Topics: polyamory, lgbtq+, transgender identity, dealing with abuse, dealing with trauma
Summary (without spoilers): Neo, who works as a stripper in a bar, has an affair with the second wife of Mafia boss Thana. Her husband finds out and sends two hitmen after them, but after a chaotic escape one of them is accidentally shot by bar hostess Miw. Shin, a friend of Neo, who happens to be Thana’s only son, is dragged into the events as well as all three of them have to run from the Mafia. During the following journey, the three of them inevitably grow closer. However, the shot hitman, Phon, left a girlfriend (Mae, who is waiting for her gender reassigning surgery) and a best friend with an unrequited crush, Ter. Both of them are hellbent on getting revenge for Phon’s death (and, in Ter’s case, “rescue” Shin, who his father thinks has been kidnapped by Neo and Miw), so they follow our trio as they try to find a way to deal with Shin’s father and sort our their relationship.
You will like this if you enjoyed: KinnPorsche, Manner of Death
Opinion: I liked this show very much for different reasons. First, there are not enough shows that actually dare to approach the topic of polyamory and succeed, so the set-up sounded interesting from the start. The plot does have a few weak points (a friend’s quote: “that is such a fanfiction trope!”), but if you are used to Thai shows and their way of story-telling, you’ll be fine ;)
Another thing I very much liked was the way they approach different topics. Mae’s journey to herself, in more ways than one, is deeply moving, and told with such respect and honesty I cried a few times because it felt so real. Also, there is an immense variety of characters, be it style, skin colour, body type, gender presentation or sexuality. (And it doesn’t feel stereotypical in any way, the fat girl isn’t the comedic relief, the Brown girl is a strong character, etc.)
The show doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, domestic violence is explored as well as trauma and sexual abuse, but every time people’s stories are told with respect and care. Also, the show deals with choices and consequences, and, without saying too much, sometimes these consequences are hard to endure for the audience.
Also, you might find yourself rooting for the bad guy, and realising on the way he might not be one after all.
Pros: variety of (credible) characters, honest depiction of different topics (polyamory and relationship negotiation, trauma and its aftereffects, choices and consequences, finding yourself)
Cons: at times trope-y plot, characters die quite often (yes, even the ones the audience grew fond of)
