Hidden Agenda (2023)

Would’ve Been A Favorite In 2016

Incredibly boring. I sat through four episodes wondering when it would get better but it never did.

I tried to give it a chance but the acting is very bad and I don’t mind cliche when it’s done right, but it is definitely not done right.

I have been following Joong for a while and he is a very decent actor. I cannot say the same about Dunk. For some reason I can’t bring myself to watch the two of them, I tried watching their other show Star In My Mind, but again, it was lackluster and boring. Their chemistry is extremely off and definitely not swoon worthy.

I would only recommend if you’re looking for something to pass time. Or if you’re a big fan of Jamie (Nita), she’s gorgeous.

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It's not a 10 but...

Well for sure it isn't a 10 rated BL series, but it's not a 3. Truth being that for me, as long as Joong smiles a few times an episode I'm satisfied! Also if he raises his eyebrows' and goes shirtless once an episode that really can forgive a lot of script weakness.
Yes the "Hidden Agenda" was not hidden for very long nor was it hidden very well at all. Therefore, this is for sure a "B" BL series...similar to B Movie. All the other stuff was acceptable, music was kind of generic for me. (yeah minus Joong singing.) Story was generic. School stuff Generic. Family was uneventful.
Joong was a good cast for Joke but I can't say the same for Dunk as Zo. I'll leave it at that. NIta and the Grandmother were good female characters.
My only other cast issues is what happened to Pat? Pok and Jeng are fine but Louis as Pat is the next most interesting actor in the entire series. It's like he fell off of the screen. (Did I forget something)
The Finale could have had a more secondary character involvement and I didn't really get Zo or the the fathers moment of realization: "oh I'm being a wanker and I should stop!" Not done well at all!

Yes it's watchable and yes it had some good entertaining spots, but yes it's time for Joong and DunK to grow up. No more school series for them please!

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Kisses and a bunch of people with hidden agendas

This drama has one good episode, a decent female something and a bunch of really well executed kisses... and well that is about it... As slightly annoying guy has a crush on an amazing girl but gets douped by a guy with a hidden agenda on their way though some misunderstandings and the feeling of trust no one as they may or may not have a hidden agenda but honestly they all just fall flat.

I was almost going to give this a 7,5 for the kisses, the good episode and the girl plus lack of issues to complain about but then a whole bunch of cringe happened and dragged down the score. Conversations with parents that had me gaging and just a whole lot of oh come on.... Seriously are they going to throw in that annoying trope. And well at that point I felt a 7 was a kind score.

So what can I say the romance has its good times and again great kisses... but honestly it is just not enough to make this a good or even a watch worthy of your time. But if you do not mind the lack of plot and cringe and have some time to kill go for it or just fast forward to the kisses and the scenes with the girl.

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Hidden gem?

So Hidden Agenda is one of those stories where we are waiting to figure out what the agenda is. It quickly becomes apparent that Joke is not what he appears and has some secrets. But Zo wants Nita and accepts his help. Let the misunderstandings etc ensue. There's some family angst and we have a side couple, over involved friends and a stalker so lots going on.

Honestly, this should have been 8 to 10 episodes as some of the themes in the last few episodes feel rushed and not really deep enough. Joong is carrying this and their chemistry is still strong. Dung has improved somewhat although he still does that bobbly head thing too much. And someone give Joong some decent jeans!

If you're into Joong as a singer then you will enjoy some of the earlier episodes.

I've rewatched some of the scenes which highlight their chemistry but overall, this is a cute Sunday evening watch. Glad to see some improvement from JoongDunk but, we need a stronger script to really test this ship.

OK last episode was weak but still worth it for JoongDunk fans

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A Good RomCom! Watch With An Open Mind!

I don’t understand why everyone seems to hate this show! I found the basis of the plot interesting and the main leads kept me coming back for more. Their dynamic was great and I had a lot of fun watching this show. Very cute and lots of funny moments!

It’s also pretty tame for a Thai BL, so maybe some reviewers who found it “boring” were just looking for something a bit more explicit.

To each their own, I do highly recommend this show if you’re looking for a lighter-hearted funny show with a cute main couple who has really good chemistry. I looked more into Joong and Dunk after I finished the show, their chemistry in real-life ABSOLUTELY translates onto the screen.

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Okay, but Not Incredible

There have been worse, there have been better. I feel like that sums up the story.

Overall, the story isn't bad. The cinematography is nice and JoongDunk do have nice chemistry with each other. Other than that, nothing to write home about. It wasn't overtly unique, but it was a decent watch.

I didn't regret watching it, but I think I would like to see how these MLs do with a more mature script. Maybe it's because the college/high school arc is getting old, but I'd love to see Thai dramas in general move forward out of the school era.

Overall: Decent watch, but not life-altering.

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Nice Concept but plot can be develop even more!

I was so skeptical at this series because of the last JoongDunk series that I watched doesn't reach my expectation AT ALL. But this one is much better than the last one. The story started with Zo having a crush on Nita and asking for Joke's help to help him to date her. Though, I like the way they stopped the dating help halfway because of Zo realising his actual feeling towards Joke, I wish they shouldn't stop that way. I wish they could put more conflict like Joke suddenly back to being Nita's boyfriend because of the stalker thing. The concept is good but I wish the plot could have more conflict. The conflict of the series is just love triangle, family issues and thats it. I wish there is more.

I have no complain about the characters BUT I just wish that when Zo confront his mom about his feelings of never feel enough, I wish there is more passion, there is more anger. Yes, Zo is a nice person but he has been bottling up his feelings for a long time. I really wanted to see how Dunk's acting with explosion of anger and regret but it seems like that is not going to happen in this series. And both of them facing the same issues are a little bit.. hm.. how do I say... sound like plot is rushed to finish. They could have create conflict of Joke's father is being bias with his siblings more wide range. Like I said, there are no rage and not enough passion in this series that it makes them a little bit boring.

Joke's whole family except for his grandma is A WHOLE FUCKING RED FLAG. I am so mad that no one seems to care about him like ????? How heartless can yall be? Anyway, I still feel that this series have a good concept, moderately develop plot, amazing actors but very little conflict.

JoongDunk deserves better. There, I said it.

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Cute Rom Com With Great Chemistery!

If you are familiar with me, you may be aware that I frequently blog about the D/s element in various shows. However, I desired a break from that. I desired something that was cute, romantic, and amusing, which would serve as a distraction from the intense content that I am currently observing. This fit the bill perfectly, and I'm glad I gave it a shot despite the reviews. The fun parts made me giggle, and the romantic ones made me sigh. If you enjoy Rom Coms, then you will adore this hidden gem.

Please refrain from paying attention to other reviews on here that are comparing this show to other shows that aren't Rom Coms and making disparaging remarks. You're comparing it to genres it's not in, it's like comparing a horror movie to a dance show. It's a Rom Com! Maybe don't watch Rom Coms if you don't like them!

I found the chemistry in both pairs to be excellent, the acting felt comfortable and there was never a point in which it felt fake or forced. I didn't have moments where I was thrown out of the series, but in fact was immersed in it. Not only that, but I stayed up far too late to finish it. As far as the story line? I, personally, enjoyed it, it was realistic in a way and there was smooth delivery. Plus, the character communication was chief's kiss. Seriously, ignore these other people and listen to me! It's cute! It might not be Semantic Error cute, but it fits with My Love Mix Up cute.

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A re-do of Fish Upon the Sky without all the things that made it funny and amusing

At least FUTS was able to get a few giggles out of me (and the fact that it's somewhat self-aware of how ass its plot and writing actually is helps it immensely with comedic time).

I strongly dislike series with "white knight" love interests like Joke because they always give way more than their partners ever give back. Always makes the relationship feel extremely one-sided.

This series feels ANCIENT. It's so old-school i was actually shocked when i found out it was released in mid-2023.

If you came here from The Heart Killers, don't bother. Just wait for "Dare You to Death" next year. Seeing them in THK made me feel like this next series of theirs have immense potential.

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Basic Agenda

Ugh.

That's it. That's the review.

Tell me why it took me all of 3 months to finish this show. Was it because I was waiting anxiously for an episode to drop each week? No, all the episodes are out and I'm watching in 2024. Was it because I was too busy to watch? No, I have no life. Was it because this series was so painfully dull that it was like watching paint dry? Yes. But because I am a glutton for punishment I have to finish every series I start regardless if I like it or not.

So I will break it down by category:

*Story*: What story? The story/plot is so non-existent it's laughable. Zo likes Nita, Zo asks Joke for help, Joke helps cuz he likes Zo and wants to get close to him, Zo falls for Joke, yay. In all seriousness there was some potential for a cool sub-plot, like the stalker angle. The stalker sub-plot lasted all but 1 episode...ONE. What was the point of that? Also, the random scenario where Pat gives Joke all of Zo's information then Zo gets mad and stops talking to Joke? Again, what was the point because he just forgives him an episode later. It seems like all of these subplots last for a total of 1 episode with the exception of the debate.

*Acting/Cast*: Sigh. I love JoongDunk, I really do, I think their personalities are so fun but what in the ever loving f*** was this. JoongDunk have more chemistry off camera in their day to day than they do on screen. Joong had the same facial expression the entire series and Dunk was a walking f***ing bobblehead with that same goofy a** expression. GMMTV please put them in some acting lessons. I beg. I want the best for them, I really do because I do love them but this show just wasn't it. Main leads aside....now to the 2nd couple....let me say this with my whole d*** chest....AOUBOOM MAIN LEADS IN A SERIES WHEN??????!!! AouBoom were incredible, they actually made me feel something, anything, during this stale a** series. The scene where Boom was leaving Aou and Aou grabbing him in desperation not wanting him to leave had me clutching my pearls....or when they were both in the car and Aou tells Boom he had to leave his soccer team because he chooses him over soccer had me in TEARS. They were the shining light in this whole series even though they were in it for like a collective total of 20 minutes. And the supporting cast....they were, fine.

*Music*: OST was fun, Joong has a nice voice.

*Rewatch Value*: Nope.

In conclusion, I recommend this series if you are a fan of the following:
-JoongDunk or AouBoom
-Bobbleheads
-Debate
-Miscommunication
-Needy boyfriends
-Overbearing Mothers
-A million subplots that last an episode
-Crappy Screenwriting

If you are a fan of one or all of these things, Hidden Agenda is for you...if not...skippppp.

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