This review may contain spoilers
THIS is a Special Episode?
So... is the special episode an original story? As in, not part of the novel? If so, this is such abysmal writing and execution. I'm no writer (writing is very hard) but I have watched a lot of shows in my life and I know good writing, I know production executed right. The scenes here aren't even that inspired. They should have spent time planning and storyboarding. For example, the pool scene. Instead of Prem posing on the side of the pool like a statue, have her swim towards the stairs of the pool, have the camera focused on her when she surfaces and pushes her hair back and wipes the water from her eyes, then have the camera reveal Pat from Prem's perspective: looking up at Pat as she puts on a show of removing her robe revealing her sexy swimwear, effortlessly seducing her wife. Let the dialogue have them banter in a way that's playful and sweet. Show how they still flirt with each other even after they're already married. Something like:Pat enters the pool maintaining eye contact with Prem, giving her a seductive look while moving closer to her in the water.
Pat: You know, statistically speaking, cardiologists are terrible at relaxing.
Prem swallows hard, shakes her head, trying to recover from being flabbergasted at the sight of Pat.
Prem: I am relaxing.
Pat tilts her head and squints her eyes at Prem, smirking.
Pat: You’re calculating my heart rate with your eyes.
Prem shrugs, smiles at Pat and looking at her appreciatively.
Prem: You did marry a doctor. Also, you look very distracting.
Pat: Your staring isn't exactly subtle.
Prem: I’m appreciating my wife.
Pat barks out a laugh, amused.
Pat: In the middle of the pool?
Prem: Especially in the middle of the pool. You’re glowing.
Pat: It's the sun.
Prem: No. It's you. Being stunning.
Pat laughs.
Pat: Remember when you thought love had to be… proper? Scheduled?
Prem: I was very organized.
Pat: And very wrong.
Prem laughs and puts her arms around Pat's neck and pulls her closer.
Prem: And now I’m married to chaos in human form.
Pat laughs too.
Pat: You say it as if it was a compliment.
Prem smiles warmly, holds Pat's face with her hand and strokes Pat's cheek with her thumb.
Prem: It absolutely is.
Pat smiles warmly in return.
Pat: Doctor?
Prem: Yes?
Pat: How’s my heart?
Prem leans her face close to Pat's, their foreheads touching, lips almost touching.
Prem: Very strong. Very stubborn. Completely mine.
Prem and Pat kiss.
Instead of mediocre scenes, they could have shown how the two main characters have grown or improved their personality now that they've been married, show their character development and how well they work together. For example, the Bow and Sita immature fight. Instead of the esteemed cardiologist Dr. Prem going back and forth juggling her two quarreling friends like a kid in elementary school and have Pat do absolutely nothing, have the married couple work together in getting Bow and Sita to sit down and talk about their problems like the adults that they are. Maybe have Pat come up with the reconciliation idea saying, "I know a way we can stop this childishness and get them to talk. It's a plan the main character did in one of the dramas I worked on before. But I haven't figured out how to get Sita there without raising her suspicion." and then Prem would be all supportive wife mode and say, "Let me handle Sita.". Then they show how the plan is executed. Afterwards when they finally get Bow and Sita to sit down and talk, the scene closes with Prem and Pat standing over them saying something about "relationships take work and that means growing up and dealing with your problems together in a mature way", “communication is how you avoid misunderstandings from turning into distance", "you can’t fix what you don’t talk about.” or something like that. Something that will show how much Pat and Prem have grown together as a married couple.
Speaking of being married, why did they not just do a wedding episode? Since their lives were irrevocably altered on Prem’s wedding day, it would have been a powerful narrative choice to revisit that moment, showing the preparations or the ceremony itself, while acknowledging the irony that the last time Prem was meant to marry, Pat disrupted everything with her exposé on that asshole what’s-his-name, only for that chaos to lead them here. Like, just have somebody say, "And to think, the last time Prem was in a wedding gown, Pat got her villain on and their lives were changed forever. Who would have though those two would find happiness with such a rough start?" or something along those lines. This mention could even be in Prem's or Pat's vows for crying out loud!
This special episode seemed rushed or like they didn't have enough budget so had to cut things short. Instead of spending so much of the budget on a lavish but empty mansion or those extravagant outfits, they should have just concentrated on making a good story and use all that money to extend their time to execute the production properly. It's the special episode. Show something interesting, something thoughtful, something heartfelt.
If you want to see a special episode done right, look no further than the special episode done by Love Design. Watch EP 1-8 then watch EP 9 (also EP 10 if you're a fan of the side couple). That's how a special episode is done.
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This Should Be the Standard
I made an account here because of this show. I've gone through a handful of Thai GL series and so far it's been okay. Most of them were carried by the main actresses' chemistry and acting and I've always been left wanting for a tighter script (character development, logical and intelligent writing, no or at least minimal plot holes, etc.) and a story told well. I was pleasantly surprised that this underrated series was the one to give me what I needed (freakin' finally!). The reviews made here by Aaku, IMTHETA, Sharmadan, samwoke, lordmark87, 13243736, inmyrare, and razeee perfectly describe my feedback and my feelings about this show and the team behind it (lol you all just said what I was thinking beautifully so I'm just gonna credit your reviews). I wish more people see this series so the producers know that aside from the beautiful visuals, great acting and carefully thought of production, audiences appreciate works with great direction and well paced storytelling. Make more of this quality please! Well done everyone who worked on this show!Was this review helpful to you?
