Enemies with Benefits (GMMTV Thailand) Ep.9
So much to say about this show but let's start with
"Enemies with Benefits" has shown us how far Thai GL series have come.
This is by far one of the most realistic portrayals of queer experiences we've watched.
No rich CEOs/heirs and the subordinates/rivals/etc.that they will eventually fall in love with (not that there's anything wrong with that), just a queer working woman trying to keep her job, send money to her family, get along with colleagues, and have a (love) life, too. Anyone else feel like Lal represents all (extra)(ordinary) queer peeps everywhere?
(Basically, Lal is all of us.)
4. The way Lal and Wine's non-break up break up (lezbi honest, these two have been dating for the better part of 7 episodes but refuse to admit it) hit us right in the feels because Lal sobbing to her friend, missing Wine, is every queer person who's ever been dumped and can't move on. The way everything reminds Lal of Wine, this is also the most accurate depiction of queer post-break ups.
(This show has been plagiarizing actual queer angst since Ep.1 LOL).
5. Can we just say this queer relationship is the most accurate as well? The non-label, the moving in together, the intense feelings, the equally intense break-up?
6. Also, also, it needs to be said: Wine is basically every queer person's (femme) girlfriend or ideal girlfriend. The kind that's strict, but kind-hearted, goofy but will not take anyone's bullsh*t, but also, will actually put up with your bullsh*t. LOL
(Anyone who's ever had a girlfriend will know this look from your girl: the one that says, you're being weird but will put up with your bullsh*t anyway)
7. Lal essentially having (unconsciously) decided to be Wine's savior, from Ep. 1, against the Japanese guys, against a sleazy co-worker during a bowling game, against an equally sleazy colleague/ex (New), and another (sleazy) boss, Korn. Come to think of it, Wine is every woman (queer or not) who's ever had to put up with sleazy guys and harassment.
8. The only thing that this show is lacking is a bit more agency from Wine. Esp. when it comes to dealing with toxic guys. Lal is always saving her against male colleagues, making it seem like Wine is unable to save herself? Different from HeartCode's Vicky, for example, who saves Capt. Than back.
9. However, we also tried to consider Wine's trauma. The things she's had to go through with guys has essentially traumatized her and made her unable to fight or talk back like Lal (though she does secretly help Lal by finding dirt on Korn). Also, Wine getting blamed, changing her wardrobe, acting tough so people take her seriously and NOT s*xually harass her is every harassed woman's experience ever.
10. However, the show has to balance these depictions, too, 'cause there's also the danger of thinking Wine fell for Lal because the guys kept treating her bad, and Lal's the first one to treat her right, so she's choosing a woman because of bad experiences with men (meaning she just hasn't met the right man) whereas, well, queer women are queer because they just are, inspite of/despite/regardless of treatment from guys.
11. But also, some women DO fall for other women because, well, women know how to treat women right. Lal and Wine's honest conversations, right down to Lal asking Wine to tell her where she wants to be kissed, or touched, is why women sometimes choose other women. Facts. LOL.
12. So yeah.Nuances. Important in narratives. Which this show has. In spades.
13. Also, this show is consistently fun. It feels a bit like lightning in a bottle. Perfect casting. Fun/funny dialogue. Smooth storytelling. Particularly enjoy the rapid-fire exchanges, for example, between Lal and Proud, who mutually dislike each other, Lal and her gay best friend, Lal's subordinates, etc.
14.It helps that since this is more adult, they've cast older, more seasoned actors - Janhae and Jingjing's (life) experience, confidence and chemistry shine through, Janhae and Ciize's scenes are fun, basically, pretty much every Janhae scene with everyone else. She seems to bring out the best in everyone, people bounce off of her and come out with excellent performances. Loving the self-awareness, lack of pretension and the way she doesn't take herself too seriously, too.
15. Bummed Ep.10 is the last episode. But grateful this series got made and aired. This show and its cast deserve all of the awards honestly.
Will miss this goofy MF and her equally goofy (hot) girlfriend.
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