This review may contain spoilers
This could have been so much better
I haven’t watched the original Japanese show nor would I compare “Ossan’s Love Thailand” to it if I had – the Thai version/adaptation is an independent work and needs to be judged as such. The show had a big potential, but only some of it was actually used.
The script isn’t terrible, I actually liked how it managed to navigate the main plot through a total of 12 episodes – even if it wasn’t smooth sailing all the way. I do, however, have several issues with it. First of all – why does anyone love Heng? He’s an unlikable character – dumb and clumsy, for a big part of the show also quite selfish, at the same time unable to say “no”. And when I say “dumb”, I don’t mean it as “dumb but cute” – I mean dumb in an obnoxious way. So many flaws in one person and no redeeming qualities; why would anyone fall for this guy remains a mystery to me. Mo is a far better character, but I did not understand his hesitation and self-doubt, him stepping back instead of going forward. Other script-related issues include: break-up of Heng and Mo (break-ups generally solve no problems and BL’s use them to generate drama – here the purpose of the break-up eludes me), time jump in ep. 11 (barely noticeable, which was strange on itself, but nevertheless pointless like almost all time jumps in GMMTV’s BLs) and Heng’s loss of memory in ep. 12.
Tonally the show was all over the place, which I did not appreciate. I liked it when the show was crazy, exaggerated, over the top, even absurd, when it did unexpected things – and contrasted it with some characters (usually Mo) getting thrown into that whirlwind. Heng’s and Mo’s “last date” and engagement in ep. 12 – with performance of the show’s title song, dancing and everything else was colorful, surreal and immensely enjoyable; if the show kept this tone consistently, it would be much better. Instead the writers decided to also include toned-down, more traditional BL elements – which made the show less satisfying to watch.
As for the performances, both Krit and Mix were great. Krit did a lot to make Kongdech human, likeable and relatable, showcasing proper acting rarely seen in BLs. Mix gave a solid performance, doing what I like a lot: elevating an underwritten character. The very few intense interactions of Kongdech and Mo, them arguing over Heng, were delightful. Earth’s performance was a mixed bag: I disliked it’s comedic, goofy side (which, unfortunately, made up a majority of Heng’s character), but every time Heng got serious or sad, Earth was doing a good job. Heng’s and Mo’s break-up scene, while unnecessary, gave Earth a rare opportunity to outperform Mix – a seldom feat indeed.
“Ossan’s Love Thailand” is not the strongest entry on the EarthMix list of accomplishments – inferior to both ATOTS and “Moonlight Chicken”. Still, it’s worth watching.
The script isn’t terrible, I actually liked how it managed to navigate the main plot through a total of 12 episodes – even if it wasn’t smooth sailing all the way. I do, however, have several issues with it. First of all – why does anyone love Heng? He’s an unlikable character – dumb and clumsy, for a big part of the show also quite selfish, at the same time unable to say “no”. And when I say “dumb”, I don’t mean it as “dumb but cute” – I mean dumb in an obnoxious way. So many flaws in one person and no redeeming qualities; why would anyone fall for this guy remains a mystery to me. Mo is a far better character, but I did not understand his hesitation and self-doubt, him stepping back instead of going forward. Other script-related issues include: break-up of Heng and Mo (break-ups generally solve no problems and BL’s use them to generate drama – here the purpose of the break-up eludes me), time jump in ep. 11 (barely noticeable, which was strange on itself, but nevertheless pointless like almost all time jumps in GMMTV’s BLs) and Heng’s loss of memory in ep. 12.
Tonally the show was all over the place, which I did not appreciate. I liked it when the show was crazy, exaggerated, over the top, even absurd, when it did unexpected things – and contrasted it with some characters (usually Mo) getting thrown into that whirlwind. Heng’s and Mo’s “last date” and engagement in ep. 12 – with performance of the show’s title song, dancing and everything else was colorful, surreal and immensely enjoyable; if the show kept this tone consistently, it would be much better. Instead the writers decided to also include toned-down, more traditional BL elements – which made the show less satisfying to watch.
As for the performances, both Krit and Mix were great. Krit did a lot to make Kongdech human, likeable and relatable, showcasing proper acting rarely seen in BLs. Mix gave a solid performance, doing what I like a lot: elevating an underwritten character. The very few intense interactions of Kongdech and Mo, them arguing over Heng, were delightful. Earth’s performance was a mixed bag: I disliked it’s comedic, goofy side (which, unfortunately, made up a majority of Heng’s character), but every time Heng got serious or sad, Earth was doing a good job. Heng’s and Mo’s break-up scene, while unnecessary, gave Earth a rare opportunity to outperform Mix – a seldom feat indeed.
“Ossan’s Love Thailand” is not the strongest entry on the EarthMix list of accomplishments – inferior to both ATOTS and “Moonlight Chicken”. Still, it’s worth watching.
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