SapphicJunkie

All Polish No Passion

Production

Harmony Secret arrived with impressive polish and premium production values, positioning itself as one of the year's top Thai GLs. The series boasts glossy cinematography, premium production value, and a strong soundtrack. However, beneath this polished veneer lay significant flaws: awkward cuts, odd shot choices, scenes that felt constructed entirely around product placement, and repetitive flashbacks that undermined narrative momentum. The direction prioritized visual gloss and action over grounded intimacy, ultimately leaving the romance feeling hollow.

Plot

The pilot episode delivered everything fans hoped for—passion, heat, and undeniable potential that garnered over 7.8 million views. It felt sexy and intense, promising a story of fire and boldness that had viewers genuinely excited. Unfortunately, as the series progressed, this initial heat quickly fizzled.

Rather than building on the passion established in the pilot, teasers, and source material, the show devolved into repetitive bath scenes, soft cuddles, and intimacy that felt perpetually cut short or reduced to mere flashes on screen. While LMSY's chemistry remained palpable—oozing from every shared look and moment—the writing and directing seemed to actively hold back from delivering the payoff fans were anticipating.

The story relied too heavily on rivalry as its central conflict instead of developing meaningful tension and character growth. It's clear this director isn't adept at romance, leaning heavily on conflict and thrills rather than genuine connection. This left LMSY's chemistry and acting to carry the full weight of the romantic storytelling, as they were hardly given actual scenes where their characters could genuinely connect—especially outside the bedroom. When they did connect in intimate moments, those scenes were not only cut short but felt so tender they didn't match the intensity level their relationship had supposedly reached. Subplots went nowhere, filler scenes added nothing substantial, and the constant breakup-reconciliation cycle made the romance feel both forced and shallow. Emotional intimacy was consistently missing, with the series appearing desperate to look romantic without actually creating the moments that generate genuine romantic feeling.

By the finale, instead of the power-couple ending that fans would have loved and that could have elevated the entire narrative, viewers were left with more of the same repetitive content that made the series feel like an extended marketing campaign—luring audiences with the chemistry and passion of the pilot, only to deliver what felt like one prolonged advertisement for ponds.

Performance

LMSY's exceptional chemistry and acting prowess carried the entire series. Their longing looks and emotional delivery gave weight to scenes that otherwise lacked substance and fire. However, even these strongest performances couldn't compensate for the director's apparent lack of vision regarding romantic storytelling or the numerous subplots that led nowhere: Mae's father's fake illness, Ai's mother's mysterious hiding, Ai's father's threats toward Yam, and P'G's martial arts skills—all introduced more questions than answers.

Verdict

Harmony Secret succeeded in being thrilling, dramatic, and visually premium, but ultimately proved repetitive, hollow, and frustratingly restrained. It's a series of all polish and no passion. As an LMSY fan, there's still plenty to enjoy—they shine brilliantly in every moment they're given. But as a romance, the series falls significantly short of its potential, leaving viewers with much to be desired and little satisfaction for their investment. All in all LMSY deserved more and so do we.

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Denied Love: The Tease That Never Delivered

The premise is interesting—arranged marriage with inheritance threats—but the execution is frustrating. This show is toxic as hell. Rin starts as a straight-up mean ice queen who borders on emotional abuse toward Khem - she was even hurting my feelings lol. Khem's puppy energy feels forced and even cringy at times. Both characters are emotionally unavailable in their ways, missing every opportunity for genuine vulnerability.

The pacing felt off. We're stuck in this repetitive hot-and-cold cycle that got old fast—two steps forward, three steps back, constantly. The storyline felt shallow, going in circles with seriously delayed satisfaction.

The chemistry between EnjoyJune is there, but the story leans too heavily on it instead of actual substance. Even their steamy moments feel like they're trying too hard to be sexy rather than being naturally passionate. The whole show felt like a tease with no satisfying conclusion. That is to say, there was a conclusion, but I didn't feel satisfied in terms of the romance. It was as if it ran out of steam.

The production value felt low-budget at times (audio issues and muffled mics), and those random vlogs both characters do are just awkward exposition dumps that never amount to anything. Too much telling, not enough showing.

The acting is believable, which kept my attention. Rin does redeem herself eventually, but it felt too little too late. Despite all its shortcomings, it did have me blushing and giggling throughout and somehow kept me coming back for more. I loved it when Rin finally redeemed herself and her being vulnerable with her father and then later with Khem. However, the momentum was bumpy and just felt inconsistent.

Chemistry Rating: Warm and Cute (Scale: Hot AF, Steamy, Warm and Cute, Lukewarm, Cold) Great potential hampered by poor execution.

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Excellent

Queendom is one of those Thai GLs that sneaks up on you — a premise that sounds chaotic on paper somehow turns into one of the most heartfelt, sexy, and surprisingly grounded romances of the year. What could have easily been pure camp ends up becoming a clever exploration of love, identity, and the ways we learn to see ourselves through someone else’s eyes.

From the start, Queendom stands out for its polish and energy. The production is sleek, the pacing sharp, and the tone perfectly balanced between fun and emotionally resonant. Print and Rey’s chemistry anchors the show — equal parts flirty, sincere, and vulnerable. Their dynamic feels lived-in, growing naturally from confusion to connection. Even during the wildest moments, there’s emotional logic behind every choice, which is something many GLs struggle to achieve.

The series also owes a lot of its strength to Mai and Fon, the standout side pairing who bring both warmth and levity to the story. Their relationship isn’t just cute filler — it adds real texture to the show. They balance out the chaos of Print and Rey beautifully, grounding the drama bringing and grounded more experience presence even though most of the time Print and Rey were a little more mature in their relationship. Honestly, id love to see them have their own series.

One of Queendom’s biggest wins is how it handles intimacy. The romantic and physical moments feel earned, not gratuitous. The chemistry between the leads burns slow but sure, and when the show finally leans into it, it does so with confidence and taste. It’s sexy without being overdone — emotional without being heavy-handed.

That’s not to say everything is perfect. The final stretch of the series, particularly Episode 11, felt rushed — the reconciliation between Print and her mother happens off-screen, suddenly all is forgiven… but did she even apologize? Still, by that point, *Queendom* had already earned the audience’s trust. The emotional throughline and character work carried enough weight to make those bumps forgivable.

What makes Queendom shine is its maturity. It’s playful, funny, and occasionally ridiculous, but it never loses its emotional grounding. The dialogue has purpose, every scene feels intentional, and the characters show real growth. There’s an adultness to the way it handles love and forgiveness — a sense that these characters have lived, made mistakes, and are learning to move forward.

Verdict: Queendom is bold, heartfelt, and endlessly watchable — the perfect blend of rom-com charm and emotional depth. With standout acting, purposeful intimacy, and one of the best side pairings in Thai GL, it proves that you can be funny, sexy, and sincere all at once. A top-tier GL that earns every bit of its crown. 👑

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Real Chemistry, Beautiful People, and Solid Storytelling

Review (So Far):
⚠️ GL Grading Disclaimer
Before we dive in, a quick note on how I grade GL series: My primary focus is on the love story, chemistry, and plot. I grade on a curve, meaning my ratings are “for a GL,” recognizing the specific landscape and production context of girls’ love media.

If I ever rate something a 10, it’s because it absolutely delivers in one (or more) of these areas: undeniable chemistry between leads, high enjoyability, or a unique and/or excellently executed storyline that stands out in the genre.

Chemistry
I am loving this show. Pam and Rak have 10/10 chemistry—it’s grounded, sincere, and strikes the perfect balance between steamy and sweet. Their connection feels organic and lived-in, not forced or overly performative. And yeah, the fact that both women are beautiful? Always a bonus. But this pairing works because the emotional pull is just there. You feel it.

Chemistry rating: Steamy
(Scale: Hot AF, Steamy, Warm and Cute — Us hits that perfect middle ground: electric without being over-the-top.)

Story & Characters
The dynamic between Pam and Rak has me hooked. I’m genuinely intrigued by the plot and invested in where it’s heading. But what really stands out is that US GL is character-driven. The plot acts more like a lens—a structure used to highlight the growth, emotional arcs, and moral dilemmas of the characters. That focus makes the show feel deeper and more resonant.

Pam’s arc, in particular, feels justified and emotionally honest. She didn’t start helping Nene out of malice—she was heartbroken, grieving her late parents, and owed money to the wrong kind of people. Nene took advantage of that vulnerability, extorting and manipulating her into revenge. It makes sense that once Pam started to fall for Rak, she’d shift her priorities and walk away from that plan.

Rak is a joy to watch. She’s sweet, sincere, and solid in her values. Even when Nene tries to manipulate her, she stays true to herself. You can't help but root for her.

Kawi is a standout for me. He’s a genuinely good guy, and his bond with his sister Rak is strong and supportive—way better than his dad, who gives off peak toxic patriarch energy.

Speaking of their father: he somehow manages to be both the director of the hospital and a serial philanderer, fathering children all over town, mostly with women who work at the hospital or conveniently at his kids’ school. Dude is absolute trash, someone I personally love to hate.

Nene is layered—not just a villain, but someone hurt and twisted by her own history. Her scenes with Oat have promise, and I appreciated seeing her walls slowly come down. The scene with Rak and Oat bringing Nene to Kawi for a hug was a bit awkward in its delivery, but likely because it was genuinely uncomfortable for those characters to be in that moment—it made sense that the tension would feel palpable.

I also loved that the characters’ relationships and connections all made sense—nothing felt overly convenient or slapped together. It all flowed naturally.

Grandma deserves her own shoutout. This is the only GL I’ve seen where the grandmother wasn’t some outdated obstacle or harsh figure. Her love and joy resonated throughout the story, and she served as a truly special character—a bridge between the others, anchoring many key emotional moments.

The mom’s subtle arc was also nice. Her shift felt natural, earned, and not overly dramatic like in other melodramatic GLs. It added a layer of realism to the family dynamic.

Though, yes—they did leave out the long-lost sister entirely, not sure they even needed to be in the story at all, but I do get that they were trying to build a pattern of behavior for the father.

And the evil dad being left alone in that oversized house? Poetic justice. I’m so glad they didn’t give him a redemption arc. Let him stay in that silence.

Sound & Music
Easily one of the best OSTs and sound designs in any GL I’ve watched. The music and score are emotionally sharp, never intrusive, and always in tune with the moment. It’s polished, balanced, and helps carry the emotional weight of the story beautifully.

(Could do without the crying dog sound effect—but at this point, that’s just genre tax.)

Ending & Final Thoughts
The story wrapped up beautifully—not rushed, not overly dramatic. There was a softness to it that felt earned. I genuinely felt sad knowing I wouldn’t get to look forward to PamRak every Saturday anymore.

I love that the show skipped tired tropes like the unnecessary breakup, rushed weddings, or forced drama. That said, a proposal scene would’ve been an amazing, romantic final touch. Still, the ending landed with heart.


Final Score: 10 / 10
Emotionally resonant, beautifully acted, grounded, and romantic. This show is something special. A must-watch, and absolutely a 10/10 for rewatchability.

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All Tension, No Payoff

⚠️ 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.

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Review
This one just wasn’t it for me. My Marvelous Dream Is You felt like a long, drawn-out will-they-won’t-they that leaned too hard into tension without delivering the emotional or romantic payoff.

The chemistry was lacking—really lacking. The kissing was stiff and awkward, and it completely undercut the romantic build-up. Yes, there was plenty of tension (you’d expect that in a slow burn), but not enough spark to make the payoff worth it. And honestly, the setup was ridiculous: these two women live together, work together, share dreams—and yet somehow never talk about their feelings for years? Not believable. The shy, overly cautious dynamic didn’t match how close they were in every other way.

Kim’s constant self-sacrifice was another sticking point. It wasn’t endearing—it was frustrating. She kept putting everyone else’s needs ahead of her own, even when no one asked her to. It came off less like kindness and more like a flaw that kept dragging the story down. And Wan? Kind of an asshole. It felt like she didn’t want Kim until someone else did, which made her hard to root for.

The “dream” element didn’t hold much weight in the story either. The idea had potential, but it never really mattered—at least not in a meaningful way. They see each other in dreams but barely acknowledge it until the end. It just felt like an underused gimmick.

Final Thoughts
My Marvelous Dream Is You had a slow burn that never really caught fire. Weak chemistry, frustrating character choices, and a dream plot that didn’t deliver left this one feeling more like a missed opportunity than a love story.

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Reverse With Me – Stylish, Twisty, and Sweetly Sapphic

⚠️ GL Grading Disclaimer
Before we dive in, a quick note on how I grade GL series: My primary focus is on the love story, chemistry, and plot. I grade on a curve, meaning my ratings are “for a GL,” recognizing the specific landscape and production context of girls’ love media.

If I ever rate something a 10, it’s because it absolutely delivers in one (or more) of these areas: undeniable chemistry between leads, high enjoyability, or a unique and/or excellently executed storyline that stands out in the genre.


Before watching Reverse With Me, I’d strongly recommend watching Reverse 4 You—it’s a standout in its own right, with a unique concept and solid emotional storytelling. Reverse With Me feels like a spiritual successor or companion piece: a modernized continuation of that universe’s themes, but with its own tone and aesthetic. Where Reverse 4 You leaned into emotional character journeys with a sci-fi twist, Reverse With Me builds on that foundation with more stylistic flair and a darker, moodier edge.

Together, they make a strong case for this shared “Reverse” universe being one of the more interesting and creative contributions to the GL genre.

Production & Style
From the opening scene, Reverse With Me sets a confident tone. The production value is strong, the editing is crisp, and the special effects are well-executed. There’s a clear creative vision here, and it makes the show feel fresh without being flashy for the sake of it.

The music is another standout. The OST is simply excellent—probably one of my favorite songs from a GL so far. (Honorary mention to More than Words, Us Ost. ) It’s memorable, emotional, and supports the tone of the story without overwhelming it. Just great sound design overall.

Story & Tone
This show has a dark and grounded edge, even with its supernatural element. It doesn't lean into fantasy for escapism—instead, it uses the concept to explore personal trauma, emotional growth, and choice. That emotional realism gives the series weight, making it more than just a high-concept premise.

The plot itself is solid and consistently engaging. The twists are effective, and the story follows through on its emotional stakes. The only moments that felt a little off were the sudden intervention from the sister—which came off a bit too convenient—and the final wrap-up episode, which didn’t quite match the tone or momentum of the rest of the show.

Characters
The characters are developed enough to keep the story moving, but they do lean on the one-dimensional side. There’s not a ton of emotional depth or complexity in how they’re written, but they’re still easy to care about—especially in the high-stakes moments. The show does a good job of making you root for them, even if their arcs aren’t especially layered.

Chemistry
The romance builds slowly and naturally. The chemistry isn’t fiery, but it’s sweet and believable. The leads have a quiet tenderness that works really well with the more serious tone of the show. There’s also a bit of that ice queen dynamic early on, which adds a nice tension that slowly melts away.

Chemistry rating: Warm and Cute
(Scale: Hot AF, Steamy, Warm and Cute — Reverse With Me sits comfortably in the “sweet and sincere” range. It’s not explosive, but it feels real.)

Final Thoughts
Reverse With Me is a refreshing entry in the GL genre—thoughtful, a little dark, and creatively executed. It brings something different to the table, while still delivering a romance that feels honest and emotionally earned.

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Standout GL

Pluto is a standout GL series with a rich, emotionally layered plot that takes you on a genuine journey. The storyline is unique and thoughtfully constructed, offering something deeper than the usual romantic fluff. While the pacing leans slow at times, it’s the kind of intentional slow burn that earns every moment—beautiful, deliberate, and worth savoring. This is a show that knows when to hold back and when to let emotion take over, building tension in a way that makes each reveal hit harder.

As far as GL tropes go, Pluto goes beyond the usual playbook. No one gets slapped, the grandma isn’t evil, and the drama doesn’t rely on tired clichés. Instead, the story feels strong, grounded, and refreshingly mature. It centers emotional truth over spectacle, which makes every moment land with more impact.

The chemistry between Namtan and Film is nothing short of magnetic—steamy, sweet, and downright sexy. Their connection feels lived-in and emotionally grounded, never performative. Whether they’re laughing, arguing, or breaking down, their scenes carry real weight.

Namtan delivers an excellent performance, pulling double duty as twins with distinctly different personalities. She does an incredible job differentiating the two roles with subtlety and emotional nuance. Film’s performance is equally impressive—her portrayal of a blind character is convincing and sensitively handled. Together, their acting elevates the emotional stakes of the story. The characters themselves are beautifully flawed, grounded, and real—people you genuinely care about.

What really makes Pluto shine is its emotional integrity. The story is packed with beats that land every single time—grief, longing, joy, regret, hope—all woven into a plot that steadily deepens as the episodes go on. Just when you think you know where it’s headed, it digs deeper, pushing its characters into new, complicated emotional territory. And instead of relying on cheap drama or forced conflict, it lets the weight of past choices and quiet moments do the heavy lifting.

In short, Pluto is a beautifully crafted, well-acted slow burn with real heart and staying power. It’s not just worth watching—it’s worth rewatching.

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Sweet Love, Evil Moms, and Heartbreak

I liked this one. The plot actually works and kept me invested throughout. It starts off on a sweet note with the leads falling in love quickly and naturally. Their chemistry is believable and engaging, and watching them come together felt sincere.

What helped a lot is that we got to see the relationship bloom before the drama hit. That order really made the heavier elements more tolerable later on.

Chemistry Rating: Steamy (bordering on Cute)
The chemistry was sweet and charming, with just enough heat to keep things interesting. It does feel like they’re holding back a bit, but not enough to hurt the emotional impact or cost points. What stood out most was Lada’s emotional vulnerability—you could really feel her hurt and her love. The way she looked at Earn said everything: like she still wanted her, but knew better. Subtle, but very effective.

Now, yes—this show brings in the classic evil mama character, and it's literally the same villainous actress from Affair. She’s kind of the best and the worst. You hate her, but she plays the part so well, it’s hard not to enjoy it. Her interference didn’t feel overly frustrating, likely because the show let the romance breathe first before bringing in the chaos.

Another common GL trope shows up here too—the evil adversary who suddenly changes her mind at the end and tries to mend what she helped destroy. It was a little on the nose, and while not the worst execution, it still felt too easy.

Also frustrating? The father just sitting back and letting it all happen. His complete passivity made him feel like a non-character. The story would’ve been more dynamic if he’d at least challenged the mother or stepped in at some point. His silence wasn’t neutral—it felt like cowardice.

It definitely leans melodramatic—there’s floor-screaming, big emotional swings, and all the expected tension. But it’s not overdone to the point of losing impact.

Also, shoutout to the side characters, especially Susi (Earn’s manager). I actually laughed out loud at her scenes. Usually the “funny friend group” dynamic feels forced or annoying (GAP, I’m looking at you), but here it worked and added charm without becoming a distraction.

I'd rewatch and likely will

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Great Chemistry, Mid Plot, and Pat is the MVP

⚠️ 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.

Review
This wasn’t great—but I did like it. There’s something about the energy of this one that worked in spite of the flaws.

Pat and Deane stole the show. Honestly, I wish their romance had been the main focus of the entire series. Pat was an absolute treat—gorgeous, sweet, bubbly, and confident. She knew what she wanted and didn’t hesitate to go after it. Total scene-stealer.

Deane, while attractive and charming in her own right, was a bit annoying. The immaturity and stubbornness had me saying “you idiot” more than once. But her connection with Pat was undeniable—and, most importantly, steamy.

As for Love and Rain, they were cute and had decent chemistry. Another ice queen melts for the soft girl setup. I didn’t totally get what Love saw in Rain—her personality could be off-putting—but watching her slowly thaw had its moments.

What stood out in this show was that all four women had chemistry, and that’s rare. The tension and attraction were believable across the board. Pat and Deane brought the heat, while Love and Rain stayed comfortably warm. Also appreciated the inclusion of masc-presenting women, which added a welcome shift to the usual dynamic.

The plot? It was fine. Nothing groundbreaking, but it served its purpose. The focus was clearly on the relationships, and that’s where the show delivered.

Chemistry Rating:
Pat & Deane: Steamy
Love & Rain: Warm
(Scale: Hot AF, Steamy, Warm and Cute, Lukewarm, Cold)

Strong chemistry, especially from Pat and Deane, with enough charm to make up for a basic plot.
Would rewatch.

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Hot but no heat

⚠️ 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.

Review
Not a fan. For a series that’s only four episodes, it still felt like a slog to finish. I had to push myself through it, which says a lot for something so short.

Visually, no complaints—EngLot are stunning, and the production is clean. Charlotte’s performance, in particular, was strong. Her character was fun, attractive, and added some welcome energy to the show. The acting overall wasn’t the issue.

But even with all that... the chemistry just didn’t land. These women do have chemistry and sex appeal, but for some reason it’s never “hot.” It always feels like they’re holding back. I don’t even think there was a kiss—and without that, the tension doesn’t go anywhere. For a short GL, there needed to be something more intimate to make the connection believable.

The story felt more like a PSA or after-school special about being queer than an actual romance. The mother character was too intense and one-dimensional for such a short run, making her rapid shift in perspective feel abrupt and unearned.

The plot itself—centered around the bar—just didn’t engage me. The emotional stakes were low, and I found myself not really caring about any of it.

Worse than Lucky My Love and My Marvelous Dream Is You, in my opinion. At least those had some emotional attempt. This one just felt flat.

Chemistry Rating: Lukewarm
(Scale: Hot AF, Steamy, Warm and Cute, Lukewarm, Cold)

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Cute, Quick, and Lacking Depth

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.

Review: Lucky My Love
This one was cute—short and sweet—but ultimately misses the mark. It’s light and low-stakes, with no real obstacles beyond “which person do I choose?” and a brief misunderstanding that, to me, revealed a red flag. Wela’s behavior exposed some toxic tendencies, including trust issues and emotional unavailability, that didn’t sit right.

The plot was basic—very no-frills. It’s never clear what they even do for work, The world-building felt flimsy. Everything fell into place a little too easily to be interesting.

The side characters were more caricatures than people—mainly there to be a sounding board for Napdao and not much else. Ray (her client/friend) was ready to swoop in the second they had a fight, which felt more comedic than dramatic. She did offer a bizarre pep talk involving clocks and stars that seemed to help, though.

Overall, Lucky My Love is cute if you’re looking for something quick and breezy, but it doesn’t have the weight or spark to stand out. Unlock My Love handled similar themes with much more depth and better character development.

Final Score: 4.5/ 10
Nice moments, but too shallow and convenient to fully land.

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The Series – A Melting Ice Queen, Some Solid Chemistry, and a Lot of Frustration

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
Mate: The Series really didn’t need to be 12 episodes. The story should’ve wrapped before Gen left—everything after that felt drawn out. The criminal subplot was full of holes and lacked urgency; the threat never felt real.

Gen’s arc as an ice queen softening over time could’ve worked, but her decisions were often frustrating. Her anger at Aeoy over a lie—while lying herself the whole time—felt hypocritical. And her choice to stay gone even after the danger passed made no sense.

Characters
Aeoy was easily the heart of the show—sincere, grounded, and clear about what she wanted. Gen, though, was tough to root for. While she softened by the end, her choices often made her character hard to connect with.

Chemistry
Despite the writing flaws, Gen and Aeoy’s chemistry was believable. The emotional connection was there, even if the physical intimacy felt held back. Watching Gen gradually open up had its moments, but the passion was inconsistent.

Chemistry Rating: Warm (teetering on Steamy)
(Scale: Hot AF, Steamy, Warm and Cute)

Final Thoughts
The core romance had promise, but the pacing, character decisions, and underwhelming tension held this back. If you love ice queen stories and can overlook some bumps in execution, it might still be worth the watch—but it left me more frustrated than satisfied.

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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

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Well Done

⚠️ GL Grading Disclaimer
Before we dive in, a quick note on how I grade GL series: My primary focus is on the love story, chemistry, and plot. I grade on a curve, meaning my ratings are “for a GL,” recognizing the specific landscape and production context of girls’ love media.

If I ever rate something a 10, it’s because it absolutely delivers in one (or more) of these areas: undeniable chemistry between leads, high enjoyability, or a unique and/or excellently executed storyline that stands out in the genre.

Review:

The Loyal Pin is the kind of GL series that lingers with you—not because it reinvents the wheel, but because it commits to what it is and does it exceptionally well.

The pacing and character arcs are tight and believable. Princess Anin’s tenacity in pursuing Lady Pin is a major highlight. From her teenage years through adulthood, she never wavers. Yes, some of that drive comes from her status as a princess used to getting what she wants, but that only adds to her complexity. In contrast, Lady Pin’s struggle is quieter but no less meaningful. Her choices come from duty and fear, and while she frustrated me at times, her arc made sense for who she is.

The romantic tension had me on edge more than once—I kept bracing for someone to walk in on a kiss. That tension was balanced by some surprisingly strong comedic beats. I laughed out loud more than I expected from a period drama. Prik (Lady Pin’s maid) was a standout, and Prince Anan added a grounded charm to the mix. The side characters genuinely helped flesh out the emotional world of the series.

When it comes to chemistry, Freen and Becky never miss. They manage to be both adorably bubbly and quietly sexy—sometimes in the same scene. Their connection feels organic, with a mix of sweetness and intensity that few GL pairings achieve.

Chemistry rating: Hot AF
(Scale: Hot AF, Steamy, Warm and Cute)

The production quality also deserves praise. From lighting and cinematography to costuming and set design, everything feels purposeful and polished. I especially appreciated how Thai culture was woven into the story—whether through food, rituals, or visual detail—without ever becoming heavy-handed.

My only minor critique is the aunts’ sudden change of heart—it was a little too quick to feel natural. Still, it’s a small flaw in an otherwise rich and satisfying story.

Final Verdict:
The Loyal Pin is a rare period GL that delivers on every level—story, romance, cultural texture, and emotional payoff. Whether you're new to Thai GLs or already deep in the fandom, this one is absolutely worth your time.

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BEST SERIES OF 2025- MUST WATCH

Overall: 10 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Plot

From the opening episodes, *ClaireBell* makes it clear this is not a light or comforting GL. The series drops viewers into a world that feels textured, gritty, and emotionally charged almost immediately. By Episode 2, the stakes are already high, with conflict and heartbreak firmly in place. The story moves with confidence, unafraid to sit in discomfort or let emotional weight linger.

At its core, this is a character-driven series. Claire’s journey is shaped by trauma, survival, and sacrifice, and the writing consistently reinforces how prison has altered the course of her life. Her bond with Auntie Pa’Forn adds unexpected depth, and a surprising tenderness, revealing a gentler side of Claire early in the series, giving her emotional depth beyond the survival mode of that is the “Rabid Dog”.

Bell’s arc is quieter but no less important, shaped by straightforward honesty and emotional endurance. She has a strong sense of justice and moral clarity, responding with steadiness rather than impulse. Her straightforward honesty and moral grounding give her an innocence that feels rare in a world this unforgiving, offering a counterbalance to the harsher reality surrounding her.

As the plot thickens, the series resists easy resolutions. Power, loyalty, and moral compromise are explored without softening their consequences. Antagonists are written with intention rather than caricature, making their eventual downfall feel earned. The escalation of tension is measured and deliberate, allowing revelations to unfold organically instead of relying on shock.

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Chemistry

The chemistry between Claire and Bell is immediate and deeply believable. There’s an ease between them that comes through in shared glances, physical comfort, and moments of quiet intimacy. Their connection feels rooted in trust rather than spectacle.

What makes it especially effective is how their chemistry creates a kind of bubble around them, something intimate and almost too beautiful for the harsh world they’re trapped in. When they’re together, the noise of everything else fades, and that contrast only heightens the fragility and intensity of their bond.



Chemistry rating: Hot 🔥

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Production

The production feels closer to an A24 film than a typical Girls’ Love series, and it works beautifully. Cinematography, lighting, and sound design are moody and intentional, reinforcing the emotional weight of each scene. The visual language elevates the story beyond genre expectations, making the series feel expansive and cinematic rather than confined.

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Final Take

ClaireBell is a heavy, emotionally rich series that prioritizes depth over comfort and character over spectacle. It asks for patience and attention, then rewards both with layered storytelling, strong performances, and a distinct creative vision. This is an excellent series first and a GL second, one that easily transcends the Thai GL space and leaves a lasting impression long after the final episode.

Chemistry : Hot 🔥

Overall: 10 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Worth the watch? Definitely.

Rewatch? Absolutely

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