As a gay guy in his twenties navigating today’s dating scene, the journey of love can be quite a wild ride—messy yet enjoyable. Enter Derek, who embodies the very essence of “messy.” Is he entertaining? Well, that’s still up for debate. Season 2 continues to explore Derek’s chaotic, humorous, and undeniably tangled romantic escapades as he meets a variety of quirky, endearing, and sometimes questionable individuals while searching for love and figuring himself out. I had previously reviewed season 1, which consisted of just three episodes, each barely ten minutes long. Fast forward three years, and now we’re treated to four episodes, each lasting twenty minutes.
Felix: At a party, Derek encounters an attractive guy and hopes for a lucky break. Unbeknownst to him, this Halloween is set to spiral into a real-life nightmare. As secrets emerge, Derek discovers that Felix’s dad is the same older man he had a crush on last season. This revelation sparks both hilarious and meaningful conversations.
Noah: After a family Thanksgiving dinner, Derek seeks to unwind and meets a handsome guy from Santa Cruz. What was meant to be a simple hookup quickly escalates into a chaotic three-way when the guy invites his regular partner. However, Derek isn’t feeling high after smoking, leading to an unexpected turn of events that no one could have anticipated.
Charlie: Spending Christmas alone, Derek unexpectedly bumps into his college rival at a gay bar. They fondly recall their college days and their shared crush on the same guy while engaging in some subtle flirting. Will the festive spirit finally unite them? (This episode was my least favorite of the four.)
Juni: Derek rings in New Year’s Eve with his best girlfriend, who just got dumped. After she heads to bed, her ex-boyfriend shows up—surprisingly, he’s the same discreet guy Derek has been chatting with. Passion ignites between the two men, and Juni witnesses it all. Fireworks won’t be the only thing lighting up the night!
This season takes a deeper plunge into Derek’s experiences, featuring even more outrageous situations that are often laugh-out-loud funny while also striking a chord. It skillfully balances drama, comedy, and plenty of heat, delivering moments filled with laughter, heartbreak, and everything in between. I found myself entertained, challenged, and moved by the authenticity of Derek’s chaotic yet hopeful romantic journey. The short, twenty-minute episodes make for easy viewing and appreciation. While the acting might occasionally feel exaggerated, Derek’s charm is undeniably captivating. Thankfully, the characters he encounters are a delightful mix of charisma, diversity, and good looks. Overall, this second season is a thoroughly satisfying experience and a great way to pass the time.
