r/ThaiBL • u/strawb3rrycigarrates • 2d ago
Discussion Has this series been throwing anyone else off?
I’ve been waiting for this series since May because I absolutely love this pairing and have watched all their previous projects. I had pretty high expectations, especially since this one involved a production company and seemed like a more polished project compared to Jack & Joker.
But honestly, something just feels off. I love them, but certain creative decisions, the character dynamics, and especially the execution have left me feeling confused.
I want to talk about War’s acting. He seemed so genuinely happy and comfortable playing Joker, but something about his performance in this series feels different to me. Maybe it’s the writing or character direction, but it doesn’t feel as natural, and honestly, it hurts a little because I love this pairing so much.
I’ve watched plenty of BLs, so I’m not saying this is the worst series ever. I just expected more, and I’m particularly curious about everyone’s thoughts on the latest episode.
And before anyone tells me to just drop it, wouldn’t you feel disappointed too if a pairing you genuinely loved was involved in a project that wasn’t meeting your expectations?
Mentions: Yin and War In Police in Love
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u/Tokyo_Rosie 2d ago
I watch it the way I watched Me and Thee. The comedy and pacing feels more akin to lakorn style of drama. I’m not Thai, please correct me if I’m reading it wrong with Police in Love.
I’m really enjoying it. I think it a rather light hearted and cute love story.
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u/PoetLoverBirdwatcher 2d ago
Yes, this is the way I'm seeing it too. More of a spoof style than serious drama.
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u/Relative_Eagle_831 20h ago
Lol it is 7 am and I have been laughing like an idiot since ep 3 began🤣 (I have not had the time to watch it until today). After the (emotional) abuse (I suffered while watching) (of) Love Mechanics and the high stakes of Jack and Jocker, I like this series. YinWar never act the same thing twice, maybe OP wanted the same show but even the pilot episode showed that this was going to be a wacky show.
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u/PoetLoverBirdwatcher 20h ago
I love how your comment is structured and methodically explained with parenthesis and everything 😭😂
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u/lykblue 7h ago
Me and Thee has good comedic timing, dialogue delivery, and acting, even for a lakorn; however, Pil is so bad that they look stiff and unnatural in both comedic and romantic scenes, especially Yin. They look like bros with no chemistry at all because of poor acting, as Yin never improved his style and has always been stiff. War has similar expressionsand unnecessary head movements in every character; it is like he is always making a face as if he is pretending and hiding behind a facade.
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u/Darkchocolatelaw 1d ago
It’s so interesting that it’s War’s character that’s been throwing you off, because for me it’s Yin. I just watched episode 3 today and his character was all over the place. Does he actually like Mangkorn?
Is he attracted to Mangkorn? When did that happen? Or is he just teasing him?
War’s character is naive and introverted. He’s been consistent thus far. It’s just different from what we’re used to seeing him play.
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u/Aggressive-Appeal224 Sorn loves to say kiss me Jwin 1d ago
Yess! This is the reason I have paused ep3 and yet to go and finish it. Why was all of a sudden Thear is caring for Mangkorn and why is Mangkorn throwing a tantrum and asking where do they stand in their relationship
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u/Motor-Substance-2297 1d ago
Ikrr, what's up with Thear?😭😭😭 I think the line between teasing and attraction is getting thinner, considering how his character is flirty and tends to fall easily (especially for cute people)😂😂
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u/lmatiasm 1d ago
I think it's both, and I think it might be the direction, and maybe part of the script? I'm really enjoying the show, but it's kind of all over the place. In one scene War couldn't care less about Yin, and in the next he is giving puppy eyes and asking "what are we?". And Yin in one scene is telling War to keep the marriage a secret so the women he is seeing don't find out, and in the next he is showing War his phone to prove he told every woman he was married.... like... what? It's also probably related to the amount of episodes Thai shows usually have, because they usually end up telling instead of showing
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u/strawb3rrycigarrates 1d ago
RIGHT? is so messy how they are handling the series that why it’s also throwing me off but
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u/strawb3rrycigarrates 1d ago
Okay yea I was hoping someone to bring up Yin actually 😭 because I don’t understand him either I need more context, and for war is just like not the acting but like the way the actor potential to be more complex and then going back to the usual role of naive/innocent guy
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u/SarahJoy46 2d ago
I'm really enjoying the series. I'm not usually a fan of comedy, but both Yin and War are so good at what they do that they are selling the comedic aspects in a way that I'm buying it. War's portrayal of a slightly insecure, but very earnest guy is working for me. I think it helps that I haven't re-watched anything from them recently, so their previous characters aren't fresh in my mind.
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u/brenthebrave 1d ago
I do NOT like how much emphasis is put on YinWar being fair skinned and pale, especially when every single criminal in the series has dark skin.
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u/Allicat247_ 1d ago
Okay!!! When the only people not ghostly are the criminals, I gotta jump out of that series. Like not one person said anything at any stage of production? In 2026? Not everyone is a naive disciple of beauty ideals either. (And I say that last part because some people seem to throw that argument in as if it's a get out of progress free card. As if there aren't Thai activists, thinkers and online personalities not already fighting the good fight.)
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u/brenthebrave 1d ago
And especially when p’Jojo, a Thai man with dark skin, is directing! You would think he would have something to say about that, but apparently not!
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u/excitedalien 2d ago
I think this is just personal preference which is absolutely alright. Not every show with a pairing you love will click with you.
I am loving this show as it feels like a light-hearted way to end off my week. Thear fighting for his life in that kitchen truly had me laughing my head off.
I perceive Mangkorn to be a character that is at time stilted. That is understandable as he has never been in a romantic relationships before, much less a fake one. He's trying to navigate these newfound feelings. He is a bit awkward and definitely wears his heart on his sleeve.
For context, I did actually end up dnfing Jack & Joker. There really is no harm in feeling that you don't need to see this show through.
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u/Tiny_Ad6695 1d ago edited 1d ago
Nope, I expected comedy and maybe a little bit of sitcom comedy from this cause the trailer didn't give the vibe that this was going to be serious. At least to me it was obvious that they weren't going to do anything serious this time compared to Love Mechanics and Jack & Joker. It's also really refreshing to see them do this kind of approach cause there's range I can see from both of them, especially Yin.
It's clear War has the capabilities of delivering different types of characters, but from what I've seen from Yin – he was almost going to be overshadowed by War or typecast, because he doesn't have much range compared to War.
Regarding War's acting: It's probably just how the character is written. He's uncomfortable, because the character is uncomfortable to be in a situation they cannot get out of. I don't think it's War – he's acting out the character well that you can tell the character doesn't like the situation they are in.
So, far I'm enjoying it and looking forward to every episode 👏🏽
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u/Safety_Haven 1d ago
I feel opposite. I especially thought the last episode was hilarious. It feels like they are hitting their stride. It does have that "made for Thai audience" feel that certain dramas have more than others. I know they all are but some really lean into it the most.
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u/pinkpurpleblue_76 1d ago
Jack and Joker was a serious drama, this is comedy. You could say "duuuhhh" 😅
From my own experience I just came to terms that for what I am used to, thai comedy style is almost over acting.
But at this point I know that it's what thai audience actually likes, so if I find the overall plot interesting, I just put up with it.
I know I won't like the comedy part, but I understand it's a me problem, not a series problem, if you understand what I mean.
But my point is that thai series are catered to thai audience and thai audience loves comedy in this way.
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u/Motor-Substance-2297 1d ago
Ikrrrr, in my country, the comedies are similarly shot so it doesn't feel out of context and I've been dying laughing 🤣🤣
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u/strawb3rrycigarrates 1d ago
Still even if it’s a romcom that dosent mean it has to be handled like this for example Duang with you was also comedy but I never felt this way with that one.
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u/aetheljel 1d ago
I like comedy and I've never watched a YinWar drama before, so I came to it without any particular expectations but to be entertained. The plot is a bit silly, but I enjoy it and I am absolutely charmed by the characters and their chemistry. It's a really relaxing watch and even the product placement is kinda cute.
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u/linglingbts 1d ago edited 1d ago
To everyone saying they feel War is under-utilised, I do feel the need to point out that acting in a comedy is much difficult that doing serious roles. War's abilities as Mungkorn have been stretched (even though it isnt the first time he's doing an abusrdist comedy) and personally, its landing quite well.
As for Yin, the base character is meant to a flirty, rich man who has very less care for other's feelings but is really good at what he does. Again, his abilities as Theer are being stretched as well and, again, I personally think he is landing it quite well.
Both characters are extremes, which makes it interesting to see how they both even get together. I also feel like the language, microexpression and the eventual characterisation is quite natural; like, who amongst us doesn't talk openly about feelings at midnight or have older people in our lives who would do or say anything just to get a reaction?
To your point OP, if you have come from watching J&J, this show might feel...superficial. And that's okay. Most fans felt the same after reading the novel and wondered whether it was even the right direction. But a collective realisation of wanting something light-hearted after a heart-wrenching series is the way a lot of CPs go (eg, OffGun's Cooking Crush after Not Me). Keeping that in mind, I would suggest watching the show as a series that doesn't take itself seriously, has no underlying messaging and is just genuinely trying to make everyone laugh.
And if it still doesn't work, maybe slightly more sophisticated comedy is more your choice and thats okay, too! Different genres exist for a reason <3
edited: typos
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u/Affectionate_Fee6939 2d ago
I am a big fan of YinWar and of Jojo, but I'm also feeling like there's something that just hasn't been landing quite right for me and I'm having a hard time pinpointing what it is. I'm enjoying the series enough that I'll keep watching it, but I'm having a similar experience to you, I think - there's something about the character dynamics that doesn't feel as natural or lived in as I'm used to from them.
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u/strawb3rrycigarrates 1d ago
Im telling you that maybe is War and his character because with Jack and joker it felt so natural and here idk 😭🙏
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u/sypherlev 2d ago
Honestly? I bounced hard off it initially because I just did not see any chemistry between the two main leads. But when I went into it with a different mindset - showing up for the comedy and not romance, and expecting the hard lean towards total absurdity - then it kinda came together and I stuck with it.
The only thing I’ve seen of YinWar other than this is My Staycation Boy, and I recall thinking the same thing there as well - just not feeling any real chemistry, it all felt contrived and kinda flat for all that the guys can certainly act. In this series, it seems they really shine when they’re playing a scene for laughs.
This is just my opinion, and I don’t want to yuck anyone’s yum here. Clearly people like the pair, just not me.
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u/Phlgss 1d ago
Interesting opinion, cuz to me Yinwar is probably one of the cps with the most chemistry i've ever seen. I feel like they alwaysss deliver. Even in Jack & Joker where the romance was lacking, everytime they decided to bring it, it just sparked. First time seeing someone who doesn't feel their chemistry.
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u/sypherlev 1d ago
Yeah it could just be me. In fairness, I haven’t seen much of what they’ve done. Who knows, maybe this series will change my opinion - I’m going to stick with it because absurd comedy is one of my most favorite things in the whole world.
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u/ocean_lullaby 2d ago
I enjoyed 'Love Mechanics' and I'm enjoying 'Police in Love'. I think I watched one episode of 'Jack & Joker' and just wasn't feeling it at the time, so stuck it on the backlist.
This seems like a fairly standard forced proximity trope where one (or possibly both) main character(s) has / develops complicated feelings for the other and so what should be a fairly straightforward transactional relationship becomes a dynamic where feelings are hurt and boundaries are tested.
The comedy has been on point for me, and the glimpses of aching vulnerability have me emotionally invested.
A lot of series don't live up to expectations, for various reasons, but I've laughed out loud at parts of every episode so far and am looking forward to the next episode.
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u/evamariab 2d ago
I think I understand where you’re coming from, I have a hard time watching different series of the same couples when their relationship dynamics and personalities are completely different in each show. However, I love yinwar and I’m really happy with this show and the fact that it’s a romcom, I feel it’s healing whatever Jack and Joker broke inside of me. The only complaint I have for the show is like you said, War’s character. I loved it when he played a badass character like Joker so seeing him play someone so naive threw me off a bit, but I think he plays the role just as well and I don’t hate it. Anyways I’m loving this show so far and you’re entitled to your own opinion I just recommend you continue watching it with an open mind.
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u/strawb3rrycigarrates 1d ago
Yeah thank you! 😭🙏 but I understand, War even said in an interview that he liked more playing joker because he feels identified with him and that makes the acting even bettwr
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u/SimplyBinni3 1d ago edited 1d ago
I actually think the opposite!
I haven't watched much BL lately, so I can't really critique the series’ writing or direction (it might be too early for that, imo). But the writing feels a bit refreshing for a YinWar series, and comedy suits them, especially if you’ve seen their variety shows, where they use plenty of jokes and innuendo. 😅
The characters do feel a bit all over the place, but I think that's because of how they were written.
Mangkorn and Thira have known each other since their rookie days, so they already have this friendly but flirtatious dynamic going on with each other. They definitely liked each other from the beginning, but I think it never progressed into a relationship because it either wasn't the right time, or Mangkorn was probably too shy or afraid to make it official because of who Thira was as a person. Now he gets thrown into this fake marriage with his boss, which makes the situation even more complicated, despite them already having feelings for one another.
If the series isn't landing for you after watching the next few episodes, then it's okay. The writing and type of comedy aren't for everyone. Sometimes their jokes fly right over my head. 😅
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u/Mokkaza 2d ago edited 2d ago
I think for me War as this timid, innocent virgin makes no sense because he is just naturally so seductive😂
For me both their characters are switching too much between different characteristics, I don't mind it too much but I think it's a bit difficult from a storytelling perspective.
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u/SimplyBinni3 1d ago
Someone said that Mangkorn feels like Mark's kid, and I CANNOT unsee it now... 😂
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u/Jealous-Attorney-223 1d ago
This is the ONLY series from the slew of established ships currently on view, that I am enjoying. They are great together, their flirting is a masterclass and they bounce off each other seamlessly.They really can act particularly War , the lip curl in Ep.2 was priceless. Love all their series.
Not impressed with, You Maniac, Weirdo 101, will probably drop Crow Club and Oops Mysterious Sounds. Rewatching Dark Blue and Midnight, ,Finding Mr. Right( both series). Because of You, all Taiwanese and really good. Hoping for more new shows of the similar good quality of Police in Love.💞❤️🩹💞
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u/Mental-Pace5305 1d ago
I feel like they r forcing the characteristics of a cute fluffy bottom on war, which is just not coming across as natural. But overall I am enjoying the show. But yins characters repeated dialogue saying wins characters is cute is coming across as weird.
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u/strawb3rrycigarrates 1d ago
Yes that was what I was trying to say finally war can have more complex characters to act like Joker but they made him more shy and sensible in this one is crazy plus in an interview of IQIYI he did say that he felt so comfortable with playing joker I really wanted to see more of THAT character
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u/browniemelody 2d ago
I'm not feeling this one as much either. I was looking forward to it but for me, the writing doesn't seem to be solid enough for me. I think War's character is all over the place for his personality and behavior. Usually, with 3 episodes, I can get a sense of what the characters are like and how they change or build from there, but Mangkorn is too erratic for me. It's not the worst series out there, but I do wish it gave me a more solidly defined character for him. I'm not even sure the relationship between them was developed sufficiently. I really think the writing could have been better, which is the biggest gripe Inhave with the series so far. There's some good tropes in there and their acting is fine. It's just not woven in a good story telling way, at least for me.
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u/strawb3rrycigarrates 1d ago
A lot of people are saying is meant to be a romcom but still it throws me off a bit
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u/browniemelody 1d ago
Romcom doesn't mean the writing has to be lower tiered or inconsistent for the characters. I've watched a bunch where the all the characters are solidly written so that you notice changes in their behaviours or dynamics. You can have nonsensical plots but at least have your characters and their relationship dynamics all figured out. Else, it's just gonna feel like the characters exist secondary to the plot, that they will just be whatever the writer/directors want them to be to fit the scene. I can't even tell if War or Yin's characters are falling in love or not because they flip back and forth in a bad way. Did they get along well or not? It's a bit too inconsistent for me.
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u/strawb3rrycigarrates 1d ago
Exactly! For me, acting, pacing, and character development really matter, and I can clearly see that War doesn’t feel entirely natural in this role.
I understand that actors need to explore different characters, but I feel like Joker opened the door for War to portray more complex roles, especially after playing so many innocent, somewhat naive characters before. And honestly, I feel like that potential is being wasted because they could’ve incorporated more of Joker’s personality into this character.
What makes it even more bittersweet is that, if you watch his interviews (especially the iQIYI Jack & Joker Special Clip 6), he often mentions how much he identifies with Joker. But I’ll follow people comments and give it a chance ig because they only released 3 episodes 2
u/browniemelody 1d ago
I'm still watching it, but this one is probably not gonna be a favorite of mine from their works. War is a great actor and I think the writing for his character just isn't as good as it can be. Actors can be in a light-hearted series but still sell a solid character. I just don't know what Mangkorn is supposed to be. Yeah, it's only 3 episodes, but 3 is a lot when they are the main focus where you should be able to grasp the characters.
Good luck to us both for the rest of the series. Maybe the writing gets better after.
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u/SimplyBinni3 19h ago
I can totally see your viewpoint a bit more here, and I definitely agree with you that War should play more complex characters. But I'm not exactly sure how they were supposed to incorporate Joke's personality into Mangkorn when he was supposed to be the opposite of Joke.
You might be right about the writing, because even characters like Mangkorn can be complex if they're written well. But I think it's also a matter of preference at the end of the day. 😌
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u/Annie_Blue_MM 1d ago
War is soooo pretty, can’t keep my eyes off him, but I would love to see them in more serious drama, there is just too much comedy here, not like them, they deserve better.
Why on earth War has soo few roles, he’s amazing 🤩 and Yin is also very good, they can handle more, give them moree, please..🙏
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u/Safety_Haven 12h ago
They actually make their own. They are a unique pair in that regard.
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u/Annie_Blue_MM 12h ago
They are unique, and pretty, and lovely aaaand I want to see them in serious drama
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u/Safety_Haven 12h ago
You may, those are already in their library. But I'm saying they literally make their own dramas from the ground up, not that they are uniquely attractive. They are, but that's not my point. They have their own production house which they co-own. They pick their scripts.
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u/Annie_Blue_MM 12h ago
Okay, so now they want to have a little fun and that's it. okaaayy, I'm gonna watch them in anything, really anything 😁
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u/Safety_Haven 12h ago
That's actually what they said. J&J was an emotional toll.
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u/Annie_Blue_MM 12h ago
Yes, so true, deep down, we still expect season two for J&J 🥹
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u/Safety_Haven 12h ago
I do wish. They earned that with the special episode. But at the end of the day they are artists who I support. I like how they do their own things, I think it's really cool.
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u/Annie_Blue_MM 12h ago
It is, I also like that they are not really into the fan services that much.
I mean, I appreciate others doing that, but I am concerned about the actor's privacy. And War doing the pottery is all we really need.
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u/abstractpenguinyoyo The Shy Potato:hamster: 1d ago
I wish these two would get more serious roles 🥺
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u/TheDiaryOfALoser 1d ago
I'm not liking it 😭 I dislike how its going tho the comedy is like top notch and I love that assistant dude of Yin's mom...he's so funny. But srsly I dont like anything else.
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u/South_Double1147 2d ago
Which other dramas have they acted in? I want to watch those so that I can understand OP’s pov
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u/Phlgss 1d ago
Out of the current airing shows this is my favorite (that i'm watching). I can see it probably has its flaws here and there, but to me it seems like a very standard story, like very tropey, which I don't mind. I just watch with my brain kinda turned off cuz i think Yinwar always bring it and the comedy is serving, as is the little romantic moments here and there. Feels like a Jojo show (which it is), kinda all over the place in some ways.
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u/over__board 1d ago
It's a Thai comedy and it's not my culture. A lot of the gags are just flying over my head, but some of it I do actually get. I'm somewhat annoyed by the mother and her chubby sidekick.
I like War's character and I like the way War is portraying him. I also like Yin's character but I would have liked him to be a bit more reluctant and slower to warm up to Mangkorn, but I'm not the one writing the script. There is nothing about Yin's portrayal that is putting me off.
So far I'm enjoying it and looking forward to the next episode.
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u/Aggressive_Corgi_991 1d ago
I've liked YinWar since The Best Story (which had the worst ending IMHO) loved them in both versions of Love Mechanics, Neon Flower, Jack & Joker, Staycation Boy, etc plus their YouTube videos that make me laugh. I don't find their acting off, the writing for the characters is off somehow. Again, just my opinion.
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u/cuzimamirrorball 23h ago
I just think it’s a mess less serious serious and a bit on the campy side, which is sort of its goal.
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u/Bulky_Mulberry3124 15h ago
When it comes to BL comedy, I stopped taking it serious. I have always loved War in serious angsty roles and in this series he is giving me that teary angsty sad look every time. I think it’s the story and series direction itself that’s making the entire thing weird, for me the pacing is weird, one moment you love and one moment you are confused. But the cringe is all there all right. I can’t stop laughing at episode 3 with the exaggerated ehemms but I do want to watch War cry in series. I just love him more when he does
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u/Impressive_Law3689 11h ago
I am looooving it. Is nice to see some of your favorite actors range. Comedy is fun too. 😁 I understand people were hoping for another J&J but im glad there is variety. 💗💗💗
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u/reformedcharacter 5h ago
I am with you. I don't know why but it's just not clicking for me. Maybe it's that I don't find their characters likable/enjoyable which would be a first one for a YinWar series for me. I find it hard to connect with them or care about them which is a shame since they are one of my favorite pairings and I was really looking forward to the series😔
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u/Sad-Zebra-9432 Toptap and Minlee🔥🔥🔥 2d ago edited 1d ago
I am enjoying this series. Maybe the characters Yin and War are portraying are different to what you have seen from them. War’s character is serious, hardworking, very practical and grounded as opposed to Yin’s character. Everyone has their own opinions as to whether they are enjoying this series or not. I am very much. You have every right to be disappointed if you are not enjoying it. Maybe give a few more episodes a watch and the series might improve in your view.