Playing Ep 02

What people are saying

• jollyporcupine97

  Overall 9

  Story 8.5,  Acting 9,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 9

  So, there's this TV series that I recently watched and it reminded me of the movie "While You Were Sleeping." The plot is kind of similar, actually. You've got this mother character who's always nitpicking at the second child and it can get a bit annoying, to be honest. But overall, I think the series is really well-made. If you enjoyed "While You Were Sleeping," chances are you'll enjoy this one too.
  
  At its core, this series is all about mistaken identities and how one good...

  deed can easily turn into a big misunderstanding. It shows how even a small lie, made with good intentions, can snowball into something unexpected. I really liked how the main characters developed throughout the series. It felt realistic and they paid attention to small details.
  
  What I found particularly interesting was how they highlighted the loneliness between the characters. It added a lot of depth to the story, more than your typical show of this genre. Oh, and I also appreciated the way they did the flashbacks. They were done really well.
  
  Now, I don't want to give too much away, but I have to say that the story takes a darker turn as it progresses. At first, it's lighthearted and comedic, but it gradually becomes more intense. I just hope it doesn't veer too far into the dark side.
  
  Update: I just finished the series and let me tell you, it was really good. There were some twists in the last couple of episodes that had me on the edge of my seat. The character development and redemption arcs were satisfying, and hey, we got a clear and happy ending. Can't ask for much more than that!

• calminception

  Overall 6.5

  Story 6,  Acting 8,  Music 6,  Rewatch Value 5

  Alright, folks, brace yourselves for this review, because I'm about to spill the beans on a modern-yet-old drama in the romcom genre. Now, the opening of this series is all bright and fun, getting us all excited. But let me tell you, things take a heavy turn that no one could've predicted. The comedy in this show is a little cringy for my taste, and the timing just feels off.
  
  Now, we have these cute couples, but guess what? One of them turns out to be...

  the antagonist, pure evil, deserving nothing but our hatred. With all the conflicts going on, you'd think this series would last longer, but surprisingly, it wraps up quickly. The final episode does have some unexpected twists (in a good way at first), but then I was left disappointed with how they handled the ending for one of the characters, Arthit. It just didn't feel right, you know? They went for a happy ending for everyone, and while that's nice, they could've made it more logical and realistic.
  
  Now, let's talk about the cast. Nune, Joss, Iang, and Jan did an impressive job. This was my first time seeing Jan, and boy was I impressed! I love how she nails those micro expressions. And let's not forget about Cathy's character, she's not your ordinary, boring female lead or an evil, annoying villain. She's just cool. My heart goes out to her for being left alone in the end. If only Arthit had been a good man, things might've turned out differently.
  
  All in all, I would say this drama has a modern cover, but the content is nothing new. Maybe they should've called it "The Secret" instead of "Loneliness Society." That might have been more fitting.
  
  **Please note: The title of the show has been replaced with "Loneliness Society."**

• blunttron

  Overall 5

  Story 5,  Acting 8,  Music 3.5,  Rewatch Value 4

  So, there's this TV series that I watched recently and, let me tell you, it was a bit of a mixed bag. I was mainly excited to see Pond Naravit in it, because I'm a fan of his work. He played the character Alan, and I have to say, he was the only thing that kept me interested.
  
  Now, here's where things got a bit uncomfortable for me. The whole friends-to-lovers storyline didn't sit right with me, especially with Khaotung having feelings for an older...

  guy. It just felt wrong and kinda creepy, honestly. I mean, are we really supposed to be okay with this sort of thing being romanticized on a Thai larkorn? The director, who happens to be a man, apparently didn't see any issue with it. That's just messed up, in my opinion.
  
  Speaking of Khaotung, her character was such a bore. Sure, she was pretty to look at, but that's about it. The director made her book-smart but totally lacking common sense, which is a typical trope in Thai larkorns. It's like they tried to recreate the magic of a Thai rom-com like "While You Were Sleeping," but failed miserably.
  
  Now, if you're into toxic family dynamics, this series has got you covered. The mother and brother characters in this show were absolutely awful. The male lead came off as a total pushover, and the female lead was just plain deceitful. She'd act all nice and friendly, but behind the scenes, she was lying through her teeth. And don't get me started on the enablers in this series, who just seemed to encourage these toxic behaviors.
  
  I will give credit where it's due, though. The mother did have one redeeming quality. She actually mourned the death of the father, which is more than I can say for everyone else in the show. Alan, on the other hand, seemed completely unaffected by the father's death, which I found a bit strange. He even made a joke to the mother about it, which was just... uncomfortable.
  
  Now, despite having a cast of talented actors, the script and direction of this series just fell flat for me. It's definitely more appealing to hardcore larkorn fans or those who are obsessed with Pond's performance as Alan. But if you're not in either of those categories, you might find yourself feeling frustrated and ready to chuck your iPad across the room. Trust me, I've been there. If it wasn't for Pond being in this series, I would've given it a hard pass.

• coolflamingo

  Overall 5

  Story 5,  Acting 7,  Music 5,  Rewatch Value 2

  Spoiler Alert! If you haven't watched this TV series yet, proceed with caution.

  
  
  Get ready for a wild ride with this modern drama that combines elements of a soap and a bridge lakorn! While I've seen a few attempts at this mix before, this one takes the cake for being the most entertainingly over-the-top. The premise revolves around a misunderstanding that just goes on and on, making us question our sympathy for one of the main characters, Meena. It's pretty bizarre that she claims to...

  be a stranger's girlfriend in the first place, even if her intentions are good. But as the lie continues, things get even more confusing, and it's hilarious how everyone just shrugs it off, like it's no big deal. Meena's storyline revolves around this lie, with constant interruptions and changes of heart, making us wonder why she's keeping up with it in the first place. However, amidst all the chaos, she manages to find love, friendship, and becomes part of a big, loving family.
  
  One character who really tugs at our heartstrings is Than, who has endured emotional abuse and bullying from his adopted mother and brother his whole life. It's heartbreaking to see how they treat him, especially during his adopted father's cremation ceremony. Than's love for his adopted family is unwavering, but it's interesting to see how he enables his brother's toxic behavior and even develops feelings for a woman he believes is dating his own brother. Talk about complicated relationships! I wish the drama had explored more of the emotional turmoil Than goes through, but nevertheless, he remains a lovable character.
  
  One of the standout characters in this TV series is Cathy. Despite not being a lead, her storyline is the most well-rounded. At first, she doesn't value herself and gets caught up in a twisted scheme by Arthit, who treats her poorly. However, as she realizes his true nature, she cleverly plays him while helping Than, whom she sees as a genuinely good person. Cathy's journey is all about finding her self-respect and not falling back into a toxic relationship. Go, Cathy, go!
  
  Speaking of Arthit, he has one of the most unexpected redemption arcs in the series. He starts off as selfish, spoiled, and downright cruel to Than, reveling in seeing him suffer. It's quite satisfying to watch him slowly change, even if it's not entirely believable. And let's not forget the mystery hit and run incidents that throw everything into chaos. It's a bit ridiculous, but hey, it's all part of the fun!
  
  The other storylines, like Alan and Khaotung's childish antics, could have been explored more deeply, but they serve as a lighthearted distraction. And although the character development overall leaves something to be desired, the cast does a commendable job bringing their respective roles to life. Special shoutout to Jan, who shines in her role and definitely deserves more leading roles with great writing.
  
  In the end, this TV series may have had its flaws, with a dragged-out plot and rushed reconciliations. But it's still an entertaining watch if you're in the mood for some over-the-top drama and unexpected twists. Just be prepared for some frustration along the way. Oh, and don't forget to enjoy some of Cathy's best scenes!

• BraveGrease63

  Overall 8.5

  Story 8,  Acting 8.5,  Music 3.5,  Rewatch Value 8.5

  Rewatching this gem was surprisingly good! When it comes to Thai Lakorn (excluding BL), it's important to remember that they are primarily made for domestic audiences, much like Indian soap operas, Korean Makjang, and Pakistani dramas. These shows often incorporate traditional beliefs and local biases, which can make them seem conservative or non-relatable to international viewers. However, it's crucial for international fans to understand that not everything is tailored to their tastes, unlike the massive budget Korean dramas we all love.
  
  Here's a tip for drama...

  writers and directors: try watching your own masterpiece in a serialized manner, just like viewers do. Trust me, it makes a world of difference! Things that make sense when you binge-watch may not have the same impact when episodes are released gradually. I've been on a blissful binge-watching spree lately, and it has elevated my enjoyment to another level. Of course, I'm not suggesting that every series should follow in the footsteps of Netflix and drop all episodes at once. Instead, find a way to keep each week exciting without leaving all the story conclusions for the very end. It tends to turn people off, you know?
  
  On my rewatch, so many things finally clicked into place. The female lead's deep sense of emptiness, which explains why she went along with things so passively, became crystal clear. The depiction of the mom's negative attitude towards the adopted child struck me as a brutally honest portrayal of how women sometimes treat non-biological children in traditional societies. It sheds light on the anger that is often projected onto innocent children by stepmothers who bear the brunt of child-rearing responsibilities (according to them, at least). We've seen this concept in many Bollywood films from the '90s, with the popular movie "Laadla" being a prime example. It's uncomfortable to watch, but it's a painful reality in many lives.
  
  What I truly appreciate about this drama are the little details that make it so endearing to me. For example, the attention to detail when showcasing the shipping route from China to Poland in one episode was remarkable. The production and writing team clearly did their homework, and it shows in the meticulously constructed scenes and sets. While this drama still retains some of the signature elements of Thai Lakorn, it's incredibly enjoyable when consumed in one go. With that being said, I give it a solid [rating]. This one is a winner for me!