically confirmed to be in production at the time of writing - that's cool and all, but this season just feels very lacking. I'd hardly say this show is re-watchable, personally. At least if it's the only season we ever get to see.

That said, I did love Sheng Wang and his journey of self-discovery and his feelings towards Jiang Tian. I'm also a big fan of the secondary cast of friends. But what certainly caught my attention the most was Qi Jia Hao. His little venture throughout the season was in particular very fun to visit and I really wanted to see more of what he would get up to. Hopefully the second season does a bit more with him if it ever comes.

The overall romance is a slow one. And not just a slow burn. It's like we're watching an initial spark being made in real time so we can get to that burn. Yes, there's kissing in the beginning of the show, but the actual meat of the romantic tension is very, very quiet. It's like the most gentle breeze ever. The chemistry is certainly there and I adore both Liu Dong Qin and Benjamin Tsang for what they bring to the characters. I guess it would be nice if the pace would pick up a little bit as both Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian are dancing around the fact that they like each other and when the mutual pining is so obvious it gets to a point where I'm just hoping one of them takes the dive and does something a little more explicitly romantic.

There's also the secondary couple in the two male teachers who get into a bit of a love triangle and honestly? I. Could. Not. Care. Less. I feel like what the show is trying to do is almost present them as a parallel of sorts to the main couple but I do not see what purpose they really have in the show, and especially in this season. Undoubtedly they'd get more of a development in a hypothetical season season, but I can't imagine I'd be any more interested in what goes on with them. It's so obvious they're into each other and dancing around the truth from the get go that I caught that when I first saw them on screen, and considering we're following a primary couple with a similar story I don't really wanna see it twice.

The secondary couple is perhaps my personal least favourite part of the show. It feels like a drag when they're given the focus and I don't really recall if any of their scenes - bar THAT one in episode 11 - really impact JT and SW in any meaningful way. They feel like they could be removed or replaced and nothing would change. Why were they made teachers at the school? Seemed a bit like an excuse to put them in a love triangle and so we'd have an excuse to see them more often in context of the main boys. I dunno...eventually I just got to a point where I'm waiting for Sheng Wang and Jiang Tiang to show up again.

I feel like perhaps there could have been a review as to what scenes may or may not have been worth shifting to a potential second season and what could have been shifted over into this season to give it a more satisfying end. I don't know the novel, so maybe this was the best outcome in adapting it. However, I definitely think the end credits scene in Episode 11 - IYKYK - was...out of left field? I like the scene and what it does to inform us about Jiang Tian's backstory, however it felt so bizarre that we suddenly saw it in Episode 11 of a 12 episode season of all places. Am I the only one? Would it not have been a better fit, say, either at the very end of this season so we literally end on a saucy bit of exposition, or in the second season where it'd be adjacent to scenes that would better explain its context? It was a FASCINATING scene in the grander scope of the narrative of course but it feels like it was kinda plopped at the end of an episode and so close to the end of this season as well.

As for the last episode...yeah, uh, kind of a let down? I've already said I wasn't satisfied with the ending, but in general I just found myself amused at the fact that the main emotional conflict was...Sheng Wang moving classrooms. I'm sorry that really did take me out of it a bit because...huh? They already live together in the dorms so they don't really lack an opportunity to communicate or spend time together. Yeah, they're not in the same class but still. I wouldn't have minded this honestly if such a deal wasn't made out of it in the episode. It stops being a dramatic moment and feels a bit silly.

Overall, would I recommend this show? Yeah. I would. I absolutely would. The chemistry is there and I love the leads. I think if a slow burn and self-discovery is up your alley you'd like this. Plus the secondary cast is actually really fun to watch so all the friendship scenes and bonds between characters add some levity and vibrance to the show.

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The Lost and Lonly Ones

This is a story about friendship, family, and an over all feel of being lost... as well as probably shows two of the most lonly boys in all of dramaland.

Yep lost and lonley ones... While I do have some issues with the make up that I otherwise realry notice most of the filming has some pretty decent quality and shots. The monologs and dialog of this drama say alot less than the gazes, mimcs, light and slow mo angles filmed. You could probably watch this with nieter subtitles or sound without loosing the ffel of the story or feeling the leas bit lost. You may even find yourself enjoying it even more (not that I tieied) .

If you are in the mood for something that will make you feel all warm and fizzy inside, this may make you smile once or twice bit the over all feel to it is kind of depressing, and more of a feel things than feel good type of deal.

A decent watch leaving you wanting more and wondering was this all they had to tell or will there be a second season?

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THIS BETTER HAVE A SECOND SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG, I can't even begin to describe how amazing The On1y One is! This drama is just everything. The slow burn and all that intensity? I’m all in! Watching Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian find comfort in each other was so heartwarming. It really nails what it feels like to be a lonely teenager who doesn’t fit in and worries about how others see them. I love how it dives into these feelings—it’s super relatable and done really well!

The "villain" in this drama isn’t exactly a full-on antagonist, but more like a bad guy who sabotages Sheng Wang here and there. He doesn’t have a huge role, but his actions create just enough tension to keep you on edge. He’s not a character you hate entirely; in fact, understanding where he’s coming from makes his character more complex and interesting, even though he's not front and center.

And then there’s the second couple. Their chemistry? Absolutely incredible! From the moment they appeared, I honestly thought they were already together. They have that natural connection that’s just magnetic like they’re meant for each other. Their storyline, with its subtle jealousy and unspoken feelings, brought a whole new layer of intensity and excitement to the show. I was so hooked on their scenes, and their backstory made their relationship even more fascinating.

What really hit home for me, though, was how realistic Sheng Wang’s journey is. I grew up in a similar situation, and I could totally relate to what he was going through. The way he shows his struggles feels so real and authentic. It made me feel all the feels!

The only thing that disappointed me was the cliffhanger ending! It just leaves you hanging, wanting so much more. I’m crossing my fingers for a second season because this story deserves a satisfying conclusion, and I need answers!

Overall, The On1y One is such a gem. It’s this perfect mix of drama and real-life struggles that pulls you in completely. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re missing out—go watch it!

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Only Half of the Story

Rated // 37.5/50 ~ 7.5

This was deliberately written with a season 2 in mind. Since I'm in the west, I don't know what's coming from a novel or have access to the novel so the ending did hurt me. However, if you go in knowing that this is a story the develops over years in it's original work, the novel, then you'll not be too upset at the end. And hopefully our wait for season 2 wont be too long as the director appears to be really pushing for it now.

Having said that, this is true LGBTQ media to me. The boys are only 17 and both having their sexual awakening with the other, who will soon be a brother, as their parents are getting married. There's no explicit scenes, no kissing, not even a confession. It's teenage boys falling into a love that will looked down upon in the future and one of them decides to jump ship to avoid the heartbreak. It's hard enough being 17 developing feelings for the same sex as you, let alone that person is a soon to be brother. I actually really understand the ending and honestly, as sad as it is, it can also be left there too because sometimes that happens. Slice of life isnt meant to be fluffy because life isnt fluffy. A lot of relationships dont work out, esp gay ones.
For me, that's what separates queer films from bl's. It's focusing on the characters as people and the homosexuality happens naturally, especially when the characters are high schoolers still working themselves out.

I really didnt get the whole plot with the teachers though until the end. It was almost as if the writers were trying to create a mirroring plot, as if it were a glimpse into the boy's future.

Overall, I still loved this. It's a slow paced bittersweet reminder of gay youth and as the plot takes place on 2012, it hit me a little close to home. I really loved the sweet potential of each of the characters and I hope that season 2 materializes to watch that potential grow.

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Complex characters, good acting but very slow-paced without much happening

My expectations of “The On1y One” were quite high due to the comments and reviews I’ve heard. Unfortunately, it might not have met what I was hoping for. It was still a pretty good drama, especially the acting of the cast. But if I have to compare it to my recent favorite, ‘The Time of Fever’, it’s not up to that level of enjoyment for me.

What I Like:

1. Main Acting
I will complain about the ages of the main leads, but maybe a younger cast might not be able to deliver such nuanced acting. Liu Dong Qin is an experienced actor, and even though he looks way too old to be 18 (he’s 30 in real life), he was able to portray Sheng Wang really well. Benjamin Tsang was a surprise since he’s quite new to the industry. He only started acting in 2023 but his Jiang Tian is so believable. The perceptive, contemplative and longing looks he has for Sheng Wang really deliver all the emotions with few words.

2. Sheng Wang + Jiang Tian
Two very different teenagers who have nothing alike are able to find comfort in each other. Sheng Wang is a lonely boy, who wants to be surrounded by friends, but is afraid to owe a favor. He’s rich, spoiled and picky but has a good heart. Jiang Tian, on the other hand, had a tough upbringing, never had a place to truly call home. Knowing he never unpacked his suitcase pains me. He’s used to being left behind and has built a tall wall around him, so he will never be abandoned again. Both of these characterizations and how they become close to each other is beautifully written. This is also the strength of the drama. Romance is secondary, but how these two individuals grow is central.

3. The Moments
I love all of Jiang Tian’s moments. He’s a man of few words, and these moments give us an inside look of how he really feels. I might complain about the flashback, but the first moment when Sheng Wang called out his name, is significant and symbolic of their relationship. Jiang Tian is my favorite character. He appears tough, but he can never truly say “no” to Sheng Wang.


What I have Mixed Feelings or Don’t Like:

1. Age
First look at Liu Dong Qin, and I thought he’s way too old to play the part. I don’t think I was ever able to get past these feelings, even though he was acting young and pouty.

2. Pacing + Flashbacks
12 episodes are way too long for this drama without much going on. The pacing is already slow and when you add on the constant flashbacks, it feels even slower. Though I enjoy the writing of the main leads character development and their relationship, nothing much really happened. The drama could have spent more time on the other side stories. Season 2 was not even announced or may not be in the works when season 1 was written. But it’s written as if it’s dragging its feet and hoping for a second season.

3. Side Plots/Characters
While the banter between Pepper and Gao Tian Yang is cute and fun, the crush Pepper has on one of the main leads could be more obvious and developed better. The love triangle between the teachers happened towards the latter half of the drama, and could use more screen time and a stronger focus. I want to know and see more of the two teachers’ background stories (one is not enough), instead of just telling me they were close. Is the kidnapping really necessary? The only NC scene of the drama felt out of place. All of the kisses in the drama are very G-rated, described as “4 lips touching together.” The NC scene feels like fan service because this is considered a BL, so we need some sex? It’s longer than necessary to tell the story.


There’s a lot to love about this drama, it just didn’t meet my expectations. I will recommend this if you enjoy a slow burn relationship (not necessary romance) with complex characters. The drama is an easy watch and very character-driven. But if you enjoy a more plot-driven drama, this might not be it for you.


Completed: 10/21/2024 - Review #500

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Too polished & Not Logical

Although this series seemed to capture the hearts and minds of many, I found it lacking in story in terms of empathy and logic. Not acting, however. It is exceptionally well acted. And yet, that is also what bothered me. It seemed too polished, slick, and flawless. I honestly do not look to review the actors or actresses who are performing in series. I take everything at ‘face value’. This series, with acting not the problem, still lacked a Gestalt for me to connect to, in what seemed like a flawless acting exercise. I simply could not warm up to either of the protagonists at all. Something felt absent. Even though it had all the right elements and great screen chemistry, it felt too polished to be believable. It looks and feels off. The angst, rawness, realness, silliness, immaturity, and pain of teenagers was missing. It got too wrapped up in telling a cute story.

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What was that ending?

This show made me so mad. It was a great beautiful story (very slow moving) and then it just ends abruptly. It's too many open ends. There are so many plot points that are not wrapped up.
You have
1. The Substitute teachers
2. Tian's Dad
3. Both leads parents relationship
4. Tian relationship with his mother
5. Sheng's relationship with his father
6. The overachiever boy and his insecurities
7. The English teacher

And that's just seven right off the top of my head. There's a few more that I'm too mad to remember at the moment. That is why I gave this such a low score. Those take away from the story. I'm very sure it was ended that way to set up for a second season. But I've seen plenty shows that do something like this and don't get a second season. I need Taiwan to do better. This is the second time they have disappointed me like this with a drama

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The Only One

Es una serie maravillosa! Tenemos de todo, sufrimiento, odio, risas,y sobretodo amor muchísimo amor?! Estamos esperando ya la segunda temporada! Los amo! ?Un trabajo impecable por parte de todo el equipo, así da gusto!!.
A tres capítulos del final estoy cruzando los dedos para que la temporada 2 vea la luz, sino, mi estabilidad emocional va a sufrir de una forma intolerable. En series como estas deberían evitar hacer dos partes, porque ya se sabe lo que puede pasar (ejemplo Stay with me, Adiccted) y lo mejor sería que la hiciesen entera y listo. Supongo que si no lo hacen así, será por un tema de presupuesto, peeeero…por el bien de la salud mental de los espectadores, mediten este tema.

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Sad but real

I do want to understand why people have disliked the ending so much. I mean everyone was well aware of the possibility (and almost reality) of the series not ending in great terms.

Let's be serious: who hasn't ever been in denial or in denial about a potential relationship? It's totally understandable why Sheng Wang is rejecting his own feeling. Just try to put yourself in his place: you've never fallen in love with anyone and, now that the time has come, this someone has to be your best friend and even your """""""stepbrother"""""" (I hate people calling them brothers yuck)! Wouldn't you also be crazy? Try to see from the perspective of the character.

Furthermore, talking about capitalism reasons, you know pretty well that the team wants us to be as anxious and nervous as possible for another season. This the only way to stay with the hype up. We'll probably get another season. Taiwan does it a lot and, if they continue following the novel, the S2 will also be perfect. Please continue hyping the series to make it possible

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