21 Days Theory – Series Review & Ending Explained

Episode 1 review

What's the point of this 21-day competition? The rules are so random and the prize is too vague. Why would Q agree to such a nonsensical rivalry with this guy he detests? Also, poor Mook gets dragged into the silly contest without her consent. Logically, a lot about this plot doesn't make sense to me. I understand the competition poses an excuse for Q and X to interact, but the scenario is a stretch.

My first impression of X is unfavourable. He disturbs Q in the restroom, gawks at his junk, and then mocks the size of his manhood. He also knocks Q on the ground and doesn't even apologize. X's behaviour isn't funny or cheeky. Instead, he comes across as a creepy asshole. Worst of all, Q has done nothing to provoke this animosity from a stranger. 21 Days Theory offers an unflattering introduction to its main character. I can understand why Q doesn't like him so much.

Why is X so mean to Q? Initially, I assumed he riled up Q to help him perform better in the acting audition. Then, I thought he wanted to provoke Q to make a memorable impression. The series never addresses X's behaviour in the first scene, brushing past the inappropriateness. X doesn't apologize, offer an explanation, or feel guilty about treating Q terribly. It seems like he antagonizes his crush without reason.

That scene with Toy kneeling in front of Q's crotch is a bit naughty, huh? 😳 I thought the moment was funny in an inappropriate way, provoking a small nervous giggle out of me. However, the imagery is surprisingly risqué for a BL drama I assumed would go the innocent and wholesome route. I notice a few other intentionally mischievous scenes throughout the series. The humour relies on the viewers' overactive imagination as they scandalize ordinary situations.

Episode 2 review

This episode is casual and relaxing. Initially, I was skeptical about the competition angle, which seemed too random. However, 21 Days Theory takes a lighthearted approach, adding lots of silliness and humour to energize the plot. The goofy scenes with Q and his friends work for me. Every time Toy pulls out a telescope to spy on Mook, he looks so ridiculous that it's funny. The story is winning over me with its delightful charm!

Toy developing a crush on Mook is a cute twist. The typical narrative is Q courting Mook until she agrees to go on a date with him. However, Toy's romantic feelings introduce an unexpected curveball. At first, you assume a relationship would develop between Q and Mook. Then, the story takes a surprising detour with a Toy and Mook secondary romance. While I'm indifferent to a BxG couple in a BL series, I'm glad Mook isn't just being deceived in this arrangement. She has a real suitor genuinely interested in her instead of being a pawn in Q and X's competition.

Okay, I'm fond of X's character now. The actor (Bever) is super charming and convinces me of his sincerity. Whenever X smiles, his facial expression exudes a lot of genuine warmth. The writing also softens X and makes him more sympathetic. However, the bulk of the work comes from Bever, who does a stellar job at rehabilitating his character. I like this actor a lot, and his performance stands out among the cast.

Episode 3 review

I really like the first scene in the bathtub. It's a cute bonding moment between the leads, highlighting their improved relationship. Based on Q's demeanour, you can tell he's getting cozier with X and warming up to his love interest. Before, there was an edge whenever Q talked to his former rival. Now, there's a flirtiness to their interactions that signifies a mutual attraction. Their rapport feels comfortable to watch.

I feel unsure where the series is headed with Frank and Mild's relationship, but that storyline makes me uneasy. The scenes are hinting a romantic angle, even though she already has a girlfriend. Each Frank x Mild interaction gives me anxiety, not knowing whether 21 Days Theory plans to straightwash her or not. Also, the shallow characters and their repetitive exchanges don't add much value. Frank and Mild aren't important figures. We can scrap their entire subplot and use the time for other developments instead.

Q is in the wrong for throwing a childish tantrum about X and his uncle. With that said, Man had moments where he seemed sweet on X, causing suspicion. I'm glad the uncle confirms he isn't attracted to a much younger guy. Let's not act like Kevin Spacey here. Also, I like the last scene where Q's uncle chastises his nephew for making inappropriate accusations. This conversation is needed to clear the air and reiterate the severity of what Q said. Their chat ends nicely with Man being a cool uncle, offering guidance, and mentoring a confused gay teen.

Happy ending

21 Days Theory has a happy ending where Q forgives X over their misunderstanding. Earlier, Mook shows Q a video. The footage proves that X had a crush for a long time. He used the experiment as an excuse to become brave and act on his secret feelings. Unfortunately, Q couldn't reconcile with X, who had left for Japan already. The leads remain apart for two months. The final scene shows X returning to Thailand, as Q shows up at his apartment with bakery goods. X offers to pay for the treats with a kiss as the screen fades to black.

Meanwhile, Q's friends also clear up their conflicts. Toy and Mook argue over the 21 Days Theory, but they resolve the disagreement by the end of the episode. Mook brings Toy as her official date for the awards ceremony. As for Frank, he doesn't have any romantic feelings for Mild. She reminds him of his older sister, who died due to a disease. His deceased sister serves as his inspiration to become a doctor. Mild is touched by his story and agrees to continue being his mentor.

Ending explained

That kissing scene is an adorable BL moment, perfectly executed with an abundance of cuteness. The interaction is simple, but it still manages to be funny, sweet, and charming. This wholesome encounter proves you don't need overt sexuality to convey a romantic connection between two teenage leads. It might come across as BL fluff, but I think this might be the best scene in 21 Days Theory.

A less effective scene is when X comments on Q's morning wood. His behaviour is socially awkward, right? Typically, these crass boner jokes don't irk me in BL dramas. However, I'm more sensitive because X already had a history of improper remarks about Q's manhood since Episode 1. Until now, his character charmed me enough to overcome a lousy first impression. Yet, this moment reminds me of X's obnoxious personality again. 

I don't understand the contrived drama with the 21 Days Theory. Why is Q so mad at X? Maybe I'm speaking from a viewer's perspective, but X's intentions seem evident from the start. He's using this so-called competition to hit on Q. However, Q acts offended and won't listen to X's explanation. He creates unnecessary tension that drags down this finale. Also, I don't like the series ending with Q arriving at X's doorstep. I want to actually see the characters reuniting and reconciling in the end. This conclusion is too vague and doesn't make enough impact.

Q's coming-out moment in this finale is just okay. I believe 21 Days Theory has good intentions and wants to reinforce positive LGBT messages. However, the entire subplot with Q and his mom seems overeager. The series tries too hard to push this sentimentality, diminishing its effectiveness for me. The story arc lacks subtlety, a critique that applies to the rest of the series. Still, I appreciate that 21 Days Theory shows their support for gay teens navigating their sexuality. Despite a bit of clumsiness, their efforts are sincere and well-meaning.