Be my Favorite... GMMTV show of 2023

*SO FAR*

Hey there, it's me again, reporting from my cozy haven at home. Just taking a breather before I jump into an exciting new job next week – can't wait!

But for today, let's talk about something that's been on my radar: 'Be My Favorite.' I've got a feeling that a lot of you missed out on this show's awesomeness.

'Be My Favorite' brings together two beloved faces from GMMTV, Gawin and Krist (yes, I know, it might raise some eyebrows, but that's my man right there). The story revolves around Krist's character, Kawi, a world-weary 30-year-old who embarks on a journey through time to mend his life's frayed edges. And by journey, I mean multiple attempts – yes, you heard me right, multiple times.

At first, Kawi's time-traveling escapades are all about setting things right in his life, and when I say his, I mean only his. But here's the twist: the choices we make today have a ripple effect, touching the lives of others. It's a revelation that gives this tale a deeper resonance, at least to me, it was a beautiful journey.

As always, I'll delve into the show's direction, production, acting, and the heart of it all – the writing.

The show's direction stays true to the GMMTV style we're familiar with. They've got their formula, and they're sticking to it. But amid this familiarity, there are moments that stand out, like this particular scene:

Gawin's in the spotlight, looking all fierce and fired up. I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't remember seeing that kind of thing in any other GMMTV show. If you know of one, give me a shout, seriously. And hey, don't think that's the end of it (sorry, I didn't grab a screenshot, was just chilling in front of the TV, you know how it is), but this show is packed with these amazing shots that you just wish other shows would copy.

Now, onto the production side of things – it's like a visual treat. Let's talk outfits – every character's style had me hooked. And can we talk about Pear (Aye Sarunchana Apisamaimongkol)? She's got this whole rich girl vibe going on, and her clothes totally match that vibe. And the sets, man, they're something else. For once, I felt like I was in a whole new university (usually GMMTV shows seem like they're all happening in the same place, right?).They've got scenes – spoiler alert – in concert settings, fancy weddings, hospitals, and even an amusement park. It's like a breath of fresh air, a cool change of pace that I really needed after watching 'A Boss and a Babe'.

Overall, the direction and the production, beautiful.

Writing-wise, this show had me hooked, and trust me, there's a lot I could chat about. Let's start with a bit of a reality check though. You know, the not-so-rosy side of things.

Time travel and its fallout, that's where I had a bit of a gripe. The way they wrapped up the story, well, let's just say Krist's character didn't strike me as the most considerate time traveler. I mean, he's zipping through time like it's no big deal, tweaking things here and there, all the while shaking up everyone else's lives. And here's what got under my skin – it felt a tad self-absorbed, you know? Sure, he's been through the wringer, no doubt about that. But come on, man, you're going back in time just because your present isn't your cup of tea? It's a bit of a mind-bender because now, having landed 10 years in the past, he's turned everything topsy-turvy. And when I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING. So yeah, naturally, he ends up messing with everyone else's business too. Now, I get it, the whole premise revolves around him getting this magic ball that lets him play time-traveler. But seriously, buddy... I liked it though LMAO.

But hang on, let's talk about the plot itself.

Controversial as it might sound, I'm giving it a thumbs-up. It's engaging, it's got twists, and it kept me glued. Here's the thing, though – what I was really hoping for was a moment of realization from our time-hopping protagonist. You know, a bit of introspection like, "Whoa, hold up, I've turned everyone's lives upside down just to untangle my own mess. Now I've got to fix their messes too…" Yeah, something along those lines. Just one monologue acknowledging the fact that you fucked up.

Now, let's dive into a couple more wrinkles I found in this fabric of storytelling. First off, let's talk about Max (Aou Thanaboon Kiatniran). The dude's got potential oozing out of his ears, but damn it, he ends up as the resident savior. spoilers up ahead. His role seemed pretty much relegated to helping everyone realize their true selves, you are gay, and dishing out advice. Don't get me wrong, that's valuable stuff, but there's more to the guy than just being a one-man guidance counselor. And what's the deal with his rocky friendship with Krist? They kinda leave it hanging in the air without a clear resolution. I mean, come on, it's like they waved a magic wand and said, "Poof, all's good now." That's not how real life works, right? It felt like they just wanted to sweep it under the rug and call it a day, which felt a bit off. Knot (Title Kirati Puangmalee). The guy's an absolute jerk – I'm talking about the character, mind you. And his antics, well, sometimes they seemed like they were plucked out of thin air. The dude's stirring up trouble left and right, and then, bam, next episode, everyone's acting like it's all water under the bridge. Seriously, it's like they forgot there should be consequences. And at the end, It might have been more believable if they just let go of this friendship entirely. No toxic friends allow. Would've made more sense, you know?

On to the good stuff – and oh boy, there's a lot of it. The writing is seriously top-notch. It's like a journey of self-discovery and identity crises all wrapped up into one delicious package. I've gotta give props where it's due. This is the first BL show where a character actually talks about having sex with another guy, and it's not treated like a joke. It's real, raw, and honest – the kind of conversation that's been a long time coming. Kudos to Max's character for taking the reins on this one. The way he explains it, it's like a warm blanket for the heart. It was funny but even then. And how about those LGBTQI+ activists, huh? They're not just throw-ins to fill space; they're an integral part of the story, woven into the fabric of the episode. A thumbs-up for that thoughtful touch.

Now, let's have a heart-to-heart about the characters themselves. Gawin's character is a masterpiece in the making. He's battling his inner demons head-on, and there's something refreshingly real about his approach. Pear – girl, you nailed it. Her character is a work of art, fully fleshed out and grounded. She's not your typical ex-girlfriend caricature; there's depth to her. Her journey with her mom adds an extra layer that hits home. Krist's character is on one wild ride, I'll give him that. He's grappling with some heavy stuff, like wanting to fix his relationship with his dad by traveling back in time. But – why the teen angst, dude? It's a bit puzzling, but apart from that, he's solid.

And the supporting cast? They're like the sprinkles on a cupcake, adding flavor to the story. Every friend brings a unique element – the tough-love buddy, the always-there confidant, and even the friend who's hanging on despite all odds.

Both Pear's mom and Pisaeng's mom are forces to be reckoned with. Pear's mom might not have had much screen time (just like in her daughter's life, huh?), but when she was finally there, oh I felt for them. Pisaeng's mom, strong and unwavering, leaves an impact. Dads aren't left out either. There's this one line that tugged at my heartstrings – Pear's dad saying something like, "I don't dictate, I adapt." Do not quote me on that one LOL. but It's a sentiment that hits deep.

And speaking of hitting deep, Kawi's dad – man, that's a tough one. His story hit me right in the feels, especially the way he so desperately wanted to help his own father, but fate had other plans. It's the kind of emotional punch that leaves you teary-eyed. You guys know why.

So, there you have it, the highs and lows, the twists and turns, and a lot of feelings stirred up along the way. This show's writing, well, it's a rollercoaster – in the best way possible.

Let's break down the acting game here, – and I'll tell you, everyone's brought their A-game to the table, they ATE, as in 8. Now, let's zoom in on a couple of shining stars – Gawin and Aye. Seriously, someone needs to kiss and eat ou- oops Gawin's agent because they're on fire, landing him roles that truly let his range shine. Sure, there are moments where Gawin might come across a tad stiff, but then it's like a switch flips – "Alright, time to unleash the acting beast," and boy, does he deliver. I mean, those crying scenes? There's one with a long shot that zeros in on him, and whoa, you can feel every tear, every word. It's the kind of raw emotion that truly moves you, you know?

Now, let's shift gears to Aye. She's like a seasoned pro who's mastered the art of conveying emotions. In fact, I'm just going to let this next video do the talking:

No more need be said – Aye's got a handle on the acting game, and this snippet is just a taste of what she brings to the table. And trust me, this is just a mere glimpse compared to what she delivers throughout every other episode.

Chemistry. It's on point. Krist and Gawin, they've got this vibe that just clicks. You can practically see the comfort level – it's like they're totally at ease with each other. And those kisses? No awkward pulling away here. They locked lips like they meant it, like really, really meant it. And guess what? Same goes for Aye. She's got that natural chemistry with the camera, and it translates on screen.

So there you have it, my friends – the acting, the chemistry, it's all clicking in a way that takes this show to the next level. These actors are truly giving it their all, and it shines through in every frame.

It's important to acknowledge those familiar clichés that tend to pop up – the slow-motion scenes, the classic getting-drunk moments, and a dash of others. But here's the thing – even though they're present, they don't manage to steal the limelight away from the main storyline.

Now, if I'm being honest, the last few episodes left me in a bit of a mixed emotional state. However, my steadfast belief remains unchanged – the ultimate verdict on a show isn't solely hinged on its final episode. What truly holds weight for me is the entirety of the series – the cumulative impact and the journey it takes me on, especially those captivating episodes from the beginning through to episode 10. If a show manages to capture my heart from the start and keep me invested almost all the way through, a couple of concluding episodes won't drastically alter my overall opinion. It's about the bigger picture, the moments that truly resonated, and the overall experience that matters most.

In the grand scheme of things, this show stands tall as a fantastic addition to the top-tier roster of GMMTV's best BLs. I'd comfortably rate it a solid 9.5 out of 10. The magic truly comes to life thanks to the dynamic duo of Gawin and Krist – their impeccable chemistry is just the tip of the iceberg. The real magic lies in the outstanding script and skillful direction that weaves everything together seamlessly. It's a harmonious blend of all the right elements, making 'Be My Favorite' a remarkable gem in the BL universe. and I said what I SAID.