LET'S BACK UP. OK, so what's up with 2Moons? After I fell hard for BL with Sotus, I have been looking for another drama that is its equal (give me your recommendations please!!). I watched Make It Right (meh - too young, faking their kisses) and Love Sick (loved it but it moved a bit slow and again with the fake kissing. I now google this before I start a series. I just can't even with this.) Then I watched 2Moons. Based on a book series, I loved it immediately, watched the whole thing and then went to check in on the second season ... and the entire thing had been recast. I just couldn't handle the shock of it, so I didn't watch 2Moons2 for a long time. I think waiting meant I could come to the "second season" clean. Really, I think it's best to go into this thinking two things: this is more like a reboot than a sequel (although it runs longer into the story, it recaps the first season in the first three eps) and it's a cliff-hanger. That's a spoiler but I prefer to know that going in because I WAS SHOCKED when I hit the end. Now, I'm fairly worried about season 3. Supposedly the cast is confirmed, which better be true otherwise my heart may just give out. Still, I'm glad all this social distancing pushed me into finally catching up on this gem of a show.
So, in recommending this, honestly, I think 2Moons gives good background development with our characters but watching both, I actually prefer the new cast and I think since they recapped, you could reasonably just dive into 2Moons2. At the very least, now you know.
Prefer the new cast you say? Oh yes, let's dive into it.
So this cast had a tall order to fill. Fans of the series were really attached to the initial cast and many insisted on boycotting 2Moons2 (yeah, right) because of the change. It's jarring and people were angry, and these actors - brand-new, shiny, pretty, baby actors - stepped right up, did their homework, worked hard and crushed it. Really.
Our central pair is Pha/Wayo. Ben is such an expressive Pha, that the audience immediately connects with his feelings for Wayo. That moment when he realizes what's happening is pure gold. Ben demonstrates range, believably protective, jealous, and bullying, but with Wayo is just so soft and sweet. Also they kiss like they mean it. We are blessed, thank goodness - I just can't take this fake kissing anymore. My American sensibilities have no patience >.< So here is what I truly love about this story. Pha is a classic drama love interest. He's tall, and beautiful, and smart, and a doctor, and everyone wants him. Yet, he's always loved Wayo. Wayo didn't have to wear him down with pluck and persistence. From day 1, Pha and Wayo have been on the same page about each other, they just had to be brave enough to say something about it (specifically, Pha needed to be comfortable with his friends). I love this. Pha didn't wait for Wayo to get pretty, he loved him for who he was from the start, fully, completely, unconditionally. This speaks volumes about Pha as a character and evens out their relationship. I think about characters like Naoki from Mischeivous Kiss or Domyouji from Boys over Flowers, and Pha seems like that archetype, but doesn't put himself on a pedestal. He's humble (ok, humble-ish) and recognizes all of Wayo's best qualities. Wayo is a precious cinnamon roll, but I have some issues with the way he lashes out at Pha when he's jealous (don't run off with sexual predators to make your boyfriend jealous please!). But my love for Pha knows no bounds because rather than letting the misunderstanding continue, he tracks Wayo down and forces and honest/open conversation. This is how you have a healthy relationship, people!!
Next ship sailing is KitKat and Ming. This is a little more traditional: Ming is all about that Kit game and Kit tries so hard to just not. And you know what? I am not angry about it. Ming should have a warning sign. I'm sure all his exes thought they were special and the one. Kit is totally right to be skeptical and make Ming earn his trust and affection. In this pair, Ming definitely is the one with something to prove. It's Kit that needs to feel safe enough to open up, be vulnerable, and be loved for his flaws (not in spite of them). I love how shy but sassy Kit is. It's hilarious to watch interviews with Nine because he's so soft in person and so believably prickly as Kit (A+ job, Nine). Their story rightfully takes a little time, but the confession scene is so sweet: Ming is straight up open about being all in and Kit is open about being scared about his lovability. The kiss comes late but it feels very earned (and once again thank you for kissing like you mean it!!).
Oh my, I am still waiting for my heart to cool from watching Forth and Beam. The world is blessed now that Pavel is here. He is everybody's boyfriend. I live for this chaotic gay energy he is projecting into the world (thank you YouTube comments for this categorization, it's perfect). He hunts sweet Wayo down like an injured animal, and one kiss from Beam is enough to pounce. I'm impressed with how natural Pavel is as Forth, but I think he might just be Forth incarnate (blessedblessedblessed), so let's say well done on the casting. They say that the author of the books, Cake, saw him by his motorcycle and felt the Forth energy and the rest is history. Homie knows what's up. It seems like an understatement to say that they kiss like they mean it. They kiss like they're gasping for air.
So let's take a minute for how 2Moons2 addresses sex (don't expect R-rated material here, it's not that kind of show, unless you consider having a long look at Forth's underwear choices R-rated). Still, 2M2 knows that everyone is at different stages in their sexual readiness and respects that. Pha pressed Wayo about it, but respects that he isn't ready and waits for him (but you know, still makes sure he knows he's ready whenever Wayo is). Ming/Kit haven't quite gotten to that stage in their relationship as they're still working on the trust and vulnerability between the two of them. Forth/Beam were ready as soon as they closed the door in a room alone together and you know what? That's OK too (although my darlings make sure people are not so drunk they can't consent). They start their relationship physically and back into the emotional work, kind of working in reverse of Pha/Wayo. In short, there is no right way to have your relationship. The love is between two people and whatever is right for those two people is OK. If 2M2 shows us anything, it's that love is love is love is love.
The Angel Gang. Sassy. Fierce. Bold. Amazing. Again these girls are a bit stereotypical but rather than just having them as comic relief, they are true friends to Wayo. They comfort him through his trials, support him with Pha, and hunt down those who hurt him. I am loving their energy! They are each a treasure and when Cake shows up (reference to the author, but is also every person watching this show), she slides right into the group. They do not know how to slow down and they do not know how not to love themselves. We thought Forth was confident, but the Angels are here to slay. I hope we get more of them in season 3 because it was nice to get some development and respect for these types of characters. Again, love is love is love is love.
In short, I think 2M2 exceeded all of my expectations and did great honor to the source material. I recommend this to everybody with a beating heart. This filled the hole in my heart Sotus left, but what will I do until Season 3???? (sigh.)
