littlebluemonster

Ep6 was heavy? Well, Ep7 hits harder. What's new 😩

I was afraid of watching Ep7 since watching the teaser. As the story progressed, many thought it'd be Ran or Lert who has the death flag, but it was the first one we all expected. And another I totally did not!!!! Veera hadn't been on the radar all this while, but when Lert told Veera to be careful, I knew it. Sh*t. Veera's gonna die. And he did. It was just so sad finding out about him. He lied about his fiancee, he just wanted to stay by Dhevi forever. 😢 And he still tried to protect Krailert and Dhevi until the end! ☹️

And Victor...omg... when his father told him that he could still fight for justice miles away, it reminded me of exactly what Trin had been doing. At that moment, I felt that Victor finally understood his father because he's seen not only his father making a change, but Trin, too. And I was glad his father's words convinced him. Victor could've done so much more. But this is Victor, he never backs down, he chooses to fight. Even if given a second chance, I doubt he'd choose differently. That said, Victor's death felt a bit like a rushed plot device. But maybe that's just due to time constraints, unfortunately. It didn't have to be Victor, but it HAD to be Victor to steer all the other characters into certain directions.

Victor's death alone caused two couples to completely fall apart. Ran's gonna fight even harder and hate Lert even more. Lert, having Veera gone too, might finally choose to fight against his boss. Or maybe not? Idk, I don't know who else is gonna die at this point. 😩

Tanwa might feel too guilty to face Trin again. And Trin... my heart just breaks so much for him. I'm so glad Tanakom was there for him. If I were Trin, I honestly wouldn't be able to face Tanwa again like nothing happened. But I also know it wasn't Tanwa's fault. He did warn Victor, but Victor didn't listen. Victor made his choice, just like how Trin stopped Claire in the past, yet Claire made her choice to fight.

Tanwa's struggle was also very real. Tanwa cares about Trin the most, so obviously he'd do anything to keep Trin safe. But when Trin brought up Victor, Tanwa knew just how much Victor meant to Trin, and he didn't have the heart to hurt Trin further. Just like he told Trin before, that everyone has the right to follow their heart, he hated letting Trin go, but he also couldn't stop him. Trin may not be able to forgive Tanwa, but I just hope Trin finds out that Tanwa did try to stop Victor instead of disregarding the students entirely.

I also wouldn't blame Krailert because he did try to keep things in control. But obviously, he's not as cunning as his boss, that's why he's still being controlled. And to be honest, even if Krailert DID try to do something to stop things or protect the students, I doubt he'd be able to do anything coz he barely has any authority. His subordinates don't even fear him. They listen to his boss, not him. There really wasn't much he could do and what he did in Ep7 felt like his best already. (Sorry, Krailert.)

Ep7 was just Evil winning. Everyone on the other side had been defeated. The only part that could heal me from all the pain in Ep7 was seeing Sucha show up out of nowhere with Trin and Tanwa flustered 😭😭😭 And the song for Ep7 sung by Mile...

"How many lives will they take away, before the dawn brings a better day" 😢 RIP Victor and Veera...

Couldn't agree more. And about Trin spiraling, while rewatching TrinTanwa's scene in Ep6, I remember coming across some comments here saying that Tanwa was lacking some reaction towards Trin's breakdown, which got me thinking....

What I really like about the way Tanwa was when and after Trin broke down, was that he didn't act too worried towards Trin and start bombarding Trin with questions or concerns. He was just there for Trin, to hold him, to be his listener, to be his rock. He didn't ask things like "Are you okay?" because clearly Trin wasn't. He didn't say things like "I was worried sick. Don't do this again." or anything that would stress Trin out.

Tanwa's calm presence soothed Trin instead of making it worse like how Aunt Dhevi brought it up and Trin got slightly emotional again speaking up for the students. But to be fair, Dhevi's reaction was how most people would react. Tanwa wasn't just being calm for Trin, he was also there to ease the tense atmosphere by not overreacting on Trin's condition, and still keeping a smile when talking to Dhevi. No one but Tanwa has the ability to make Trin smile again right after breaking down. Tanwa's presence allows Trin to catch a break and to be himself.

Also, Tanwa may seem calm, which may come off as nonchalant, but the acting direction and Tanwa's micro-expressions and body language were really good throughout the scene. It's also very fitting for Tanwa's character, and it's how Tanwa is for Trin—he just wants to bring a sense of calmness and happiness to Trin.

And Tanwa *was* actually worried. Even from the moment we see Tanwa smoking outside Lert's house. It's only a few short seconds, but you can see Tanwa frowning a little, and smoking impatiently, thinking why isn't Trin home yet. You can tell from his body language, the way he was restlessly glancing and moving around and taking shorter puffs. And when Trin was talking to Aunt Dhevi, he turned around to hold back his tears. And Tanwa, who was smiling softly at Dhevi at first, turned to Trin looking worried and his smile completely fell.

Oh, I also really love the micro-expressions from both Trin and Tanwa when Aunt Dhevi asked if Tanwa wanted to stay for the night. Trin slightly glanced in Tanwa's direction, like he wishes Tanwa would stay but also expects Tanwa to leave again. At the same time, Tanwa also glanced in Trin's direction, as if a thousand things were crossing his mind but he knows he must stay for Trin this time.

On a lighter note, I think it'd be hilarious if Dhevi actually hasn't sensed ANYTHING between Trin and Tanwa at this point. 😂😂😂

I just came across a post on reddit asking the same question and now I see your comment. Lol. Here's the link if you're interested:
https://www.reddit.com/r/boyslove/comments/1ncyony/why_is_shine_less_popular_than_other_recent_thai/

I think it's an interesting read as many people shared different opinions. But in short, Shine just isn't everyone's cup of tea. I do hope its popularity picks up more internationally once it has completed airing since a lot of people seem to be waiting to binge it.

Thank you. 🧡 And yes! It always feels like time has slowed down whenever they're together 🥹

You know what, I feel sorry for you too. I hope you have someone in your life to give you a hug and tell you everything's okay.

The scene of Trin breaking down in Tanwa's arms still makes me cry. I'm so broken.... 🫠🫠
The way Tanwa rests his chin on Trin's arm and looks at him, with Trin smiling and looking back 🥹🧡
They love each other so much that you can always see it in their eyes when they look at each other. Their gaze, their smiles, their hugs, their holding hands. That's not "acting like school kids being in love" like some people have claimed it to be before. That's just two adults who have gone through so much pain that they cherish every little simple moment of happiness with each other and that's what fuels them.

Trin and Tanwa have managed to enter each other's guarded heart and that's such a powerful thing. I won't even use the phrase "break down each other's walls" because it feels too aggressive while Trin and Tanwa have always been quite patient and gentle with each other. They always listen and question instead of trying to convince. The most they do is give each other a nudge. Both of them aren't that headstrong. They are both quite softhearted. Their interactions with each other just says it all.

Trin and Tanwa may not have more screentime together as the "main couple", but I think in this series, there's a lot to focus on and it feels more like there's two main couples, so it's understandable. Though it'd definitely be nice if we had more, I'm also fine with what we already have. At least for me, whenever there's Trin and Tanwa together, it warms my heart so much. Some viewers may not feel their love or chemistry, but theirs shine the most to me.

Trin and Tanwa are two really precious and beautiful characters. In this series filled with so much chaos, Trin and Tanwa bring a sense of peace and happiness. They give you a moment to catch a breath in this chaotic world. Just like how I live every day, all I want is to find some peace and happiness to keep myself going. That's why Trin and Tanwa hold such a special place in my heart. 🧡🧡

The best comment on the comparison between Victor and Tanwa.
"The reason is simple Victor is not Tanwa."
https://x.com/apos_niiiiiiii/status/1965364188500688989

Thank you for your kind words ❣️

I'm so sorry. I didn't realize my reply got that long. Hahaha. Thank you for reading it all and replying ❣

I'm not sure if I understood them better as these are just my interpretations. I actually thought of them in a simpler way too, but after ep5 and 6, I noticed more things about them. I think reading the analyses of LertRan and TrinTanwa's relationship on other platforms also helped. 😊

I actually think Krailert and Naran also share a lot in common. But the difference between them and TrinTanwa is that LertRan don't open up their minds and hearts to each other like Trin and Tanwa does. That's why the crack between them gets bigger.

Lert and Ran can communicate through lyrics and books, and that's very romantic. That's one of the biggest things they have in common, but they seldom have real conversations about other things.

Despite both of them having a female partner, they don't have any affection towards them. Not romantically, not sexually. So it makes sense they both crave a lot of physical affection once they found each other. And maybe also coz they have had to hide their sexuality, so there's a lot of suppression, and that only made them crave even more intimacy. Or it could just be their love language, idk.

But yea, I agree they don't share the same beliefs and thoughts about what is right to a *certain* extent. That's actually similar to Trin and Tanwa at first too, but Trin and Tanwa always listened and pondered on each other's perspectives. I also think TrinTanwa had a bit more freedom to do that compared to LertRan? So that probably made it easier for them to understand each other. Whereas LertRan are in restricted circumstances and it's harder for them to change their stance.

But I think Krailert also shares Naran's beliefs and thoughts, it's just that he was forced to change, and he also made a choice to succumb to power to succeed and to survive. I remember seeing someone's comment here saying Naran is probably someone Krailert wished he could be.

At first, I also felt that what LertRan shared was mostly physical up till Ep5. Like they were completely sucked in and engulfed by their passion for each other, whenever they met, they had to make out instead of sharing heart-to-heart conversations (those love letter columns in the newspaper don't count coz they weren't communicating face to face). That's why their relationship felt lacking to me in the beginning. Something was just missing.

But in hindsight, I realize it was supposed to be that way. Maybe deep down they knew they had huge differences in certain aspects and it would be hard to overcome, so they just lived in the moment and jumped straight to having s*x, while conveniently avoiding the conversation they should be having—their differences in beliefs.

Just a quick comparison, Trin and Tanwa aren't afraid of sharing their views with each other all the time even though they're different. And TrinTanwa may end up disagreeing and being upset with each other (like when Trin calls out Tanwa), they always come back to each other to talk things out. But with LertRan, they seldom talk. And when they do, they get more emotional, end up fighting, and try to convince the other person to change or stop. But clearly, they are both too stubborn to change. That said, I think it's also easier said than done being in their shoes.

Lert wants to protect the people too, but he doesn't have enough power. Instead, he's forced into a marriage and has become his superior's puppet. Maybe that's why when he found out Ran was his soulmate, he felt an even stronger affection for him. Maybe.

But yea...like many people have said, their relationship is bound to lead to a sad ending. Not because they refuse to resolve their differences, but more like they can't due to their positions. But after Ep6, I have a feeling that there's a high chance Lert would sacrifice himself to protect Ran. ☹

And yes, Trin and Tanwa are truly a match made in heaven 🧡 There could still be things that might break them apart, but the love and connection they share is just so beautiful and precious to me.

I think that depends on how things develop. Trin and Tanwa may seem like total opposites at first with nothing in common, but as the story unfolds, they grow closer, and we learn more about them, they actually share a lot of similarities.

Both of them are dealing with the pain and trauma of losing a loved one. One is so uptight and doesn't know how to relax or be happy, making it his armor. The other is too afraid of feeling pain again, so he puts up a happy front and runs away from everything. Both of them are afraid of facing some part in them, because facing it would break them. They are two broken souls, and they found comfort and happiness in each other. They have built strong trust and love between each other, healing each other along the way, opening their minds to different perspectives, and slowly merging their worlds together because they listen to each other's voices. Oh, both of them also find solace in music by creating music.

By now, they have slowly learned to understand each other's differences. They may not see eye to eye about everything yet, and it's unrealistic if they do anyway, but they are more than just opposites that attract at this point.

"Tanwa should not even be a main lead and is only here to bring in the actor's fan, stay mad"

You've indirectly disregarded the actor's efforts and the work of the creator and teams involved. If you don't care, then don't be disrespectful to those people. And just because a viewer respects an actor's work, it doesn't make them a fanatic.

Your sarcasm is also super cringe, btw. Have a nice day.

If you can't see the beauty in Tanwa's character, that's your problem. If you can't relate to or empathize with Tanwa's character, maybe good for you if you've never experienced similar pain. If a viewer doesn't like a certain character, fine. But to attack the actor it just shows you're a hater. Period.

I think what makes Naran angrier could be that he knows Lert is a good man, but he's been keeping quiet and helping his boss cover up all the dirty work.

Remember when Naran got angry and lowkey defended Lert when there were rumors about Lert being bribed or something? I feel that Naran believed Lert would never do such a thing and hurt the people at first. But as things unfolded and escalated, his trust in Lert was shaken, that's why he's questioning Lert now.

Maybe he's not just mad that Lert condoned all his boss's evildoing. Maybe he's also mad at himself for being in love with someone who turned out to be like this. When Lert said he'd protect the people he loves, I think Naran didn't think to include himself since he probably(?) has no idea what Lert did for him.

And ugh, Padoem. I was honestly pissed to see Tanwa worried about his dad, though I'd probably be the same if I were Tanwa. Lol 🫠🫠

Same! I also like activist Victor more. But I think showing a different side of him makes his character more interesting. I didn't mind that he had a crush on Trin (coz obviously he wouldn't stand a chance lolol). And thanks to Victor, we got to see the unwavering side of Trin, which I absolutely LOVE.

Victor's persistence was both uncomfortable and nerve-racking to watch, because it felt like Trin might just cave in the end. Part of me knows Trin wouldn't, because that's just not something Trin would do. But ya know, writers like messing up characters like that just to create plot twists. So annoying.

I really like Victor's friendship with Trin. Before the story hinted at Victor's crush, I thought they'd eventually become close like brothers.

"This is what makes Tanwa's love feel more mature." —spot on. I feel that many people fail to notice this. Trin and Tanwa's relationship, the connection they share, and what attracts them to each other aren't exactly spelled out, though I think it couldn't be any clearer but seems like it still wasn't clear enough for a lot of people. But to see people call Tanwa childish or immature just shows they don't understand Tanwa's character at all.

Thank you for putting Trin and Tanwa's relationship into such beautiful words!! Reading this makes me want to cry because Trin and Tanwa's relationship is just so beautiful 😭😭😭 Two broken souls healing each other. Trin and Tanwa are so precious. Whatever happens in the world of 'Shine', I hope Trin and Tanwa get to grow old happily together. 🥺🧡

You can check out oddsare's recap for each episode under the comments here. Absolutely spot on.

Always looking forward to your recaps. Thank you for sharing them! And thank you for covering the historical aspects coz I'm not familiar with them and I struggle with learning history, so your recaps really helped me grasp and appreciate the details for those historical parts that I've missed.

I'm also glad the series won't make it to the massacre coz that's just too dark and heavy I don't think my heart can handle it 😩

After some thought, I feel that besides being a hot-blooded youth, Victor might assume Trin fell for Tanwa's sexual appeal since Tanwa gave people that impression. Victor, like many other viewers here, thinks that Tanwa's just a strange, annoying, empty-headed guy who fools around and serves no purpose. But we know Tanwa's so much more than that especially with Trin, and that's the side of Tanwa most people don't see, be it in the drama or even among viewers.

I just hope Victor will stop forcing himself onto Trin again because it doesn't only make Trin uncomfortable, it's also disrespectful. If Victor really loves Trin, he shouldn't do something that makes Trin feel that way.

I know people might even compare Victor and Tanwa's behavior, saying Tanwa never respects Trin either like how he doesn't listen to Trin when Trin tells him to leave and Tanwa refuses. But what people don't realize is, Trin subtly *lets* Tanwa do whatever he wants and Trin, even though reluctant sometimes, would just play along because he knows it makes Tanwa happy (and Trin lowkey feels happy too but he's too uptight to admit that sometimes lol). Trin is no pushover. If he really wanted Tanwa to leave, he would've made Tanwa leave. But he didn't. And even when Tanwa kissed him, Trin never rejected, which is *entirely* different from his reaction to Victor's attempt.

And about LertRan's previous NC scenes, I have read some of the analyses about their relationship and dynamics, and I do think the NC scenes suited them even though it wasn't really my cup of tea either. I appreciate their storyline and how they are the total opposite of TrinTanwa.

I saw people saying LertRan or TrinTanwa (or just specifically Tanwa) not contributing to the story, which I also disagree, because obviously that's absurd. All characters—Trin, Tanwa, Khailert, Naran, Peter, Dhevi, Veera, Dao, and even other supporting characters are needed in this story to make it more colorful.

I've even seen people question the purpose of Moira, and I think she also plays an important part in this story. She has an omnipresent existence, as if knowing everyone's secrets, and says what needs to be said, just like with Tanwa and Lert's scenes at the bar.

I get having a preference because I have them too, but I feel that the comment section here is really becoming a bit ridiculous with all the hate and attacks on certain main characters. Like, how about everyone hate Tanwa's dad instead??? Or Khailert's boss?? They're the real a$$holes here. Lol