Once again Be On Cloud has crafted an episode so beautiful that I ran the gamut of emotion. There was so much packed into this episode that I literally couldn’t take my eyes off of it. At all.
This week’s installment of Shine was a masterclass in pacing and emotional intensity. From start to finish I was glued to the screen. One thing Be On Cloud has ALWAYS done well (in my opinion) is storytelling—and the way the threads of their characters’ lives are being pulled tighter and tighter, forcing them closer—it’s just beautiful. The only problem is, thread can only be pulled so much before it snaps.

The cinematography was breathtaking as always, especially the final love scene. Also the lead up to it.

Perfection.

The performances were raw, unflinching, and at times almost too real to watch. Especially in today’s political climate. But, that’s why shows like this are necessary. They show us our past, and the dangers as we step back to repeat the same kind of history.

This episode focused heavily on the various relationships in the series and how the ties that bind them all have started to unravel:

  • Trin and Victor: There’s tragedy brewing here. Victor is young, in love, and incredibly hotheaded. These are dangerous traits to mix within the turmoil of what’s happening around them.
  • Tanwa and Trin: Endgame (obviously). While Tanwa is growing as an emotional being, he’s still so damn self-centered. He’s kind of annoying, and right up until the last scenes, I was honestly thinking Trin should leave him in the cold and be with Victor. Victor loves him.
  • Lert and Naran: Whenever feelings are intense, so is the emotional fallout, and I’m proud of Naran for taking a stand for who he is and what he believes in.
  • Lert and Trin: He recognizes what’s going on. He loves his nephew, but will he want to protect him from the same pain and torture he’s endured—or will he help them be who they want to be?
  • Lert and Veera: Speaking of knowing. Dude isn’t dumb.
  • Dhevi and Veera: I am rooting for these two. So much I am rooting for these two. They deserve happiness.
  • Dhevi and Trin: I don’t think she’s as in the dark as she appears to be. Like Lert, I feel like she knows what’s going on with her nephew and Tanwa.
  • Tanwa and Phadoem: There’s a moment of worry and healing that happens between Tanwa and his father. It’s short, but sweet, and a start.
  • Tanwa and Victor: Tanwa doesn’t view Victor as a threat. He views him as a kid. Victor views Tanwa as the enemy, and this scares me.

I truly hope Victor gets a happy ending, but right now, it feels like he won’t.

Every part of this episode was intense. I loved it. Next week is the dreaded “cursed” episode in any BL series… I’m afraid, but damn if I’m not excited too.