This review may contain spoilers
A perfect match
SeaKeen dominate their latest show, with fantastic chemistry and very solid performances from both of them. The bar was set high by "MuTeLuv: 'Hi' by My Luck" and risen even higher with "Head 2 Head". While the show is not free from problems, I enjoyed it immensely and consider the best of SeaKeen project so far.
Plot and writing
I applaud the use of the "enemies to lovers" premise, which doesn’t get old and – properly developed and scripted – allows actors to show more of their range than it is the case with more traditional love stories. In H2H this premise is used in a smart way and effectively combined with elements of the supernatural.
The writing is a bit uneven. It’s generally good when it comes to the main couple, allowing for nice pacing and buildup of Jinn’s and Jerome’s romantic relationship; the show took just the right amount of time to make that believable and enjoyable at the same time. Jerome’s and Beam’s last scene in ep. 3 is a testament to the quality of writing – it’s short, but neatly concludes business between those two characters (which in itself was necessary for the Jerome-Jinn storyline to progress), showing Beam as more than a trophy boyfriend (he’s properly roasting Jerome for what he did). More importantly, it shows Jerome as both a relatable character and decent person: he’s embarrassed by how he treated Beam, clearly wanted to avoid a confrontation with him and defends Jinn – taking all the blame. A lesser script would omit a scene like that or turn it into pure cringe – here it was done very skillfully. That being said, the script seems to dwell too long on certain issues (like Jerome’s struggle with his visions), hence the series felt like it lost some steam mid-season, with the main plot almost stalled for 1-2 episodes. Shortening the series to 10 episodes was both possible and advisable; either that or the main plot should have been expanded to properly fill all 12 episodes with non-repetitive content.
Writing for the secondary/support couple isn’t as good: one almost wishes Van and Farm break up for good, with Van’s character arc feeling contrived, forced and unrealistic; the show sold me on this only due to Java’s convincing performance. The second couple is also clearly less developed, with Farm’s character almost nonexistent – fortunately Van has a little more depth.
I have heavily criticized previous work of Inthira Thanasarnsumrit, indicated as the sole screenwriter for H2H, for the shows she wrote or co-wrote suffered from what I called "multiple couples syndrome" and the resulting underdevelopment and lack of proper characterization; this affliction plagued "Between Us", "We Are" and "Perfect 10 Liners". This time I have to give her praise for generally good work. Also: Jerome’s "but I do love you!" from episode 11 reminded me of a similar line by Win (portrayed by Boun Noppanut Guntachai) from episode 11 of "Between Us".
On another note: no breakup and no time jump – in a GMMTV-made BL! More than that: writing for ep. 11 seemed to be making fun of BL breakups – which felt really good.
Performances
Sharp as always, Keen remains among my favorite BL actors and singers. H2H solidifies his status with a very good performance – funny, emotional and touching. Visibly comfortable with the material he had to work with, Keen made Jinn a complex and strong character.
Back in "Only Boo!" Sea was clearly several steps behind Keen – now the distance is far smaller. Already in "MuTeLuv: 'Hi' by My Luck" we could see how much Sea’s acting has improved – H2H is his best and strongest performance to date. Sea has a firm grip on the complicated role of Jerome, convincingly displaying all facets of the character – from being annoying and obnoxious through being confused and feeling the weight of the future on his shoulders to being caring and loving. With just 3 roles in 2 years Sea went from inspired amateur to gifted actor; he’s also able to competently deliver a song. Amazing progress.
Performances of Keen and Sea, their chemistry and interactions (bickering, banter and love) are what makes the story work, combining comedy and romance with more serious and even somber elements. In less skilled hands this volatile mix would result in a disaster – Sea and Keen handled it properly, giving us a very good show.
Java deserves praise for making Van – basically an unlikeable douchebag – someone to root for. Unlike Farm, Van got a proper background – and Java used it fully. Van talking about his house and why he doesn't want to be there in episode 11 was Java's best delivery so far in any show. It was believable and restrained – I call it actual acting.
Music
In a classic GMMTV fashion H2H has a soundtrack consisting exclusively of songs performed by the main cast. "คิดว่าไม่ แต่ดันใช่ (Turns Out It's You)", the opening credits song, was performed by Keen and Sea – it’s energetic and fun, very fitting for the show. Two songs were performed individually by Sea – "จริงๆ ชอบเธอ (Secret Crush)" – and Keen – "ไหนว่าไม่ชอบ (Not a Crush?)". Keen is a good singer and his share of the H2H OST is no surprise; Sea’s contribution, on the other hand, I was not expecting – and he proved more than capable in this regard (though I wouldn’t call him a singer). The fourth and last part of the OST is "เพื่อนข้างๆ (Friend Next Door)" by Java and Surf. While thematically it fits the show, I’m not convinced the song had to be performed by this duo.
Final thoughts
SeaKeen is one of only 4 BL ships in which I like and respect both members, as well as their work together (the others being YinWar, BounPrem and MarkOhm); this is mainly due to how well ship members are matched. In this particular case it is a nearly perfect match. "Head 2 Head" – which rests mostly on Sea and Keen – convinced me that my assessment of this ship was correct: it was and stays strong, sailing towards more BL adventures that will delight me.
Plot and writing
I applaud the use of the "enemies to lovers" premise, which doesn’t get old and – properly developed and scripted – allows actors to show more of their range than it is the case with more traditional love stories. In H2H this premise is used in a smart way and effectively combined with elements of the supernatural.
The writing is a bit uneven. It’s generally good when it comes to the main couple, allowing for nice pacing and buildup of Jinn’s and Jerome’s romantic relationship; the show took just the right amount of time to make that believable and enjoyable at the same time. Jerome’s and Beam’s last scene in ep. 3 is a testament to the quality of writing – it’s short, but neatly concludes business between those two characters (which in itself was necessary for the Jerome-Jinn storyline to progress), showing Beam as more than a trophy boyfriend (he’s properly roasting Jerome for what he did). More importantly, it shows Jerome as both a relatable character and decent person: he’s embarrassed by how he treated Beam, clearly wanted to avoid a confrontation with him and defends Jinn – taking all the blame. A lesser script would omit a scene like that or turn it into pure cringe – here it was done very skillfully. That being said, the script seems to dwell too long on certain issues (like Jerome’s struggle with his visions), hence the series felt like it lost some steam mid-season, with the main plot almost stalled for 1-2 episodes. Shortening the series to 10 episodes was both possible and advisable; either that or the main plot should have been expanded to properly fill all 12 episodes with non-repetitive content.
Writing for the secondary/support couple isn’t as good: one almost wishes Van and Farm break up for good, with Van’s character arc feeling contrived, forced and unrealistic; the show sold me on this only due to Java’s convincing performance. The second couple is also clearly less developed, with Farm’s character almost nonexistent – fortunately Van has a little more depth.
I have heavily criticized previous work of Inthira Thanasarnsumrit, indicated as the sole screenwriter for H2H, for the shows she wrote or co-wrote suffered from what I called "multiple couples syndrome" and the resulting underdevelopment and lack of proper characterization; this affliction plagued "Between Us", "We Are" and "Perfect 10 Liners". This time I have to give her praise for generally good work. Also: Jerome’s "but I do love you!" from episode 11 reminded me of a similar line by Win (portrayed by Boun Noppanut Guntachai) from episode 11 of "Between Us".
On another note: no breakup and no time jump – in a GMMTV-made BL! More than that: writing for ep. 11 seemed to be making fun of BL breakups – which felt really good.
Performances
Sharp as always, Keen remains among my favorite BL actors and singers. H2H solidifies his status with a very good performance – funny, emotional and touching. Visibly comfortable with the material he had to work with, Keen made Jinn a complex and strong character.
Back in "Only Boo!" Sea was clearly several steps behind Keen – now the distance is far smaller. Already in "MuTeLuv: 'Hi' by My Luck" we could see how much Sea’s acting has improved – H2H is his best and strongest performance to date. Sea has a firm grip on the complicated role of Jerome, convincingly displaying all facets of the character – from being annoying and obnoxious through being confused and feeling the weight of the future on his shoulders to being caring and loving. With just 3 roles in 2 years Sea went from inspired amateur to gifted actor; he’s also able to competently deliver a song. Amazing progress.
Performances of Keen and Sea, their chemistry and interactions (bickering, banter and love) are what makes the story work, combining comedy and romance with more serious and even somber elements. In less skilled hands this volatile mix would result in a disaster – Sea and Keen handled it properly, giving us a very good show.
Java deserves praise for making Van – basically an unlikeable douchebag – someone to root for. Unlike Farm, Van got a proper background – and Java used it fully. Van talking about his house and why he doesn't want to be there in episode 11 was Java's best delivery so far in any show. It was believable and restrained – I call it actual acting.
Music
In a classic GMMTV fashion H2H has a soundtrack consisting exclusively of songs performed by the main cast. "คิดว่าไม่ แต่ดันใช่ (Turns Out It's You)", the opening credits song, was performed by Keen and Sea – it’s energetic and fun, very fitting for the show. Two songs were performed individually by Sea – "จริงๆ ชอบเธอ (Secret Crush)" – and Keen – "ไหนว่าไม่ชอบ (Not a Crush?)". Keen is a good singer and his share of the H2H OST is no surprise; Sea’s contribution, on the other hand, I was not expecting – and he proved more than capable in this regard (though I wouldn’t call him a singer). The fourth and last part of the OST is "เพื่อนข้างๆ (Friend Next Door)" by Java and Surf. While thematically it fits the show, I’m not convinced the song had to be performed by this duo.
Final thoughts
SeaKeen is one of only 4 BL ships in which I like and respect both members, as well as their work together (the others being YinWar, BounPrem and MarkOhm); this is mainly due to how well ship members are matched. In this particular case it is a nearly perfect match. "Head 2 Head" – which rests mostly on Sea and Keen – convinced me that my assessment of this ship was correct: it was and stays strong, sailing towards more BL adventures that will delight me.
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