ThamePo Heart That Skips a Beat

Shallow

There were things I liked about this: the cast, the colouring, the songs, Jun. Overall, though, the writing and directing left much to be desired. This series struggled with a serious lack of depth and character development. I know more about the characters from the director's tweets than I do from what was illustrated on screen. Each member of Mars, for instance, had an episode for their stories to be told but they provided only a surface-level peak at them. Thame and Po's instant love left me with nothing to anticipate or cling onto and Thame was essentially a Mary Sue. The most interesting I found them was when they were briefly at odds in episode one. By far the character that created the most interest to me was Jun. I would sign on to watch the Jun show.

The most disappointing to me, however, was the clear lack of research done into T-pop. While it was sold as a look behind the curtain at the T-pop industry, the director evidently just pulled from K-pop and maybe an older era of Thai entertainment and gave T-pop fans nothing. The most obvious example is that T-pop artists can and do have relationships, so while I could've accepted the idea that Oner Entertainment in particular didn't allow it, the way it was framed as if the idol path would prohibit it was blatantly inaccurate. Furthermore, T-pop fans have no problem with their idols being in relationships. They shamelessly base an entire episode on the concept of a "perfect all-kill" from K-pop. For some reason, they expect me to believe that Nano, a longtime member of a supposedly top group, would not have been trained in singing before so they start offering him lessons like he's some slow child.

Aside from episode five which I genuinely had a great time watching because of Jun's games, the other episode that impressed me, surprisingly, was the finale. From GMMTV, I had no expectations that they would put the production efforts that they did into the concert, and I would've liked to see even more of it than we did. I think that overall, the show lingered on things that I couldn't get into and skimmed over things I would have most liked to see. Because it's fresh in my mind, from the finale, I would've liked to see Mars establishing their own label or meeting with a company that wanted to empower them. I would've liked to see them rushing around backstage and the little moments of connection on stage rather than a flat depiction no deeper than what the audience in that auditorium would've seen. I would've liked to see Po with Thame in the quiet driving home after his reunion, what raw emotions he would've felt, the relief and excitement from being out together for the first time.

In the end, I like the concept and not the execution. Consider my rating a 5-7. It depends on the last episode I watched

Read More

I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT

I would love to start by saying that I had almost no expectations when starting this series, I thought that I won't be a fan of this series. And I was honestly putting it away (even though so much people recommended it) for so long that I feel ashamed now.
But I was so wrong, and I'm happy I was because this series changed something in me, it made me feel something I didn't think I would while watching it.

Everything about it is great, the acting, and chemistry that two leads had been so beautiful, music was fantastic. The story was great, and I loved the way they showed us the reality of what it is like being an idol. What obstacles you have to go through on your way if you want to be in this industry. I learned something new for myself, and it's kinda scary knowing that this is a reality for so much people.

I loved the romance between the main characters. I could feel the tension between them every time they would look at each other, the actors did a very good job with showing us all the feelings that Thame and Po were going through. They both are such a green flags and their romance and the way they were communicating in their relationship should be a standard for everybody.
My favorite moment with Po being the greenest flag ever is when he asked Jun why he interrupted Thame when he was talking. While it is a small thing, I think it's really important that he was paying attention to his loved one and stood up for him when it was needed.
I'm insanely happy that I cave in and gave it a chance because even though at first I didn't understand the hype around it, as soon as I started watching it I fell it love.

Also, while some people found Jun and Po drama unnecessary, I would definitely say that I really liked it. At first, I was really upset with Jun because I thought he was just messing with Po and being jealous towards Thame since they are pretty good friends. But I honestly was really delighted to find that it wasn't like that. I enjoyed that bit of drama, especially since it wasn't annoying and only opened up Jun as a character even more. I would also say that it helped for us to see in depth the friendship between Thame and Jun, and the way Jun stepped back for Thame only shows how much he cherished and cared for their friendship.
The little bits of Dylan and Jun being a bit flirty to each other and Nano shipping them literally made me really happy since after Jun gave up on Po, I was feeling really sad and kinda sorry for him. I would really want to see more of them together, but we can only hope that they actually had something going on afterwards. Since there's no conformation of that, and I'm pretty sure there won't be any second season, but of course I would love to see it though.

If I had to point something that I wasn't a fan of, there is only one little thing. And that is the fact that Thame and Po didn't have much time being a couple, and they did not have much romance going on. While I did enjoy that sweet slow burn, and it was definitely worth the wait. I personally would still prefer for them to have more time together before the break-up, and also more romantic moments with just spending time together.
That's said, though, it doesn't take much from the fact that I genuinely fell in love with them. This series is SO worth the hype, and I absolutely will rewatch it again and again, since it's really that good.

Read More

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.

Read More

Heart skipped too much it flatlined

Let's start with the pros:
- William and Est looks cute as a couple. The kisses also were good. I generally hate scenes where the actors kiss like they're fish out of water.
- The cinematography is great, I really liked the arcade scenes especially.
- The music? S-tier. Destined? Went platinum in my house.
- The acting was good. I like seeing Est cry. On their next series, let's have him cry every episode.

Now, let's begin:
- I enjoy slow burn but I hate stale characters. this one quickly went nowhere. They were flirting by EP2 but both main characters are too passive to be upfront with their feelings. - The movie subplot ran for 3-ish episodes. Plus, they didn't even have any scenes confessing their feelings. They were blue-balling each other, then kissed, and they're boyfriends. Cool.
- Jun not being an SL is mind-boggling. He had Po's best interest at heart. What ticks me off is that Jun tried helping Po with his actual work while the poor guy was working on shooting and editing their MV. Then after the arcade confrontation scene he quickly slinked back in the sea of side characters. I think this also applied to the rest of MARS members after their episodes.
- While Thame is a good guy, he also tends to be selfish and manipulative. Who demands changing the sandwich order from tuna to BLT just because Po ate it while he was with Earn? Also, I find his declaration of love too self-serving. "Continue being by my side, no matter what I'm going to face". Um, what about Po? His dreams?
- It's sad seeing Po not having a stable career at the end of the series. I believe in following your dreams, but he just threw everything out the ONER rooftop the moment he met Thame and decided that he'll just be the idol's boyfriend. There could be a great character development plot in Po after Earn used him, but he just regressed back to not having his own agency just because he's in a relationship.
- There couldve been great conversations about idol and fan culture, idol contracts, fans' parasocial relationships with idols, idols dating rt but aside from Pepper's relationship, there weren't a lot. Thame was roaming the city like he's not an idol.
- I can handle suspension of disbelief, but the way ONER handled MARS was nothing short of an absolute fantasy. Pemika can easily enforce the contracts and sue left right and center, but sure, she willingly terminated MARS' contract, willingly gave up the trademark, and willingly paid breaching the contract with the Korean team.
- The final climax felt like a bump in the road rather than a roller coaster drop. The stakes are so low I didnt even get the chance to invest my feelings even a bit. I also found it absurd that they suddenly planned a heist during the concert and the entire sound and video system can be plugged and unplugged to reroute it to a freaking laptop. This can't be real, right?

Towards the middle I prayed Pemika sues the hell out of everyone. I'm with her on this lol

ThamePo started out really strong with a promising plot, but it quickly went downhill. WilliamEst is a good couple with great chemistry, but they also need a damn good series to back this up.

Read More

I just finished it, and oh my God, what was that?!?! It was truly so good. I honestly didn't expect it to be this high quality because I thought the idols' acting might be lacking, but what a surprise! Their acting was actually better than that of some professional actors.

I'm really proud of every member of LYKN. Even though I'm not their fan, I've known them since their debut, but I never thought I would become interested in stanning them. After this, I think I'll definitely give Thai pop music a chance.

And Est's performance was absolutely outstanding. I honestly can't even describe how good he was. The directing, the plot, everything was perfect!!!!

However, I would have preferred it if they hadn't neglected Po's past. I wanted them to explore his relationship with his ex more deeply and give them a few conversations together. I think that would have added a really interesting layer to the story.

And I really want to mention how brilliant the acting was. They didn't exaggerate the emotions or make the characters feel artificially dramatic, but they also didn't underplay them to the point where it felt like they were just reading lines. Everything felt natural and balanced. Overall, everything was excellent.

Read More

A song of love, growth, and second chances

From its very first episode, ThamePo pulls you in with a quiet confidence that feels almost disarming. At a glance, the premise might seem like familiar territory, a romance set against the backdrop of the entertainment industry, but the series wastes no time proving it has far more on its mind. What begins as a seemingly simple story quickly reveals layers of emotional depth, exploring love, ambition, self-doubt, and the complicated dance between who you are and who the world expects you to be. It’s the kind of narrative that reminds you how much richness can come from small moments handled with intention.

What elevates ThamePo is its warmth, a quality that threads through every episode. There’s a gentleness to the way the story unfolds, as if the series knows how heavy its themes can be and chooses, instead of dramatizing them, to hold them with care. Scenes are infused with tenderness, sometimes quiet, sometimes playful, always sincere. Even when the show dives into anxiety, guilt, or the crushing demands of fame, it never loses sight of its heart. It maintains a sense of emotional safety, the feeling that the series understands its characters and wants the audience to understand them too.

Much of that emotional connection comes from William and Est, whose performances anchor the entire narrative. Their chemistry is the kind that doesn’t need grand gestures to convince you; it lives in the subtle things. A look held for a beat too long. A silence that speaks louder than an entire monologue. A brush of a hand that carries more tension than any dramatic confession. Their relationship grows in the way real feelings often do: slowly, quietly, almost without permission. By the time you realize how deeply invested you are, the show has already wrapped its fingers around your heart. They’re the kind of couple who make you root for them instinctively, who can make you smile in one scene and leave you aching in the next.

But ThamePo doesn’t rely solely on its leads to build emotional resonance. The other members of MARS, the idol group around which the story orbits, are more than background figures; they’re an essential part of the show’s soul. Each character has a distinct arc, complete with insecurities, ambitions, and personal battles that enrich the main storyline. Their friendship feels lived-in, full of banter, tension, affection, and the unspoken understanding that comes from sharing countless hours of rehearsals, stages, and dreams. Their dynamic is one of the show’s strongest assets, creating the sense of a world that extends beyond the central romance.

The series also approaches the idol industry with an honesty that feels refreshing. It exposes the pressure to maintain a flawless public image, the fear of disappointing fans, the emotional exhaustion of constant scrutiny. Yet it does so without cynicism. Instead of painting the industry as inherently cruel, it highlights how easily the pursuit of perfection can erode individuality. It shows the toll of being watched, judged, and expected to embody an ideal, while still recognizing the beauty and passion that draw artists to the stage in the first place.

On a technical level, ThamePo is a visual and auditory standout. The cinematography is crafted with precision: delicate framing, soft lighting, and a color palette that enhances the emotional temperature of each scene. The show knows how to linger, not unnecessarily, but intentionally, letting the audience fully absorb the feeling of a moment before moving on. The soundtrack is equally thoughtful. Every song seems chosen not just to complement the scene but to deepen it, adding an emotional undercurrent that stays with you long after the episode ends. The MARS songs are genuinely catchy, but more importantly, they help ground the narrative in its musical world, giving authenticity to the characters’ careers and dreams.

Ultimately, what makes ThamePo so unforgettable is its ability to comfort. It’s a series that feels safe to return to, even when tackling difficult themes. It’s light without ever becoming shallow, emotional without slipping into melodrama, and introspective without feeling heavy. At its core, it’s a story about second chances, about forgiving yourself, about choosing love even when it scares you, about finding your place in a world that constantly tries to shape you into something else.

And when the final episode fades out, ThamePo leaves you with that rare kind of warmth: the sense of having witnessed a story that was honest, tender, and deeply human. The kind of story that lingers, not because of plot twists or shock value, but because of the quiet truth it carries. The kind that reminds you why we fall in love with stories like this in the first place.

Read More

Eye opener for fans

ThamePo made me fall in love with Thai BL. This show was so wholesome, with the slow burn story between Thame and Po.

But this drama also had some very good messages in it, the friendship bond that can not be destroyed, how hard the company tries.
They showed what happens with a lot of idols, how company's treat their idols. But also how some fans treat the idols, they just go to far. Idols are people with real lives too, they don't exist only for fans. Fans have no right to try to claim or orchestrate their lives.

This script was amazing, it's one of the best Thai drama's i have seen.
The music was so beautiful and amazing! I became a Lykn fan after this.
And oh my gosh, the cinematography was stunning!!!

All the actors did an amazing job! And William and Est were so good together, their chemistry and kisses were amazing!

This is a must watch! You won't be disappointed!

Read More

More Than Romance: A Heartbreaking Reality Behind an Artist’s Smile

I watched a drama like this after a very long time, and it truly touched my heart. This drama has the perfect balance of romance and storyline. Many BL dramas focus only on physical relationships without deep emotional connection, while some others focus only on the plot and forget to build meaningful romance, which makes them feel empty. But this drama has both. The romance feels real, emotional, and meaningful, and the storyline is strong and engaging at the same time.

The actors did an amazing job. Their acting felt so natural and sincere that I found myself crying when they cried. It has been a long time since a BL drama made me feel emotions this deeply. They didn’t just act; they made me feel every emotion their characters experienced.

Another important thing this drama shows is the reality of an artist’s life. From the outside, we see them smiling, performing, and making us happy. We enjoy their work and admire them. But behind that smile, they endure so much pain, pressure, and sacrifice. It reminded me that their life is not easy at all. Companies often focus only on profit and success, without caring about the artists’ feelings and well-being. Artists are human beings too. They have emotions, struggles, and limits, just like everyone else.

This drama also clearly shows that fans should respect artists’ private lives. Being a fan does not mean owning someone. Artists deserve to have their own personal space, relationships, and freedom. They are not characters; they are real people with real emotions. Obsessive behavior and unrealistic expectations only create harm, pressure, and emotional pain.

This system needs to change. Companies should be open and honest from the beginning and normalize the fact that artists are allowed to have personal lives. It should never be treated as a secret or a scandal. When honesty becomes normal, unhealthy obsession will reduce, and artists will be able to live with the dignity, respect, and freedom they truly deserve.

This drama is not just a romance story. It is emotional, realistic, and meaningful. It made me feel happy, sad, and thoughtful at the same time. It reminded me why I love watching dramas like this.

This is truly one of the most powerful and complete BL dramas I have watched in a long time.

Read More

It stays true to the title of heart that skips a beat

Let me just give my most deep appreciation to the music... Bloody fantastic... the songs simply perfect.

The main couple were too good with each other that i wish the actors really date each other irl. Best parts are the plot that shows an idols life, a soft romance, and how they put importance to all the other characters and also a happy ending.

They did use a simple plot line showing how things are difficult in the music industry but although it was simple it was well executed in a manner that is purposeful and clear without putting in too many tropes and concepts... escpecially with the romance... i loved how the leads were straight forward to their feelings and how they handled things according to their personalities. Bonus Jun being Jun was way too good.

My favourite parts were Jun being Jun, Po and his sandwich, Thame and Po walking each other home back and forth, Hong beefing with Nut.

Read More

More Than Just an Idol Story

I honestly didn’t expect to love ThamePo this much, but it completely won me over.

What really stood out to me is how well-written the characters are. Each one feels real and layered, and watching their growth throughout the story was so satisfying. The character development wasn’t rushed... it felt natural, and you could really see how their experiences shaped them.

The story itself is engaging, but what made it even more meaningful is how it tackled real issues in the idol industry. The pressure of not being allowed to date, the constant need to choose between love and fans, and the hidden struggles behind fame and success… these are things that actually happen in real life. I really appreciate that the series didn’t shy away from these conversations and instead brought them to light in a thoughtful way.

Another thing I absolutely loved is the friendship dynamics. The bond between the characters felt genuine and heartwarming, adding so much depth to the overall story.

And the OST? Completely unforgettable. I’ve been having serious LSS from the love songs. They just hit differently and elevate every emotional scene.

Lastly, the ending was perfect for me. It wrapped things up in a way that felt fulfilling and true to the characters.

Overall, ThamePo is a series that surprised me in the best way possible. I didn’t expect to fall this hard, but here I am... completely in love with it.

Read More