My Engineer (2020)

The BL with a good foundation

Alright, first time writing a review, I just try to be systematic and, though counterintuitive, objective on the matter. Fellow audience who wish to read this might want to bear in mind that all reviews inevitably contain subjective matter, and don't feel offended (if you are really offended).

Story / Plot: The plot contains little new insight or new idea. The plot is, however, fairly original. It is just the background that sounds like a cliché. There are students from the faculty of medicine and faculty of engineering, just as you would expect. One thing that I really appreciate is the equality for the different pairs. We all know there are main pairs, and of course the non-main pairs. The arrangement of the background of the show has made it possible that the screen can switch between different pairs without illogical transition (say, campsite and then someone’s home). With that being said, the progression of different pairs was smooth and well-executed. Even though conflicts happened (more often so, in the penultimate episode), the resolutions were also logical and plausible, proving that the screen time arrangement was really good. Let’s not miss the couples, though:

Bohn and Duen: I am not going to lie that these are the most eye-catching couple, for me at least (but that’s the issue of the cast). The start of the two is interesting, in a sheepish way, and would probably leave the more demanding audience unimpressed. It is worthwhile to note the point when Bohn started to like Duen and the point when Duen started to like Bohn. These two, however, were subjected to communication problems. As many people have pointed out, Bohn is too sensitive or too insecure, and this is shown by his action of suspecting Duen in multiple episodes. Duen, on the other hand, is pure (obviously) and fairly oblivious. Some also pointed out that Duen is not prepared for a relationship, as shown by his reluctance to a kiss from Bohn. All in all, we are sure, at least, that both are not the best prepared to get into a relationship. No one is perfect though, and in general I think the resolution of the two did sufficiently address these issues. Also, the issue of consent is depicted here, as Bohn did not kiss Duen when he does not want to, and this is a good thing to advocate.

Ram and King: The two are not the most eye-catching couple to me. However, I do have to admit that their characters (and the development) are really intriguing. Ram was eye-catching. The character of King was quite intriguing, and the planning team did not only give King the typical character of “protagonist’s friend”. Instead King has a phobia for dogs, and also a BL-infatuated sister (some said she was toxic, I prefer to think that she is comical enough to turn her actions as satirical rather than serious). Whereas the conflict between Bohn and Duen in the latter part of the show might be regarded as superficial, the conflict between Ram and King seems to be fundamental - that is, they have to sort out their feelings for each other. The relationship between them was not clarified even at the end of the show, and it seems likely that we will see them in Season 2.

Mek and Boss: The two attracted my attention in the latter part of the show. It is evident after only some episodes that we know Mek has a feeling for Boss, and Mek was often hurtful given that Boss always flirt girls. Later in the show, we know that Boss has a girlfriend (Fon), which certainly doesn’t look like a good thing in a BL show. Boss does have a recurring theme, and that is the fact that he was always being ignored. Whether this was meant to be comical or serious, it does give the feeling to many that there’s always the one friend who is being the clown of the group, yet receives little in reverse on his/her side. Mek confessed after Boss was being told off by Fon’s manager, which is in fact surprising. Even though the plot device of “the crush also crushes on me” was spotted, in general the scene is able to draw audience into it. The proclamation of Boss in the final episode was also nicely done, fulfilling at least the basic requirement of reconciling the two to a happy ending. (Notwithstanding the rejection, Fon accepted and there was no pleading or begging from any side, and I have to say this is very refreshing.)

Thara and Frong: Even though they grow from conflict, the interaction was smooth and well-articulated with the environment. Frong was originally interested in Duen, but decided to back off after knowing that Bohn is also courting Duen. We all know that two characters competing are bookishly dramatic, but removing so earns the show the reception of refreshing (OK, at least to me). And if some are trying to pick on the consent issue or other stuff, let’s not forget that appropriately backing off when the target has clearly expressed the lack of interest is a very healthy act and, really should be endorsed. Overall, the two achieved a lot with the screen time allocated to them, and this is all we could expect.

Cast: All the actors were great! Cooper (Bohn) is a versatile actor, and in this case he did portray the role of a playboy-turned-into-pure-boy adequately. (I have to confess that his constant eyebrow-raising in the show was charming, if not he himself, but that is too biased and is probably another story.) Poy (Duen) is really suitable for the role of Duen, especially when he really could show the pure (and oblivious) face of Duen. Perth (Ram) was charming, eye-catching, and mystic. There was nothing unnatural with him not speaking anything and just be silent (and yes, that is a compliment). Talay (King) has amazing visuals, and really can depict the chill image. Ryan (Mek) has a charming eye which implies melancholy itself, and this is greatly beneficial to constructing Mek’s character as the melancholic boy who has a crush on his best friend. (The dubbing was really off, but things are done and so we could only let it be that way.) Inntouch (Boss) was chill, and so was his character. He did a great job in displaying a variety of emotion, including flirtatious and determined (as in his proclamation). MD (Thara) and Shane (Frong) both have a sweet smile, and this contributed significantly to their relationship in the show. Notably, Nam (Ting Ting) has made a great attempt in being comical and, more importantly, as a loyal supporter for the BL couples around her.

Music: Great music was offered, despite their rare appearance. I am most attracted towards จะเป็นไรไหม (Would You Mind) by Merry Dancers and Goh M. The song was in the show a few time only, as it is not the main theme of the series. The feeling conferred to me by the song was that there was a certain degree of lovely environment, but there was some uncertainty. Combining the subjective feeling and the objective lyrics, it is safe to say that the rap (?) part of the song is why the song is more than just a lovey-dovey song. The opening theme คนที่ฉันรอ (The Person I Wait For) by MOD3G and Joelong is great if you want a tune with lovey-dovey and an elevated mood. The closing theme รักไม่มีกฎเกณฑ์ (Love Has No Rules) by Ton Thanasit is, then, more elaborated on the feeling of melancholy and, quite certainly, is not only lovey-dovey. In general the music was great and well-matched with the plot of the show.

The show has no surprising plot or very creative character design, yet all the basics of a BL drama are done well in this show.

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