Step by Step – Series Review & Episode Guide

Pat is a 25-year-old employee at Jian Group. He works for the marketing department. Fluent in English, his translation skills make him a valuable asset on the team. His coworkers often rely on him for interpretations and copywriting. However, Pat feels disgruntled about his job after one month. He doesn't feel utilized by his colleagues, who make unreasonable demands and see him as a lowly assistant. Pat doesn't feel like he has experienced any career growth since starting his employment.

Jian Group is an award-winning company. It has earned "Best Employer of Asia" for four consecutive years. However, Pat feels differently about the toxic corporate culture. His colleagues are lazy and like to gossip a lot. These employees have grown complacent after working in the same roles for so long. They don't even know how to use technology. Also, Pat believes his male coworkers are sexist pigs who like to harass female employees. Despite reporting his complaints, Pat's manager is too meek to reprimand anyone.

Pat's colleagues have asked him to buy drinks for the rest of the team. While heading back, he accidentally drops a beverage on a stranger's shoe. Pat feels terrible about the accident. Fortunately, the handsome executive was courteous and didn't make a fuss. Later, they meet again at a nearby cafe. Pat offers to buy a meal for the businessman as an apology. The two chat over light snacks and drinks. Pat discusses his marketing job and sounds enthusiastic about a new technological concept. His companion listens intently to his ideas.

After Pat's old manager resigns, the team expects a new replacement for the boss. According to rumours, his new boss is Jeng. He's the son of the company CEO, who will inherit the business one day. Jeng has managed another division in the past. He's known for being a nitpicky perfectionist. To his surprise, Pat discovers Jeng is the guy he talked to at the coffee shop. Unlike his friendly demeanour in the past, Jeng has adopted a strict and professional attitude in the workplace.

After Pat's old manager resigns, the team expects a new replacement for the boss. According to rumours, his new boss is Jeng. He's the son of the company CEO, who will inherit the business one day. Jeng has managed another division in the past. He's known for being a nitpicky perfectionist. To his surprise, Pat discovers Jeng is the guy he talked to at the coffee shop. Unlike his friendly demeanour in the past, Jeng has adopted a strict and professional attitude in the workplace. He likes Pat's marketing ideas. However, Jeng also tends to criticize his subordinates a lot.

Jeng and Pat clash. After Pat's coworkers sabotage him, Jeng blames him for not handling the situation maturely. He also criticizes his employee's presentation skills. Pat becomes upset. He thinks there's a contrast between the friendly coffee shop guy and the mean boss. Outside work, Jeng lives with his brother, Jaab. The free-spirited sibling works for Ban Jay Production House, a video marketing company. Jaab's employer, Kanun, is dating Pat's friend, Ae. Pat doesn't realize that his personal life is indirectly tied to his boss. Their social circles overlap.

Step by Step is a slow-burn office BL drama that takes time to develop the romance. As the title implies, the series focuses on the couple's gradual relationship. Each episode shows the main characters growing closer and hints at their mutual attraction. They are cautious about expressing their feelings due to the sensitive nature of the workplace dynamic. As a result, enjoying this love story requires patience. With nearly fifteen hours of content, be prepared for a long wait before the climax finally arrives.

I dislike boss-employee romances in BL dramas since the power dynamics and professional misconduct make me uncomfortable. Surprisingly, I don't feel as offended by the couple in Step by Step. They have charming interactions that often occur outside the office. Jeng is also a gentleman who doesn't abuse his authoritative position, at least most of the time. The workplace relationship is tastefully portrayed and avoids the disrespectfulness of similar series. With that said, the love story still has problematic aspects. A few moments seem inappropriate, but I've seen far worse from this genre.

Step by Step addresses many workplace topics. Some subplots are enjoyable, particularly those that lead to character development. Pat polishes his business acumen, while Jeng goes from micromanaging his staff to displaying empathetic leadership. I like seeing both protagonists experience meaningful growth. However, other tedious storylines feel like needless filler. Also, the series simplifies office conflicts and doesn't portray these issues with nuance. The story could have gone deeper into dismantling harassment, hierarchy, and toxic corporate culture.

Jeng's performer (Man) looks incredibly handsome in a business suit, carrying an air of authority and sophistication. The dreamy leading man is tailor-made for this role. His most attractive quality is whenever he smiles bashfully. You wouldn't expect this confident hunk to have such a sweet and shy expression. The sheepish little grin gets to me every time. His costar (Ben) is also a telegenic cutie. Both leads form a desirable BL couple that will fuel your fantasies. However, Ben's acting is on the weak side. All those crying scenes expose his limited dramatic range.

Step by Step has several annoying storylines. The love triangle drags on for longer than necessary. Although I like Put's actor (Up), his minor character doesn't need to be prominent. In addition, the secondary romance between Jaab and Jen feels pointless. Their angsty relationship drama goes in circles. I'd rather see Chot and his boyfriend receive the spotlight instead. My least favourite plots are the aggravating conflicts in the last few episodes. Both leads show poor judgment in their love lives and workplace conduct. Jeng and Pat's strange decisions frustrate me.

Step by Step has a disappointing last episode. The couple separates over a flimsy conflict and takes too long to reconcile. The series wastes precious storytelling time instead of exploring Pat's new career or Jeng's emancipation from his father. These significant plot developments randomly occur in the finale when they deserve proper focus. Overall, I have mixed feelings about the drama. Some moments have made me giggle, swoon, or cheer for the leads. Yet, I expected better closure after hours of emotional investment. Ultimately, Step by Step leaves me unfulfilled.