Amor do Meio (2023)

Don't judge a book by its cover

Middleman's love is exactly like a lot of people described it. A typical office romance with a predictable storyline, obnoxious Thai humour, ridiculous characters and circumstances and a main character so extra it borders on annoying.

Or at least that's what I thought for the first 4 episodes but, DAMN.

Jade starts out as a very outgoing, meddling and to some maybe even annoying character. He's high energy and his face and voice are all over the place. He very much feels like Thai humour was just poured into a character. That is what it seemed like and that's how I expected it to stay. I didn’t think this show would ever turn into anything more than just something I could laugh at. So colour me surprised when episode 5 rolls around and they actually get into Jade's backstory.

Without spoiling anything, this show spends 4 episodes focussing on humour and the crush Mai has on Jade. But when episode 5 rolls around it actually gives all of the characters much more depth than I initially expected.

Jade isn't just obnoxious and annoying, he's hurt, self conscious and afraid of getting hurt again. Mai isn't just an emotionless man that's endlessly chasing after his crush but a guy who's trying to stay determined and both do the right thing while still honouring his own feelings.

This show doesn't deal with the endless layers of trauma that Bed Friend does, but that's not the point. It's a show about Jade, the middleman, finally getting noticed by someone and how his past and own mind desperately try to deal with the attention.

So if you're a TutorYim fan, like (or don't get angered by) Thai humour and you're looking for an easy to watch bl that still has some depth but doesn't deal with the endless layers of angst that every bl seems to have nowadays. Than Middleman's love might be for you.

Leia Mais

Loved it

Great show excited for next ep, people are composing about the show, but in my opinion, I enjoyed the first episode very much. I do agree with the commentary on king and uea’s roles sorta being swapped because king wasn’t his usual self portrayed in bed friend, but it didn’t bother me to the point where I hate it. I just brushed it off as relationships change, (me trying to convince myself it’s not a big problem) and I just dealt with it. I think that this is a worthwhile watch and since it’s only been the first episode, people should be patient and give the show a try.

Leia Mais

It... Has a plot... (If you squint really hard)

I will have to say I AM GOING TO WATCH THIS SERIES TILL THE END BECAUSE IT JUST STARTED TO GET GOOD.

I started watching because of Bed friend and that Yim and Tutor will be the main couple. Was really excited too. But GOOD LORD does the director not know how comedy works. I think the screenwriters who wrote it did not intend this much over the top acting and the actors probably really tried their best to fulfill the vision of the director. (Seriously, Yim and Tutor have better acting roles in 6 min shorts and have been successful characters is other dramas ie Cutiepie. Even in Bedfriend Jade was a better character).

The 1st episode was so painful and I had to physically hit the wall with how over the top Jade was. But pretty sure the director figured what he was doing wrong cuz in the 2nd episode onwards, Jade seemed to have toned it down a bit though not much.

Mai is a good character as in he's the calm to Jade's chaotic nature and I think they worked well to an extent. But perhaps we need a bit of a balance where Jade needs to match Mai's energy since Mai seems to be able to catch up to Jade more times than not.

For Uea and King, I have no notes. They are perfect. They are the definition of a healthy relationship and act like it. And after what happened in Bedfriend, this was a suitable outcome. Not to mention how they both are more than happy to wing man Jade (seeing as they have been good friends in a long time.) We support friends supporting friends.

Tong and Gus are good too. I liked seeing how Gus was trying hard to win Tongs affection and Tong wasn't reciprocating but when faced with Gus ignoring him, (What's this? the consequences of my actions?) Having Tong chase after Gus was entertaining and brings an homage to the previous series (Bedfriend).

Once you get to episode 5, The heavier, more relatable stuff kicks in and it's actually starting to be good. (At least compared to the almost derailing of the comedy scenes were.)

Khun Cheewin Thanamin Wongskulphat, if you are reading this: (Press X to Doubt) before you start the comedy, please try to make the MC relate to viewer first. Or at least let them sympathize with MC before you throw in the fact that they're bat shit crazy. But you a have very good eye for support characters, so A for effort on that part.

Or you know, you can just stick to sexual tension and heavier themed based drames. You seemed to have more success in those areas.

Also: If you are going to make a driving scene in the day, PLEASE DON'T MAKE IT LOOK TOO OBVIOUS THAT THE CHARACTERS ARE IN A STATIONARY CAR. SOUND EFFECTS CAN'T SAVE BAD CAMERA ANGLES AND EDITING!

EDIT: I am convinced that this director is only well versed in sexy time scene cuz.... Well when you get to episode 7 & 8 you'll get it...

Leia Mais

7 Episodes of Chase

This show makes me so angry... I enjoyed watching it to an extent, because I like Yim & Tutor, have since Cutie Pie and I liked Yim's character in Bed Friends but their chemistry in this one felt a little off to me, I'm not sure If the characters are supposed to be a little awkward (i haven't read the novel) but Jade didn't seem like this in Bed Friends.

Jade & Mai - These two made me mad, for 7 episodes They were playing chase with each other, and then of course on the last episode we saw them being cute and cuddly and it just made me upset because I like these two together and would've like to see them in love more than one episode - I hope they get another series together soon- also the beginning of Ep 8 when they kiss, Toturs big lips devor Yim and i needed more of that.

Uea & King - I will forever love these two, I know that this show isn't about them and they were just the side helping BUT I needed more of them, just like a little more. Their spicy chemistry is next level and I wish we could've seen just a smidge more of them.

Tong & Gus - Same for these two, I have loved them together since Friends Forever but we didn't get to see much of them, I hope they can have another show together. I think what we got of them was so good and they have great chemistry

Leia Mais

A different love story

Sorry people, but I loved Jade/Mia story. I get that many were expecting a continuation of the Bed Friend theme, however, this was different and it was IMO good. This was not a season 2 of Bed Friend. I binged the entire series and my heart hurt for Mia, because his love for Jade was pure, and the good old misunderstanding and lack of communication trope reared its head. I loved the side couples Tong/Gus and King/Ueau, the new and the old, showed the value of friends that know you. Can a series be better, always in some opinions. I watch for pure enjoyment and to be entertained by the characters, and I was involved in their stories and the issues they presented. I connected with this story and my rating reflex my feelings.
I appreciate the efforts of all involved, from the actors to the caterers, this is work people. This is my first review, usually I ignore reviews and decide for myself, however, because the bashing being handed out seemed very harsh for the story and presentation, I wanted to show my support.

Leia Mais

Watched for the side couples

Oh my Lord, why did they let Yim act this way? Jade was too over the top and I have trouble feeling like Mai would have any interest in him. There were a few times I felt Jade wasn’t too bad but that was only when he was acting serious. I’m really not a fan of Tutor and Yim. I would have stopped watching if not for the side couples.

I’m a huge fan of Net and James! I had to continue watching the series to see them and what (if anything) would happen between them. There wasn’t much but they made it worth watching.

And, I have to say, I’m sort of digging the new couple (Leo and Tai). Tai is just an adorable actor and I hope to see him go far.

Leia Mais

Light and fun show with a hidden message.

I have to say: I review this show having read the novel before, so I'm sorry if I compare the two things a lot. I just can't help it.
The Middleman's Love could have been either a full-comedy show or something really deep and emotional. If you read the novel, Jade is such a goofy character, but he has some insecurities that eat him alive and give deepness to his persona. The novel is basically a journey through an average person's mind, someone who couldn't just believe to have something good. It's a topic we all relate to, I guess.
What the producer did here is taking the novel and exaggerate the comedic part, trying to have a more entertaining show, with what they had. Maybe a budget matter, or maybe it's just a choice of the production team, but they went all-in toward the comedic genre.
I personally don't like this choice since I loved the book so much, but I still think this is a great show. The main flaw is visible since episode 1: Jade's behavior appears just immature for a 28-year-old man, it exceeds goofiness. Does it make The Middleman's Love a bad show? I don't think so. It's light, fun, and something you want to watch after a long and tiring day at work. The romance is there, both the main actors did a magistral job portraying their characters. Even if we can't see much of Jade's most intimate secrets, we can see how affected he is by people's thoughts and words, and how much he tries to keep himself safe from being hurt furthermore by love. As soon as you hit episode 5, you understand how that smiley mask... is just a mask. And I do admire the production team for this kind of message.

The biggest flaw is the little screen time of the side-couple. We don't even get to understand what is going on between them. It makes me mad how they left their story hanging for everyone, but those who can watch the uncut version.

Leia Mais

starts getting really good at ep3

I think this is one of the only series where I was disappointed after watching the first episode, because it didn’t reach my expectations. But, then as the episodes went by, it got better and better and in the end I really enjoyed the story and the actors performances. If you can get theough episode 1, and drop your negative feelings during episode 2, then from 3 and onwards it’s actually a really great story.

The story really hooked me, and struck a cord in me as I myself have been a Jade in the sense that I have been struggling with self-acceptance and self-confidence. The thourough stary telling of why Jade is who he is and how that has affected him till this day, makes him a very familiar character whom you have symphathy for. Mai is delightful and Tutor does an excellent job in making him communicative without saying much. Their chemistry was great and the acting top-notch. Their story hooked me and I became invested quite easily.

The side-couples are also great, however I would have liked more time spent on them, but I guess a show is in the works for them as well? Idk, but I’m invested in them as well.

Leia Mais

My Weekly Dose of Sweetness

I really loved how sweet and cute this series is! Tutor is the consummate straight man to Yim's funny man. I did not realize until this series just how angelic Tutor looks during his closeups. As Jade and Mai, they made a great acting team with great chemistry and the ability to be vulnerable when necessary. I also liked that both lead characters had warm and loving relationships with their families. I think that Asian families are often unfairly portrayed as very cold, homophobic and forcing ambition on their children. As an Asian, it's simply not true. Just as in other cultures and ethnicities, Asian families come in all varieties. It was nice to see two families where the parents and all of the siblings were close and loving.

There are so many serious topic and intense supernatural series airing at this time (winter 2023) that I needed a ray of sunshine from behind the clouds. There was only one other series (a serious one) that I looked forward to watching every week, due to the acting and storyline. Yes, the sports day episode wasn't my thing, but I've worked for places where we have sports day (without uniforms) and they are super fun. Ym and Tutor has such great chemistry, and their love scenes were both hot and loving and the same time. No, I cannot gush enough about Jade, Mai, Tutor and Tim.

The second couple, Tong and Gus were a cute couple, but they never fully explained by Tong was so rude and mean in the beginning of the series. I would love to see Leo and Tai in another series.

Leia Mais

Superficial but fluffy

Most hate this drama because yes Jade is exaggerative and over-the-top, but if you enjoy slapstick comedy and understand what it's like to feel overlooked or in the middle of it all, it's the show for you!

I genuinely enjoyed this drama unlike most because it was sweet, funny, and relatable in a lot of aspects. As someone who's been in the middle of all of my friends marriages (I'm almost the last single standing at this point) and in the middle of cousins and siblings, it's very easy to feel overlooked. You know you're family and friends love you, but to believe someone else (who in this story is extremely attractive ans friendly to everyone in the job) would actually like you over any of your friends kind of seems unbelievable in the moment. Jade is extremely oblivious and has some experience in the past that make things a little frustrating for most watchers when it's VERY obvious Mai likes him. But the main point of this story is of learning to accept yourself and accept love in your life even when it's hard.

The story is VERY superficial and definitely obvious for the very beginning. There are no crazy twists or surprises as it's very predictable. So if you're looking for a fluffy BL to pass time amd not looking for anything tok deep, I'd suggest trying it! TutorYim are adorable and I'd rewatch between other series!

Note: I do understand why people would get frustrated or bored, but this I definitely feel is better than all of the toxic BL's that I've seen this year even with its snail pace

Leia Mais

Ignore the hate

You will like this or you won’t and I’m a liker.
Reddit yelled about Yim’s acting being awful and over the top and yea he was ott as Jade but it wasn’t bad acting, it was purposeful. Jade is a very insecure, quite innocent, anime obsessive and this story is told wholly through his eyes. So to me it makes perfect sense that the series felt anime coded. I enjoyed Jade and Mal’s journey to love very much. Uea and King becoming number 1 Jade protectors was also delightful to see.

Overall it’s a really enjoyable journey. Watch the uncut if you can because it also has some really nicely done spice scenes.

Leia Mais