I wasn’t going to recap Boys Planet (and technically, I’m still not doing it), but I’m watching the series and thought others might appreciate a spot to discuss it. So, each week I plan on dumping a few of my random thoughts about the show. Again, this will not be a full, detailed recap. But, if you have something you want to mention make sure to include it in the comments!

Thoughts on BOYS PLANET Episode One

Thoughts on BOYS PLANET Episode Two

Thoughts on BOYS PLANET Episode Three

Thoughts on BOYS PLANET Episode Four

Thoughts on BOYS PLANET Episode Five

Thoughts on BOYS PLANET Episode Six

Thoughts on BOYS PLANET Episode Seven

Thoughts on BOYS PLANET Episode Eight

Thoughts on BOYS PLANET Episode Nine

Thoughts on BOYS PLANET Episode Ten

Thoughts on BOYS PLANET Episode Eleven

I’ve never done a post on the finale of a Produce-esque show before and I’m wondering how much I’ll have to say. Usually, there’s less to write about as these shows grow closer to the end — despite their ever-increasing run-time. Mostly, I’ll comment on the new songs and what I think of the newly formed group.

This was a zesty performance of the signal song, wasn’t it? I liked all the added breakdowns and the dramatic production, but some weird audio issues made the sound feel like it was filtering in and out (at least on the source I was watching).

These shows move sooooo slooooowwwwwwly when they’re aired live. All the awkward pauses make for a very low-energy broadcast, which is really weird considering this is the grand finale. Seriously… half of the show was just Minhyun looking down at his cue cards in silence. They really need to spice up the pace!

Well… this group name is made up of consonants and vowels.

That’s all I’ve got.

(Hilariously, the first member announced for debut couldn’t even remember the name)

I mentioned last week that this sounded like it would be my favorite song of the series. That’s a very low bar to cross, but the prediction turned out to be true. It’s definitely most closely-aligned to my personal taste and will be going into my music library after today. The performance was fun and upbeat and the guys sounded good.

Now, the question is: what style of music will be created in the Zero Base One laboratory? Let’s hope for something fresh and exciting!

You are not allowed to call a song “Hot Summer” and make it sound this tame! The track is fine, but does nothing different than 99% of current boy group fare. The melody has very little range or personality, though I appreciate the brief reference to f(x)’s classic of the same name.

This is the standard ballad/mid-tempo “thanks for voting for us” song they always perform on the finale. This one’s a snooze, unfortunately.

Members were revealed one by one, culminating in the final group:

9. Han Yu Jin
8. Kim Ji Woong
7. Kim Kyu Vin
6. Kim Tae Rae (yay!)
5. Park Gun Wook
4. Ricky
3. Seok Matthew (yay!)
2. Sung Han Bin (yay!)
1. Zhang Hao

Overall, I’m pleased with the line-up. I’m kind of shocked that Han Bin wasn’t first place, though the votes were very close. After ranking first place the entire series, the fact that he won’t finish at the top kind of messes with my brain’s need for continuity.

The only person I’m upset didn’t make it is Keita, who was one of my favorites and very talented. I’m not sure if Ciipher are even together anymore, but hopefully he can take this newfound notoriety back to the group and find post-show success.

Also, nearly half of this group is from Yuehua Entertainment?? How much pull does this agency have? Or, are they just really good at casting trainees?

As usual, I’m more concerned with the music that will eventually come from this group. Given these shows’ track records, I’m not holding my breath. But, it would be nice if they found (and stuck to) a niche of their own.