You Are My Favorite (2023)

An underrated gem

I’ve had this series on my list since it finished airing. The plot seemed interesting, but honestly the ML pairing didn’t convince me so much, so I’ve been holding off on seeing it. And now that I decided to give it a go, I’m so mad I didn’t watch it before. I finished this in less than 2 days, that’s how good it is. It’s one of the few series that do the time travel concept right. I feel a lot of the series or movies that do the time travel concept fail by making it to complicated to understand or having production mistakes in the time travel back and forth. But in this series it’s well done. And I also loved that they included more of the LGBTQ community, and they showed a little bit of the real struggles of coming to accept sexuality. Not that much, but still an advancement from other bl’s that don’t even mention it. The only thing is that I love this for the plot, the production and the story. I wasn’t convinced of the chemistry between the ML. They’re both amazing actors, but I feel they don’t work as a on-screen pair. Sometimes it felt more like a bromance than a romance. But since I wasn’t convinced of this pairing since the beginning, I expected it. So it didn’t ruin it for me, because the rest was so good. Overall, this really underrated, it deserves more than the 8.0 rating and it will definitely go on my favorite bl’s list.

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Turns out to be one of my faves

At first I thought this would be one of those cringe time travel series but turns out it was good!
Can't deny the acting - actors delivered~
the reason of the time travel is a bit too shallow at first though but the story was good **chef's kisses**
Pear (female lead) isn't toxic too~ such a breathe of fresh air on bl's~ ep10 could have also been an end but tge last 2 eps gives us a much more additional story and an additional ending on everything?
the Time travel concept isn't too scifi too~ Idk what is it but it just seems so natural on the series and I love it!

Krist as an Uke is such a cutieeee too?

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Refreshing Thai BL series

The story depicted in Be my favorite is really fun and different from the usual BL stuff. The addition of fantasy elements - time travel - is not overpowering and it makes the story stand out.

The characters are mostly depicted in a realistic manner and I have to say that personally I really enjoyed the portrayal of Pisaeng. Gawin is a really mature and his skilled actor. I really love his subtle way of expressing emotions, never over the top, never exaggerated.

Kawi's character is a little more colorful, a little more tropey, but I think that Krist showed a good balance between being serious and funny. I wasn't a fan of Krist or his character at first, but as the show progressed, he definitely grew on me. Also he's actually really cute even though at first I only saw Gawin's charm.

The pacing of the story is fairly balanced, not too fast, not too slow.

I have to admit that as much as Ioved the way they handled things with Pear, from their admission that they love each other, and Kawi's realisation that he actually fell in love with Pisaeng, and he had no feelings for her anymore, I feel that they allocated way to much screentime to the resolution of Pear's story. I mean, let's be honest here, most of us want to see more of the guys story, and I just feel that they could've cut short all or most of her scenes after they came out to her as a couple.

Overall, I rate this BL at 8/10 especially for the realism and the solid acting of the guys and side characters. It's definitely worth a watch, a very cute, refreshing love story.

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A Heartwarming Blend of Relationships and Time Travel

This series easily secures its spot as one of my favorite BL series of 2023, thanks to its captivating plotline that delves into a range of relationships between characters. Going beyond the typical romantic focus, the series masterfully explores the dynamics between a father and son, parents and their daughter, a son and his mother, and the bonds of friendship. This heartwarming series stands out as a feel-good watch, void of any antagonistic elements, and instead, centers on the growth of multiple relationships that viewers can't help but root for.

Centered around the protagonist Kawi, a modest and self-deprecating student harboring a crush on Pear, a popular girl in school, the series takes an intriguing twist when Kawi discovers a crystal ball that grants him the ability to travel back in time. His attempts to alter events brings him closer to Pisaeng leading to a realization that destiny might have other plans.

The series' brilliance lies in its well-developed characters and the underlying message of cherishing our time with loved ones. Kawi's journey to secure a connection with Pear inadvertently leads him closer to Pisaeng, and their evolving bond is beautifully portrayed. Pisaeng's struggles with self-acceptance resonate powerfully, drawing strength from the support of friends and family. Kawi's motivations for time travel extend beyond romatic gain, as he attempts to save his father's life and mend relationship with his friend Max. Pear, portrayed as a compassionate and empathetic individual, navigates her own challenges, reconciling with her mother and forgiving those who have wronged her. Similarly, Kwan's journey towards healing from a toxic relationship with Knot adds depth to the series.

Kawi's charismatic and endearing personality steals the spotlight, credit to Krist's commendable portrayal. Fluke brings a patient and understanding demeanor to Pisaeng, allowing their chemistry to shine through. Notably, the characters of Pear, Kwan, and Max are thoughtfully crafted and skillfully portrayed by the cast, enhancing the series' overall appeal.

In conclusion, "Be My Favourite" excels in its storytelling, largely due to its intricate character development and the inventive use of supernatural time travel. As relationships evolve and intertwine, the series captivates viewers with its heartwarming exploration of connection and second chances.

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Is it my favorite?!

Well, no. Though it did manage to pleasantly surpass my expectations. For the past year or so GMMTV has mainly been full of disappointing Bad Buddy regurgitations, or overly ambitious productions that miss the mark. Be My Favorite managed to have the same cheesy charm of a classic GMMTV BL, but set itself apart with great chemistry, believable acting and decent writing (and somehow very little product placement?!).

The best part of the series is definitely Krist and Gawin. I wasn’t really a big fan or even familiar with either of them before this series, but this duo worked out really well! Their chemistry didn’t feel stiff, and you are always waiting for the next moment you see them together.

I actually really liked the main character Kawi. He is a total asshole, but also cute and endearing. I understand why Pisaeng was drawn to such a puzzling character. Though I will warn you that Kawi is a little stupid and misguided at times, but it makes you cheer for him when he takes a step in the right direction. I’m also just glad to have a main character who isn’t lukewarm and plain.

Pisaeng starts as a bit of a mystery, but it’s quickly revealed that he is just 100% boyfriend material. I have no complaints.

I can’t say the plot itself was revolutionary. The story had a lot of overused cliches and some parts of the story were downright stupid and redundant.
What really made this drama stand out to me was its ability to get my heart racing. It literally had me giggling and kicking my feet. So be prepared to enjoy some surprisingly touching and charming moments, and buckle in for the corniness, stupidity, and embarrassment of a true romcom.

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Sometimes the ending will always be the same and that’s okay

Sometimes the ending will always be the same and that’s okay

The only other time traveling BL I have watched was History Future. So seeing another one is really cute.

I swear they played the same song every 15 minutes.

Theres not much I have to say about this show. It was good. I think the meaning behind it was VERY good. like to the point where I am texting and trying to be with all the people that I love before I lose them

Pear was really annoying for like one episode. She really thought the world revolved around her. But then she reedemed herself by saying that she supports Kawi and Piesangs relationship.

The Crystal Ball won’t work if you have already found your purpose. Kawi has already fulfilled his future, there’s no reason for him to go back anymore.

Also if some old man came up to me and said he could fix the ball I got on sale. I would be scared not going to lie.

The fact that everyone just forgave Not kind of really pisses me off. But hey he’s irrelevant

The key is not to worry about the future but live in the present. When shit hits the fan, you need to learn to either run away or stay and fight. You can’t simply rely on a crystal ball to save you every time. Just as you cannot rely on the people around you to shape your life. Live your own life. Be your own person!

Side note: Gawin looks so fucking sexy in a suit

Overall rating, 9/10. I would have preferred more romance. But that’s just me.

Sorry for any grammar errors. English is my first language, I’m just really bad at it.

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Kawi and Pisaeng truly struck a chord deep within us.

The drama has always aimed to show us Kawi's perspective – how he needed to reshape his romantic fate, take charge of his life, and mend his friendships. Yet, at its core, "Be My Favorite" is Pisaeng's story. Pisaeng is genuinely the catalyst for the unfolding changes. He's become a guiding light for Kawi, a constant and reliable presence that illuminated his path. He's the one who showed Kawi that he doesn't have to fear his true self, that he can be confidently authentic. Pisaeng is the guy who reminded Max about the importance of fighting for what's just. He's the one who helped Pear turn the page without compromising her self-esteem. Pisaeng is the one who severed ties with Not to escape a toxic friendship. He's the one who gave his love without expecting anything in return, ready to make sacrifices – a patient soul. For all these reasons, we adore him.

Initially, I had reservations about the actors' performances, as neither Krist nor Gawin entirely won me over in their previous works. However, in this series, they proved compelling, albeit sometimes inconsistent – which I attribute more to directorial choices than the quality of their acting.

Was I eagerly awaiting each following Friday? Absolutely, because this story, punctuated with calls for social justice, managed to maintain a lightness from start to finish.

Side note:tTheir mutual trust, along with some of their conversations, will stay with me for quite a while.

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Time-Travel BL Done Right

This is one of those series that does things right for better or for worse, but mostly better.

(Wait, what could possibly be worse about doing things right? Well, it just feels so safe and doesn't take risks that some other series might take. I am reminded of series like Bad Buddy here.)

The time travel premise is used well and fully exploited, and with the nature of the time travel being supernatural rather than scientific, it avoids having to be too logical. It's a wise move that Kawi manages to get his father to go for a heart surgery when he travels to the past but doesn't get to prevent his father from dying, As one of the scenes seems to suggest, there are some things that cannot be avoided or brought about (such as winning the lottery) but there are also many things that can be shaped by personal effort.

Kawi and Pisaeng are an adorable couple, but the cutesiness isn't overdone. There is a good balance of serious moments and light-hearted ones throughout. I don't know how deliberate it is, but I somehow don't get the sense that Krist and Fluke are going to be the sort of pairing that will stoke the fantasy of fans, the way many BL actors are meant to. (Perhaps this often does not end well, and it is just as well.) Krist and Fluke have played their roles well, and in my opinion, Krist's performance in Be My Favourite has exceeded that in SOTUS. His acting may seem to some a little exaggerated at times, but I feel that it is according to the demands of the role.

What this series excels in is the side characters, who are interesting without being distracting. I like the portrayal of Kawi's friendship with Max, for instance. Although they are really good friends, the portrayal doesn't get too idealistic because of the time travel premise. Max, who is gay, falls out with Kawi at one point due to a misunderstanding that Kawi doesn't like others to think that he is Max's boyfriend. In the original timeline, their friendship is not mended, but in other modified timelines, they become close friends again. Another interesting character is Pisaeng's mother. In many BL series, a parent who can accept that their child is gay is idealised, but not here. Despite her acceptance of Pisaeng's homosexuality, the mother and son still have issues to sort out. Then there is also Not (classmate of Kawi and Pisaeng), a talented writer who is also an asshole. Not does not turn out to be the villain of the series (there isn't any), and he also doesn't really suffer for his assholery. (Quite realistic, I guess.)

If I must have complaints about the series, perhaps it would be that a lot of the positive points that I have mentioned feel a little calculated. Yet, even then, the series must be given credited for being able to handle everything skillfully. There is a scene towards the end when Kawi is hospitalised and the doctor asks if Kawi has any relatives to be contacted despite being told that Kawi lives with Pisaeng, who is his lover. While other series with less skillful scripting may have the characters directly discuss the issue of marriage equality and remark on how unfair it is, the finesse with which the issue is handled here is commendable. We can feel a sense of the how the lack of marriage equality affects gay couples without the characters commenting on it directly, and this is the way to go even though the series as a whole does not really seem to be focused on such issues.

For me, Be My Favourite ranks up among the best Thai BL series from late 2022 to 2023, together with My School President. While My School President really excels in telling a compelling and lovable story about innocent high schoolers, Be My Favourite its its more mature counterpart. They are both signs that the Thai BL industry can really up its game if it bothers putting in the effort.

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