Vice Versa (2022)

It Could've Been So Good!!

I have such mixed feelings about this show, if I'm being perfectly honest. From the start, I was /so excited/ based on the premise. I'm such a sucker for parallel universe stories, and for me the highlight of this entire show was how they played with the parallel universe aspect. "Qooqle" and "Headbook", Third from Theory of Love showing up, Tay and Godji having normal jobs, etc. That was all so much fun and everything I wanted from a show set in a parallel universe! So, the premise was there— but the plot was so, so lacking.

The biggest disappointment for me was the fact that the majority of the plot did not, in fact, center around Talay and Puen trying to find their portkeys and go home. Periodically, that was brought up, but largely the show focused on them simply living Tess and Tun's lives for almost two years. Much of the time, the plot felt to be more about Friend Credits making their movies than trying to get home from the parallel universe! It felt like the story, as well as the characters, often forgot that Talay and Puen were /not/ Tess and Tun. It was frustrating at times, especially when there were a few good moments here and there that could have pulled the show back into focus. And the romance became hard to buy after a while, considering how long Puen hid who he truly was from Talay— by the ninth episode, Talay was still saying he hardly knew who Puen was, and it was true! How can I believe in their love and romance when, after a /year/, Talay doesn't know the basic things about Puen? When he only finds out Puen's real name in the second to last episode?

As for the acting, I didn't feel particularly wowed by Jimmy and Sea. I wouldn't say they were bad, but I never really felt for their characters over the course of the story. Hell, when the confession scene finally came around, all I could muster was a meek, "Cool". I can't say how much of that was the script's fault or the actors, but I'm willing to bet it's a mixture of the two. As far as side characters, the only one who really stood out was Neo, whose character was named Up. Neo is a fantastic actor and I'm so glad to see him getting roles— I sincerely hope he gets a lead soon!

There's so much more I could complain about in this show, and very little more I could compliment. There was so much potential for this to be such an interesting and unique story, but it fell so, so flat. It was entertaining enough to keep me watching each week, and the parallel universe aspect was done well, but the plot and the romance were just not what they should have been.

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Boring's Definition

I don't know why I made myself sit through this. I think only cause it was a GMMTV series because on any other given day, I would've just given this one up. But because I adore Jimmy (the world's precious face) and I rather did enjoy the unique plot of it all, I kept up with it. More than once I just forgot to read the subtitles cause, who cared, and more than a hundred times did I skip past the bothersome talking and singing and disrespectful amount of product placements. If anything I'll remember Vice versa as the series that spent more time commercializing others' products than it did its own show.

Let's Dive In.

Is GMMTV not one of the most successful producers of BL content? Didn't they produce two of the most successful BLs known to date? Don't they have Thai celebrities throughout their facility, giving them the power and the recognition almost, if not, every single day? Why oh why oh why did they spend as much time as they did on ads in this series?? A cute little pan to the toothpaste as they're brushing their teeth is fine -- even the occasional I-just-got-randomly-thirsty-let-me-drink-this-perfectly-hydrating-drink is okay! But to have almost every part of the episode have a least one PP -- and not just subtle but some, "LOOK I HAVE THE BEST FACIAL MOISTURIZER EVER." screamed in my face for up to 3-5 minutes. It was so irritating, to the point that I was able to quickly analyze when product placement were coming, and I immediately just skipped that entire scene. Because what makes it worse is that the scene was going off what the product was and not, well -- vice versa. Someone teach GMMTV subtly, please.

I was also just incredibly bored. Outside of the universe-building, everything else was pretty plateau. They did an amazing job at building up the excitement for the cross-over, showing the difference in the universes, the reality of being stuck in someone else body living their life -- but everything else was extremely tedious. While I enjoyed Talay's and Puen's little friend group, it was very dull watching them make a movie and whatnot. The only time I was genuinely excited to look up from what I was multitasking with was when Puen made it back without Talay. Other than that, my head was down. And usually, I get extremely bothered if I don't read the subtitle word for word, but there were times entire scenes would go by without me watching 1/3 of the subtitles, and I just couldn't care. Nothing more to say, it was just -- boring. Although, the series does one of the best jobs at making it feel like Talay and Puen have been in the other universe for a while (2 years if I'm correct) it didn't feel rushed or unrealistic, it genuinely felt like they had been there for a while.

I wasn't really feeling Jimmy and Sea. I enjoyed them more than Joong and Dunk, so that's saying something, but I wasn't crazy about their chemistry. I think for what it's worth, it works, but something was missing. Like when they did anything physically, I was just not for it. Honestly, Talay could've forever been stuck in the other universe, and I think that would've made for a much more entertaining storyline. Also, Jimmy starts kissing with his mouth open, and it made me cringe to an ungodly extent.

I was really into Aou and Fuse and wouldn't have minded seeing an actual thorough love story from them.

The guest appearances were nice. Especially Mix, he is beautiful.

Most people were wanting to see more Ohm and Nanon, but I think out of everything, their time on screen was a perfect amount. They didn't take up too much space from the actual main actors, but they still played very important roles and satisfied whoever viewers that wanted to see more of them. I also was surprised to learn that Tess and Tun don't end up falling in love, which I was sure they were going to do.

Me being nitpicky, but did anyone else have to keep changing their subtitle for every part of an episode, 1-10, from Korean to English?? It was just annoying cause I set my preferences to English, but for whatever reason, the Korean subtitles would always come up, and I hated changing it when I just wanted to lay in bed and let the parts/episodes loop.

Ratings:

Story: 7/10 - Great universe-building, great time-passing, a few compelling sub-plots, Aou and Fuse. Everything else was tedious as hell to get through.

Acting - 8.5/10 - Sea was good. Jimmy was okay. Neo did incredible in this comedic role as always, and Aou was better here than in Enchante. Strangely was obsessed with Jeab too. Everyone else did decently.

Music - 6/10 - Skipped their singing cause *gag noises*. Everything else wasn't a distraction so cool.

Rewatch Value: 1/10 - no chance.


Jimmy did okay in this role, but I was hoping for better. Honestly, I shit on this series but it wasn't terrible. It was just boring. Oh well. Not recommended, but who am I to stop you?

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They tried to make a GMMTV-verse but forgot to write an actual story

This is pitiful- this drama had so much potential.

What drew so many people to this drama was the unique concept- two people, Talay and Puen are transported into another universe and to go back, they must find their 'portkey'. Along the way they must face the challenges that living in a new world poses and eventually, they fall in love. Pretty cool concept, right? Except that's not what the drama is actually about.

The 'travelling between universe' plot is relevant for three episodes at the start of this show, and then the show becomes a slice-of-life about a few guys trying to make it in the show-biz. Why replace the most compelling part of this show with such mundane sludge? It's as if the writers realised that they actually have to develop the concept and universe beyond the fun details and then panicked when they couldn't come up with anything. The 'portkey' stuff is important for a hot minute and then that becomes forgotten too. Why did Puen and Talay dismiss the fact that they could be each other's portkey? It doesn't make much sense to me.

Another thing i'd like to mention- the pacing feels off. You're telling me that it has been one year and these guys have managed to release two films? Puen and Talay have NO experience actually writing films- you're telling me that they just figured it out? This show might have been better off with less episodes. This show does not have enough substance for a full twelve episodes; six or seven episodes could have been sufficient.

Another gripe i had with this show was the unending commercials. Even the biggest fans of the show can't argue that this show had a product-placement-problem. It felt like i was watching an uninspired heap of commercials- at some points it didn't even feel like a show. The plot of some episodes can be boiled down to; they rave about KFC, use the black inhaler thing and eat an unhealthy amount of MAMA OK carbonara.

The GMMTV-verse thing was fun- at first. It was exciting to see other GMMTV actors and characters featured in the episode but it becomes dry pretty quickly. The show should have focussed on presenting a coherent story and then perhaps sprinkle in a few references in-between.

If everything i wrote before this did not offend the biggest fans of Vice Versa, the next thing i mention definitely will. The acting in this show is....barely passable. No, i'm not talking about the side characters (they were fine)- I'm talking about the main leads. It is fairly evident that the leads, Jimmy and Sea, were rookie actors. They were fine in fluffy scenes, but any scenes that required any kind of passion and emotion were painful to sit through. I'll admit that Sea was decent and even good in some scenes; but Jimmy was so stiff and unnatural- it was difficult to watch. There is no chemistry between them, i simply can't feel any kind of spark or magnetism from these two, which is shocking considering that even when GMMTV's output is below par they still manage to cast actors with electrifying chemistry. However, the acting became significantly better in the last two episodes; if they maintained that same level throughout the series i would have given a higher rating.

This show did not work for me, but for people who don't mind mindles fluff and a plot that goes everywhere and nowhere all at once- Vice Versa is for you.

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My comfort show

Everything is perfect in my eyes. The acting, the cinematography, the scene background, the location, the cameos, the lines, even the ads are cute. I love both actors so much, Jimmy and Sea are amazing as both Puen/Tun and Talay/Tess and I can't imagine other actors playing these roles. I can see the love the characters have for each other clearly shown in their eyes, and when it's a sad or angsty scene, the emotions in their eyes just killed me. It looks so sad!!! I couldn't bear seeing them cry. So far 7 episodes have been shown, they're brilliant and I am blown away. I ugly sobbed so much watching episode 7. Can't wait to see the rest 5 episodes that are left!!!!

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This series is truly amazing

I fell for this series fast its really binge worthy and for me the balance of plot and romance is amazing I much prefer romance over full on action plots taking over the story so this series is so for me and Jimmy and Sea did an amazing job acting and the chemistry between them blew me away. I already re watched it and i will watch it again and again it's that good. I need a season two I just need more of puentalay right now they are perfect if you want a fluffy series this is it. Also the colour themes are done so well in this series along with the locations and styling

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Major Slow Burn (falling in love with souls, not appearances).

General spoilers only. For enjoyment, I'd recommend watching for the interactions between characters and not taking the plot too seriously. Despite the weaknesses in plot, pacing, and some of the dialogue, I only fast-forwarded through some blatent product placement scenes and some of the secondary couple (which weren't a large focus anyway). The way they tried to determine who was their portkeys was drawn out in odd and contrived ways, and I could see that getting a bit annoying for some people. Overall I found it entertaining and enjoyable and easily binge-watched it.

The story was intriguing but it took a couple of episodes for me to get invested in the characters. Once I did, I was along for the ride and able to shrug off the weaknesses in the screenplay. I liked and cared about all of the main and secondary characters, everyone was cast well, I smiled a lot, it tugged at my heartstrings multiple times, and was resolved satisfyingly.

Jimmy and Sea have good chemistry but it comes across differently than many BLs. The focus is on their growing affection for each other as humans and not on physical attraction because they are in other people's bodies for most of the series. This purely mental-attraction type of slow burn was something new and I enjoyed it. It added emotional impact when they did finally kiss. I thought the story could have done something about them getting used to each other's physical appearances once they're back in their own bodies though, and maybe introducing physical attraction. I feel that was something obvious that the screenplay missed entirely.

The production handled the body-swap between universes very well. It's very clear and easy to follow. What I loved is that once they made it clear that Sea and Jimmy were in the bodies of Ohm and Nannon, they transitioned back to Sea and Jimmy playing their characters. You know they look different in that universe, but you get to see the actors play their character all the way through.

They did okay with world building and kept to the "rules" they established. The dialogue got a little cheesy with a couple cliche lines in the last couple episodes, but it was bearable. Music worked well but nothing really memorable for me. The coloring of scenes was often pretty or appealing. I'll certainly be more aware of this aspect of post-production going forward (the series prompted me to learn more about colorists and their job).

The thing that dropped this from a feel-good 8 to a 7.5 is the screenwriter's inane decision to make one of the leads (Talay) averse to affection after they confess to each other. I hate this trend in BLs. It's a cheap, unrealistic, and ineffective way to create sexual tension once a couple gets together. Seriously, "I love you but I'm going to freak out if you try to be affectionate, let alone kiss me" just does NOT make sense if you love someone and they love you too. They could be shy, sure, but not constantly uninterested, avoidant, asking "what are you doing", and giving bombastic side-eyes. Sigh.
At least Sea only acted moderately put-off and didn't act disgusted (like many actors do when it's written like this).

Overall there's some skinship and a couple good kisses.

I could see myself rewatching this in a few years.

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Although they gave us some different & complicated theme this time, they managed to make is easier

New theme, we have body swap this time. This is genius! Especially, there are so many colors to representing each episodes. Even tho Jimmy and Sea are rookies, they don't look like they are a rookies. They chemistry is perfect. I can feel it by the way they look at each others eyes. They found their universe in each other.
And don't forget about the OST, istg it's sooo good, super easy listening! Their voice matched the music. All I wanna say is, thank u GMMTV for making this series. It'll be my favorite till forever. I hope u guys watch it and make some review about this lovly series. Hope u guys like it.

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Head over heels over this story!!!

OMG I absolutely LOVED this series! It's been a while since I've said that.....

The story was very well written and the characters were extremely charming! The episodes were great from start to finish....none of the episodes were "fillers" or unnecessary to the plot. It was very refreshing for a BL - which most of them have pretty much the same or very similar story lines, but not with this one! YAAAAYY!!!

I was completely drawn into PuenTalay story from ep 1.....the only reason I didn't rate a 10 it was because I wanted their romantic scenes to be more intense. Of course not always because real relationships are not all about sex, but I felt they went too soft for adults. Some times I thought Talay was being way too coy and Puen was too "oh it's fine with just a peck" lol even though what they were feeling/saying didn't match what they were doing at the scenes. I know what you are all thinking "aaahh so you were looking for NC scenes, right?" ..... well, it wouldn't be so bad to have some lololol but honestly It'd have been great to have some more romantic scenes to give a more "adult relationship" feeling because it's not a high school setting....they are grown men having a relationship lolol, but I absolutely loved the series even without it.

The chemistry between PuenTalay was a beautiful thing to watch, they really know how to make us believe their characters were in love. The supporting cast was also amazing....no complains in that department.

It's a lovely story about people going to another dimension, trying to do their best in another person's body, and finding the love of their lives. Like one does lolol. A series with nothing but GREEN FLAGS and FLUFF.

Please watch it...you won't regret it :)

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Multiverse Couldnt be Simplier yet Most Memorable

A narrative on multiverse have been quite a story this past few years and still is a hot topic among content creators up until now. Yet, some attempted to cross it over other genres such as romance. GMMTV is the one who's brave enough to air it like a normal scheme and done it with flying colors. Speaking of which, never thought of colors will be strikingly good and so appealing to describe an episode. Nailed it from episode 1 til the end up into the extras. Like its last episode, its crystal clear that this is one of if not the best BL TV series they made so far. A story thought provoking, compelling actors (ill be forever greatful seeing this magnificent work ofJimmySea, I respect their artistry so much because of this, SALUTE!) and an eye catchy cinematography like no other. The last 3 episodes is a rollercoaster ride of emotions and I love it!

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Cute and light plot with interesting characters

Not gonna lie, this series is so AMAZING. For the first time I think that I've found my comfort series. Every scene on this series is so beautiful, I'm sure the production team worked so hard to produce this masterpiece. The plot is easy to understand, you can watch this without thinking too much about the problems that will arise.

I barely knew Jimmy and didn't knew Sea before I watch this series, but I really really love their acting throughout this series. In the first few episode, I found that Jimmy still looked awkward in some scene, but that doesn't cover the fact that Jimmy succeeded to show brilliant acting skill in the rest of the episodes. I don't know how to describe this superb feelings every time I saw them interacting in this series, their chemistry is so cute!! The side character like Up, Aou, and Fuse is so funny (I’m not mentioning Kita because he’s not funny, but damn he’s so wise and mature I LIKE ITTT). The jokes in this series really suit my taste, as well as the storyline and various moments that thrill and warm my heart. So, watching this whole series is like riding a roller coaster in heaven.

I really enjoyed this whole series and I hope that Jimmy, Sea, the supporting actors/actresses, and all of the team members who were involved in this beautiful series enjoyed the whole process until the end. I'm really going to rewatch this series in the near future. Gonna miss Jimmy x Sea couple so muchhh!

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love it

The genre is new, wildly since multiverse is trending nowadays.
I love the story of this series, the build-up of each scene and how they created this incredible story is impressive they really use the 12 episodes correctly and wisely.

The actors played their characters very well, I love how they created a different point of view of the 4 characters that switched. The chemistry is strong between the main characters by the way. although the genre is fantasy, the situations of the characters or their life depict reality, it is all about trial and error. If you fail, it's up to you if you will still try again or walk on the other path. the cameos of different actors from the bl industry is jaw-dropping.

I gave it 9 because I think it would be perfect if they added spiciness to it.

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