This review may contain spoilers
A Heartfelt Dive into the Realities of Idols and Love
At first glance, ThamePo: Heart That Skips a Beat seemed like just another predictable BL drama, with a well-worn storyline about idol life and hidden romance. Even after watching the teaser at GMMTV’s expo, I wasn’t convinced this would be worth my time. The chemistry between the leads, Est Supha and William Jakrapatr, wasn’t apparent in the trailers, and the premise felt all too familiar. But I couldn’t have been more wrong.
First off, Est and the LYKN members can act—so well. Est doesn’t just have chemistry with William, but with every single member of the band. Their performances bring depth to a story that, on the surface, might seem typical but actually offers a fresh take on the idol industry. Unlike most GMMTV dramas, ThamePo doesn’t shy away from portraying the harsh realities of being an idol—the constant scrutiny, the manufactured images, and the relentless pressure to maintain a facade.
One of the show’s strengths is how it tackles favouritism in idol groups, where one member is pushed into the spotlight while others are left behind. It also highlights the unrealistic expectations fans place on their idols, especially when it comes to relationships. This has been explored in other dramas (like Lovely Writer, which tackled actors in the industry), but ThamePo shifts the focus to boybands, showing how idols are often stripped of their autonomy. It was striking to see how even the smallest rumour—like dating—could jeopardise a career.
1. A Romance Built on Patience and Understanding
While the industry commentary was engaging, the romance between Thame and Po was truly the heart of the series. Their relationship was refreshing—built on patience, trust, and genuine care. Thame’s attentiveness toward Po, his gentle approach, and the way he ensured Po always felt safe was a joy to watch. It’s the kind of romance that makes you feel like you’re experiencing a first crush all over again.
The breakup episode was a gut punch. It didn’t feel forced or unnecessary—it was an inevitable consequence of their reality. The pressure from management, the expectations of fans, and the unspoken rule that idols must remain "available" to their audience made their love feel almost impossible. Gam and Pepper’s storyline echoed this struggle, reinforcing the idea that these artists are expected to prioritise their careers over their happiness.
That being said, while I understood why the breakup happened, it was frustrating. Their romance was already a slow burn, and just when they finally had a moment of happiness, it was snatched away. The pacing of their relationship sometimes felt rushed in some places and painfully slow in others, creating a bit of emotional whiplash.
2. Sappy, Sweet, and a Little Over-the-Top—But It Works
Now, let’s talk about Thame. His perception of what a boyfriend should be was both endearing and hilarious. From the constant selfies and detailed explanations of his daily routine to the iconic scene where he watches the TV reflection in Po’s eyes—it was peak romance drama cheesiness. But somehow, it worked. Thame’s little moments of jealousy and cluelessness were balanced by Po’s patience and understanding, making their relationship feel authentic.
The chemistry between Est and William was undeniable. Their soft, subtle interactions were more powerful than any grand declaration of love. Thame’s lingering looks, the way Po softened around him—it all felt natural and sincere. It was a relationship built on mutual support, and that made it all the more compelling.
3. Beyond the Romance: Brotherhood and the Toxicity of Idol Culture
Beyond the love story, the dynamic within the band, MARS, was another standout aspect of the series. The tensions, the rivalries, the unspoken resentments—everything felt real. It was satisfying to see these friendships evolve, from cold indifference to genuine support. The camaraderie among the members was a highlight, proving that the show wasn’t just about romance but also about the importance of found family.
The drama also addressed the toxicity of parasocial relationships—particularly with Pepper’s storyline. The way fans reacted to the rumour of him dating was disturbingly accurate, highlighting how idols are often seen as public property rather than real people. While this arc was a great addition, I do wish it had been fleshed out more to fully explore the emotional toll on the character.
4. Production, Acting, and Music—A Surprise Standout
Visually, ThamePo is stunning. The cinematography, the soft lighting, and the warm colour palette make it a feast for the eyes. The production quality is impressive for a BL drama, elevating the storytelling even further. And let’s not forget the music—because William can sing. His voice added so much emotion to the soundtrack, making every performance scene feel raw and real.
Acting-wise, William as Thame was the biggest surprise. For his first acting project, he absolutely delivered. Est, on the other hand, was incredibly expressive—his emotional scenes hit hard. The chemistry between them was a winning formula, and whoever cast them together deserves all the credit. The LYKN members also held their own, bringing their characters to life in a way that made the group feel authentic.
5. Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch for BL and Idol Drama Fans
For 13 weeks, ThamePo delivered a mix of heartwarming romance, industry drama, and emotional depth. While the story was predictable at times, the strong performances, chemistry, and thoughtful storytelling made it a worthwhile watch. If you’re looking for a drama with slow-burn romance, meaningful friendships, and a deep dive into the idol industry, ThamePo is definitely worth your time.
A well-crafted and emotional journey into love, friendship, and the struggles of being an idol.
First off, Est and the LYKN members can act—so well. Est doesn’t just have chemistry with William, but with every single member of the band. Their performances bring depth to a story that, on the surface, might seem typical but actually offers a fresh take on the idol industry. Unlike most GMMTV dramas, ThamePo doesn’t shy away from portraying the harsh realities of being an idol—the constant scrutiny, the manufactured images, and the relentless pressure to maintain a facade.
One of the show’s strengths is how it tackles favouritism in idol groups, where one member is pushed into the spotlight while others are left behind. It also highlights the unrealistic expectations fans place on their idols, especially when it comes to relationships. This has been explored in other dramas (like Lovely Writer, which tackled actors in the industry), but ThamePo shifts the focus to boybands, showing how idols are often stripped of their autonomy. It was striking to see how even the smallest rumour—like dating—could jeopardise a career.
1. A Romance Built on Patience and Understanding
While the industry commentary was engaging, the romance between Thame and Po was truly the heart of the series. Their relationship was refreshing—built on patience, trust, and genuine care. Thame’s attentiveness toward Po, his gentle approach, and the way he ensured Po always felt safe was a joy to watch. It’s the kind of romance that makes you feel like you’re experiencing a first crush all over again.
The breakup episode was a gut punch. It didn’t feel forced or unnecessary—it was an inevitable consequence of their reality. The pressure from management, the expectations of fans, and the unspoken rule that idols must remain "available" to their audience made their love feel almost impossible. Gam and Pepper’s storyline echoed this struggle, reinforcing the idea that these artists are expected to prioritise their careers over their happiness.
That being said, while I understood why the breakup happened, it was frustrating. Their romance was already a slow burn, and just when they finally had a moment of happiness, it was snatched away. The pacing of their relationship sometimes felt rushed in some places and painfully slow in others, creating a bit of emotional whiplash.
2. Sappy, Sweet, and a Little Over-the-Top—But It Works
Now, let’s talk about Thame. His perception of what a boyfriend should be was both endearing and hilarious. From the constant selfies and detailed explanations of his daily routine to the iconic scene where he watches the TV reflection in Po’s eyes—it was peak romance drama cheesiness. But somehow, it worked. Thame’s little moments of jealousy and cluelessness were balanced by Po’s patience and understanding, making their relationship feel authentic.
The chemistry between Est and William was undeniable. Their soft, subtle interactions were more powerful than any grand declaration of love. Thame’s lingering looks, the way Po softened around him—it all felt natural and sincere. It was a relationship built on mutual support, and that made it all the more compelling.
3. Beyond the Romance: Brotherhood and the Toxicity of Idol Culture
Beyond the love story, the dynamic within the band, MARS, was another standout aspect of the series. The tensions, the rivalries, the unspoken resentments—everything felt real. It was satisfying to see these friendships evolve, from cold indifference to genuine support. The camaraderie among the members was a highlight, proving that the show wasn’t just about romance but also about the importance of found family.
The drama also addressed the toxicity of parasocial relationships—particularly with Pepper’s storyline. The way fans reacted to the rumour of him dating was disturbingly accurate, highlighting how idols are often seen as public property rather than real people. While this arc was a great addition, I do wish it had been fleshed out more to fully explore the emotional toll on the character.
4. Production, Acting, and Music—A Surprise Standout
Visually, ThamePo is stunning. The cinematography, the soft lighting, and the warm colour palette make it a feast for the eyes. The production quality is impressive for a BL drama, elevating the storytelling even further. And let’s not forget the music—because William can sing. His voice added so much emotion to the soundtrack, making every performance scene feel raw and real.
Acting-wise, William as Thame was the biggest surprise. For his first acting project, he absolutely delivered. Est, on the other hand, was incredibly expressive—his emotional scenes hit hard. The chemistry between them was a winning formula, and whoever cast them together deserves all the credit. The LYKN members also held their own, bringing their characters to life in a way that made the group feel authentic.
5. Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch for BL and Idol Drama Fans
For 13 weeks, ThamePo delivered a mix of heartwarming romance, industry drama, and emotional depth. While the story was predictable at times, the strong performances, chemistry, and thoughtful storytelling made it a worthwhile watch. If you’re looking for a drama with slow-burn romance, meaningful friendships, and a deep dive into the idol industry, ThamePo is definitely worth your time.
A well-crafted and emotional journey into love, friendship, and the struggles of being an idol.
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