Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• boldgeorge63

  Overall 8.5

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

  Sweet Flavor Without the Green Beans
  
  Indulging in this series is like savoring a delightful dessert without any bitterness lingering afterward. From the very first episode until the closing credits, I found myself utterly captivated. Initially, I approached this show with caution, given the plethora of cooking-themed Thai BL dramas that had failed to impress me in the past – from "Bite Me" to "Baker Boys" to "Cooking Crush." However, amidst these disappointments, this particular series truly shines.
  
  Admittedly, the plot is not groundbreaking, and while there...

  are some noticeable flaws and a lack of in-depth character development, the execution and entertainment value remain commendable. Despite the occasional plot hole, the focus on culinary delights and the intriguing competition element added depth to the storyline, even if the outcome was somewhat predictable.
  
  In my view, Sailub as Oab and Garfield as JJ emerge as the standouts of the show, akin to perfectly crafted delicacies. Characters like Pon as Plawan and Benz as Metas start off a tad grating but evolve over time, gradually winning over the audience. While some of the acting in the initial episodes may come across as exaggerated, as the series progresses, it finds its rhythm and becomes more enjoyable.
  
  The introduction of Khaosuay initially raised concerns of falling into the trope of annoying female characters common in BL dramas. However, the series deftly sidesteps this pitfall, delivering a satisfying conclusion to her arc. Belle's portrayal adds to the allure of the character, making it challenging to dislike her. As for the antagonistic role, Kleua's character comes off as overly pretentious and conniving, at times feeling mismatched in the Oab-Plawan love dynamic. A stronger opponent could have heightened the tension significantly, given the evident chemistry between Oab and Plawan.
  
  While the blatant product placements are a downside, integrated somewhat seamlessly into the narrative, they occasionally detract from the overall viewing experience. Will this series be etched in my memory for years to come? Probably not, as its storyline may fade with time. Despite this, the sheer enjoyment I derived from it makes it a highlight of my week, eagerly anticipating each new episode. Would I recommend it? Absolutely – a resounding yes.

• bitterlion

  Overall 7

  Story 4,  Acting 8.5,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 5

  This series, while entertaining, leans heavily on clichés. The main issue lies in the storyline, which struggles to find the right pace throughout. At times, it feels too slow, while at others, it rushes through important moments, especially in the final episodes. The characters, although well-acted, embody typical stereotypes that may not resonate with all viewers. From the "model" who prioritizes food and easy money to the seemingly unapproachable chef with exceptional culinary skills, and the ultra-capitalist who believes money can solve everything, the show...

  lacks depth in character development.
  
  Despite these shortcomings, the series manages to avoid excessive silliness and overacting in its comedy, striking a balance that keeps the viewer engaged. However, certain scenes may leave audiences puzzled, such as enforcing cleanliness rules in the kitchen only to engage in questionable activities moments later. While more nuanced character portrayals would have elevated the show, it remains enjoyable overall.
  
  Viewers are advised to have a snack handy while watching, as the dishes featured on the show are visually enticing. Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the drama without overthinking it. The cast's chemistry is commendable, adding a layer of authenticity to their relationships, even if some moments may induce a cringe or two.
  
  One standout aspect of the series is its exceptional soundtrack, which complements the on-screen action without resorting to generic background music. While the show falls short of being truly remarkable, it delivers on entertainment value and is worth a watch for those seeking a light-hearted viewing experience.

• livelycamel

  Overall 7

  Story 5.5,  Acting 6.5,  Music 6,  Rewatch Value 6.5

  Warning: Spoilers Ahead

  
  This series is a rollercoaster of pettiness that is both entertaining and sometimes cringe-worthy. The characters are full of drama and unexpected twists that keep you glued to the screen. The main character, Kluer, takes pettiness to a whole new level, but it's hard not to be amused by his antics. The interactions between the characters, especially JJ and Kenta, add an extra layer of intrigue to the storyline.
  The series explores the relationships between the characters with a good balance of tension...

  and comedy. The chemistry between the main leads is captivating, and you can't help but root for them throughout the series. The secondary couple's will-they-won't-they dynamic adds another layer of complexity to the plot.
  The plot revolves around a workplace romance that takes unexpected turns, keeping the audience engaged until the end. While the storyline may not be groundbreaking, the execution and the performances of the cast make it a worthwhile watch. The series manages to deliver on its promises and provides a delightful slice-of-life story with a food theme.
  The finale, although a bit rushed towards the end, ties up loose ends and leaves the audience satisfied. The drama and comedy elements are well-balanced, providing a fulfilling conclusion to the series. Overall, this series is a light-hearted and enjoyable watch that I would recommend to anyone looking for a relaxing entertainment experience.

• ShiningPenguin98

  Overall 7.5

  Story 7,  Acting 8,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 7

  A serving of classic tropes! While a bit familiar in places, it still makes for a satisfying viewing experience. The storyline and characters follow a well-trodden path, lacking in originality and depth. Although not groundbreaking, it manages to keep you engaged—though perhaps my expectations were set a tad high. The dynamic between the characters Oab and Plawan shines brightly amidst the clichés, with their flirtations over something as mundane as a "basil scent" inducing second-hand embarrassment. While I wished for more actual culinary scenes, the...

  focus on their romantic entanglements did hold a certain charm. Their on-screen chemistry is undeniably fun, even if the individual characterizations feel somewhat underdeveloped.
  
  Plawan begins as an eager but inexperienced chef aiming to impress and outsmart his culinary mentor. Initially intriguing, his character arc loses momentum along the way, veering towards unnatural perfection. Conversely, Chef Oab, portrayed as a strict culinary virtuoso, surprisingly softens over a handful of episodes. The supporting cast's narratives show promise but suffer from under-explored potential, leaving much to the viewer's imagination. JJ and Methas, in particular, had an alluring storyline that felt hurried and unconvincing in its conclusion. Kluea's sudden character transformation proved to be a disappointing narrative choice, lacking the impact it aimed to deliver.
  
  The final episode, while satisfactory, felt hurried, leaving several loose ends dangling in the narrative. Overall, it provides a decent one-time watch for those seeking familiar, if not groundbreaking, entertainment.

• sourmars24

  Overall 7.5

  Story 7,  Acting 8.5,  Music 7.5,  Rewatch Value 6.5

  Spoiler Alert: This analysis contains spoilers.
  
  Exploring the realm of romantic comedies from Thailand, the series initially presented some challenges for me, particularly in the beginning episodes. However, the narrative took a turn towards more engaging territory as the show progressed. Despite this positive shift, the presence of clichéd plot elements often led me to hit the fast-forward button. It's worth noting that the series is an adaptation of a book, although I approached it solely on its own cinematic merits.
  
  Spanning several episodes of varying...

  lengths, the series is hosted on iQIYI. Viewers are encouraged to continue watching beyond the behind-the-scenes segment of a particular episode, as it offers insights into the entire series rather than just the installment in question.
  
  Content-wise, viewers should be mindful of sensitive themes such as instances of manhandling, stalking, past traumas, manipulation, confrontations, and a non-consensual situation that transitions into a consensual one.
  
  For those seeking watch suggestions focused on the main couples and wishing to bypass certain plotlines like culinary pursuits and romantic competitors, a selective viewing approach is recommended. Specific episodes are highlighted for a more streamlined viewing experience, omitting certain arcs to emphasize the central romantic relationships.
  
  What stood out as positive aspects of the series were the portrayal of genuine and supportive friendships, visually appealing aesthetics (excluding a questionable bowl haircut), well-crafted tension, believable intimacy, and the consistent presence of mutual attraction. Additionally, the behind-the-scenes snippets at the conclusion of episodes added an enjoyable dimension to the viewing experience.
  
  On the flip side, there were areas that called for improvement. It took some time for the chemistry between the lead characters to truly resonate, with love triangles and underdeveloped secondary characters warranting more attention. The inclusion of comedic sound effects and music at times felt out of place, while certain plot developments relied on contrived premises that strained believability. Flashbacks were used frequently, a friend made a questionable disclosure, and a pivotal scene involving non-consensual elements could have been handled more thoughtfully, despite its positive resolution. The conclusion of the series felt somewhat rushed, leaving certain narrative threads feeling unresolved.
  
  Overall, the series presents a mix of charming moments and narrative missteps, making it a somewhat uneven viewing experience for fans of the romantic comedy genre.