HIStory 3: Trapped- Review

Disclaimer:

My reviews will be highly influenced by my own options, experience and knowledge of bl and queer culture and shows. Im not an expert in any regard but as a queer person and a film and media student I have some insight into the shows I like and want to review.

Overview

Details:

• Country: Taiwan

• Episodes: 20

• Aired: Apr 16, 2019 - Jun 12, 2019

• Duration: 25 min.

• Content Rating: 15+ - Teens 15 or older

Cast:

• Jake Hsu - Meng Shao Fei

• Chris Wu - Tang Yi

• Andy Bian - Jack

• Kenny Chen - Zhao Li An

First thoughts

This is one of the few Bl’s where the plot is interesting enough to stand on its own without the romance aspect, I was genuinely intrigued by the mystery of the show. It is also one of the first BL’s I've watch that isn't about young uni/college kids and is set in a university- it is certainly a refreshing and interesting story that pulls the audience in with its complex characters and interesting action.

Meng Shao Fei and Tang Yi.

Meng Shao Fei’s character jumps out at you from the beginning. His facial expression shows all his emotions on his face, his larger than life personality doesn't take away from his more serious scenes in the show but helps show his dedication to his work and morals. His obsession with Tang Yi is sweet and funny, The audiences (and Tang Yi) can see his attraction towards Tang Yi.

Tang Yi is a very complex character. When first introduced he come off as a classic and stereotypical attractive mobster, however as the show goes on we see his flaws and deep-seated want to do good. Tang Yi lost a lot of his childhood, he had to grow up quickly in a very strict world and while master Tang did try to give him the family he didn't have, he still lost it all again, when Master Tang died. He puts up the very strict, ordered front. He likes order and that's shown in his clothes and house, in how he has a strict schedule. However, Shao Fei brings out the more childish and emotional side. Leading to his outbursts of anger and upset.

When Shao Fei goes missing he acts childishly and gets grumpy. It's sweet to see how much they truly care for one another, there is no side plot of jealousy or cheating and it's so nice to just see a couple working through their relationship and learning how to care for eachother in a very complex world.

The domestic side of their relationship is the highlight of their characters for me. The softer moments really show the trust and commitment the two of them have. It also is an important aspect of the plot as family is a main theme of the show. Watching Tang Yi and Shao Fei make their own family is a truly beautiful thing to see.

Jack and Zhao Li An

Jack's character is complex, on first viewing he very much comes across as a charismatic and well-trained criminal who has a soft spot for Zhao Li An. As we learn more about him it's clear the all smiles front he has is put on to protect himself. He’s working a double life, a well-skilled mercenary for hire.

The more innocent and kind cop appeals to Jack in a way he wasn’t expecting, Zhao Li An’s stranger personality intrigues Jack. Watching them fall for each other is sweet, bonding over their love of food and Jack leaning about the Cop’s life. They focus on family, which is a main theme in the show, showing them in such a domestic setting and talking about family is a sweet and heartwarming element of their relationship.

Zhao Li An is an adorable character that everyone loves instantly. He’s a loveable and childish person, it’s clear he cares a lot about his friends and especially Shao Fei. However, he isn't just a pushover, while they do play up his innocence and naivety I think it's important to say he does have reservations about his relationship with Jack and is slightly unsure as to what they will have.

At the end Jack seems conflicted, releasing that what he feels for Zhao Li An isn’t so simple and upsetting him upsets himself. Jack hasn’t had a chance to just have a simple life, doing what he wants as he has had to immerse himself in whatever situation he is hired to be in. Zhao Li An is apprehensive after learning what Jack had done, warning if everything was fake but the two come together to discuss this, finally settling into a life together.

Enemies to lovers done right?

What a lot of shows struggle with, in my opinion, and from what others have said, is with building a real relationship from enemies to lovers without it being overly rushed. It can feel forced, pushing two opposing forces together. They have no foundation for their feelings.

The reason Shao Fei and Tang Yi work is because of the already established relationship between the two. They have been playing cat and mouse for years, they know each other very well, their first interaction on-screen shows this clearly and we are instantly interested in how it will develop.

They don’t hate each other, Tang Yi seems to just find Shao Fei annoying- getting in the way of his plan to go legitimate. Shao Fei is only as emotional as he is because of the incident 4 years ago, he wants the truth more than anything. But it’s clear they don't see each other as enemies, the teasing and playful conversation show they have already stepped across that line. Others around them also seem aware of the strange relationship they have.

And while them getting kidnapped together is a bit cliche, it’s a perfect way for them both to see each other in a different context. Once they do they can begin to see each other as friends.

Action vs Romance vs Reality

In History 3 Trapped the line between a serious cop drama and a fluffy romance is toed carefully but does push the audiences to put aside their expectations.

If you cannot suspend your disbelief while watching the show then the mistakes and liberties taken by the show/plot will annoy you. How the police handle things is very far out of how it would actually happen in real life, a few things are done more accurately but mostly not.

I think the reason why the opinions of this show a split so drastically is because some people went into the show expecting it to be more similar to normal crime drama instead of a BL taking place in a crime setting.

BL’s have been characterized by their tropes and plot styles, now there is a struggle to transition away from the stereotypes and bring BL’s into regular and mainstream tv/media. In my opinion Trapped has done a pretty good job at jumping at trying a new setting (instead of the same high school/collage topes) and trying to write a plot that appeals to more than just bl fans. It's not perfect, some scene’s seemed a bit unnecessary or slightly off but again I haven't seen a BL take such a chance at a new and interesting plot.

The fight/action scenes are engaging enough to put aside any slight exaggeration or mistakes in choreography and it was exciting to see the leads in a more active role.

They successfully brought the mafia/gangsta world to life while still having the humorous and comical aspects to the show.

Sexual confidence

Both main characters are sexually and physically confident, any shy moments are not because they are questioning their sexuality but because they are still developing their relationship.

A lot of Bl feature younger characters 17-21 who are still learning about themself sexually and emotionally, so it does make sense that quite a lot of shows focus on their self-discovery in some way. But with a more emotionally mature and older couple like Tang Yi and Shao Fei, this doesn’t need to be explored. They know themselves already.

They also both are well respected, confident young men. They are on the same level and there is no disparity between them in power. The relationship they develop is one of mutual respect and power, one not taking over the other. This also means the show doesn't have to have such a focus on the sexual aspect of their relationship and rather focus on them in a more domestic light.

Bl’s and women

I have to say- I wasn't happy with Tang Yi’s sister.

There is still a problem in Bl’s and drama’s of annoying/bitchy or pointless female characters having bad writing. Now not every female character has to be a nice/kind person who supports the main characters, you can have conflict and fighting. But when they are just thrown in it just feels lazy.

When she was first introduced I found her relationship with her brother touching, I know some found it creepy and I get it. They very much set it up for us to think she was his lover and then relieving she is actually his sister. I was happy that we weren't going to have another story of a straight guy with a girlfriend cheating on her with the interesting love and then breaking up with her in the end. However as the show went on I found her more and more frustrating, there were times when I really respected her character. She is strong, struggling to prove to her brother she isn't a little kid and doesn't need his protection. Her relationship with Tang Yi helps show his soft and more family side, she supports him in everything and just wants to help him stay safe.

Her hatred towards Shao Fei threw me off. I can understand her being protective and worried about their relationship, however, in a show where the realities of a cop dating a gangster are not taken seriously by the majority of the characters her very volatile reaction seems out of place.

No hatred towards the actor Diane Lin, she does a great job with the role she was given. Unfortunately, the writing does not do her justice, there are many moments in the show where her acting shines.

The Ending

Whether you hated or loved the ending, it was a very poetic and conclusive ending. With nearly everything tied up and nothing left to chance.

I felt that Tang Yi going to prison to serve his sentence made sense, again in many enemies to lover/mafia and crime love stories the actions of the ‘bad’ guy are often overlooked in the end. And they could have done this, have it wrapped up in a fluffy and fairytale way but it would not have done justice to the relationships in the show. Shao Fei repeatedly shows he does value the law more than anything, he can't compromise on that and I think that shows just how well developed his character is.

Tang Yi also has a strong sense of morals, he wants to atone for the past. He also wants the Hsin-Tien Group to be clean, that is only possible if he goes to prison.

Final Thoughts

History3 Trapped is a delightful yet emotional show, I enjoyed the story so much more than I expected and even re-watching it I have found more small moments that make it so much better. The main couple is truly fantastic, as well as the two side couples and other characters, they all brought together a very enjoyable show.

Links

https://www.viki.com/tv/36410c-history-3-trapped (Viki link - with full episodes. Official)

https://mydramalist.com/30567-history3-trap/cast (Information on the show)

https://youtu.be/0i-qaUOVu1Q (Show Opening and Trailer)