So much potential, but the lack of character growth was disappointing
Content Warnings (not between m/m couple): physical abuse/assault, kidnapping, blackmail, having several previous partners shaming, drugging, manipulation
Overall: I really disliked Fiat (especially) and Leo from TTs2, but I was hooked after watching episode 1 of Don't Say No. Unfortunately the lack of character growth and the dreaded 11th episode plus a stupid ending for the side couple made it not reach its potential. Don't watch episode zero as there is some really messed up stuff that happens in that. All you need to know is Leo & Fiat are life long friends who recently became romantic with one another.
What I Liked
- communication*, Fiat & Leo actually communicate about their issues and work to resolve them. They even communicate during and after "fun" time, which I rarely see. However, episode 11 was a huge disappointment.
- the 2 main female characters are supportive friends and bonus the step mom is nice. I'm torn on Leo's mom who is supportive but almost in a manipulative/too invasive way.
- pacing was okay for the most part
- explanation for character motivation/faults, we get to see why characters are doing things (at times via flashbacks), and how different people interpret the same actions
- subverted/modified tropes with the side couple (hurt/care, sharing umbrella)
Room For Improvement
- *was really sad to see the lack of character growth especially from Fiat. That whole 11th episode was so dumb and unnecessary and they never even showed them actually communicate what happened with those events to each other!
- they should have made the family past trauma the final 4-6 episode arc and then show Fiat have some character growth
- the main couple (Leo/Fiat) don't look comfortable with kissing each other/being intimate, you can't be established boyfriends and not at least pucker your mouth for a kiss... these scenes were hit and miss for me.
- the side m/m couple: Pob should have been written as nervous/inexperienced, but instead he comes across as a jerk who thinks about himself only and plays games with Leon (like in episode 8 when he smirks after talking with Leon). And their ending was super stupid. I started out not liking them, liked them briefly and then ended up not liking them together.
- the overused cliche evil wannabe girlfriend
- Fiat's dad has about one brain cell, his actions were so toxic and stupid
- the comedy sound effects, they just aren't my thing but at least there isn't that horrendous gulping noise
Overall: I really disliked Fiat (especially) and Leo from TTs2, but I was hooked after watching episode 1 of Don't Say No. Unfortunately the lack of character growth and the dreaded 11th episode plus a stupid ending for the side couple made it not reach its potential. Don't watch episode zero as there is some really messed up stuff that happens in that. All you need to know is Leo & Fiat are life long friends who recently became romantic with one another.
What I Liked
- communication*, Fiat & Leo actually communicate about their issues and work to resolve them. They even communicate during and after "fun" time, which I rarely see. However, episode 11 was a huge disappointment.
- the 2 main female characters are supportive friends and bonus the step mom is nice. I'm torn on Leo's mom who is supportive but almost in a manipulative/too invasive way.
- pacing was okay for the most part
- explanation for character motivation/faults, we get to see why characters are doing things (at times via flashbacks), and how different people interpret the same actions
- subverted/modified tropes with the side couple (hurt/care, sharing umbrella)
Room For Improvement
- *was really sad to see the lack of character growth especially from Fiat. That whole 11th episode was so dumb and unnecessary and they never even showed them actually communicate what happened with those events to each other!
- they should have made the family past trauma the final 4-6 episode arc and then show Fiat have some character growth
- the main couple (Leo/Fiat) don't look comfortable with kissing each other/being intimate, you can't be established boyfriends and not at least pucker your mouth for a kiss... these scenes were hit and miss for me.
- the side m/m couple: Pob should have been written as nervous/inexperienced, but instead he comes across as a jerk who thinks about himself only and plays games with Leon (like in episode 8 when he smirks after talking with Leon). And their ending was super stupid. I started out not liking them, liked them briefly and then ended up not liking them together.
- the overused cliche evil wannabe girlfriend
- Fiat's dad has about one brain cell, his actions were so toxic and stupid
- the comedy sound effects, they just aren't my thing but at least there isn't that horrendous gulping noise
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