MT
max_tul_forever
March 2025
I am absolutely obsessed with Max and Tul in this. Their chemistry is off the charts—every look, every touch had me screaming. Finally, a BL that treats its romance as something real and passionate, not just a tease. The scene where Tan says he'll protect Bun no matter what? I melted. This is the kind of love story I've been waiting for. Yes, the plot can be messy, but I didn't care because their relationship carried me through the whole series. I've rewatched their parts multiple times. MaxTul forever!
PH
plot_hole_police
Jan 14, 2026
I wanted to love this because the concept is great, but the execution is riddled with issues. Characters make absurdly dumb decisions to move the plot forward—like Bun running to stay with the most suspicious guy after being attacked. The police procedures are laughable, and the CPR scene gave me secondhand embarrassment. The mystery itself is decent, but by episode 10, it feels like they're just padding time. The final 'twist' was predictable if you paid attention. For a thriller, it's too convenient and sloppy. I appreciate the attempt, but it's far from perfect.
CL
cinematic_lens
August 2025
Visually, this drama is a treat. The foggy mountain village, the moody lighting, the careful framing of intimate scenes—it all creates a noir-ish atmosphere that perfectly suits the mystery. I loved the use of shadows and the slow pans over the landscape. Director New really knows how to set a tone. Some of the close-ups linger a bit too long, but overall, the cinematography elevates the material. The color palette (muted greens, blues, grays) makes the rare warm moments—like the candlelit dinner—pop beautifully. A feast for the eyes, even if the script could have been tighter.
BB
bookworm_bl
November 2024
Having read the original novel by Sammon, I went in with high expectations—and I was both pleased and disappointed. The drama captures the core mystery and the dark atmosphere well, but it waters down some of the novel's grittier details and character backstories. Tan is more mysterious here, while in the book his motives are clearer earlier. Also, the side couple Sorawit/That gets almost no screen time compared to the novel. That said, Max and Tul bring the characters to life beautifully, and the ending still hit me hard. If you haven't read the book, you'll love it. If you have, manage your expectations.
BD
beat_drop_detective
June 2025
I'll be honest—the lack of a proper OST really hurt my enjoyment. This series relies almost entirely on background instrumental cues, and while they work for atmosphere, I kept waiting for a theme song that never came. The opening credits are just music with no vocals, and it feels incomplete. Compare that to other BLs with iconic OSTs (like *Not Me*), and this falls short. The instrumental tracks are decent, especially the tense strings during chase scenes, but nothing memorable. I ended up muting some slow parts. Great show, but missing a musical soul.
AA
action_addict_88
October 2025
Now this is how you do action in a BL! The fight scenes are raw, intense, and not overly choreographed—they feel real. The shooting in the school, the chase through the forest, and the final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat. Tan is a total badass with a gun, and Bun holds his own despite being a doctor. No cheesy slow-motion nonsense, just gritty, desperate survival. The mafia element is done right—no glamorization, just danger. I wish there were more episodes with this level of adrenaline. If you want a BL with teeth, this is it.
PV
pete_vegas_truther
February 2026
Yes, I came for MaxTul, but I stayed for Inspector M and Dr. Oat! Their dynamic is so understated and cute—I need a full spin-off. Inspector M's grudging softness and Oat's persistent charm made every scene they shared sparkle. And let's not forget Sorawit and That—talk about a redemption arc! That went from creepy to sweet so smoothly. The fact that the side couples get actual development and a happy ending made this series for me. The main couple is great, but the side characters have my whole heart.
CC
consent_critical
April 2025
I appreciate that *Manner of Death* tackles heavy social issues like human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and systemic corruption. It doesn't shy away from showing how power protects abusers, and that's commendable. However, I have mixed feelings about how the romance is framed—there are moments where Tan's persistence borders on manipulation, and Bun's trust feels unearned. The series seems to romanticize some questionable dynamics (e.g., Tan lying about his identity). Also, the female characters, especially Jane, are used more as plot devices than fully realized people. Still, it's a step forward for BL to engage with real-world problems. Worth watching with a critical eye.
