[email protected]

7/10

[I am aware this is a controversial opinion but this is my personal viewpoint and I respect the right of others to disagree with me.] Season 1 was abruptly halted at episode 6 (of the 12 already filmed) after some serious misdirections were spotted by audiences and acknowledged by the production. The character, Aneung, was written as emotionally immature, clingy, petulant and pouty (which I found annoying) but this was complicated by Yoko Apasra Lertprasert’s own inexperience (not in acting, I think the girl is talented) but in her life experience of intimacy, resulting in those scenes between an older woman and a young woman feeling more predatory or exploitive, than a genuine expression of mutual love and respect. Before continuing the series, the dynamic between the two leads was retuned in workshops. Faye Supaporn Malisorn patiently and compassionately partner with Yoko, as they adjusted the relationship between their characters. Yoko’s first intimate kiss was in a workshop (a sad reality for many young actors). When the series resumed, in what they called the second season, it successfully (I think) resolved the inequity, mitigating the cringe factor. The other disconnect, for me, came from it being a reimagining of the GAP world. For those of us who fell in love with FreenBecky as Khun Sam and Mon, the recasting of those roles, that were no longer the lead characters but supporting characters, was a bit of a jolt. Every time I relax into this series, the characters of Aneung, Sam and Mon pulled me out, but by the finale, I was content with the production and enjoyed some of the beautiful moments. (Like Aneung’s parents and grandmother, I guess I needed to be convinced). Kudos to the excellent performance of Faye. She was my constant anchor to the series. I would love to see Faye and Freen play Neung and Sam in another series in the GAP UNIVERSE. I think that would be a tour de force. I gave Season One a 4 (problems) but Season Two a 7 (better), I give the whole series a 7 (good) out of 10.