5
21
1
This review may contain spoilers
hm...
It’s not so often that we see Thai BL dramas switching up couples so frequently. So, it was quite a surprise for me to see Pond Ponlawit Ketprapakorn with a new partner, while his partnership with Earth (Cooheart) in Fourever You hasn’t even wrapped up yet. I know that series is still pending, waiting for a second season—and of course, I know Pond has every right to take on other projects. I’m not protesting, don’t get me wrong—I’m happy for him. I just found it unexpected—since it’s not the norm in the Thai BL drama world.
Because I’m a little impatient, I decided to start reading the novel. Thank goodness someone uploaded the entire book on Wattpad. To my surprise, they changed some key elements from the book for the drama adaptation—and those changes actually alters the overall tone of the story
Let’s discuss drama…
The story follows Armin Thiwanon, a renowned actor who tragically dies on the night of his greatest triumph—just after winning a prestigious award and discovering his long-time partner’s betrayal.
Instead of death, Armin wakes up 26 years in the past, back when he was a struggling, unknown performer in his early 20s. Once again, he must walk the path to superstardom
In this altered timeline, he meets Thada, a mysterious man who suddenly befriends him. Unbeknownst to Armin, Thada is the one who paves the way for his success. With Thada’s help, Armin’s rise to fame happens much faster this time.
As their bond deepens, Armin eventually discovers a shocking truth: Thada is actually TD—the mysterious, devoted fan from his past life. That revelation changes everything. The feelings Armin once thought were gratitude begin to shift into something deeper.
But amidst all these changes in his second chance at life, one question remains…
Who was responsible for Armin’s death in his past life? And are they still causing trouble for Armin in this life?
That's pretty much the story without giving more spoilers. Now what I like and don't.
What I like:
+ Seeing the possibility for Thai actors to change ships in the middle of an unfinished drama series…
What I don’t like:
- Although everyone seems to like Pond & Peterpan chemistry, for me it is a NO go. They don’t sell it for me. I still prefer Pond & Earth in Fourever You.
- Everything must add a BL element… It’s too much forcing the vibe… In the book Janine is a woman & more importantly, she’s married with kids. So why the drama needed to change her gender into male, even added a little bit of a romance vibe with Veynai. I really don’t understand it…
- For me Peterpan can’t sell me Thada character. He’s good, but he’s not Thada.
Overall this is an ok drama for 2nd chance. Forgettable in my book. But still a fun watch. Much prefer the book than the drama
Now the difference between drama and the book… Fair warning though, I’ll write with spoilers. So if you don’t wanna know, you can stop reading here.
==================================================
SPOILER ALERT!!!
==================================================
The different from the book:
* They take the mystery around Armin’s death more seriously. In the book is strictly just the beginning of the story. And this is the primary reason that changes the tone of the story. The book is just about how Armin took better chance in his 2nd life, not surrounding the mystery of his death.
* Phat & his mother, Armin’s friend who is never mentioned in the book. But they bring such a good vibe for Armin’s character. I’m happy the drama added these 2 characters.
* Thiwthit, Thada’s brother as such an important character. Thiwthit is never mentioned in the book. And I just don’t like that they added this character.
* In the book, Armin never really left Venus, instead, Thada just silently bought Venus behind the scene. Haha… And he’s more of a shadow figure behind Armin’s back instead so flown upright like in the drama.
* In the book, Thada is more mysterious. He’s the embodiment of a mysterious rich guy who controls everything behind the entertainment world. And when he announced his relationship with Armin that when the world was shaking… He really made a difference with Armin than any of his “fling”.
* The beginning of their relationship… It's just so weird in the drama. I don’t like it.
* The way they change the fact that Thada is also experienced back to past life. Yes the book mentions this for their special chapter, but for a totally different story. Not like in the drama.
Because I’m a little impatient, I decided to start reading the novel. Thank goodness someone uploaded the entire book on Wattpad. To my surprise, they changed some key elements from the book for the drama adaptation—and those changes actually alters the overall tone of the story
Let’s discuss drama…
The story follows Armin Thiwanon, a renowned actor who tragically dies on the night of his greatest triumph—just after winning a prestigious award and discovering his long-time partner’s betrayal.
Instead of death, Armin wakes up 26 years in the past, back when he was a struggling, unknown performer in his early 20s. Once again, he must walk the path to superstardom
In this altered timeline, he meets Thada, a mysterious man who suddenly befriends him. Unbeknownst to Armin, Thada is the one who paves the way for his success. With Thada’s help, Armin’s rise to fame happens much faster this time.
As their bond deepens, Armin eventually discovers a shocking truth: Thada is actually TD—the mysterious, devoted fan from his past life. That revelation changes everything. The feelings Armin once thought were gratitude begin to shift into something deeper.
But amidst all these changes in his second chance at life, one question remains…
Who was responsible for Armin’s death in his past life? And are they still causing trouble for Armin in this life?
That's pretty much the story without giving more spoilers. Now what I like and don't.
What I like:
+ Seeing the possibility for Thai actors to change ships in the middle of an unfinished drama series…
What I don’t like:
- Although everyone seems to like Pond & Peterpan chemistry, for me it is a NO go. They don’t sell it for me. I still prefer Pond & Earth in Fourever You.
- Everything must add a BL element… It’s too much forcing the vibe… In the book Janine is a woman & more importantly, she’s married with kids. So why the drama needed to change her gender into male, even added a little bit of a romance vibe with Veynai. I really don’t understand it…
- For me Peterpan can’t sell me Thada character. He’s good, but he’s not Thada.
Overall this is an ok drama for 2nd chance. Forgettable in my book. But still a fun watch. Much prefer the book than the drama
Now the difference between drama and the book… Fair warning though, I’ll write with spoilers. So if you don’t wanna know, you can stop reading here.
==================================================
SPOILER ALERT!!!
==================================================
The different from the book:
* They take the mystery around Armin’s death more seriously. In the book is strictly just the beginning of the story. And this is the primary reason that changes the tone of the story. The book is just about how Armin took better chance in his 2nd life, not surrounding the mystery of his death.
* Phat & his mother, Armin’s friend who is never mentioned in the book. But they bring such a good vibe for Armin’s character. I’m happy the drama added these 2 characters.
* Thiwthit, Thada’s brother as such an important character. Thiwthit is never mentioned in the book. And I just don’t like that they added this character.
* In the book, Armin never really left Venus, instead, Thada just silently bought Venus behind the scene. Haha… And he’s more of a shadow figure behind Armin’s back instead so flown upright like in the drama.
* In the book, Thada is more mysterious. He’s the embodiment of a mysterious rich guy who controls everything behind the entertainment world. And when he announced his relationship with Armin that when the world was shaking… He really made a difference with Armin than any of his “fling”.
* The beginning of their relationship… It's just so weird in the drama. I don’t like it.
* The way they change the fact that Thada is also experienced back to past life. Yes the book mentions this for their special chapter, but for a totally different story. Not like in the drama.
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