A Dog and a Plane

An Unfortunate Case of Wasted Potential

It took me 10 weeks to watch this drama. It'll likely take less time than that to forget it. IMO, I believe the filming style was bad, and the script was worse. Here me out

In terms of script, this drama had 2 and a half excellent topics to work on, but failed them all

1. Classism
As Thai-speaking viewers online pointed out, the title is a literal metaphor: Toto is the dog barking at Kanit, the airplane. It's even shown in the credits where a simple ambulance chases a plane. Toto is reaching for a world completely out of his league.

The drama briefly touches on the stark differences in their lives, careers, and families, but it refuses to linger there. Instead of letting the audience sit in the uncomfortable reality of classism, the show immediately undercuts the tension with cheap comedy, a cute romantic moment, or some dirty jokes.

Throughout the drama, Kanit's and Toto's relationship is constantly fraught with the issues of money and class. However, because the series insists on staying happy and bubbly, it never gives the weight that this heavy topic deserved.

2. Lookism
This concerns Akki and Veha. The latter, after being ignored in school because of his looks, ventures into the real world, hits the gym for the gains and the plastic surgeon's table for the looks.

When he meets his former high school crush, he is plagued by insecurity: 'Does he only like me now because I'm hot? Why did the ugly duckling that I was back in high school not deserve the same attention and love that he's so willing to give now?'

If done right, this could have been a deeply profound exploration of insecurity, as well as the superficiality and shallow-mindedness of humanity.

Instead, the impact was ruined by Veha repetitively asking the same question 'do you only like me now coz I'm hot? 'aloud.

Also, rather than exploring both perspectives -i.e, Veha learning how to accept love as this new self (or something like that) and Akki confronting his own superficiality- the writers took the shallow way out. They tried to convince us that Akki never actually ignored Veha in high school. That kept his bracelet the whole time. *🙄🤦🏾‍♀️*

2a. Veha's Character Growth
This should've been handled better. He started as a side piece who didn't know his place. Rather than the audience walking with him through his journey of atonement and growth, we

⁕1st have to watch him be sorry for himself (back to the badly handled lookism topic above)
⁕2nd suddenly contend with the idea that he's a good guy now. He's changed and gets along with Kanit, the innocent party that he not only helped get cheated on, but also antagonized

The drama tells us that he's grown and changed. But it all happens off-screen. This, quite honestly, does not help his case whatsoever. Because his growth was completely invisible, I felt zero emotional connection to this second couple. Their conversations were repetitive and a total snoozefest.

There's also that sudden switch up by Akki; from calling Veha trash for his side-piece actions to caring for and falling in love with him.... *sense, out the window*

Final Thoughts
Had the creators fixed the script and used a moodier, darker cinematographic vibe—think Burnout Syndrome or Moonlight Chicken—A Dog and a Plane could have been a standout BL.

Instead, it reeks of wasted potential. The romantic comedy is cute, but the story as a whole is utterly forgettable.

But hey, I finally managed to finish a TayNew show (this is after dropping the Cherry Magic remake 3 episodes to the finale), so yaay me🥳🙌🏾

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Just Good Entertainment

A sweet and very funny romcom that manages to remain enjoyable from start to finish. The concept itself is simple and not really something we haven't seen before, but the clever use of humour is what makes it stand out from a typical rom-com. It's unhinged, very adult and very refreshing to watch, while still delivering some heartfelt moments in between.

Regarding the acting, it was very good. The cast is very experienced and they all nailed their parts.

Overall, I recommend the series to people who enjoy rom-coms, but also want to see adult actors playing adult characters.

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TayNew are perfect for each other.

I really love TayNew's chemistry. They're perfectly sweet with just the right amount of spice to make them unforgettable. I remember falling in love with them while watching Cherry Magic and since then have loved watching all of their content with Polcasan and the rest of GMMTV. As much as I love TayNew though it unfortunately wasn't enough to make me really love this series. To be perfectly honest the pacing was slow and the plot was a bit boring. This series really could have been done in six episodes, but GMMTV really loves padding out their shows. Reinforcing this was the inclusion of a secondary couple which was entirely unnecessary. RyuMond seem cute and I wouldn't mind watching them as leads in their own series, but their subplot here was entirely nonsensical and had nothing to do with the main plot whatsoever so it wound up just being distracting and pointless. RyuMond aside though I really did enjoy the rest of the supporting cast, they were fun. I especially loved seeing Tui, I haven't seen him act in anything besides ThamePo so it was a delight to get to see him onscreen again.
I'm sure people who absolutely adore comedies and slice of life series will love A Dog and a Plane, but it wasn't for me. I liked it well enough; the relationship building was solid, the conflict (even though boring) was realistic and relatable, but overall this series just never really captured my attention and truthfully I had to force myself just to watch the last couple of episodes. I hope TayNew's next series will be something more exciting.

General info for anyone wanting to know:
• Is it spicy/nsfw? No. This series is very pg-13. There are a few dirty jokes and we get to see TayNew makeout (sometimes very passionately), but what happens behind closed doors stays behind closed doors.
• Is there violence? No. The show does depict medical emergencies, but there's no violence behind them.
• Is there a love triangle? At one point yes, but it's hardly the focus of the series, it only lasts a couple of episodes.

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A Dog and a Plane — Sometimes Familiar Isn't Enough

I've followed Tay and New for almost ten years. Like many people, I first discovered them through Kiss the Series, long before BL became the phenomenon it is today. Since then, I've watched countless variety shows, YouTube videos and dramas featuring them. What has always made TayNew special isn't simply their chemistry. It's how different they are. Tay is naturally funny. Everything about him feels spontaneous, whether he's filming a series or simply appearing on a variety show. New, on the other hand, is much quieter and more reserved. Those completely opposite personalities have always balanced each other perfectly, and it's one of the reasons they became one of GMMTV's most iconic couples.

A Dog and a Plane doesn't try to change that formula. In fact, it almost embraces it too much. Their characters feel incredibly close to the personalities they've been playing together for years. That's not necessarily a criticism because both actors remain as likeable as ever, but after a decade of watching them, I was hoping to see something that challenged them a little more. The acting certainly isn't the problem. Tay is as charming and effortlessly funny as always, while New continues to bring a calmer energy that complements him perfectly. Their chemistry remains completely natural, and it's easy to understand why audiences still enjoy watching them together after all these years. What has changed, however, is the image of the couple itself. New has visibly become much more muscular over the years, while Tay still has the same slimmer and softer appearance that fans know so well. Yet their dynamic never really evolves. The series continues to present Tay as the dominant partner and New as the more passive one, exactly as it has done for years. There's nothing wrong with that dynamic in itself, but after so many projects together, I couldn't help wishing the writers would surprise us by reversing expectations or exploring a different balance between them.

Another thing I noticed is how much their romantic scenes have changed. Today, both actors are in their mid-thirties, and compared to many newer BL couples, their intimacy is much more restrained. The relationship is almost entirely expressed through kisses and affectionate moments rather than physical passion. That isn't necessarily a weakness because not every BL needs explicit intimacy, but it does contribute to the feeling that the series never wants to leave its comfort zone. Ironically, the person I expected to challenge that comfort zone was Jojo Tichakorn Phukhaotong. After directing series such as 3 Will Be Free, Never Let Me Go, The Warp Effect and Only Friends, Jojo has built a reputation for pushing relationships into morally complex or emotionally risky territory. That's exactly why A Dog and a Plane surprised me. Instead of feeling bold, it feels unusually safe.

Comedy is clearly the priority. The problem is that comedy also needs drama. The funniest stories usually work because genuine emotional stakes exist underneath the jokes. Here, I kept waiting for those moments to arrive. I expected more from the accident. I expected the ex to create real emotional conflict. I expected situations that would genuinely test the relationship before allowing the comedy to take over again. Instead, everything remains relatively flat. The result is a pleasant series that never becomes memorable.

As much as I love Tay and New, I found myself enjoying them more than the story itself. That has happened to me before with some of their non-BL projects as well. I've never been particularly attached to the straight characters they play, even though I genuinely enjoy watching them as people. That's why I'm especially curious to see them in Scarlet Heart Thailand. With so many established BL actors appearing in one of GMMTV's biggest upcoming productions, I hope the script proves that the casting wasn't simply designed to attract existing fandoms. Great actors deserve great stories.

Final Thought

I don't regret watching A Dog and a Plane. Tay and New remain one of GMMTV's most lovable partnerships, and after almost ten years together it's impossible not to smile watching them share the screen again. Unfortunately, this time their chemistry carries a story that never reaches the same level. It's an enjoyable BL comedy, but one that plays everything surprisingly safe. I laughed, I smiled and I enjoyed spending time with the characters, yet when it ended I never felt the urge to immediately watch it again or add the DVD boxset to my usual GMMTV collection. For two actors I've followed for nearly a decade, I simply expected something a little more ambitious.

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Genuinely Funny, Great Chemistry

I love when you can tell that actors have worked together for a long time, and that's exactly how I felt watching Tay and New in Dog and a Plane. It's obvious from the start that the two actors understand each other very well, and this is especially apparent in the way they play off each other in comedic moments, and the chemistry they bring in the romantic ones. For a show to be funny in its native language is one thing; for the humor to translate into another language is another talent. This one was genuinely funny, even translated, and was super fun to watch. While it wasn't some deep, emotional show and maybe could've created a little more intrigue or tension in some places, it was still a great time.

Kanit (New) is a flight attendant with a pilot boyfriend, doing very well for himself. During a luggage switch-up, he ends up with the suitcase of rescuer Toto (Tay), meaning all of Kanit's designer clothes were replaced with Toto's cheap and rugged ones. Toto capitalizes on this switch up to try out some luxurious clothing, and ends up paying the price when he gets into a fight, Kanit's clothes get destroyed, and Kanit wants him to pay up. Unable to pay with cash, Toto enters into a deal with Kanit: determine if Kanit's pilot boyfriend is cheating on him. As Toto investigates Kanit's (obviously) cheating boyfriend, he starts to fall in love with Kanit himself.

I really enjoyed this series, especially the first half where Toto was trying to find evidence that Kanit's boyfriend was cheating on him. As a viewer, you're almost immediately aware of the answer, but watching Toto try to prove it was super fun. Then, the development of the relationship between Kanit and Toto was wonderful. I really enjoyed the tension between the characters, Toto's boldness in pursuing Kanit, and the comfortability that Tay and New brought to these characters. Not to mention, this show was super funny! Toto's over the top pursuit of Kanit was hilarious. Plus, Mond and Ryu's roles were a great complement to Tay and New, and I was super invested in their storyline too. Overall, a great comedy that you don't need to take too seriously.

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TayNew's Unmatched Chemistry and Chaotic Comedy Carry an Okay Script

A Dog and a Plane relies heavily on the timeless charm of Tay and New, delivering electric chemistry and endless comedy even when the overarching plot feels a bit disjointed. Tay Tawan and New Thitipoom’s off-the-charts dynamic shines through the classic "opposites attract" trope, flawlessly balancing Khanit’s pristine, put-together demeanor with Toto’s delightfully cringey, loud, and quirky energy. The series starts on a high note with an engaging setup centered around Khanit’s cheating ex-boyfriend, the secret debt, and the fun revelation that Toto had been harboring feelings for Khanit all along while acting as his spy. The acting and romantic payoff throughout these early stages are top-tier, making for an immensely enjoyable watch. However, the narrative loses steam when it transitions into the second half. Khanit’s deep, intense love for his ex was portrayed so heavily in the beginning that his sudden shift toward dating Toto felt a bit too fast and unearned. Furthermore, once the initial drama settled, the sudden turn into a standard "pleasing the strict parents who look down on Toto's job" plotline felt like a strange shift in pacing. While the storyline could have definitely been tighter and more cohesive, the sheer charisma of TayNew, paired with fantastic romance scenes and great comedic beats, makes it a fun ride overall.

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Taynewwww

I love seeing TayNew in their working era. A content creator explained the title of the series, and it made me appreciate it even more. The "dog" isn't just about acting like a dog. It represents someone from a lower social class, while the "plane" symbolizes someone from a higher class. Knowing that adds another layer to the story.

I like how this series made me smile. Toto is one of those rare characters who's an absolute a**hole but somehow still a total green flag at the same time. 😂 While the story doesn't have much depth and a lot of the scenes are pretty predictable, it's still an enjoyable watch if you're looking for something light and fun, especially if you're an avid TayNew fan.

And let's not forget MondRyu. I've loved them ever since That Summer. ❤️

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Home is wherever TayNew are

One thing this drama got right was making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination. The story mixes adventure, comedy, and romance in a way that never feels too heavy, and I had fun following the characters as they kept finding themselves in unexpected situations. At the heart of it all, though, was the relationship between the leads. TayNew are my parents, and once again they reminded me why I'll never get tired of watching them together. Their chemistry is so effortless that even the simplest conversations feel special, and they bring so much warmth and comfort to their characters. I do think a few plotlines could have been explored a little more before wrapping everything up, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the ride. It may not be their strongest drama, but it's another reminder that some pairings just have that magic you can't fake.

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A Dog and the Side Effects of Bad Writing.

In general, I have always most GMMTV shows to a be a hit or miss due to the production quality. Their shows usually rely on the script and the cast itself, which makes their shows watchable despite the obvious flaws in the sound quality. Every time I sit down to tune into another assumingely okay show on the GMMTV YouTube channel with okay expectations, those expectations are met. So, when I started Dog and A Plane, I held the show to the same standards that I usually do. The first couple of episodes had me laughing quite a bit and the chaotic mess of the characters really drew me in. BUT! That chaotic esc charm of the series became repetitive and almost felt as if that’s what the “plot” was relying on. So, in the end, this show has unfortunately deflated my expectations even more. The problem isn’t that it’s horrible or anything, it’s just annoyingly “meh”. Towards the end of its run time, watching each new episode every week started to feel like a chore rather than a treat.

DISCLAIMER!!!! I HAVE NOTHING AGAINST ANYONE INVOLVED IN THIS SHOW, ESPECIALLY THE ACTORS! THIS IS JUST CRITIC!

Let’s start with the main ingredient to any show—the plot. Or in this case, the lack thereof. It’s a classic meet cute romcom where they clash at first over some disagreement, somehow meet again, hash it out, and then all of a sudden get along due to some circumstances. Having one character doing a favor for the other to pay them back is personally one of my least favorite tropes, but I let it slide because I wanted to see Kanit’s trashy ex pilot boyfriend Lion get his well deserved karma. Their silly adventures trying to catch him cheating while still working was amusing to watch until it was that… every single… minute… of the beginning episodes… Though, I really enjoyed Toto and Kanit’s dynamic at the beginning, it was silly and just felt exactly what a main couple in a romcom bl should be like. It was clear that most of that dynamic was carried by TayNew’s chemistry and real life dynamic since the dialogue between both Toto and Kanit was just somewhat weird? Once they caught the trashy pilot in episode 4, I think the writers panicked and realized “wait, we still have to fill up a 10 episode quota” because the other 6 episodes were straight filler. Full of unnecessary side quests, forced angst, some funny moments, some unfunny moments, and worst of all… unnecessary conflict.

I wasn’t really interested in the side couple’s story despite my interest in MondRyu just because I couldn’t get over how everyone forgave Veha’s behavior in the beginning of the show. In what world would someone in a 3 year relationship who was cheated on forgive the home wrecker who knew what was going on and was sassy about it? With no explanation either? Just a “everyone deserves a second chance”… okay then. The other problem I had with Akki and Veha’s relationship was how underutilized it was. I hate the trope of “I used to like you but you didn’t recognize/realize it because I was ugly but now you like me”. Akki was a fun character but I do wish they explored the whole lookism part of their relationship. Overall their relationship felt sloppy and like the writers just couldn’t care less about them and just threw some words together on a piece of paper, slipped it over to MondRyu (who are amazing actors of course, they did what they could) and said “act monkey, act!”

Toto and Kanit are probably my least favorite Tay and New characters of all time. I do enjoy how they had a mature aspect to them but like any GMMTV show, everyone has to act like a teenager even if they’re in their 30s. Toto’s character felt underutilized. They could’ve explored his family life better, his struggles with raising his sister alone, his struggles with making ends meet, etc., etc. Instead, they just tried to wrap it all up in the last episode like a quick resolution for all the problems they only made halfway through the show to make some sort of story. The potty humor they gave him got annoying. The poop jokes with a fart sound effect every episode just made me want to close my laptop and never open it ever again. Kanit was bratty. If he wasn’t played by New, I don’t think I would’ve liked him. He saved the show for me. I have to say, New took that brattiness, and made it hot. Other than that, Kanit was spoiled and his interest in Toto felt out of nowhere in my opinion after he spent their entire cheating catching time thinking and even expressing that Toto was disgusting (joke or not). Their sudden relationship felt out of place in my opinion due to the circumstances of Kanit being recently heartbroken which Toto did acknowledge at first, but then threw that aside since he was already flirting with him while he was technically still in a relationship. Their first kiss, although steamy, just made me feel off. (Don’t get me wrong, TayNew can deliver a kiss scene though and the ones in this show were definitely some of their best). These characters are just in no way compatible on paper and the only reason they are on screen is because of TayNew themselves. Kanit made no effort to understand Toto’s financial situation or just life situation in general and was annoyed with him working 24/7 to impress his dad even though he was the one making Toto fake being a rich pilot?!?! Make it make sense!! It’s your fault boy! Then suddenly Toto has a successful business? I don’t know everything was just all over the place.

Don’t even get me started on the random plane crash that came out of nowhere for no reason at all that nobody was even traumatized from…????

Overall:

You could do without watching this. Looking back, I wish I could tell myself 10 weeks ago to not waste my time on this. It was GMMTV’s need to give TayNew their annual series which led them to handing TayNew this mediocre script. Like I said in the beginning, the cast and acting of this show made it somewhat watchable. The rescue group ensemble was not phenomenal either and it’s not even their fault, they were given nothing. It’s a shame that MondRyu’s potential as a new couple was thrown into this horrible blender of midness, mehness, and boringness. I hope to see them get a better script and better direction in the future. Oh, and how can I forget! Ms. Kapook was a delight as always.

Congratulations GMMTV on this achievement of making yet another waste of a time, money grab, promotional watch!

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