Fools – Series Review & Episode Guide

Trieu, Thuy, and Thien are three best friends about to graduate from high school. They're supposed to attend the official closing ceremony. Since Thuy and Thien have won awards, the school arranges for them to give speeches in front of the other graduates. As for Trieu, he's the student photographer assigned to take pictures of the special day.

Thuy is afraid of public speaking, so he doesn't look forward to giving the speech. His anxiety becomes so bad that he falls ill and throws up before the ceremony. Meanwhile, Thien has adopted a rebellious streak by dying his hair, piercing his ears, and getting a tattoo. Thien's actions stem from clashing with his mother, so he wants to upset her.

Despite their responsibilities, the three friends agree they don't want to attend the ceremony. Instead, Thien suggests they go on an adventure. They'll board a random bus and travel wherever it takes them. During the ride, the three teens receive phone calls from their concerned families and peers. Nonetheless, they continue their whimsical journey and won't return to school.

The trio arrives by the seashore. The teens used to visit here every summer. They hang out and chat casually, reflecting it's the last time together before going their separate ways. After graduation, each of them will attend a different university. Thuy is even leaving the country to study abroad. As the magnitude of the occasion dawns on them, the three friends become contemplative. Trieu seems to have unresolved feelings weighing on his mind.

Fools is a poignant coming-of-age story about three teenage friends on their graduation day. A part of its appeal comes from not knowing who the main couple is. With most BL dramas, you quickly identify the two leads and expect them to form a romantic connection. This series doesn't reveal the central pairing right away. Instead, it invites you to observe the relationship dynamics and make assumptions. The attraction slowly emerges after a while, straining the close-knitted friendships.

The first half of Fools is a calm, introspective journey. It takes time to introduce the characters, develop everyone's personalities, and highlight their bonds. Each protagonist has a distinctive backstory and personal troubles weighing on their mind. Yet, the narrative is on the slow, uneventful side. Not much happens in the early episodes besides casual chats, pensive expressions, or lingering gazes. The dialogue doesn't engage me, as if I'm eavesdropping on conversations without context. Although I'm not bored, the story's unhurried pace fails to ignite my enthusiasm.

Surprisingly, the second half of Fools is packed with wild, intense emotions. After a gentle start, the tension bubbling beneath the surface has a fiery explosion. Episode 3 is memorable because it features shocking confessions and heated confrontations. These best friends are suddenly arguing, crying, and kissing. While their antics are captivating, the conflicts seem exaggerated and ridiculously melodramatic. I know it's an inappropriate response, but my first reaction to their anguish is incredulous laughter. I can't stop giggling at the scandalous turn of events.

Fools showcases many volatile feelings, including anger, sorrow, regret, and distress. However, it doesn't put emphasis on passion or seduction. This BL series lacks relationship content, never expressing much sweetness and tenderness between the characters. The intimate moments are limited to a few quick kisses. Yet, these exchanges are often followed by some unpleasant drama. The weak romance drags down the effectiveness of the story. Since the leads don't have a strong love connection, I can hardly sympathize with their emotional turmoil.

The capable leads handle the heavy, angsty material admirably. Trieu's actor (Truong Dang) is a solid talent who portrays a versatile range of emotions. Likewise, Thien's performer (Nguyen Viet Hung) reveals a fascinating darker side beneath his bubbly demeanour. If I must pick a favourite, I enjoy the delicate sensitivity from Thuy (Do Anh Hao). Thuy's character is bookish and mousy in the series. Yet, the actor's social media displays a fashion model with a ripped tattooed body. The drastic contrast makes me appreciate how much he has transformed himself for the role.

Fools has a sad ending where the leads can't repair the irreconcilable differences in their friendship. On the one hand, I appreciate the poignant depictions of grief, disappointments, and remorse. On the other hand, the series crosses the line into excessive melodrama. I don't take the overblown theatrics too seriously. Nonetheless, this melancholic drama still registers in my mind after the finale. I feel rueful for these heartbroken protagonists and their tragic experiences. Fools makes me contemplate the narrative themes afterwards, a definitive sign of its success.