A Plug and a Content Warning
I have watched the first two episodes of this drama and this is, hands down, the best bl I have seen out of Taiwan in years. The creators have a firm grasp on the story they are telling, the characters are extremely well drawn, the relationships are compelling, and the production is strong enough to support the narrative. The show is based on a novel by Priest, and the confidence in the writing is evident.
That said, I cannot give a blanket recommendation for folks to pick this show up. For one, it’s centered on a romance between (essentially) adoptive brothers. So right out of the gate, if that trope is a no go for you, you will not like this. The family bond is very real and I expect it to be a very real complication.
On top of that, this show is quite dark. Our little family have survived some very rough childhoods. CWs for the first two episodes alone: child abuse, including CSA, child abandonment, homelessness, poverty, gang violence, blood, PTSD. If you decide to watch, please know that some of the content is truly upsetting. Please take care and know your limits.
Priest has a pretty strong track record with writing complex trauma and nuanced family dynamics so I am inclined to believe this has a strong chance of holding up, assuming the adaptation remains solid. All caveats above aside, I’m excited to have another strong Taiwanese drama to sink my teeth into.
