Did someone say another new BL? Yes! It really feels like there are a million new BLs that have just finished airing, are in the middle of airing, or have just started—you literally need to plan a schedule if you want to attempt to watch them all at once. Right on cue, this time from Taiwan, another promising BL has joined the mix: “First Note Of Love.”
The drama follows the relationship between famous guitarist and singer Neil (Charles Tu) and prodigy composer Sea (Michael Chang), who is actually an in-the-closet fan. The drama is shaping up to be a sweet story about first-time love, overcoming the past, and following your dreams. It also has a similar music-themed storyline like BLs “About Youth” and “Wish You.”
Here’s what you can expect after watching the premiere episodes, and as far as first impressions go, this show’s was pretty great.
Warning: light spoilers from episodes 1-2 below.
There are going to be tears (probably more than once)
Considering the story’s whole premise—with Neil’s brother and bandmate having passed away—it’s no surprise there have already been some heart-wrenching scenes. Though the story starts six years after the death of Neil’s brother in a car accident, Neil is still trying to put his life and career back together, and understandably so as it’s shown he was extremely close with his brother. Losing the most important person in your life out of nowhere and feeling like you have been left alone—how could you not tear up?
Lots of good music is coming
Just based on the first couple of episodes, it’s already clear the music is not going to disappoint in this drama. Though Neil and Sea have not performed together as of yet, it’s going to be exciting to see the two finally come together. There’s really no better word than giddy to describe how it feels to see Sea so in love with creating music. Sea’s sincere passion will definitely help break down Neil’s walls and help him connect with music again.
Shots have been fired
Like a lot of drama-world couples, Neil and Sea have started off on the wrong foot. Even though Sea has basically been a super fan of Neil and his band Magnet since he was a kid, Neil turns out to be a little different from the idol Sea imagined. The things Neil said during their meeting were pretty harsh, so Sea can only defend himself by throwing back insults, even though it looks like he doesn’t want to. Sea is considered a prodigy by most, but Neil immediately doesn’t consider him a worthy artist to work with. That’s not very nice.
But this just means it’ll be all the more satisfying when they actually get to know each other and their feelings do a total 180. Growth is on the menu, and it’s a full course!
Gentle, soft love stories all the way
There are plenty of BLs these days with more intense, fast-paced love storylines, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but this one is looking to be more of a slow-burn, softer romance all about healing, understanding, and the heart-fluttering moments of first love.
With Neil and Sea having a connection in the past and their common love of music, there’s already a romantic element to their relationship. Not to be cheesy, but there really is this destined or fated feel to their love. There’s a natural chemistry between the two, and nothing feels forced about their connection.
The side characters are going to add to the fun
The side characters should also be mentioned because they added a lot of fun to the premiere episodes. For one, there’s the real MVP, Sea’s mischievous but supportive friend who actually helped him meet Neil. It didn’t go quite as expected, but it’s the effort that counts right?
In one scene, the two friends run into a “damsel in distress” who actually turns out to be the complete opposite. Only later does Sea learn she is a fellow student at his university and a cool one at that. Let’s applaud Taiwan for flipping stereotypical character types on their head!
Neil’s sassy girlboss coworker will also certainly be a gem of the show.
Now we are left to wonder until the next episodes when Neil’s hair makeover is happening, if the “accidental” incident in the alleyway will ever be addressed by Neil and Sea (not spoiling!), and when Neil will find out that Sea is actually his biggest fan.
Start watching “First Note of Love” now:
Hey Soompiers, are you watching “First Note of Love”? What were your thoughts on the premiere? Let us know in the comments!
Asya’s a BL-biased Soompi writer with a love of K-pop and all types of Asian dramas. Some of her favorite shows are “Psychopath Diary,” “Mr. Unlucky Has No Choice but to Kiss!,” “Light On Me,” “The Untamed,” “Go Go Squid!,” and “Cherry Magic!”
Currently watching: “Meet You at the Blossom,” “First Note of Love,” “I Hear the Sunspot,” and “The Trainee.”
Looking forward to: “Your Sky the Series”