Ai Long Nhai – Series Review & Ending Explained

Ai is an aerospace engineering student attending a Canadian university. Recently, he was expelled after getting into a fight. His father, Sib, is furious. Sib orders his son to return to Thailand and attend a local school instead. Otherwise, he'll cut off all financial support. Ai has no choice but to obey his father's wishes.

Despite the strict punishment, Ai has a close relationship with his family. Sib is in a long-term committed relationship with another man, Jaonan. Ai views Jaonan as a parental figure, almost like he has two fathers. However, Ai has a rocky relationship with his biological mother, Rajin. He doesn't keep in contact with her and avoids mentioning his mom whenever possible. As far as Ai is concerned, he feels much closer to Sib and Jaonan.

On his first day of school, Ai meets his classmate Nhai. Their first encounter occurs outside the campus entrance, where Nhai accidentally drops his duck keychain. Ai retrieves the items for this stranger, forming a connection. Nhai is a cheerful, happy-go-lucky guy who introduces Ai to his friends. Ai meets Tonhon, Nine, and Intha, who welcome him into their social circle. They constantly hang out, meeting for meals or board game sessions.

Ai develops a crush on Nhai and finds him physically attractive. Furthermore, Nhai is bubbly, playful, and spontaneous. He likes to goof around, crack jokes, and exercise his excellent sense of humour. However, Nhai can be ditzy, immature, and irresponsible. His friends like teasing him playfully and making him the butt of the joke, which he takes in stride. Yet, Ai finds Nhai's annoying qualities to be charming. As they spend together, Ai becomes utterly smitten with his adorable friend.

Despite Ai's growing feelings, Nhai only sees him as a friend. Their interactions have been strictly platonic. Sometimes, Nhai compliments Ai's looks or gets affectionate with him. Yet, these playful little teases don't have romantic connotations. Nhai also seems interested in courting a female classmate. Ai becomes increasingly frustrated as he spends time with his new friend. He believes his love will be unreciprocated, yet those mixed signals keep raising his hopes.

Initially, I intended to give Ai Long Nhai a lower review score. It's hard to excuse the glaring narrative flaws, from the aimless plots to the irrelevant filler. The story also celebrates idiotic behaviour, obnoxious relationship tropes, and problematic red flags. My brain tells me it's a clumsily made BL drama, yet my heart argues otherwise. I must stop denying myself and admit this goofy series entertains me. Despite all its imperfections, Ai Long Nhai is an unexpectedly enjoyable guilty pleasure.

My favourite part of Ai Long Nhai is the endearing protagonist. I love Nhai so much. This adorable twink makes a positive first impression with his radiant eyes and innocent smile. Yet, Nhai's angelic image is shattered as soon as his real personality emerges. His immaturity, neuroticism, and ditziness create such a hilariously annoying character. I learn to embrace Nhai's eccentric quirks, giggling at his pesky antics or relating to his idiosyncrasies. I appreciate the liveliness he brings to the series. There's never a predictable moment with Nhai's cheeky mischief and delightful spontaneity.

Some love stories take too long to unite the couple. In contrast, Ai Long Nhai accelerates the relationship without wasting time. The leads have their first intimate encounter as early as Episode 2, a memorable moment with thrilling adrenaline. The rest of the series is dedicated to showcasing the juicy rapport between Ai and Nhai. Their interactions are overpouring with flirtiness, passion, and physical affection. The persuasive BL content ranges from teasing banter to seductive kisses. Ai Long Nhai understands what fans want and gives us nine hours of romantic fluff.

I love that Ai and Nhai spend a lot of time together. The characters do mundane activities like talking in the car or hanging out on the couch, resembling a regular couple. They're curious about each other's lives, become familiar, and open up emotionally. Their relationship scenes seem authentic, emphasizing a genuine connection. In addition, the leads convey natural and easygoing chemistry. Also, their attractiveness appeals to the shallow part of me. Ai's actor (Meen) is hot, while his costar (Ping) looks super cute. This telegenic pair makes the romance aesthetically enticing.

Ai Long Nhai has an intriguing storyline as Nhai navigates the confusion over his sexuality. The series also wins points for its sympathetic portrayal of a modern family unit. Ai has two gay dads and shares warm dynamics with them. His inspired backstory feels very progressive. Regrettably, the series botches an opportunity to explore meaningful LGBT+ parenting themes. The outlandish melodrama with Ai's biological mom is so awful that it becomes funny in a campy way. This pitiful attempt at serious drama comes across as foolish and farcical.

Ai Long Nhai is the prequel to Tonhon Chonlatee. Like the original, this series enjoys cracking stupid jokes and displays a similar style of absurd comedy. The energetic cast enhances the humour with bubbly enthusiasm. With that said, a few iffy moments are played for laughs. I dislike how Ai reinforces stereotypes by calling Nhai his wife. The flimsy plots also irk me, indulging in too much filler and fluff. Regardless, I irrationally adore Ai Long Nhai more than some better-written BL dramas. This playful love story is full of joy, whimsy, and captivating charm.