Cutie Pie (2022)

Either You Love It, or You Hate it.

As the headlines says, this is a series where you will find yourself loving it or hating it for whatever reason. It boils down to your own perspective.

I saw that those who gave this series a low score had one thing in common in general. Those reviews said Lian (ML) is a toxic person who basically groomed and forced Kuea (MC) to have sex with him all the time.

I noticed that there's a trend in some of the review bombers. They compare Cutie Pie to other BL series, particularly KP. Also, they compare Cutie Pie to Why R U (Zee's old series with a different partner). Some of the low reviews MIGHT come from those who hate to see Zee moving on to a new pairing [ZeeNuNew], and some MIGHT even be review bombing this series just because they want to compare CP to KP, I saw that weird trend going on.

Now, let's dissect this series.

For me, I love Cutie Pie down to the bone.

That's because there is CONSENT, there is no R@pe, there is No Grooming. Toxic Relationship? Depends on you.

If you really watched Cutie Pie, like honestly watched it and not just review bombing it as I've seen what other reviewers are doing (They 'supposedly' watched the whole 12 episodes, uhuh), you'd know that there was No Grooming done in this series. Kuea had a crush on Lian ever since he was a kid, and Lian didn't treat Kuea inappropriately when they were kids and while growing up. Lian treated Kuea as a brother instead. Even in the novel version, Lian waited for Kuea and didn't even touch or kiss or treat him inappropriately before Kuea became an adult. Even when Kuea became an adult, Lian didn't treat him inappropriately.

That's the MAIN REASON why Kuea was unsure if Lian truly see him as a true and legitimate fiance, because Lian didn't show any overt romantic interest towards Kuea while they were growing up.

Cutie Pie 1 and Cutie Pie 2 is BIG on CONSENT. Like, it's basically the invisible tagline of the whole series.

Lian made sure that Kuea knows what they're doing before doing the deed. Also, there's even a time where Lian refused Kuea when he saw that Kuea was drunk even though Kuea was practically throwing himself at Lian.

Those other reviewers literally had the guts to review bomb this series because of the 'no consent' thing then compare it to KP or other risque BLs. Like, wth? Did we even watch the same thing?

As for the toxic relationship where in Lian supposedly 'limits' Kuea, like in going out or whatever.
Now I can tell you that some of those review bombers, who stated Lian as a toxic person because of this, didn't watch the whole series [ep 12/12] unlike what they stated in their reviews.

Let me tell you this, Kuea 'limited himself' on his own. In the series, Cutie Pie 1 and Cutie Pie 2, and even in the original novel, aside from that one particular time where Lian forced Kuea to live with him with the consent of Kuea's mom, Lian NEVER again dictated what Kuea should do, before living together, and after living together.

Kuea was so in love with Lian that he got this in his mind to be a 'perfect' fiance. He lied about his course, his hobbies, and his circle of friends because he thought Lian will be disagree with those things. But I have to tell you that Lian already knows of it, and even if he doesn't, he's ok with it as long as it makes Kuea happy.

Kuea was the one who chose to lie about himself because he's afraid that Lian will be disappointed with him. Lian knows that Kuea was lying but he chose to patiently wait for Kuea to tell him the truth. Lian supported Kuea in everything, and I mean everything that Kuea wants to do. Lian even stated that he will give Kuea his company and all of his assets once Kuea is old enough or something happens to him. Also, Lian supported Kuea in his career in Cutie Pie 2 at his own sacrifice, don't want to spoil too much about this.

Lian is actually one of the most misunderstood characters in BL history if people are regarding him as toxic. He's literally the greenest of all the green flags out there in BL history.

However, there is a somewhat (?) toxic relationship though, but it's not with the main couple, it's with the side couple, Hia Yi and Kon Diao. On that side, I agree that it's somewhat toxic since Hia Yi sets a curfew for Kon Diao. Even though we know why Hia Yi does what he does as seen in the Naughty Babe series, they only hint at it in the Cutie Pie series.

Also, I do agree with the other reviewers about one more thing.

COMMUNICATION.

The characters needs to communicate with each other. Not just the main pairing, but even those 2 side couples.

Aside from that, I really like the story and find it cute and light.

Zee's acting was great, and Nunew really delivered as Kuea. I really can't see another Lian and Kuea aside from Zee and Nunew. Lian's secretary, Foei which was played by Poppy, was superb, I couldn't control myself in laughing whenever he's in the scene. I guess the only awkward one in the cast is Kon Diao played by Nat. He needs more acting lessons as I noticed that his acting is quite stilted. Aside from that, the DMD boys, and other side characters, all did great.

Music selection was superb. Nunew literally carried the whole OST and Kirin's songs. Kirin singing at the club was actually one of the main highlights in the series.

If you're still unsure if you want to start watching this series or not, just give it a go. If you like it, then you like it. If you don't like it, then drop it. Easy like that.

Just don't get discouraged by the review bombs. It's better to make your own judgement.

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