ThamePo Heart That Skips a Beat (2024)

Almost a Heartbeat Away

When ThamePo: Heart That Skips a Beat was announced last year, I was beyond excited—finally, a well-deserved main lead role for Est after watching him in Naughty Babe and High School Frenemy. His presence was the main reason I tuned in, and if I’m being honest, he was also a huge driving force behind the drama’s success. The way he tirelessly promoted it was nothing short of impressive. He truly put in the work, and the results speak for themselves.

At its core, ThamePo explores the reality of the entertainment industry, particularly the struggles idols face—dating rumors, disbandments, profit disputes, and more. It expands on themes we’ve seen in Lovely Writer and Only Boo!, but with a slightly more refined execution. As a longtime K-pop fan, I appreciated how the series portrayed these struggles without vilifying entertainment companies entirely. After all, the producers themselves are part of the industry. The balance was well-handled, ensuring the message came through without feeling preachy or overly antagonistic.

That being said, the plot itself wasn’t groundbreaking. I could predict the entire trajectory before even hitting play—main lead enters an idol’s life, they get close, they date, their relationship causes conflict, they break up, and they reunite. It’s a formula that has been done countless times. Was I disappointed? Not at all. Sometimes, fulfilling expectations is just as satisfying as subverting them. The predictability didn’t ruin my experience; it made the drama feel like a comforting, well-executed take on a familiar story.

However, the pacing felt sluggish at times. By episode two, I found myself mentally filling in the blanks, already knowing what would happen next. While ThamePo does a better job than Only Boo! in expanding on its central conflict rather than rushing to a resolution, the drawn-out storytelling made it slightly tedious.

One of the drama’s weakest points was how it handled Po and Thame’s breakup. The scene felt too light, lacking the emotional weight it needed. Rather than delivering a strong confrontation, the drama spread out the emotions in separate individual scenes, which lessened the impact. A more intense, heartfelt dialogue exchange would have improved this moment significantly.

One aspect I wish had been explored further was the "fan-idol" dynamic. It played a key role in the story, yet it wasn’t fully utilized. Having Thame and Po’s relationship become public could have strengthened the subplot involving Gam and Pepper, giving it a more satisfying conclusion. Despite these missed opportunities, the drama did an excellent job in establishing its conflicts.

On the acting front, I have to give credit where it’s due. Est delivered an incredible performance, especially in the emotional scenes—his ability to cry on command is genuinely impressive. William did well too, though his performance felt a bit unbalanced throughout the series. That said, their chemistry was undeniable, both on and off screen. Whoever cast this duo deserves a raise.

Visually, ThamePo delivered. The cinematography was better than expected, and the soundtrack enhanced every moment. Though I wasn’t familiar with LYKN before, their music fit perfectly, and I might just check them out now.

At the end of the day, ThamePo didn’t reinvent the wheel, but it served its purpose. It reminded viewers that what we see on stage is only a fraction of an idol’s reality. The struggles, the sacrifices, the unseen hardships—these are things the public rarely considers. If nothing else, I hope this drama encourages fans to be more understanding and to think twice before hurling hate at artists they don’t even know. Because at the end of the day, they’re human too.

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Who's smiling with me ....

I was ambivalent. Initially I wasn't going to write a review as there really wasn't anything to say. Boy meets boy. Boy falls in love with boy. Boy stays with boy forever. Then they did it. I was smiling like I've never smiled before, looping the moon and back. I loved watching Thame and Po together. I loved Thame and Po together bcuz Thame was the person that made Po realize his true worth. Po needed to be loved entirely, fiercelessly and deeply. Thame had the courage for everyone and more than enough for himself. Their magic had me smiling. Grinning, actually.

Acting, which we know needs work but forgiven as newbies, was much better than expected. What tied this entire show together was the soft way Thame loved Po. Gently, they took the steps together and held each other close. The all night phone call and THE walk to and from the bus stop set the standard for future romantic moments in any series. Yes, the usual mistakes and misunderstandings happened and I will say this, those 2 episodes fell flat. The light of the series was missing. Thame.

The moment he entered again, the world brightened considerably. The glow in his eyes made us believe again in their love. The Negative Nellys and Horrendous Horseface easily forgot as I was blinded by the brilliance of their soft sweet love. The connection between Thame and Po is palpable. It's felt. WilliamEst/EstWilliam have IT.

Lykn did well. Est, one of my favorites, did great. William shone. With more practice, they all will be better as time goes on. Special mention here of Nut and his role. He aced every moment he was on the screen and proved to be the strongest actor of the group. Jun's cunning smile fooled everyone but the audience. He gave up his chance for happiness for Thame to have his. Signs of true friendship. The level of ease amongst the entire cast was refreshing.

The empty script could have been much better. The repetitive convos, Po's one word answers - Huh, a timeline of events that did nothing to move the story from one position to the next. Thame started sadly owing Oner and ended happily owing Oner. Po started in the tailor shop depressed and ended in the tailor shop happy. Ok, well the perspectives changed but a little change in finances would have been nice. I would have loved to see the fire in Po that was ignited in episode 1 carried through but he had to dim a little for Thame / William to become the star. I was left with a good feeling at the end despite all the glaring errors. This definitely should be rewatched time and time again. If only to let your heart skip a beat . 💓

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Standard Cliche-Filled BL

Perhaps I am becoming so jaded by the similarities in Thai BL stories that I found this series to be yet another standard typical cliché-driven saga. Except that the protagonists, of whom there are many, were all drop-dead gorgeous and this time did not lack talent in singing and dancing, which made it more entertaining to watch. Again, like so many of these series, either I do not understand its aim, or I am in a glazed over state of mind that I just did not get the message. But perhaps I am projecting my own prejudices upon a culture that I do not fully understand. Admittedly, I am of a generation that does not regard the dynamics of the generational infantile and juvenile behaviors of the times as normal. However, I did finally get to comprehend and understand the deep encroachment that fans have on entertainers. It becomes clear why the term ‘fanatic’ is attached to the term ‘fan’.

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Review ep1

was really angry with William's character, but it's ok because he's literally in idol survival mode. I really loved Est's character, he's so handsome! I love his acting.
I'm very proud of my Lykn boys (fan since before the series was announced☝️) them acting and singing is everything, I'm 100 times more in love.
(Tui and Hong's girl here🤭☝️)

a mention to Ciize and Samy who are shining as always! (gmm please value the women in the company more. we love them) 🌸💖

Was that song made for the series??? What a good song, I loved it so much! Add it to Spotify now!!!

So far I've loved it a lot, this series came with a lot of potential, I hope everything works out. I loved the acting, soundtrack, photography and everything else.

I love MARS, omg!!!!!
(don't disband, please! 🥴)

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A Heartfelt Dive into the Realities of Idols and Love

At first glance, ThamePo: Heart That Skips a Beat seemed like just another predictable BL drama, with a well-worn storyline about idol life and hidden romance. Even after watching the teaser at GMMTV’s expo, I wasn’t convinced this would be worth my time. The chemistry between the leads, Est Supha and William Jakrapatr, wasn’t apparent in the trailers, and the premise felt all too familiar. But I couldn’t have been more wrong.

First off, Est and the LYKN members can act—so well. Est doesn’t just have chemistry with William, but with every single member of the band. Their performances bring depth to a story that, on the surface, might seem typical but actually offers a fresh take on the idol industry. Unlike most GMMTV dramas, ThamePo doesn’t shy away from portraying the harsh realities of being an idol—the constant scrutiny, the manufactured images, and the relentless pressure to maintain a facade.

One of the show’s strengths is how it tackles favouritism in idol groups, where one member is pushed into the spotlight while others are left behind. It also highlights the unrealistic expectations fans place on their idols, especially when it comes to relationships. This has been explored in other dramas (like Lovely Writer, which tackled actors in the industry), but ThamePo shifts the focus to boybands, showing how idols are often stripped of their autonomy. It was striking to see how even the smallest rumour—like dating—could jeopardise a career.

1. A Romance Built on Patience and Understanding
While the industry commentary was engaging, the romance between Thame and Po was truly the heart of the series. Their relationship was refreshing—built on patience, trust, and genuine care. Thame’s attentiveness toward Po, his gentle approach, and the way he ensured Po always felt safe was a joy to watch. It’s the kind of romance that makes you feel like you’re experiencing a first crush all over again.

The breakup episode was a gut punch. It didn’t feel forced or unnecessary—it was an inevitable consequence of their reality. The pressure from management, the expectations of fans, and the unspoken rule that idols must remain "available" to their audience made their love feel almost impossible. Gam and Pepper’s storyline echoed this struggle, reinforcing the idea that these artists are expected to prioritise their careers over their happiness.

That being said, while I understood why the breakup happened, it was frustrating. Their romance was already a slow burn, and just when they finally had a moment of happiness, it was snatched away. The pacing of their relationship sometimes felt rushed in some places and painfully slow in others, creating a bit of emotional whiplash.

2. Sappy, Sweet, and a Little Over-the-Top—But It Works
Now, let’s talk about Thame. His perception of what a boyfriend should be was both endearing and hilarious. From the constant selfies and detailed explanations of his daily routine to the iconic scene where he watches the TV reflection in Po’s eyes—it was peak romance drama cheesiness. But somehow, it worked. Thame’s little moments of jealousy and cluelessness were balanced by Po’s patience and understanding, making their relationship feel authentic.

The chemistry between Est and William was undeniable. Their soft, subtle interactions were more powerful than any grand declaration of love. Thame’s lingering looks, the way Po softened around him—it all felt natural and sincere. It was a relationship built on mutual support, and that made it all the more compelling.

3. Beyond the Romance: Brotherhood and the Toxicity of Idol Culture
Beyond the love story, the dynamic within the band, MARS, was another standout aspect of the series. The tensions, the rivalries, the unspoken resentments—everything felt real. It was satisfying to see these friendships evolve, from cold indifference to genuine support. The camaraderie among the members was a highlight, proving that the show wasn’t just about romance but also about the importance of found family.

The drama also addressed the toxicity of parasocial relationships—particularly with Pepper’s storyline. The way fans reacted to the rumour of him dating was disturbingly accurate, highlighting how idols are often seen as public property rather than real people. While this arc was a great addition, I do wish it had been fleshed out more to fully explore the emotional toll on the character.

4. Production, Acting, and Music—A Surprise Standout
Visually, ThamePo is stunning. The cinematography, the soft lighting, and the warm colour palette make it a feast for the eyes. The production quality is impressive for a BL drama, elevating the storytelling even further. And let’s not forget the music—because William can sing. His voice added so much emotion to the soundtrack, making every performance scene feel raw and real.

Acting-wise, William as Thame was the biggest surprise. For his first acting project, he absolutely delivered. Est, on the other hand, was incredibly expressive—his emotional scenes hit hard. The chemistry between them was a winning formula, and whoever cast them together deserves all the credit. The LYKN members also held their own, bringing their characters to life in a way that made the group feel authentic.

5. Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch for BL and Idol Drama Fans
For 13 weeks, ThamePo delivered a mix of heartwarming romance, industry drama, and emotional depth. While the story was predictable at times, the strong performances, chemistry, and thoughtful storytelling made it a worthwhile watch. If you’re looking for a drama with slow-burn romance, meaningful friendships, and a deep dive into the idol industry, ThamePo is definitely worth your time.

A well-crafted and emotional journey into love, friendship, and the struggles of being an idol.

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Romance: 0 ; Friendship: 10

I'm going to stick with the first comment that I posted on this page (and for which I received hate without any reasons...): it is not a great series, but it is not a bad series either.

Contrary to a lot of people, I didn't really like the first trailer of this series and wasn't waiting for it. But as I watch all the BLs from GMMTV, I started watching this series and, even though I think the story was not very interesting, the characters were (especially the members of the group) and made me stay to watch the rest.

I already knew William as he sang the OST for Last Twilight last year, but I discovered the rest of his group and I'm pleasantly surprised by their acting skills. I especially fell for Nut whom I love in his role as Jun. On the contrary, I didn't really like Est aka Po at first but I now know he is a really good actor and I didn't dislike him but his character. I'm not particularly fond of Po and I didn't really like his romance with Thame. I know that a lot of people absolutely love them but the romance part of the series fell flat to me. And I actually liked Po more when he was interacting with Jun than when he was with Thame. Not that I'm shipping them but Po had more facial expression when interacting with Jun. Everytime he was with Thame (especially at the beginning of the series), he only showed one boring facial expression hence my doubt concerning Est acting (but now I know it is the character's trait).

Apart from that, I liked that they touch upon the important topic of dating in the entertainment industry but it's a shame that they didn't conclude on that. Because at the end, we don't know if both couples are public and if the fans have accepted the relationships. Also, Dylan/Jun ghostship was strong in Mars' diary but nothing really in the series, which is a shame (even though, it must feel weird to act as a couple with one of the members of your group).

As a whole, it was a nice series but I'm probably never going to watch it again. I still spent a good time watching it, not for the romance however, but for the interaction and the friendships between the characters (especially Po and Jun).

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A Heartfelt and Captivating BL – A Perfect 10/10!

I tried watching the first two episodes, but for some reason, it didn’t fully capture my interest. The plot didn’t feel particularly strong to me at first. However, after receiving recommendations from others, I decided to continue, and I ended up binge-watching the remaining 11 episodes in one sitting. It did not disappoint—this was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!

This series is nothing short of perfection. From the storyline to the acting, everything about ThamePo Heart That Skips a Beat is beautifully crafted. It’s one of those rare BL dramas that manages to stand out for all the right reasons.

The Storyline & Romance:
The romance between Thame and Po is incredibly refreshing and realistic. It’s all about the little moments that truly build a connection—whether it's walking together, holding hands, or just spending time in each other’s company. There's no unnecessary drama, no irritating third wheels, and no toxic characters. The love between the leads feels so genuine and pure, and the series doesn’t rely on over-the-top melodrama to push the plot forward. Instead, it’s a beautifully understated and healthy romance that develops at its own pace, making it all the more touching.

The way the entire group of friends supports each other throughout the series adds another layer of warmth to the story. Their friendship dynamics are heartwarming and make the experience feel even more authentic.

Acting & Chemistry:
The chemistry between the leads, William (Thame) and Est (Po), is undeniable. Despite William being relatively new to acting, his performance is incredibly impressive, especially considering he’s also the lead singer of the T-pop group LYKN. Est, with his experience, plays Po with such depth and nuance. Together, they have an undeniable connection that brings their characters to life in such a natural, compelling way. Their performances truly elevate the show, and you can feel the genuine emotions they portray. GMM truly struck gold with this pairing.

Production Quality:
The production team and film editors deserve major praise for the smooth, high-quality execution of this series. The cinematography is on point, and every detail—whether it’s the pacing or the transitions—feels well thought out. The editing helps maintain the emotional impact of the scenes without being overly dramatic or forced. It all comes together so perfectly, making it a visually pleasing experience.

Soundtrack:
The OSTs in ThamePo are also a major highlight. Every song is full of emotion, complementing the storyline perfectly. The music adds another layer of depth, enhancing the feelings of each scene and making the experience even more immersive.

Overall Impact:
This series touches on themes of love, friendship, and the complexities of being an idol in the public eye, giving viewers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes struggles. The portrayal of the music industry and the pressures idols face—particularly in balancing love and their career—adds a lot of depth to the narrative, making it not only an entertaining watch but also a thought-provoking one.

All in all, ThamePo Heart That Skips a Beat is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a mature, well-acted, and beautifully told BL story. It’s full of heart, emotion, and beautiful moments that stay with you long after the series ends. I’m so glad I gave this series a chance, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a BL with a healthy romance, amazing chemistry, and a meaningful storyline. Truly a 10/10!

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can fridays just be everyday plz

williamest chemistry is so phenomenal literally have me giggling kicking my feet and all theyve done is breathe next to each other i need the next eps like a DRUG😫😫😫😫

from the acting, plot, pace, cinematography, production, bgm etc i am thoroughly enjoying watching every episode as it comes out. i love how the background music is used to elevate scenes instead of being added just for the sake of being added. also mentioned this before but i am just love love loving the chemistry between thame & po as well as the rest of the character dynamics aswell.

really looking forward to seeing what the next episodes have in store for us !!!!

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Falloff of such an amazing start

This is my first time leaving a review and I dont normally do one, but I felt compelled to leave one because I love how this series began.

However, I am slowly losing interest over the last few episodes. The story is not developed enough and just isnt hitting hard enough. (Maybe this will change over the upcoming episodes). I have always felt like Thame is forced to like Po because everyone sort of ‘teased’ him into liking Po.

The cast was great but I had to admit it, but Nut mostly carried the series because if it wasnt for him, the two main characters wouldnt have even realized they liked each other.

I had high hopes for the music coming from this series. They’re okay, but they’re not Last Twilight-good.

I really hoped the remaining episodes would change my opinion.

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I finished this SO FAST! First show that compelled me to write a review!

I have so many things to say about this show and story so I am going to try to break it down the best I can.

I have read previous reviews and I can agree at some points this show wasn’t perfect but it’s by far one of the best I’ve seen by GMMTV in a long time. This story isn’t for those who just want romance every episode or for those who want the strongest plot in the world. While it has those strengths it’s so MUCH MORE THAN THAT.

This story is fantastic in my opinion, the lessons learned by everyone, the emotions, the reality and the maturity of this story are what makes it stand out.

This story hits every box when it comes to an idol being in a relationship and especially an Idols’s first love. William does a great job at show his naivety and misunderstanding of love. What it means to fall in love as an idol and the things that go against you in society. His acting was so compelling especially when you understand that he himself is an idol and has understood this story like no one else. I think GMMTV made the right choice by choosing the LYKN members to play them as it made the story feel all that more real and personal. I cannot tell you how many times I cried just by the pure emotion each member of the group showed in their journey to be successful. These all being real issues idols deal with in any group.

Then we have Po. Someone who had all his life come crashing down on him when he gave up a job to pursue his love life, unfortunately to his own detriment. His self esteem is broken down and he’s working hard to rebuild that. He doesn’t know how to live his life after Earn and he keeps trying to focus on other things than his emotions. That is until he meets Thame. Thame opens him up and gives him something else to worry about. Thame take his time to care for Po. Even if their moments aren’t OVERLY intimate I believe it’s made up for by the emotions that are constantly lingering in the air. The way you can read their emotions in every scene. The way the both sacrifice for one another. They learned together how to love and love properly. It was so beautiful to watch and the CHEMISTRY?? undeniable..

The music, I need not to say much as it was practically flawless. Williams ability to convey emotion through singing!!! It honestly leaves me speechless. The songs feel very representative of an idol group. They even add to the story and make it all that more engaging.

I could seriously go on about this drama forever. I haven’t felt this strongly about one that I have watched in a long time. It was to me, flawless!

I highly recommend this drama. Even though it is sort of a slow burn. It’s entirely worth it!! The chemistry is natural and it doesn’t have to rely on NC scenes for romance like others. The romance and struggle is seen throughout it all.

I can’t wait to see what William, EST and LYKN have to show us in the future!!

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Interesting concept, shaky execution

I've come away from ThamePo with a strong appreciation for what it was trying to accomplish, but some disappointment in how it was executed. Here are my thoughts:

NOTE: I am a screenwriter and a BL scholar. My criticism (positive and negative) stems from my experience in both fields, as well as my thoughts as a BL fan. Please understand that my thoughts are my own, and I am making no judgment on anybody who thinks differently!

STORY/SCREENPLAY

ThamePo is tackling strong, thematic questions about industry, celebrity, privacy, and parasocial relationships between idols and fans, and for that, I commend it. The last few years has seen a rise in BLs that deal with these subjects, so it was only a matter of time before GMMTV followed along. The show's highlights, for me, were the moments that really dug in: Pepper's relationship arc with Gam, Fern's perspective as a fan, the conversations with Pemika about the inner workings of the company and how that clashes with the desires of the artists, and even Po's relationship with his ex, Earn, who values money and notoriety over personal relationships. I think these were interesting, especially considering how relevant they likely are to many of the actors in the show.

The issue, then, is that these were quite fleeting moments and the two central storylines, MARS' reunification and Thame and Po's relationship, failed to capture my attention. My issue with the MARS plot was that it lacked any meaningful tension. When Thame has to confront each of the other members, all of whom are apparently very angry with him for abandoning them (as they perceive it), they all immediately agree to rejoin the group, or they were secretly never angry with him, etc. Even the most difficult one to convince takes about half an episode. Obviously, in a show like this, we know the group will get back together, but I should at think, for a moment, that they might not. I should be invested in Thame's mission to get them back together because he keeps facing obstacles, rather than being bored because I had to watch four or five episodes of Thame only needing to say two words to each band member to make them come back.

Once they're back together, MARS really doesn't struggle at all to get back to the top of the charts. We're told several times (another gripe I have with the show - we're told, not shown, most things) that being #1 is extremely important, but we're not given any reason that this wouldn't happen. I feel like this could've been fixed by having Joong's character be a bigger threat, or by showing that maybe fans had lost interest in them, or were upset that they were breaking up. That would put the pressure on MARS to do something new, to take a risk, and hope it paid off. I kept thinking back to My School President - Chinchilla kept losing over and over again and that was such a smart move for the writers to make, because it made us root for them even more. I think the second half of ThamePo found its footing, and the clear conflict between MARS and Pemika allowed for a good throughline plot with a satisfying ending.

This lack of tension extended to Thame and Po's relationship, too. People keep calling this a slowburn, but it sort of isn't? Sure, they don't kiss until pretty late in the series, but they pretty much realize they like each other immediately and there's not a particularly good reason that they can't get together earlier, so the slowburn, and the yearning that should be palpable from it, isn't that effective. I thought the love triangle with Jun was pretty interesting (and the scene where Thame and Jun play air hockey is probably my favorite scene of the series), and there's a little bit of the whole "we can't be together because I'm famous" thing (though that's mostly implied for ThamePo via Pepper and Gam's storyline), but I don't feel like we got a true explanation of why it took them so long to get together. And on top of that, why they even wanted to be together. I'll touch on this a little more when I talk about the characters, but I don't actually know what Thame or Po liked about each other. It felt like they just happened to be the main characters of the show, and so we were just supposed to believe they love each other after they monologue about it enough times. I've noticed that BL, especially GMMTV, has been emphasizing "ship moments" (you know, the cute little physical moments like them bumping into each other and staring into each other's eyes, or holding hands, or really any physical touch they can replay in slow motion five times in a row and also flashback to several more times in later episodes) that can be clipped and posted online for engagement over more complex relationship development. This is deeply annoying to me. I'm all for characters being affectionate with each other, but the show needs to earn it! Characters working through conflict, solving problems together... these are the things that lead to believable relationships. These moments need to be an expression of the love that I already know they have for each other, not used to try to convince me that they love each other (or used for their actual purpose, which is to trend online). Sorry, ThamePo, I don't actually know why you're dating.

CHARACTERS/PERFORMANCES

I think that everyone in this show did the best with what they had! Despite what I just said about ThamePo's relationship, I think WilliamEst had good chemistry and I think they'd have great chemistry in a better show. I just think both Thame and Po's characters were pretty unremarkable. They weren't bad or annoying or anything, they were just boring. I feel like the only things we know about them are what their jobs are and that they like each other. I don't think we get much more about why Thame wants to be an artist, and he doesn't really have any flaws or mess up in any real way that he has to fix. Nothing is actually his fault. It's boring. And Po works as a documentarian and then creative director, but he does not seem invested at all. There is no indication that he loves art or film, he just needs a job. I think there was an attempt at some interesting character development for him, in which he learns to stand up for himself, but it didn't feel fully fleshed out to me. He was largely just a passive character that things happened to, rather than making things happen.

The other LYKN (or MARS) boys seemed to have a far deeper understanding of their characters than the writers did. I thought they were brilliant and used the little moments they had to their fullest extent. Nut was particularly good as Jun, but Lego, Hong, and Tui were impressive, too. I'm glad this show was well-liked because it means we'll hopefully see the LYKN boys in more stuff!

PRODUCTION

The production value was good! It did have BL sound disease but I've accepted that Thai productions have refused to learn what a boom mic is, so whatever. Good cinematography and color grading and solid editing.

MUSIC

I can not, for the life of me, understand why GMMTV made a show starring a boy band, about a boy band, and it's not a musical. They sing like one song until the final episode. There should have been at least one song per episode. The big, climactic song, when MARS takes over the concert and sings about living out their dreams together, comes out of absolutely nowhere and isn't that effective because we don't see them work on it (we should've seen them, earlier in the series, try to write it and fail or have it taken away or something) and we basically haven't heard any of their other music. It's like... you finally have a cast that can actually sing and now suddenly you barely want them to?

CONCLUSION

I think I wrote out a lot more of my criticisms than praises, but I definitely didn't hate this. I think it was a pretty middle-of-the-road show. WilliamEst is a good ship, they'll probably get more shows together, and I hope the LYKN boys are in more series, too. I think that, potentially, some of my frustration with this show is that I haven't really seen anything great from GMMTV lately and I miss their 2021-2023 days. Each year used to have at least a couple 10/10 BLs, but I suspect they're a little too occupied trying to go viral online to make unique, quality art. I'm glad other people seemed to like this more than me!

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MORE LIKE HEART THAT SKIPS A FEW MINUTES 'CAUSE I WATCHED IT AT 1.5X SPEED

Okay, so I finished this series in like, what? FOUR DAYS?? And that’s me zooming at full 1.5x speed like I'm in Fast & Furious: BL Edition. 'Cause let’s be real, these characters be moving like we got all the time in the world. Babe, I do NOT. The moment I found out they were doing a series together, I had a whole Meh. reaction. Like, okay Est is cute and all, but lead material? IDK, bro. Feels like they picked him ‘cause no one else was free that day. And William? WHO??? Had to Google this man. Then I saw he’s from LYKN, so I was like, “Aight, maybe he’s special or whatever.” But did I even watch the trailer? HELL NO. Didn’t even click it. I was out here like, “Aight, another GMMTV fluff-fest, who cares.” But then my BL inner saboteur whispered, “What if it's actually good?” So I caved. And here we are.

Now, I got two VERY DIFFERENT opinions about this show, so let's get into it.

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1. Plot

So we start with Po getting played by his ex, Earn, who basically jacked his ideas, and babe, the BETRAYAL was real. Homeboy got dumped, scammed, and humiliated, all before the opening credits. Then, Po lands a job as a videographer for this MARS documentary (aka, the most disorganized K-pop wannabe boyband I’ve ever seen), and BOOM. He catches feelings for Thame, the main vocalist. Classic workplace romance, but make it trauma bonding. And then we find out MARS is basically on life support, about to disband, and Po’s out here acting like the Dr. Strange of music careers, tryna fix shit that ain’t even his business.

At first, I was kinda into it. Like, “Okay, cute, lil office romance mixed with boyband politics, we EATIN’.” But then… the pacing, BABY. I’m talking snail-on-a-bath-salt-high level slow. They hit us with conflict after conflict, but instead of shaking me to my core, I was just sitting there like, “So is something actually gonna happen or nah?”

Then comes EP 2, and this is where my left eyebrow started twitching. Thame suddenly drops the “I’m leaving for Korea” bomb, and I was like, “Sir, you just got here.” And I won’t lie, I was worried they were gonna drag this out into an unbearable mess, but surprise, they kinda handled it well. A lil dry, but well. HOWEVER. Let’s address the elephant in the room: the plot was giving real-life LYKN shade. LIKE. Did no one on the production team think, “Hmm, maybe having William’s character ditch his group isn’t the best look considering he's ACTUALLY in a boyband?” 💀💀💀 The way Dylan wrote ‘Thame and friends’ instead of ‘MARS’?? GIVING CHA EUN WOO AND ASTRO REALNESS, I NEARLY CHOKED.

And then, the biggest betrayal of the century: PEPPER. PEPPER, YOU DUMBASS. WE WERE ROOTING FOR YOU. WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU. AND THEN YOU TELL US YOU GOT A FAEN??? EXCUSE ME??? BABE, THIS IS A BL, NOT WE GOT MARRIED. Pack it up. That was so selfish of him, and I hated every second of it. Like, you’re an idol. You know the rules. You ain't supposed to be out here playing house. And don’t even get me started on the communication in this series. I have seen TOILETS with better communication skills than this group.

The ending? Meh. A lil cringe, but I ate it up anyway. It’s giving Hallmark BL. Nothing groundbreaking, just vibes.

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2. Characters

- Thame (played by William) – This man had me fighting for my life. He started off as this hot-headed, stubborn little brat, and I was already side-eyeing. And why does he randomly switch personalities like a malfunctioning AI??? One minute he's yelling, next minute he’s all soft and touchy with Po. WHICH IS IT, SIR??? Am I watching an actual human being or a badly written Wattpad OC??? The whiplash was REAL. And why does William lowkey look like JaFirst’s long-lost cousin??

- Po (played by Est) – Okay, first impression? BLAND AS HELL like my wallet after buying GMMTV merch. But then… HE GREW ON ME. He’s all shy and introverted, and at first, I was like, “Ugh, another wet paper towel MC,” but then we got THE SCENES. The one where he falls asleep while on the phone with Thame? BITCH. I SCREAMED. It was so cute I nearly threw my phone. And then THE KID SCENE???? THE WAY HE PICKED UP THAT KID SO THEY COULD SEE MARS BETTER??????? BABY, I WAS DEAD ON SIGHT. He’s literally the softest boy alive, I CANNOT. Also, CONGRATS TO EST FOR JOINING THE "PRETTY CRIER" CLUB. WE LOVE TO SEE IT.

- Jun (played by Nut) – Lemme tell you something. I did NOT expect to be sitting here thirsting over a T-POP idol, but… HI, SIR. 😳 Jun is giving leader energy, giving chaos, giving "I will throw hands for my friends." But then he turned into a Thame-Po love consultant, and I was like, “AWW.” And THEN. THEN. THEY MADE HIM LIKE PO TOO????? BABE, YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE CUPID, NOT THE OTHER MAN. SIR. SIR. STAY IN YOUR LANE. But no, turns out he was scheming all along. A MENACE. I LOVE HIM. Jun lowkey looks like Jimmy 2.0, tell me I’m wrong.

- Pepper (played by Tui) – At first, I was like, “Daddy energy.” And then he hit us with the “I got a faen” bullshit, and I had to spiritually escort myself out of the chat. BRUH. JAIL. But also… hi, new bias. Damn it.

- Dylan (played by Hong) – BRO. FUCK THIS GUY. Next. Could’ve been my new bias but his character is annoying as hell.

- Nano (played by Lego) – Baby boy. Pretty boy. He’s the youngest, and I just wanted to wrap him up in a blanket and protect him. But the writers did him dirty by not giving him more screentime. #JusticeForNano

- Earn (played by Pepper) – WHY IS PEPPER ALWAYS THE VILLAIN???? WHAT DID HE DO TO GMMTV??? MY MAN NEEDS JUSTICE.


Acting-wise? NO ISSUES. Everyone ate.

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3. OST

Bye. NEXT.

Okay, actually, ‘Would You Mind?’ kinda slaps, but Joong sang it better. BYE.

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4. Overall

Final thoughts? 7/10.

Why? Because it was ALMOST BORING. But the drama saved their asses. The chemistry? Mid. The plot? Dragged. The conflict? Saved the whole thing.

Let’s be clear: I DO NOT REWATCH SERIES UNLESS THEY’RE ICONIC.

This series? NAH, BYE.

It didn’t "make my heart skip a beat" or whatever they were going for. But still an okay watch.

Would I recommend? If you have time to waste, sure.

Would I sell my soul for a Season 2? ABSOLUTELY NOT.

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