BeLight

So true! Never take freedom of speech for granted.

EP 11: The Atonement.

I was impressed by how much time EP 11 gave to the back story of Talay and Bupha. It's a conscious choice on the production team's part to bring some resolution to the whole red card and bullying issue. Needless to say, this version is the best among all the adaptations to tackle this issue. Thyme has truly learned his lessons and worked to repair personal harms he inflicted on the victims involved.

On whether this issue is dealt with in a way that brings about a complete, satisfactory conclusion? Of course not. Though still minor, all the people involved in bodily harms of others could arguably be charged and trialed for a criminal offense. This legal aspect was not addressed but if it were, Thyme, Talay, other bullies would all be subject to such a process as minors.

The corruption of the authorities and adults involved in taking bribes and protecting Thyme and F4 from consequences of their bullying was also not addressed YET. This is a systemic, structural issue where money prevails over truth and justice. And a root cause of that is Thyme's mom, but it goes well beyond that.

In Thailand, the King, one of the wealthiest men in the world, is untouchable. Thanks to a draconian Lese Majeste law, any faint criticism of the royal family could land you in jail. Worse, several vocal people have disappeared without a trace. What I'm trying to say is that the problem of the injustices of wealth, influence and corruption is so big it requires an overhaul of Thailand's social, cultural, legal and institutional landscape. True justice cannot be served until it is dealt with systematically.

F4 Thailand reflects just a small slice of this system. And Thyme, even a small part in the small world that the show tries to convey. He has come a long way from a tyrant king to a man kneeling to ask for forgiveness for his past behavior. The redemption we see in this EP is a personal one. The more structural part of this equation is not directly addressed yet but at least alluded to. We'll see how that gets resolved in later EPs.

But what I really want to address is the comment about Thyme needing to be jailed (for justice to be served). While I agree the potentially criminal nature of the violence and abuse needs to be addressed, jailing is not necessarily the way. There are two main approaches to repair harm and achieve justice: one is punitive, the other is restorative. Unfortunately many countries's laws have adopted the Western approach of punitive punishment (locking up, jail terms). But this is equivalent to "an eye for an eye" way of inflicting suffering, and doesn't necessarily bring about true healing and repair of hurt. A better approach is the restorative way (many indigenous societies around the world use this approach and some Western countries have now started to incorporate this approach into their legal and criminal framework) where the perpetrators and victims get to both reconcile, repair harms and heal, which is closer to what Thyme was trying to do.

I know what this EP did could not satisfy everyone and address everything, but I sincerely applaud the director and scriptwriter for giving weight to this important issue of injustices and healing. This EP is especially relevant given what's been in the Thai news recently (rich, influential people causing an actress to drown under mysterious circumstances, paying off the police and others involved, and likely escaping legal persecution).

Thyme has learned what's right and wrong and tried to atone his past sins in his limited way. But the journey is not over. Now we'll see how he, with support from Gorya, can work to challenge his mom and change the corrupt, unjust patriarchical system that has raised, protected him and is also grooming him to be its "king," to bring about a more just world.

As a Thai, I give this EP 10/10!! The relevance and timeliness of the social commentary cannot be applauded enough!

Can't relate at all. I find this show amazing, partly because it respects the audience's intelligence to be able to connect the dots and draw our own conclusions. It gives us layers and layers of communications through symbols, costume and set designs, on-point dialogue and very nuanced stoy-telling with relevant social commentary. The viewers may have to do a little bit of work (being observant, thinking along, connecting the dots) but the experience is very rewarding. In fact, I would say that this show is exemplary in its story-telling. But if you want everything ready made and spoon fed, this show may not be for you.

Check out this short FMV of the series which was shared below as "leaning hard into how dark the love between the ML and FL is." We love it but you will have to judge for yourself if it's for you. https://twitter.com/EmmaB_Videos/status/1499217144227192832

To be fair, Thyme also regressed in his trust in Gorya. When he saw her with Talay, he just assumed that she was easy. And Gorya was actively being manipulated by Talay to see only misleading circumstances that put Thyme in a bad light. They both regressed in trust with each other. Gorya is way too trusting of Talay for sure though.

I do feel for Gorya. The amount of bullying she has to endure as a result of F4's dark influences (not to mention what Thyme's mom can do to inflict harm on her and her family) would make me want to think twice too about being in a relationship with Thyme. She has a kind heart and her strength and warmth made Thyme fall in love with her. But Thyme comes with so much baggage. Being influenced by Talay and seeing how perfect Lita could be for Thyme pushed her over the edge even though she initially had faith that Thyme's stubbornness could overcome everything. Thyme will have to bring her into his world too for her to be able to find some footing in that world so she can be by his side as an equal. They have more growing up to do together and I'll be rooting for them both. Not an easy path for sure, but they have the tenacity to do it.

I'm really curious to hear from you after you watch more episodes. How could anyone fall in love with Thyme if all you see of him is what is presented in the first two EPs. But he has other sides. Gorya will come to love him but I wonder if you can too.

Well said!

Every time I listen to one of Wit and Folly's (YT channel) deep dives, my mind is always blown. TJust came from listening to their latest analysis on the OST Shooting Star. The lights and settings that just seemed pretty to me now suddenly tell a story and make so much more sense! I'm now looking at the MV with a new eye. Check it out if you'd like to enrich your F4 experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PBldD1CgKE&t=764s

Wow, I didn't know that the manga author changed the direction of the story in reaction to the fans' response! Interesting.

Yes, I could really feel her pain. Tu shared about this scene. She cried even before the filming of this particular scene. The challenge was for her to not cry when Lita was speaking. She had to hold it in until Lita hugged her and then her let it out but in a restrained way because she didn't want LIta to know how deep her feeling was for Thyme.

Yeah, I thought that was a bit creepy.

Do you really believe in Lita's innocence? She appeared as if she didn't know Gorya was Thyme's love interest. But she seems way too smart to not know. The way she manipulated MJ into giving her intelligence on Thyme shows she can be very conniving. I wanted to believe in her friendship with Gorya but I kept getting surprised by the similarities between what Gorya did and what Lita ended up doing to win Thyme's heart. Clearly she observes Thyme and Gorya very closely. How could she not know about Gorya and Thyme. It makes me question her sincerity toward Gorya.

Please come back and share what you think after watching more EPs. I personally think it keeps getting better and better.

We do!

Wow, I had no idea that the manga was stuffed with sex. I am not asking for sex scenes but it would be so awesome if the show was sexier.

It's funny how both Gorya and Lita are pretty physical with Thyme. Though I root for Gorya more, I really love Lita's kind of "physical." That scene where Lita made Thyme moan sexily was soooo good. (I want more!) Thyme has some learning and growing up to do in that department. I welcome any help Lita can provide so he can be a smoother lover to Gorya.

We have grown to really want to root for them and their happiness.

Not at all with Bright. His looks, mannerism, personality, hairdo and clothes as Thyme are so different than Sarawat. So I just think of Thyme as Thyme. I love his acting in F4 so much more. He really leveled up. Win as Kavin does share more similarities with Tine and is not as distinct. But no BL vibe for me.

That's so cool. A Navajo fan of a Thai series! The show has truly gone global!