The On1y One Review (Episodes 1 and 2): When Two Worlds Collide, It’s a Lovely Mess

The brand new Taiwan BL series The On1y One adapted from the novel Mou Mou (某某) by Mu Su Li (木苏里) premiered on August 22 with two episodes, followed by one episode dropping each every Wednesday and Thursday. Directed by Liu Kuang Hui, the rom-com series offers viewers a chaos-packed story involving two young high school guys falling in love when their parents are planning to marry. Step siblings isn’t a new genre, however, for a BL genre, this seems promising.

When Sheng Wang (Liu Dong Qin) transfers to a new high school, he quickly clashes with classmate Jiang Tian (Benjamin Tsang). Their rivalry takes an unexpected turn when their parents announce their marriage, making the boys stepbrothers. As they navigate their new family dynamic and school life together, unexpected romantic feelings begin to develop between them. Now, they must figure out if this newfound love will strengthen their bond or create chaos within their family.

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The On1y One Episodes 1 and 2 Recap

Sheng Wang returns to his hometown, where he holds cherished memories of his late mother. Due to his father’s constant relocations, he’s never stayed at one school for long. When he transfers to a new high school as a second-year student, the news spreads quickly, stirring excitement among the students—except for Jiang Tian. At school, Wang’s father’s friend, an influential figure, welcomes him, provides textbooks, and introduces him to the honor roll board. There, Wang notices Jiang Tian’s name and feels uneasy, recalling his recent difficulties with anyone named Jiang.

Mr. Xu escorts Wang to his new class and asks him to sit next to Tian. When Wang tries to strike up a conversation, Tian responds coldly and moves to sit behind him. Wang soon learns that the rude classmate is indeed Jiang Tian, and he quickly concludes that this relationship is not going to work out. Back at home, Wang’s father introduces him to a woman named Jiang, who is about to move in with them. A flashback reveals Wang’s realization that his father is planning to marry her. To his shock, Tian turns out to be her son, meaning they are about to become stepbrothers. The two boys immediately avoid each other, both unwilling to accept this new reality.

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As Wang prepares for his first weekly exams, he’s overwhelmed and unsure where to start. Despite his struggles, he manages to score average marks, surprising his classmates, given he’s only been at the school for a day. Tian and Wang continue to clash, both unhappy with their parents’ impending marriage. We also learn that Ji Huhyang, a teacher at their school, is Tian’s father. By the end of the first episode, Wang reflects on how he and Tian will navigate living under the same roof. He catches Tian trying to avoid moving into their shared home, calling out to him, and the two exchange a tense gaze. The episode closes with a flashback from Tian’s perspective, revealing a small smile as he recalls Wang’s earlier misstep on the stairs.

Episode two picks up with Tian standing outside the gate with his suitcase. Sheng and Jiang come out, invite him in, and show him to his room, which is directly opposite Wang’s. Wang, struggling with his math studies, subtly seeks Tian’s help. Although Tian notices, Wang pretends he doesn’t need any assistance. The next day at school, Tian discreetly passes Wang an equation during their exam, and though Wang initially resists, he eventually uses it. Later, the two go out for lunch, as the cafeteria food runs out quickly. Tian leaves Wang at a convenience store, but when Wang realizes he forgot his money, Tian rushes back to pay for him, leading to an awkward moment between them.

During a P.E. class, some classmates suggest playing Truth or Dare, and Wang is happy to feel included. When his turn comes, he chooses dare, and the group challenges him to kiss the first person who walks by, regardless of gender. When Tian walks by, the group urges Wang to kiss him. Wang complies, and everyone cheers. That night, Wang tries to apologize to Tian, but Tian brushes him off. Determined, Wang enters Tian’s room, insisting the kiss meant nothing. Tian, angered by Wang’s dismissal, pulls him close and kisses him again, showing him what “nothing” really means. The episode ends with a revelation from Tian’s perspective: it was he who suggested the truth or dare game to the group, and he purposely walked by Wang, having overheard the dare.

The On1y One Review (Episodes 1 and 2)

The opening episodes of this series effectively set the stage for a compelling and emotionally charged story, blending the dynamics of high school life with the complexities of new familial bonds. Sheng Wang’s return to his hometown is marked by an immediate clash with Jiang Tian, a classmate who soon turns out to be his future stepbrother. The tension between them is palpable, stemming from their unwillingness to accept their parents’ impending marriage. The show skillfully navigates their growing animosity and the awkwardness of their situation, highlighting their internal struggles and the challenges they face in both their academic and personal lives.

What makes these episodes particularly engaging is the subtle development of the characters’ relationship, which oscillates between rivalry and reluctant cooperation. The moments of tension are balanced with hints of unexpected connection, especially during scenes like the impromptu kiss and the shared kiss at the end of episode two. The series teases the possibility of a deeper bond forming between Wang and Tian, adding layers of complexity to their interactions. With strong performances and a storyline that promises both drama and intrigue, these episodes set the tone for a captivating exploration of love, rivalry, and family.

The On1y One is streaming on Netflix.

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