Creed

"NOT ME" A SERIES THAT LEFT A MARK

As we are about to enter 2026, I decided to bring to light more reviews of series I’ve watched over the past five years. And of course, Not Me is one of those series that left a powerful mark on the industry. Anyone who says otherwise is either lying or simply hasn’t watched it.
Because Not Me is not just a BL series, it is much more than that. Beyond being one of GMMTV’s strongest productions, it brings complex and deeply relevant themes to the forefront. It doesn’t focus solely on romantic relationships. Instead, it presents a fight for justice, a fight against corruption, a fight for LGBTQ+ rights, deep family bonds, and a dangerous, transformative love.
All of this is woven into a Boys’ Love series led by the well-known actors Off and Gun in the main roles, alongside an exceptional supporting cast. Whether we’re talking about First, Mond, Fluke, Papang, Sing Harit, Film, Lookjun, Filmshy, Pae, or Bosszo, every single one of them delivered an incredible performance. It is one of the few series where I can honestly say the cast was perfectly chosen.
From the very first episode, Not Me pleasantly surprised me. It’s the kind of series that pulls you in before you even realize it. The story begins with a difficult and controversial choice: two parents decide to raise their twin sons separately a decision that breaks a natural bond, yet opens the door to a profound story about identity, loyalty, and courage.
White, raised under the strict control of his politician father, is disciplined and reserved. Black, on the other hand, grew up free, rebellious, and deeply involved in the fight against corruption. Black is strong-willed, convinced he can change the world alongside his friends, and willing to take any risk for a fairer society. Still, White remains his weakness, the brother he would do anything for, even risk his own life.
Despite their differences, the twins are bound by an unconditional and sincere brotherly love. They are willing to sacrifice everything for each other, even though they didn’t grow up together. White is not weak, he is a complex character who takes real risks to uncover the truth behind Black’s assault. In Black’s absence, White assumes his identity and steps into a dangerous world dominated by injustice and social struggle.
If you’ve ever felt that characters in other dramas fail to tell a convincing story, that is not the case with Not Me. Every character here has a motivation, a trauma, or a mission that contributes meaningfully to the narrative.
Sean, perhaps the quietest yet most intense of them all, is deeply marked by his father’s death — a man who worked for the powerful and corrupt Tawi. He struggles with anger, revenge, and the need for justice.
Yok lives with a disabled mother who cannot find work because of a corrupt and indifferent system. His story stands as one of the most honest social critiques in the series.
Gram may not carry a personal trauma, but he understands the importance of equality and justice. He is the voice of reason and social conscience.
Gumpa, a former political activist, acts as the group’s mentor. He brings them together, guides them, and gives them direction. Despite his age, he remains active and deeply committed to change.
Dan, a police officer and apparent idealist, faces an internal conflict between his professional oath and his loyalty to the group. Under pressure from the system, he ultimately betrays them — a choice that both humanizes and condemns him.
Tod is an ambiguous yet crucial character. A childhood friend of White and Black, he may have started with good intentions but was corrupted by the system. His relationship with Black is deeply emotional, making his betrayal even more painful.
Tawi, the authoritarian and corrupt figure, stands as the series’ main antagonist — a symbol of a broken society.
Unlike many BL series where female characters are often decorative or built on predictable tropes, Not Me offers a much stronger and more realistic representation of women through Eugene, Namo, and Nuch. Each of them plays an essential role, proving that the women in this story are not background figures, but fully realized characters who strengthen the narrative and the world of Not Me.
One of the series’ greatest strengths is the love story between White and Sean. It is not built on clichés, but develops gradually through suspicion, fear, painful truths, and moments of vulnerability. Sean is hardened and emotionally guarded, carrying a heavy past. White comes from a world of rules but finds freedom in Sean’s presence. Their relationship grows naturally, sincerely, and emotionally. The forest kiss remains one of the most intense moments of the series — not just romantic, but deeply human.
Gun Atthaphan is undoubtedly the pillar of this series. His dual performance as White and Black is remarkably subtle. He created two completely different brothers, not just through appearance or attitude, but through the smallest gestures, tones, and expressions. It’s a performance that transcends the BL genre and raises the acting standard within the industry.
Off Jumpol, as Sean, delivers one of his strongest performances to date. Sean is quiet, hardened, with a simmering anger that doesn’t need dramatic lines to be felt. Every hesitation, look, and movement conveys pain and loyalty. His relationship with White humanizes him and reveals vulnerability a balance Off portrays with maturity and authenticity.
Not Me is deeply rooted in Thailand’s social and political realities, reflecting recent movements for democracy and equality. Episode 7 perfectly captures this commitment, featuring a protest scene inspired by real-life demonstrations for marriage equality and LGBTQ+ rights. The moment when White and Sean march beneath a massive rainbow flag is a powerful symbol: love, dignity, and courage cannot be silenced.
Looking back, Not Me is not just a series with a gripping plot or a piece of entertainment. It is a voice. A voice that dares to speak about inequality, corruption, justice, love, and identity. It transforms the story of two separated brothers into a metaphor for our inner and social divisions and our attempts to heal them.
The ending is a happy one(book has a different ending), marking the triumph of good over evil. Everyone dear survives and finds safety. Yet for me, there remains a deep emptiness caused by Black’s absence. Until the very end, Black protected his brother and the group unconditionally, and although he was forced to disappear, he left behind hope and unwavering trust in White’s strength to continue the fight

What remains after the final episode?

The image of a generation unafraid to fight. The unbreakable bond between brothers. The love between White and Sean, built step by step. And the courage to say things that are usually left unspoken.
Not Me is proof that stories that truly matter are the ones that dare to go further.
To challenge.
To move.
To leave a mark.

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Tell Me What You Saw – A Thriller That Keeps You on the Edge

Even though I enjoy writing reviews and do it quite often, especially on platforms where I watch series, Korean thriller dramas with mystery and crime have always been a challenge for me. The reason is simple: I’ve watched so many, including really good ones, that it’s hard to condense my thoughts and appreciation into a single review.
Recently, I finished the series Tell Me What You Saw, a show that doesn’t just involve mystery but also a continuous battle for revenge and uncovering the truth — all under the pressure of a ticking clock, because at any moment, things can change and a new victim might appear.
The story itself is simple in concept. A highly skilled criminal profiler, Oh (played by Jang Hyuk), suddenly disappears after his partner becomes the victim of a serial killer. His disappearance raises many questions. Years later, when a new murder occurs with elements reminiscent of the past, things become complicated — especially when yet another victim appears.
Under these circumstances, Oh teams up with SooYoung (played by Jin SoeYun), a provincial police officer with an incredible ability to remember every detail of what she sees. In his highly secure hideout, Oh has a clear mission: to find the killer and seek revenge. SooYoung’s goal is to find out who ordered the murder of Oh’s partner. As the murders continue, they capture a supposed criinal, but he turns out to be innocent. Another crime occurs, the timeline shifts, and everything seems uncertain.
Despite this chaos, SooYoung and Oh manage to investigate the “Peppermint Killer,” the same serial killer responsible for Oh’s partner’s death. Their story is complex, because while the focus is often on the relationship between Oh and SooYoung — and on how Oh tries to train her to become a brilliant profiler — the team leader, Hwang (Choi), frequently steps in, aiming to ensure everything is done perfectly.
The series emphasizes that everyone has a secret. Oh’s secret is his desire for revenge against the person who ordered his partner’s death. SooYoung wants revenge for her mother, who was killed in her childhood and whose case was never properly investigated. Hwang wants revenge against the person who kidnapped her, likely still free. The victims of this trio are often people within their own investigative team, as these individuals have been working together to uncover the truth while keeping secrets of their own.
Across the 16 episodes, tension remains at its peak. With every new crime and every suspect, the story becomes increasingly intricate. Around episode 8, I found myself wondering if the person who killed SooYoung’s mother in a hit-and-run years ago could be the same criminal who later murdered Oh’s partner. When it was revealed that Hwang had also been kidnapped, I speculated whether these three cases were linked by a single perpetrator.
I must emphasize how much I appreciated the attention given to each case. Every crime was carefully explored, even as Chief Choi tried to interfere, as the police where SooYoung worked doubted her, or as the commissioner attempted to hide evidence to avoid scrutiny. Overall, the narrative was perfectly balanced.
This series is not for everyone — it is exceptionally strong in its genre. It places a heavy focus on investigation, on the common patterns in serial crimes, and on the flaws in the system where the police sometimes conceal evidence. Watching it reminds you of the real-life cases that remain unsolved because authorities fail to act.
The actors were outstanding. Jang Hyuk, as Oh, was superb — mysterious, unpredictable, and convincing. You never knew what he truly thought, and SooYoung herself often couldn’t tell if what she saw was completely accurate. His character was spontaneous and engaging.
Choi SooYoung, as the police officer SooYoung, delivered a challenging performance. Beyond her striking appearance, she portrayed a strong, intelligent woman navigating the delicate balance between her mentor, Oh, and the team leader, Hwang. She carried her role with innocence, subtle confusion, and facial expressions that conveyed emotion without dialogue.
Jin SooYun’s portrayal added even more depth. Her character is a strong, decisive leader of the investigative team, with a clear mission and a commanding presence. She brought strength and authenticity to the story.
The casting choices were excellent. The main roles were demanding and complex, but the team successfully matched the right actors to the right characters. The chemistry between the skilled actors and the story’s tone — with dark, gray, and deep blue landscapes — heightened the tension and atmosphere, immersing viewers fully in the series.

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“Khemjira” is not just a BL.

Khemjira is not just a BL; it is a complex story that intertwines Thai culture, folklore, supernatural elements, and the weight of destiny into a narrative that shifts between shades of beige, gray, and black. The series follows the fate of Khem, a young man cursed to die at the age of 21 because of a mistake made in a past life, and Pharan, a reincarnated shaman condemned to sacrifice himself for others while searching for true love.

A clear yet heavy story

Khem comes from a cursed family: every male dies before turning 21. The curse—seemingly unjust and unavoidable—marks every moment of Khem’s life, forcing him into a constant struggle for survival. The series presents a young man who has done nothing wrong, who is guilty only of being born into misfortune.
PS: Don’t think the women escape either—far from it. They, too, carry a tragic fate: they will lose their love, either through separation or death.
His journey leads him to Pharan’s village, where Pharan, a white-magic shaman, becomes his shield. There, Khem discovers hope, protection, and the complexity of the supernatural world surrounding him. Malevolent spirits and ghosts, white and black magic, karma and reincarnation—all act as instruments of fate, testing the characters’ limits and the depth of their relationships.

Character names and symbolism

Khemjira (Always Safe) – the protagonist, a symbol of both curse and hope
Pharan (The Protector) – the reincarnated shaman, protector of Khem and the community
Jett (Determination) – Pharan’s disciple, Khem’s best friend, willing to do anything to protect him
Chanwit (An Intellectual Person) - Pharan’s second disciple, realistic and calculating
Ramphueng (The Vengeful Mother) – the main antagonist, driven by loss and jealousy
Together, their names and roles shape the central message:
“An intellectual person who intends to protect and keep you safe, always.“

Core themes

The curse and family legacy: Khem is trapped in a fatal destiny tied to past mistakes (the curse can also be read as justice taken to an extreme).
Names as protection: Khemjira is traditionally a girl’s name, given to a boy in a desperate attempt to keep him safe.
Supernatural elements: Spirits, ghosts, white and black magic, sak yant tattoos with Thai cultural symbols (Salika birds, the Lotus, the seven-headed Naga), and references to the famous monk Luang Por Dem.
Sak yant tattoos are believed to be lucky talismans that offer protection and spiritual power.
Pharan’s back tattoo depicts the seven-headed Naga, symbolizing divine protection, wisdom, supernatural strength, and his bond with the Naga.
His chest tattoo—paired Salika birds and a Lotus flower—is meant to enhance love life and popularity. In Thai folklore, Salika birds are known for “speaking beautifully,” symbolizing charm, attraction, and harmony in relationships.
Karma and destiny: Khem must die at 21; Pharan struggles between his vow and his desire to protect him.
Sacrifice: Khem’s father becomes a monk; his mother remains as a protective spirit; Chayod stays outside the reincarnation cycle; Pharan temporarily loses his powers to save Khem.
Survivor’s guilt, anxiety, and depression: Episodes 9–10 portray Khem’s trauma, depression, and “savior complex.”
Second chances: Reincarnation and the attempt to correct past mistakes (Pawat vs. Pharan).
Symbolic motifs
The bicycle

The bicycle carries multiple meanings:
-Movement and continuity of life: It symbolizes progression—life must go on despite tragedy and curses.
-Emotional movement:
Episode 2: Khem, in tears, begs the Master for help and is refused—Pharan’s duty is to protect the village. Khem promises to stop being seen as an “intruder.”
Episode 8: Riding the same bicycle together, their relationship has evolved—Khem is no longer an outsider, and the Master becomes Peem, someone willing to save him.
Episode 9: The bicycle witnesses tragedy as Grandma Si is carried out lifeless.
Episode 12: The bicycle takes Pharan to the graduation photo location—just before the proposal.

Protective amulets
-For Pharan, the amulet from his grandfather symbolizes shamanic power and the promise to protect the village—a bridge between past and present.
-For Khem, the amulet represents dependence on external protection, helplessness, and hope that someone stronger can save him. As the amulets are shared or removed, they become silent witnesses to the growth of trust and intimacy between them.
- Tong and Ake – the protective spirits
Passed down from Pharan’s grandfather, they represent:
Loyalty and protection
Spiritual tradition across generations
A chosen spiritual family after loss
Parental protection
-Khem’s mother: Even after death, she becomes a protective spirit—maternal love that transcends life and death.
-Khem’s father: Becoming a monk is a personal sacrifice meant to give his son a chance at life.

Characters and reincarnations

Reincarnation explains why guilt, responsibility, and emotional conflicts repeat in the present. Healing past trauma becomes central to the story.
(Pharan as Pawat, Khem as Khemmika, Jett as Jin, Chanwit as Da, etc., all carry unresolved guilt into the present.)

Narrative timelines

The Naga Era: Pharan (as Naga Phuchagin) sacrifices himself to save Phuchong, condemning himself to mortality and endless reincarnation until he finds true love.
1767 – Polygamy and Ramphueng’s curse: The origin of Khem’s family curse.
1939 – Impossible love and sacrifice: Pawat and Khemmika’s tragic love, shaped by jealousy and guilt.
2010 – Khem and Pharan’s first meeting: All past threads converge.
Notably, the series does not lose itself in unfinished subplots. Khem and Pharan’s story and Jett and Charn’s-reach a conclusion.

Relationship development: Pharan & Khem
Episodes 1–6 focus on emotional clarification. Pharan helps Khem but avoids confusing past and present feelings, bound by strict shamanic rules. His restraint, care, and silent devotion make him a deeply complex character.
Episode 7: Pharan initiates closeness, torn between duty and desire.
Episode 8: Acceptance and the first kiss; Pharan abandons his sacred amulets—less power, more passion.
Episode 9: Loss, survivor’s guilt, and emotional collapse.
Episode 10: Khem’s depression is portrayed with devastating subtlety.
Episode 11: The curse becomes a race against time.
Episode 12: Ultimate sacrifice, reconciliation, and rebirth.

“Happy Birthday, Khem” becomes a declaration of victory-life over death, love over fate.

Ending and critique

Khem returns to Bangkok, graduates, and builds a life with Pharan. Tong and Ake are reborn as their adopted children, symbolizing continuity. The curse is broken, not through individual power, but collective sacrifice and love.
The ending is emotional but rushed. Compared to the novel, where the relationship matures over years—the series compresses too much into a short epilogue.
KHEMJIRA is, in my view, MANDEE’s best production and the most complex BL of the year. Strong performances, immersive cinematography, a delicate soundtrack, and deep cultural roots elevate it far above the genre’s average.

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