BOYS – Series Review & Episode Guide

Boris and Ho Yin are young actors starring in a theatre play. They portray a gay couple going through a breakup. In addition, Ho Yin is a screenwriter who contributed to the script. The story is drawn from his relationship experiences in the past.

Ho Yin and Boris are friends outside the play. They get along well and have developed a close relationship. Also, Boris harbours a noticeable crush on Ho Yin. However, his costar doesn't reciprocate the feelings and only sees them as platonic friends. Ho Yin occasionally flirts with other guys, making Boris jealous and upset.

Boris is frustrated by his unrequited love. He visits Karl, his old university roommate, and confides in him about his troubles. Karl suggests that Ho Yin seems to be a player. Nonetheless, he gives Boris reassuring advice and encourages him to keep trying. Boris is thankful for his roommate's advice.

Meanwhile, Ho Yin notices Boris has been spending time with his roommate. Ho Yin becomes jealous of their bond, especially when Boris doesn't reply to his messages. The two leads have an emotional encounter when they meet afterwards. They must confront their feelings for each other.

BOYS is a brooding BL drama about two guys who agonize over the blurry lines between friendship and romance. Unfortunately, this love story is too dull. The narrative feels uneventful, not grabbing my attention with the banal dialogue and mundane scenes. Also, both protagonists are unlikable and unsympathetic figures. I can't warm to their whiny personalities or bratty antics. A boring plot and obnoxious characters form an awful combination, making this series tough to enjoy.

BOYS also suffers due to an excessively gloomy tone. This BL drama doesn't have an optimal balance between happy relationship moments and miserable melodrama. Instead, the few lighthearted encounters are overshadowed by lots of unpleasantness. I don't have the patience to subject myself to constant arguments, jealous tantrums, and self-pitying spiels. As the characters keep clashing, BOYS becomes an increasingly irritating experience. I'm reluctant to watch each new episode and continue this journey of perpetual negativity.

In its defence, I wouldn't classify BOYS as a terrible BL drama. The storyteller has put some care into crafting the narrative, so it isn't a sloppy piece of work hastily put together. There are a few thoughtful moments, meaningful messages, and poignant themes throughout the series. Occasionally, the characters share profound philosophies about getting over a heartbreak. Some BL projects are shallow fluff devoid of depth, but BOYS doesn't fall into this category. It's a perceptive series that conveys illuminating insights about relationships and unrequited love.

The romance is unappealing because the couple goes through too much angst. If your crush upsets you this much, it's time to reconsider your feelings. I don't understand why Boris likes Ho Yin in the first place. This guy is moody and treats you disrespectfully. At some point, I question why these two are even friends. BOYS should've developed Ho Yin's character better, showcasing more of his positive qualities. Ho Yin looks worse when you compare him to Karl, a better love interest in every aspect. Why does Boris fawn over his crappy friend when Karl is such a catch?

The leads only stand out when they kiss passionately. Otherwise, their performances are unremarkable. Boris' actor (Bowie Guan) overacts in a few exchanges, especially when delivering heavy emotional material. His costar (Hubert Mak) is okay, I guess. However, he's saddled with a detestable role and lacks the charisma to become a sympathetic protagonist. I like Karl's actor (Oyster Fung), who looks sharp and makes a strong impression on screen. The problem is he doesn't appear enough during the series. I enjoy what I see of Karl, but he has a small presence.

BOYS has a sad ending. Instead of going for a cozy conclusion, it opts for a sense of wistful melancholy. Thematically, I like where Boris and Ho Yin's relationship stands at the finale, highlighting growth from both characters. Yet, the final episode also feels anticlimactic, like the plot could've pushed itself further. It's a recurring problem with this tepid BL drama, which doesn't build much momentum or excitement. Overall, I find BOYS lacklustre and uninspiring as a love story. It's a mediocre effort that evokes only apathy from me.