Only Friends – Series Review & Ending Explained

Episode 1

Episode 1 Review

Only Friends lives up to its promise by packing the premiere with sizzling encounters. For other BL dramas, I sit through hours of content and don't even see a peck on the cheek. In this series, the guys are making out left and right. I look one way, and Mew is sprawled on the countertop while Top feasts on his body like a buffet. I look the other way, and Boston is playing tonsil hockey with every guy he meets. Oh damn, it's getting hot in here~ I hope they maintain this sexual adrenaline for the rest of the episodes!

Among the three couples, I'm the most excited about Boston and Nick. They benefit from the novelty of being first-timers. Since the other two pairs have already starred in other BL dramas, they don't generate the same suspense. In contrast, I'm curious how Neo & Mark interact. The anticipation creates a rush when they hook up in the store. Ooh! Ahh! Yes! These are the sounds I make when they kiss lol~ I'm also glad both actors get their first leading roles. They've been stuck with supporting parts for years. It's great to see them receive an opportunity to shine.

Sand and Ray overcome a poor first impression of each other. They clashed initially. Sand did a good deed by stopping a drunk driver. Yet, Ray misconstrues his intentions and makes false accusations against him. I can understand why Sand would feel upset about being called a thief. Fortunately, they clear up their misunderstanding. When Ray isn't behaving like "a burden to society", he can be cheeky, charming, and flirty. After a solid introduction to the pair's personalities and dynamics, I look forward to seeing how their relationship progresses.

How did Mew become friends with Ray, Boston, and Chuem? Is it because they all study business administration? Otherwise, I can't fathom how this goody-two-shoe honour student crosses paths with the party animals. Ray and Boston's friendship makes sense because both are rich kids who like barhopping. Chuem seems like a social butterfly who can get along with anyone. Yet, why does Mew associate himself with this group? I would've liked a flashback describing the origins of their social circle.

Mew and Top's romance has an intriguing start. While they lose my interest later, I like their dynamic initially. The character archetypes of a playboy and a virgin are on the opposite ends of the spectrum. You don't expect them to mingle, yet they're drawn to each other. Mew may seem innocent, but he isn't prudish or inexperienced. He makes out with Top on their first evening together. However, he preserves the boundaries when it comes to sex. He wants to know Top better first. Fair enough, I respect his discretion. Let's see how long this abstinence can keep up.

Episode 2

Episode 2 Review

Aww, I like Ray and Sand! This couple progresses differently than the other two pairs. For starters, they don't kiss or hook up right away. It takes two episodes of bonding time before they're physically intimate. The buildup increases the sexual tension. Also, their scenes don't just emphasize romance. We learn other facets of their lives. For Top x Mew and Boston x Nick, their early exchanges predominantly revolve around sex or relationship drama. Their raunchy scenes have less depth.

My favourite part about Only Friends is that it doesn't limit intimacy to the three predefined couples. There are wildly random hookups with different combinations of characters. The unpredictability excites me! BL gets stale since the same actors are always paired together. This series experiments with unusual match-ups. For instance, Boston and Top are a new pairing. I watch eagerly as these two muscular studs enter the shower stall together. Gasp! Unfortunately, Mew arrives at an inopportune time. Ugh, can this walking cockblock get out of the way!? You're ruining my fantasy!

Top reveals his childhood trauma in a moment of vulnerability. After hearing the story, Mew questions its authenticity. "Are you telling the truth?" LMAO. I thought the same. Even with the flashback, Top's backstory sounds sketchy. I figure he's bullshitting to get laid. Besides the awkward writing, the performer lacks genuine emotions and can't sell this moment persuasively. I've watched Force & Book in three different dramas. While Book has improved as an actor, Force remains stagnant. I'm afraid he may have reached his ceiling. This is the most emoting he can do. 

I love how much skin the OF actors display. Boston and Top are shirtless all the time, showcasing their buff bodies at every opportunity. Any time these two beefcakes enter a scene, the raw sexual energy intensifies by default. The other cast members are physically attractive as well, but Boston and Top ooze seduction. I can almost understand why Nick is smitten with Boston so quickly based on looks alone. Nick grew up with low self-esteem. Seeing a hot guy pay attention to him must feel flattering and validating.

Boston and Top's characters are very similar. Both fill the same archetype of the hunky lotharios who sleep around. My Episode 2 prediction is that they'll go on different trajectories. One will have a happy ending after rehabilitating himself, while the other will have a sad ending as he continues to be promiscuous. From a storytelling perspective, it's redundant to have both Boston and Top go through the same journey. The juxtaposition between a reformed playboy and a persistent sleazebag is more powerful thematically.

Episode 3

Episode 3 Review

I adore Mew & Top's silent disco date. The idea is cute, quirky, and memorable. However, I'm not on board with this couple. Even before Top cheated, I didn't trust him. His motivation to spend time with Mew is to have sex. Otherwise, the two don't share much in common. Their personalities are also wildly different. The unfaithfulness is the last nail in the coffin, confirming this relationship doesn't work. Based on their incompatible profiles, Top and Mew are like two magnets who should repel each other.

Oh no, Nick is rapidly descending the rabbit hole of obsession. He seems weirdly attached to Boston, even though their relationship isn't that deep. As toxic as Boston may be, he has stated his intentions about wanting a casual fling. No strings attached. Yet, Nick keeps pushing this imaginary idea that they can be boyfriends. Also, Boston's behaviour is full of red flags. His sleazy reputation precedes him. Nick, don't fall for this love rat. He should be nothing more than a fuck buddy. Please rescue yourself before you get heartbroken! …oh wait, it's too late. 😔

OMFG!!! TOP IS A CHEATER! Paint the big red scarlet A on him! We must crucify this filthy whore! I'm just kidding. Despite my fake outrage, I'm not upset by Boston and Top's hookup. I know what I signed up for. I expected a BL series about evil sluts, and Only Friends delivered the promiscuous drama as promised. There are hundreds of monogamous love stories in this genre, so I gladly accept one immoral indulgence. Mwhahaha, let the temptation games begin! Besides, IDGAF about Top & Mew. With or without the cheating, this couple shouldn't be together.

Episode 4

Episode 4 Review

So far, we have learned Top is a cheater, a boyfriend stealer, and a cokehead. Wow, he's a catch lol. Plus, he has a shameless personality. The most offensive moment is when he offers to stop doing drugs if Mew sleeps with him. WTF!? Bro, that's a new low, even for you. Mew wants you to quit coke because he cares about your well-being. Don't exploit his kindness as a bargaining chip for sex! Top also puts subliminal pressure on Mew, making him feel guilty about enabling his boyfriend's drug habit if he says no.

Top is also icky because he comes across as disingenuous. He tells Mew, "You make me want to be a better person. I'll prioritize your feelings and your happiness." The words sound decent on paper, but his actions indicate otherwise. He says this line to his boyfriend after cheating on him in the last episode. What a load of horseshit! It's bad enough he backstabbed his partner and kept it a secret. In addition, Top feeds Mew BS about being a changed man. I want to be contrarian and root for the evil slut ironically, but he's so vile. Ugh, take this garbage man away.

Mew is not a pushover. To its credit, the story doesn't make his character naive and lovestruck just because he's sexually inexperienced. Unlike poor Nick, Mew is intuitive enough to understand the risk of dating a "top-tier" playboy. He has maintained some caution throughout their romantic interactions. Mew also plays hard to get. He's coy enough to tease a bit of physical intimacy and still leave Top desiring more. While Mew knows what he's doing, I worry for him. Once the truth comes out, Mew is going to get hurt. Betrayal is always painful, even if you anticipate it.

Since Top is such a POS, I make the mistake of thinking Ray is a better alternative for Mew. Their emotional flashback leads me to believe they share a deep bond. Unfortunately, he's also a problematic love interest. While Top is the asshole in plain sight, Ray is the scumbag that reveals himself in stages. Kissing Mew in his sleep is the first checkpoint in a journey of wicked behaviour. Top and Ray are both awful in similar ways. They're like the first two houses in Three Little Pigs, and Mew needs to move on to find someone with a decent foundation.

Ray is a pain in the ass. However, his character's saving grace is that he meshes well with Sand. I have a favourable opinion of the couple's charming relationship scenes, from playing the guitar to shopping for records. Sand also has a strong personality, so he confronts Ray about his bad behaviour. Ray needs to be around someone willing to call out on his bullshit. Mew does it too, but he's too easy to forgive his friend due to his soft heart. I trust Sand more to give Ray a harsh reality check. When they're together, Ray transforms into the best version of himself.

Episode 5

Episode 5 Review

Top and Mew come up with unusual ideas for their dates, from laser tag to silent disco. They're quirkier than your standard movie or dinner at a restaurant. In this episode, the couple visits a diner run by the vision impaired, allowing customers to stimulate the experience. Wow, that's a neat idea for a business enterprise. I love the creativity! However, I wish they saved this romantic material for ForceBook's other roles instead of wasting it on Top and Mew. This pairing has limited appeal, regardless of where they visit.

"If I don't sleep with him, he's going to get bored of me." This line depresses me. 😞 I hate that Mew feels this way about their relationship. Unfortunately, there's truth to his statement. Top gives the impression that he expects Mew to put out for him. The cute, fluffy dates are the side dressing to the main meal. Top could've eased his boyfriend's concerns. Introduce a scene where Top notices Mew's anxiety and states he doesn't want to pressure him for sex. This humanizing moment would soften his characterization, emphasizing he cares about Mew beyond physical pleasure.

Out of the three ForceBook dramas, Top and Mew may be my least favourite pairing from them. I thought the CEO from A Boss and a Babe was sleazy, but he's nothing compared to Top. This guy is a top-tier douchebag~ His cheating scandal hangs over the romance like a guillotine, diminishing the couple's first sexual encounter. Ironically, OF is ForceBook's most affectionate role. They're far more physically intimate than in their past two series. I should be invested in their scenes. Yet, I still don't like them, proving that smut doesn't always correlate to enjoyable BL.

Sand is a catch! Why is Ray still pining after that bland marshmallow Mew when he has this single and spicy musician in front of him? The series does a great job of developing Ray & Sand's romance. Their relationship scenes have a balanced mix of playful flirtation, physical affection, and emotional connection. My favourite moment is the sexy dressing room scene, especially when Sand stuck his hand into Ray's pants~ And they did it with the store employee beside them! So scandalous! 🤭

WTF! Why would Boston say that!? STFU, you evil asshat! There's no reason to bring up Ray and Mew's kiss. Ray hasn't even said or done anything to provoke him, so the shit-stirring came out of nowhere. In Boston's twisted mind, he wants Ray and Mew to date so that Top would become available. Boston can't bear to see his friend happily in love with someone else. So, he drops a random truth bomb and blows up their relationship. What flabbergasts me the most is that Ray and Boston are supposed to be "friends". With friends like Boston, who needs enemies!? 

Episode 6

Episode 6 Review

Fuck Ray. This is the second time he has tried to drive while intoxicated. Someone needs to take the car away from this reckless drunk driver before he hurts innocent people. Also, his meltdown at the end of the episode is disgraceful. I'm embarrassed for him. With that said, a part of me secretly cackles at the chaotic drama. Ray is like a bomb that has set off, destroying everyone's relationships in proximity to him. Chuem & April haven't even done anything to wrong Ray, but nobody is safe from his wrath!

NICK!!! Can you hear me!? I need you to wake up and see Boston for who he is! Boston is a player. This guy doesn't love you. He only sees you as a temporary placeholder until someone else comes along. You're the equivalent of a supermarket grocery cart. He picks you up, takes you for a quick stroll, and abandons you once his shopping is complete. A part of me feels sorry for Nick because Boston toys with him. Yet, I'm also shaking my head in exasperation. Poor Nick is too dickmatized. The only way he'll snap out of his delusion is when Boston inevitably breaks his heart.

I love the hilariously theatrical way Mew exposes his boyfriend's cheating. Most people would confront their partners directly with the evidence. Mew, on the other hand, waits until they're in the middle of sexual foreplay before pulling his sudden GOTCHYA moment. Before I call out your unfaithful ass, let's make out one last time lol~ Top starts crying and pretending to be sad, but I don't believe his remorse. The time to come clean about your hookup was several episodes ago, yet you continue lying through your teeth. You're only sorry because you got caught.

Episode 7

Episode 7 Review

This episode is a mess, from the absurd plots to the erratic behaviour. All the storylines are illogical. Every protagonist acts out of character. Yet, the drama is so hilariously over the top that I'm entertained. My favourite is the iconic scene where Mew kicks Boston into the pool while yelling, "YOU MOTHERFUCKER!!!" I just burst out laughing. Yeah, Boston deserves that. Later, Chuem disrupts another fight by spraying everyone with a hose, turning it into a wet t-shirt contest. It's supposed to be a tense moment, but why am I cracking up?

Evil Mew is legendary. Turning the innocent goody-two-shoe into the biggest scheming whore is a character arc for the ages. I love Mew's revenge era. Instead of moping about his breakup, he woke up and chose VIOLENCE. I see Mew as some virgin vigilante, taking down these sleazy playboys one by one through any means necessary. The best moment is when he emerges from the bathtub with a crazed look in his eyes. It feels like witnessing the birth of a supervillain. Top, Boston, Gap, and all you promiscuous scumbags, you better be scared. Evil Mew is coming to destroy you!

I love Mew's smackdown against Top. "Friends are friends! Not people who you would fuck in the car!" LMAOOOO. I also crack up when he burns those corny sketches Top drew of him. Mew's hatred gives me LIFE!!! I wish he had kept up this badass energy instead of forgiving his ex in future episodes. Later, Mew conducts an evil scheme by obtaining Boston's sex tape and taunting him with it. I can destroy your life with this GAY SEX footage, but I prefer to lord my moral superiority over you instead. *drops mic* OMG, Mew is such an epic villain. I can't help but stan!

Episode 8

Episode 8 Review

I wish Only Friends would treat the Mew and Ray romance seriously. It puts little effort into this couple, knowing they won't last. Their rushed, one-dimensional relationship feels like a blatant plot device to cause drama. The series misses an opportunity to tell a delicate storyline as friends transition to lovers. RayMew doesn't have to be endgame, but give the pairing the proper development. Don't only focus on their worst moments. Highlight their positive memories & sensitive emotions for a well-rounded narrative.

I also wish Only Friends would handle Top's redemption differently. His apology tour is a dud. Top seems obnoxious when begging for a second chance he doesn't deserve. He follows his ex everywhere, pestering him for forgiveness. You guys broke up! Leave him alone! I hate that Top doesn't give Mew the space to process his heartbreak. By appearing everywhere, Mew is constantly reminded of his boyfriend's recent betrayal. In addition, Top seems insincere. Despite promising to change, he lacks credibility. When I see him, all I think is: "Once a cheater, always a cheater."

Why does Top want to reconcile with Mew so badly? This couple only dated for a few months. Based on the handful of moments, their connection isn't deep. Yet, he grovels to his ex for many episodes, reeking of desperation. I barely recognize the confident playboy introduced in Episode 1. Where's his swagger? I don't believe Top would mope around in self-pity after breaking up with a guy. His excessive remorse doesn't match his characterization. A more believable response is apologizing, accepting the relationship seems beyond repair, and moving on.

"I don't want Mew to screw up his life because of me." Hmm, a rare moment of self-reflection from Top. After the breakup, Mew goes on a downward spiral. He takes drugs, drinks excessively, and loses his innocence. He's unrecognizable from the sweetheart in the past. Top fears his betrayal may have derailed Mew's life. Driven by guilt, Top wants to change and become a ~better person~. However, I'm not convinced. One, the sloppy writing doesn't convey the themes with clarity. And two, the actor can't express Top's vulnerability compellingly.

Ray also goes on a downward spiral, acting insufferable without Sand's positive influence. I can't tell how much of Ray's self-sabotaging is due to substance abuse, his natural personality, or bad writing. Whatever the reason, he is toxic. I hate how Ray can't decide between Mew and Sand, fluttering between both love interests. He also becomes annoyingly possessive of Sand despite no longer being together. Most of all, I'm alarmed by his recklessness, posing a danger to himself and others. Ray desperately needs an intervention.

Initially, I enjoyed the entertaining chaos. The fights, betrayals, breakups, and random hookups provide entertainment in the short term. However, the constant drama feels emotionally draining in the long run. After the initial buzz has faded, I grow tired of these messy protagonists and their bitchy conflicts. The plot is also slipping out of control. The storyteller no longer has a grasp of sensible logic or consistent characterizations. Ray isn't the only one who needs an intervention. Only Friends deteriorates into vile nonsense and requires course correction.

Episode 9

Episode 9 Review

In this episode, Only Friends drops all pretences and becomes glorious smut. For the record, I prefer a BL series with meaningful narratives, consistent characterizations, and mature relationship drama. But if you can't write a good story, filling the plot with gratuitous sex is the next best thing. Only Friends introduces the most random hookups in hilariously absurd scenarios. Characters with no prior romantic interest in each other suddenly start kissing. I'm amazed and amused by all the naughty shenanigans.

Imagine watching a BL drama. You point at two characters randomly and ask, "Wouldn't it be funny if they make out?" Typically, this passing thought disappears from my head. In Only Friends, my most deluded fantasies become a reality. From sexy bosses to bicurious guys open to experimentation, this perverse series depicts unexpectedly erotic scenarios. I'm laughing my ass off when a job interview suddenly pivots into seductive foreplay. The sheer randomness, mixed with tongue-in-cheek irreverence, creates stupidly fun episodes that entertain me.

Daddy Dan is one of my favourite supporting characters in Only Friends. He became iconic as soon as they gave him that catchy nickname. I have a crush on the hunky actor (Papang), who has appeared in other dramas. Papang caught my eye somewhere between Not Me and Moonlight Chicken. The steamy EarthPapang kiss still replays in my mind. I'm giddy to see him in another enticing role, exchanging more passion with his male costars. Casting directors, please keep including Papang in all future BL projects. Your series needs this beefcake and his seduction!

Damn. Poor Mew can't catch a break. Both his boyfriends have cheated on him, inflicting the type of trauma that would justify his villain origin story. How many frogs does he have to kiss before meeting one faithful guy? My least favourite part is how Top uses this scandal to call out Ray's hypocrisy. "You're no better than me." Heartbreaking. The worst person you know just made a great point. As much as I love SandRay, they behave deplorably like Top & Ton. These cheaters are two sides of the same coin.

I don't like Mew and Ray together. They make a dysfunctional couple with zero sparks. Ray pressuring Mew for intimacy is gross. Also, Mew isn't attracted to Ray, weaking the relationship. The only positive to come out of their romance is that it stops Mew & Top from reconciling. Top continues to be a nuisance, schmoozing his way into his ex's family home. Like the slightly lesser of two evils, I cling to Mew & Ray as a last defence against Top. Unfortunately, the series insists on reuniting this godforsaken pair. Why can't Mew stay single after his breakup!?

Episode 10

Episode 10 Review

My favourite part of the episode is the last scene with Ray. Our troubled protagonist has a decisive breakthrough as he comes to terms with his addiction. I love how the exchange is filmed with candid close-up shots of Ray's face. As he breaks down, I appreciate the raw emotions and powerful messages. This moment feels genuine. Unlike Top or Boston's clunky redemption arcs, I believe in Ray's willingness to change. As much as Ray frustrates me throughout the story, I'm glad to see his positive transformation.

My least favourite part of the episode is the icky subplot with Atom, which makes me uncomfortable. Boston is a dick, but he doesn't deserve those false accusations. However, I admit to laughing when Mew flashes a smug smirk, clearly enjoying his enemy's downfall. He's soooo petty lmao. Boston hits rock bottom after his scandal. Everyone has alienated him except for Nick, who stands by his man through thick and thin. The one positive from this ugly situation is that Boston finally cherishes Nick's loyalty. You know who your true friends are in times of hardship.

Daddy Dan's kissing is wild! He has an assertive technique and takes charge of the romantic moment. Plus, Dan seems like a good guy who respects Nick and gives positive reaffirmations. I prefer Dan as Nick's love interest. Despite Boston's recent growth, he shouldn't have taken so long to treat his love interest decently. In contrast, Dan supported his partner from the start. Yet, Nick chooses Boston over Dan, closing the door to a suitable long-term relationship. The moral is that nice guys finish last, while dirtbags who gain a last-minute conscience get the glory.

Mew and Boeing's flirting excited me! I love the trivia scene where their characters have an intense nerd-off over answering geography questions. Dare I say, they share more sexual tension in this one exchange than in any of Mew and Top's bland relationship scenes. Later, Boeing proposes a twisted plan, teaming up with Mew to exact revenge on Top. As a full-time Top hater, I welcome anyone who wants to bring down that bastard. I clap my hands on the sidelines and cheer for Mew to cheat on his boyfriend!

Sorry, but I love Boeing. Out of the many evil sluts in Only Friends, Boeing is the evillest and sluttiest of them all. His epic character brings dangerous seduction, entertaining villainy, and a sizzling physique. I appreciate Boeing for stirring shit unabashedly. Like a human torpedo, he targets the three lead couples and sets out to destroy their relationships. This shameless homewrecker makes passive-aggressive digs, plants seeds of doubt, and launches psychological warfare to mindfuck everyone. Meanwhile, I'm cracking up and rooting for him to succeed.

Episode 11

Episode 11 Review

I'm skeptical of whether Boston is a changed man. Top also proclaimed his loyalty before he cheated, setting a cautionary tale. I want to be optimistic and trust Ton, but old habits die hard. Plus, a part of me is bitter that Nick broke Dan's heart, so I'm like, "Are you SURE this is the right choice?" Despite my concerns, I gave Boston the benefit of the doubt. Since this romance will only last a few months, he should be able to keep a short-term commitment. Sadly, I underestimated how much of a superwhore Boston is lol.

I'm disappointed Mew doesn't execute his juicy revenge arc. Mew & Boeing make a deadly duo, like two evil masterminds coming together to discuss how to maximize their joint slay. Their depraved scheme would leave Top so psychologically scarred that he takes a lifelong celibacy vow. Instead, Mew picks the boring route of reconciliation. The couple's relationship drama is tedious. At one point, Top threatens to break up since Mew can't get over the betrayal. I'm astounded by Top's ability to victimize himself in this argument. Aww, poor little cheater is upset he doesn't get a fresh start.

After failing to break up Top & Mew, Boeing makes a hilarious pivot and meddles with Sand & Ray's relationship. Oh my god, this tireless homewrecker doesn't take a break! Boeing's characterization is so muddled that I don't understand his motivations. Stealing other people's boyfriends seems to be his favourite hobby. Ray and Sand have a charming romance, but I'm curious to see what damage Boeing causes with his manly wiles of seduction. The episode ends with all three getting into a pool together. Ooh, I like where this is going~ 🤤

Episode 12

Ending Review

That three-way pool kiss is everything. Boeing and Sand's actors (Mond & First) were in the drama Not Me, which I loved for its complex plot and meaningful political messages. The BL fan in me also enjoyed shipping the characters in random romances. One of my obsessions was Gram and Yok, who never became an official couple. Imagine my euphoria to see the pairing reunite on screen in a steamy hookup! Only Friends has fulfilled my deluded GramYok fantasies from years ago, like seeing an impossible wish come true.

Boeing spent days trying to break up Top and Sand's relationships, but they resisted his advances. Meanwhile, Boston folded in less than five seconds. LMAO. Sorry, but I find that hilarious. I secretly adore the morbid ending where Boston discards his character growth because he can't quit being an evil slut. This plot twist is clunky, blindsiding viewers when it should've provided more buildup and foreshadowing. Nonetheless, I like that OF doesn't go for a standard wholesome conclusion. Boston's wickedness is devilishly fun.

Boeing is like Only Friends in a nutshell. His character embodies this drama's best and worst traits. He's sexy as hell, makes little sense, has no moral compass, starts unnecessary drama, and offers messy entertainment. The best part about Boeing is his seductive pheromones, causing men to be inexplicably attracted to him. He goes on a terrorizing spree in the finale and bewitches multiple guys with committed relationships. When the leads gaze into his eyes, they'll hook up with him against any logic. Oh no, protect your boyfriends before this succubus comes for them!

Finally, Nick has woken up instead of pining after Boston. While I'm happy to see his newfound self-respect, he learns his lesson the hard way as a lonely, heartbroken soul. I hate to say ~I told you so~, but justice for Daddy Dan! A promising love interest was right in front of Nick. He could have picked the guy with a sweet personality, a stable job, similar aspirations, and long-term relationship prospects. Yet, he threw away his happiness for a scumbag. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Choose wisely next time!

I wish Only Friends would give Top and Mew a sad ending too. While their library sex scene is hilariously camp, I still don't support the couple. In my opinion, they should've remained "only friends" after their breakup. Top's redemption arc feels contrived, trying too hard to make him remorseful and sympathetic. I would enjoy his character more if he had more edginess. Behave like Boston, who owns up to his villainy. At least Boston is a dirtbag who knows it. In contrast, Top is a POS who does the bare minimum to change before congratulating himself smugly.