A Fresh Storm in the Thai GL Scene
⚠️ GL Grading Disclaimer
My ratings are “for a GL,” focusing on the love story, chemistry, and plot. I grade on a curve, recognizing the production context and genre norms. A 10 means it fully delivers in one or more of these: undeniable chemistry, high enjoyability, or a standout storyline.
Plot
Petrichor really tried to shake things up in the GL world—and honestly, it mostly worked. The crime-thriller plotline was a fun ride, with enough twists to keep me engaged. I didn’t guess the killer right away, which I appreciated, though by the halfway mark it started becoming obvious. Still, props for at least trying to keep the suspense alive and giving us something different from the usual romantic fluff.
Chemistry
The leads? Gorgeous. Straight-up stunning. And their chemistry? It’s there, but it simmers more than it sizzles. Don’t get me wrong—it’s believable and I bought into their connection, but I couldn’t help feeling like they were playing it safe. Compared to the likes of FreenBecky or Lookmhee and Sonya (LMSY), who ooze comfort and authenticity, this pair just didn’t go all in. You’ll root for them, but you might not replay their scenes a dozen times.
Romance
I really liked the slow burn between Run and Tul—it was mature, measured, and made sense. There was a nice emotional rhythm to how their relationship developed. The side romance between their subordinates was a surprisingly cute bonus and added softness that balanced out the heavier main plot.
Characters
Run had some depth and emotional range, which gave her scenes weight. Tul, on the other hand, was a bit of a letdown. For a cop, I expected her to have more edge—more presence. She often faded into the background, and her character felt underwritten. And the brother? He was on a whole other planet. The overacting was relentless and turned dramatic scenes into near-parody by the end.
Acting
The acting overall was just okay. A tad stale in places. Some emotional beats didn’t land, and a few scenes felt like they were going through the motions. It wasn’t awful, but there was a noticeable lack of spark—especially in a show that’s supposed to be emotionally driven.
Pacing
The pacing wasn’t terrible, but it dragged more than it needed to. A whole episode could’ve been chopped without hurting the story. Some scenes felt stretched thin or like filler, and by the last few episodes, I was more interested in wrapping up than lingering in the story.
Production
Visually, Petrichor was good. The lighting, sets, and costumes created a moody, stylish vibe that fit the genre nicely. The noir-like atmosphere gave it some flair. There were a few continuity issues, though—little things that momentarily pulled me out of scenes. I chose to overlook them, but they were there.
Final Thoughts
Petrichor is a fun watch. It’s trying something different, and I respect that. The women are beautiful, the concept is fresh for GL, and it has enough emotional weight to make it memorable. That said, it could’ve been tighter, spicier, and better acted in places. I recommend it—but I probably wouldn’t rewatch.
This is by far the best EngLot series yet. I’m not a huge fan of them or their previous shows, but this one is solid. Still, their love story here is sweet, not swoon-worthy. It works, but it doesn't linger.
Chemistry rating: Warm
(Scale: Hot AF, Steamy, Warm and Cute — Petrichor lands at "Warm." It’s got heart, but not fire.)
For reference: Affair = HOT AF
My ratings are “for a GL,” focusing on the love story, chemistry, and plot. I grade on a curve, recognizing the production context and genre norms. A 10 means it fully delivers in one or more of these: undeniable chemistry, high enjoyability, or a standout storyline.
Plot
Petrichor really tried to shake things up in the GL world—and honestly, it mostly worked. The crime-thriller plotline was a fun ride, with enough twists to keep me engaged. I didn’t guess the killer right away, which I appreciated, though by the halfway mark it started becoming obvious. Still, props for at least trying to keep the suspense alive and giving us something different from the usual romantic fluff.
Chemistry
The leads? Gorgeous. Straight-up stunning. And their chemistry? It’s there, but it simmers more than it sizzles. Don’t get me wrong—it’s believable and I bought into their connection, but I couldn’t help feeling like they were playing it safe. Compared to the likes of FreenBecky or Lookmhee and Sonya (LMSY), who ooze comfort and authenticity, this pair just didn’t go all in. You’ll root for them, but you might not replay their scenes a dozen times.
Romance
I really liked the slow burn between Run and Tul—it was mature, measured, and made sense. There was a nice emotional rhythm to how their relationship developed. The side romance between their subordinates was a surprisingly cute bonus and added softness that balanced out the heavier main plot.
Characters
Run had some depth and emotional range, which gave her scenes weight. Tul, on the other hand, was a bit of a letdown. For a cop, I expected her to have more edge—more presence. She often faded into the background, and her character felt underwritten. And the brother? He was on a whole other planet. The overacting was relentless and turned dramatic scenes into near-parody by the end.
Acting
The acting overall was just okay. A tad stale in places. Some emotional beats didn’t land, and a few scenes felt like they were going through the motions. It wasn’t awful, but there was a noticeable lack of spark—especially in a show that’s supposed to be emotionally driven.
Pacing
The pacing wasn’t terrible, but it dragged more than it needed to. A whole episode could’ve been chopped without hurting the story. Some scenes felt stretched thin or like filler, and by the last few episodes, I was more interested in wrapping up than lingering in the story.
Production
Visually, Petrichor was good. The lighting, sets, and costumes created a moody, stylish vibe that fit the genre nicely. The noir-like atmosphere gave it some flair. There were a few continuity issues, though—little things that momentarily pulled me out of scenes. I chose to overlook them, but they were there.
Final Thoughts
Petrichor is a fun watch. It’s trying something different, and I respect that. The women are beautiful, the concept is fresh for GL, and it has enough emotional weight to make it memorable. That said, it could’ve been tighter, spicier, and better acted in places. I recommend it—but I probably wouldn’t rewatch.
This is by far the best EngLot series yet. I’m not a huge fan of them or their previous shows, but this one is solid. Still, their love story here is sweet, not swoon-worthy. It works, but it doesn't linger.
Chemistry rating: Warm
(Scale: Hot AF, Steamy, Warm and Cute — Petrichor lands at "Warm." It’s got heart, but not fire.)
For reference: Affair = HOT AF
Was this review helpful to you?
