Together with Me: The Next Chapter (Thai Series)

Time for sequels. I did like the original series, although it did have the usual frustrating moments of most Thai series where there is constant flip flop between yes and no. As it was the case with the original, there are way too many things packed in this series. Even though, it may feel that this is primarily Korn and Knock story, the reality is this time, almost equal footage has been given to all the characters.

Korn and Knock are now a couple and are working in a factory doing their probation. Cho (Yihwa's boyfriend) is working with them. Their boss is Pete who is also gay. Knock is noticing the probation seriously and the couple keeps arguing. The constant nagging frustrates Korn who eventually cheats on Knock with Pete. He is apologetic from bottom of his heart but Knock won't give in. In fact, he had just come out to his parents while Korn is still struggling to tell the truth to his father. Turns out that Pete is really a sexual predator. He tries same trick with Knock and again with Cho. We have a parallel love story between Cho and Yiwha, which also gets sidelined when Yihwa's boss comes into the picture. She and him share so much in common with each other, that eventually she ends up kissing up. And now she is confused whether she likes Cho or her boss, who actually makes her feel really good. Fai has been struggling with finding a job and finally Farm. He has a new boyfriend Rit, despite constantly sleeping around ever since the threesome with Bright in original season. He eventually meets Bright again, who realizes that he loves Farm but Fram now wants to give him a taste of his medicine, but eventually in the process he ends up breaking Rit's heart. Of course everything ends well and on a positive note.

There was not nearly as much focus on the main male leads as there was in the first season. And to be honest, I couldn't care much. The duo didn't have the chemistry that they had last time. Korn always has this baffled expression on his face as if he is smelling something bad. Its really annoying. And for all the preaching he gave Knock in original season to be true to himself, it comes as a surprise that he can't find the courage to tell his father the truth. He would rather kick Knock out when he visits. Knock is not without his issues. He is more focused on sleeping and playing video games than his job or even Korn. Clearly there are issues, but how I wish the makers went into the details of what the issues really are. When you see their boss Pete, you know exactly where this show is going to head to, though I didn't expect Korn to eventually cheat. Farm was no longer the cute kid from original season. Yes, he did want to make Bright jealous, but his plan of keeping Rit close to him while doing that made no sense. Cho, was the only decent character and also as an actor. He said things as they are, so as a viewer I was very disappointed when Yihwa cheats. But then, they are all young adults and no one said they are perfect. I was surprised how much time this series gave to this couple. Almost as much as Korn-Knock story. Knock's interactions with his father were also a bit dramatic. It didn't have to be. The good thing about the show is we do get to see a bit of skin and perfect bodies of the guys and needless to say its so hot!

I understand there is a certain way these Thai series are directed and story is scripted but truth be told, my patience is slowly starting to worn down. This was 13 episodes of almost 50 minutes each. I could easily trim this down to a one hour movie without losing any essence. There is too much fluff and unnecessary things. And OMG! The background music.. uff!! Not just this show but most series, have this comic music played when something happens, even when it is serious and it takes away from whatever little reality you were facing for the characters. Most significant events all happen is episodes 12 and 13 as you can expect. Thai producers really need to up their game, else they will soon get left behind. There was a time when they had a monopoly on BL series and many people including me, were huge fans, but now seeing other countries up their game, those same things are starting to become annoying and frustrating. (5.5/10)