ThamePo Heart That Skips a Beat

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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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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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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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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You kinda want to fall in love along with them

First time I watched the trailer, I thought it wasn't for me. But after everyone raving about it, I got curious.

What can I say? ThamePo make falling in love feel so amazing, you just kinda want to fall in love with the way they are falling in love. You know, the "courting", the shy smiles, the long phone calls. The part when you are just giddy at the thought of spending time with your crush. The drama does it really well.

I was surprised how fast the drama passed. At ep. 9 I felt like barely anything had happened, but at the same time it did?
The story line to save MARS was cute, but it made me go crazy how none out of 5 people considered to speak to any lawyer regarding their contracts. Also the ending made no sense with the CEO suddenly deciding to play nice and STILL no laywers involved? Like on the one hand it showed realistic things, such as angry fans that were pissed at their idol to be dating. But then wrap up the whole show in the most unrealistic way ever.

Also I am convinced we were robbed of Emo!Thame writing sad love songs. And I wanted to see the reaction of Netizens when they find out about ThamePo!! Can't believe we were robbed of this.

The acting was not bad, considering it was mostly their first time. Unfortunately, I had just watched something else with really good acting performances so the difference was stark. I have seen far worse acting in BL, though. WilliamEst have good chemistry, I look forward to more projects hopefully!

Music was really nice! Ironically, we don't get a scene of one of the protagonists standing on stage with a guitar, singing to his bae.

I rated the rewatch value rather low, because (as of right now) I don't really feel the itch to rewatch.

Overall, it's a good drama though. IMO just not the best GMMTV has ever produced.

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An unexpected gem

Perhaps it was the lack of expectations going into this that made this watch so enjoyable. This had the recipe for potential disappointment i.e. idol group turning to acting, teen-centric theme, new leads, a predictable storyline. Glad this wasn't eye candy, fan-fodder, BL cliche stuff and was actually well-scripted and beautifully filmed (lighting, cinematography, musicality), with well-thought out characters.

I personally really liked Pemika, Po and Thame's characters. And while i understand the purpose of Bifern's character, it sometimes felt a little too scripted and propaganda-ish, although I liked how they gave the character a chance to articulate the emotions fans feel and the complex relationship they build with their idols. It gave audiences a peek into the fandom universe and fan psyche.

The pacing was comfortable with good control of emotions throughout the entire series, not too dramatic, not too mellow, with a peppering of light-hearted moments. The leads also had good chemistry and I liked that the show wasn't overly focused on them and their romance and actually fleshed out the relationship of the group's members. Some of my favourite parts were when Thame was trying to win his members back, the press conference and conversation between Thame and Gam, and the scene when Po asked Thame if he felt tired. The dialogue between the two leads was also very poetic, and their romance had a nice build up with an underlying tension of unstoppable attraction mixed with a pervasive fear of exposure. The process of them falling in love was just beautiful to watch.

Aside from some strange choices in plot design (e.g. how they somehow managed to keep Thame apart from everyone in the company despite the upcoming concert, and the rescue mission), this was a very enjoyable watch that would tug at your heart strings.

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I was surprised

Honestly when I read about idol and non celebrity romance I thought it will be superficial story without any obstacles but I was surprised that they actually tried to show challenges with dating someone popular and within music industry.
For me story was very immersing. I felt connected to characters and even cried few times. I really like the acting.
Although title suggest that it is mostly ThamexPo romance focused I think It would be even greater if every member of group had it's own story more developed. It would feel more meaningful for the viewers to see all of their colours and make story more memorable.
I really liked rap battle episode. Their rap was actually good. It made this episode really exciting.
Dancing was so-so but honestly in comparison with other dramas when actors were dancing it was actually not bad.
It was more on the cute side when it comes to romance part and a little bit unrealistic but emotions were portrayed well so I didn't mind that much.
One thing I was iffy about is characters changing opinions that quickly. Like for me that part was the most unrealistic.
In conclusion it's a little bit on cute side romance. Story is fine but if they would put a bit more attention to it it would be great drama.

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Everyone keeps telling how great the chemistry between William & Est. So I decided to check this out to find out for myself. Hoho…

Story about Thame & Po. Thame is the lead singer of Mars boyband. And Po is a new recruit, hired as a videographer to document behind the screen Mars group for their final concert before disbandment. The company had plans to send Thame to Korea & learn to be an Idol. & since Thame is the lead singer & the most famous from Mars, without him the company values Mars to be unworthy to be held on, therefore the company just planned to disband the group with the departure of Thame.

But soon, Po discovers hidden truth beyond the band disbandment, that it is all forced by company to Mars group, while all the members are really reluctant to be separated. So, starting with Thame, Po started to help the members to be united & find the strength to fight against the company. And with the right first impression between each other, & Thame-Po closer interaction with each other, slowly but surely their feelings begin to bloom into something else.

But the problem remains the same for Mars & their company. Will all the effort Thame, the group & Po put on Mars successfully make them stay together as the group or will the company still insist to disband the group & just send Thame to Korea by himself…? And how about the relationship between Thame-Po itself, will the fans ever discover their affair…? If so, what will the fans reaction be…?

That's pretty much the story without giving any more spoilers. Now what I like and don't.

What I like:
+ The chemistry between Willam & Est is like everybody talking about. Simple yet right.
+ The close truth to the ‘bad apples’ of the entertainment industry.
+ The Mars member relationship. After watching this, I realized that they really are indeed members of the LYKN group. I really hope their relationship is just like in the drama.
+ We all have mixed feelings for Pemika [CEO of Oner Entertainment]. Is she really bad as a person, because she just thinks about Oner’s interest & just ignores the member's wish? Or is she good, cause she really thinks of each member as an individual apart from the group? But I really happy my feeling for her right from the start.

Well overall this is really one good drama. Below I’ll write what I don’t like & that’s quite a big spoiler. So… Read it at your own risk...









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SPOILER ALERT!!!
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What I don’t like:
Although the drama is quite true about the bad of the entertainment industry, here are some stupid things that are not really in line with that perspective.
- How stupid for Thame-Po to be just out in the open space without really needing to conceal Thame's face, yet no one really photographs them together.
- How easy in the end Thame just admitted Po to be his boyfriend. I mean the last episode, where Po introduces Thame as his boyfriend, he’s not even bothered to ask his friend to not share the photo to the public…. Thame is still the idol in the end…

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A Refreshing Story

Honestly, I really liked this series. It wasn't perfect, and you could definitely see the areas where the novice actors could improve. But it was heartfelt and well thought out. It was refreshing to watch something slow and sweet. Every week, I looked forward to it, wondering where the characters would go, how it would end, and if Thame and Po would make it through.

A big part of the story focused on the realities of being an idol—how companies control you, how it causes problems within groups, how people think they have the best intentions for you, how fans become rabid, and how dreams change as you move forward. Thame was stuck in the middle, and his desire to keep his group together (and we later find out is a shared sentiment between all of them) actually made things worse. Then Po came along, and suddenly, the plans to reunite and grow together felt possible again. Strange how one thing you thought was so mundane becomes a strong force in your life.

The friendship aspect was strong, too. The show emphasized the bond of Mars, highlighting each member's relationships and how Thame, despite his “martyr” attitude, was genuinely loved. The same went for Po and his relationships with his coworkers, MARS, and Fern.

The romance was subtle and sweet. You could tell Thame and Po cared for each other. The domestic moments, the desperation to maintain their connection, and how they valued the people around their partner were beautiful. Even minor characters got their moments to shine.

One of the highlights for me was how they introduced the concept of how leaving someone feels and how those being left behind feels at the beginning, and then brought it back later. Very well done.

Of course, as beautiful, sweet, and heartfelt as the story was, there were still some areas for improvement.

First, the series started strong, with good anticipation and dialogue. But towards the end, the episodes felt a bit rushed, and the build-up wasn’t sustained. For example, there was a very emotional scene that was well done on its own, but the scenes leading up to it did not have the right kind of build-up to really hit hard.

The ending was another point. It wasn’t bad, but it could have been more impactful considering the themes they were addressing. Still, it was nice to see the characters get a resolution and that plot twist--made it a bit more worthwhile.

Second, there was an episode near the end that focused on a table discussion, which felt unnecessary. It could have been executed better, and it lacked a sense of urgency. We knew that certain character was important to all of them, but it didn’t come across as that.

Third, the resolution for one character felt rushed. This character was already a ghost from the beginning so it would have been nice if the impact back to that character came with more profoundness. I know not everyone needs a special moment, but it didn’t have the impact it should have.

Lastly, the message. The series had good dialogue and points, but some decisions made it feel more preachy than sentimental. The delivery didn’t quite match the intended emotion which is sad-- considering the message is supposed to be good.

Despite that., everything was still good. So much so, that I want to highlight the beautiful main cast.

Est has grown so much. Seeing him in a lead role was great. His expressions and connection with the audience have improved, and he can sing now!

William showed promise from Project ALPHA, and it carried over. His stage expressions translate well on screen. He continues to prove that he is the star everyone knows he is.

Lego, Nut, Tui, and Hong are made for stardom. They’re talented musicians on their own right, and if they continue acting, they have a lot of potential to shine there too.

The OST was good, and LYKN + EST is very talented. This was a good series project for them.

Overall, ThamePo was good. I wish the characters happy lives and the cast more success. Highly recommended.

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Thame... oh how I love you

Oh my goodness where do I even start, I should have been taking notes while watching lol. I freaking LOVED this drama, it has been a long time since I have rated something 9/10 and honestly it takes a lot to get that but how could I not this was a masterpiece.

Lets start off by saying COMMUNICATION!!! I hate a miscommunication trope and this drama delivered the exact opposite, like hello to the biggest green flag... Thame. Anytime Po doubted his feelings or his relationship with Thame, he was right there to reassure him. I cannot believe this is William's first drama because he absolutely crushed the role. Building off of that, WilliamEst chemistry is next level. Literally radiating through the screen you could feel how deeply they felt for each other, a big reason why I am now obssessed. I swear every episode I was holding my breath and completely and utterly locked in.

At the end of the day this was just such a good romance drama, I liked that there was only 1 couple and so we got to focus just on them. I have to talk about the tension, literally every episode, just a brush of their fingers or the nervous hand holding I squealed (actually out loud lol). I feel like every episode delivered, there wasn't 1 episode that I wanted to skip through useless parts/ moments, I truly loved every second of it (except Miss Pemika can burn in a fire fr).

This drama has so easily made it into my top lists, not only did everything I say above hit so hard but I loved the way they tackled issues surrounding idol relationships and toxic companies. I was so angry and upset with the fans when it came to Pepper and then so frustrated with ONER when it came to everything with Thame but it was also so needed. This is a reality for many idols and as a fan of idol groups myself it is important to remember at the end of the day idols are just human. I also loved how the main conflict between Thame and Po was so short, it wasn't dragged out multiple episodes, which don't get me wrong works for some dramas but this one it wasn't the main focus and didn't need to be. And yet there was still conflict throughout the series but it focused on other areas and topics.

Highly HIGHLY recommend!!

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