Know what happens when you date a red flag? They might make you feel like their last cherished cigarette and then discard you like its ash. Or well, at least that’s the significance of the title of Chinese series ‘Ash’, which follows an undercover cop’s stormy romance with a wealthy, influential and possibly corrupt businessman.
Adapted from the Chinese novel Yan Hui (烟灰) by Feng Nong, the nine-episode show marks the drama debut of both its lead stars. Kingston plays handsome officer Mok Fei Foon, who is masquerading as a thug when he runs into Hui Leuk To, played by Leo Pang, a CEO with various business interests, including casinos. Fei Foon is working to expose a criminal ring and suspects Hui Leuk To might be involved, but things get complicated when the two start hooking up and end up in that grey “what exactly are we to each other?” zone.
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Ash gets messy pretty quickly. The plot is all over the place, Fei Foon falls way too deep for Hui Leuk and isn’t even sure whether the tycoon takes him seriously, even though a lot of other people are interested in chasing Fei Foon. The rich, arrogant Hui Leuk sure has several love rivals in the show. Kingston’s Fei Foon is a total catch, but the obsessions, betrayals and increasingly ridiculous plot twists are just grating. Add to that some AI-animated sequences used for flashbacks, which feel completely jarring alongside the live-action drama.
Not going to lie, the only reason I managed to get through all nine episodes of Ash was because the leads are so good-looking. Kingston, as the dashing cop with emotional issues, delivers a noteworthy debut performance too, while Leo Pang is often rather stiff as the aloof, selfish CEO, who puts his business interests above everything else, even his heart. Together, Leo and Kingston look like they’ve jumped straight out of a romance comic book and make a striking pair visually.
Sing Lee becomes a major antagonist in the second half, playing a slightly psychotic, comic-book villain who looks like a pop star. The character is completely unhinged, and Sing Lee rises to match the madness. Hui Yuet Sheung plays another minor antagonist, a mafia boss who briefly becomes Fei Foon’s fiancée. Yeah, things get pretty wacky in the second half. There are drugs, counterfeit notes, corruption, gang fights and violence, all unfolding alongside the ongoing train-wreck that is Fei Foon’s romantic life.
Anyway, if you’re simply in the mood for a chaotic queer Chinese show filled with good-looking men and mafia drama, go ahead and watch it. Chinese drama ‘Sammy’s Children’s Day‘ also has similar themes, but it’s about a model student falling for gang leader.
Watch ‘Ash’ on Youku.
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Looking for more BLs to watch? Check out quick reviews of three romcoms below.
