TYPE OF REVIEW 
: HINDSIGHT REVIEW
No spoilers. For the Not-So First Impression Review, click here.
I wrote my “First Impression” Review after already watching nine episodes of GMMTV’s ThamePo: Heart That Skips a Beat. But the four episodes since essentially reinforced my not-so first impressions from then. A talented young cast, engaging romance, and an unexpectedly deep portrayal of the entertainment industry and fan culture have made ThamePo‘s 13 episodes thoroughly satisfying.
After initially focusing on a kinda-sorta-I think it truly was one love triangle, the series shifted back to exploring the challenges faced by idols, especially, in maintaining their public image and personal lives within the industry’s constraints.
From being forced to break up to companies covering for their talents to idols having to hide their true feelings and relationships; the series is one of the most engaging to deal with the complicated world of celebrity. Especially within Asian idol culture.
It was something I don’t think I expected coming into the series. Of course the series would have to deal with a popular idol dating someone, regardless of gender. But for the series to touch upon many of the struggles of idols and many times, unfair practices toward them as well as the harsh and cutthroat industry and even the effect of overzealous fans; I think the series can be an enlightening experience for many people.
I honestly think there’s a bit of courage in the way the series told its story because even within the series’ production company (GMMTV), there could be some critique on the behavior of fans of their shows and talents too. That is of course in addition to the critiques on idol fan culture and behavior that is prevalent across Asia, not just Thailand or Korea.
There was also a great thread throughout the series of Po himself perhaps having trouble finding his own path, place, or motivation in the world. It wasn’t neatly wrapped up at the end, but it was realistic and hopeful nonetheless.
And alongside those serious discussions, the series was able to properly balance the lighter and yes, fluffier moments of romance between our title characters.
If you read my Not So-First Impression Review, I did have some regrets about the missed potential for some good, juicy story with love triangles and friendships momentarily betrayed, things like that. (lol)
But I do think the series knew what it wanted to be and it successfully followed through on that.
No matter what small issues or regrets I might have had with some narrative choices or missed potential, the cast and characters were just so charming and endearing that it more than made up for it.
And the overall positive and feel-good vibes of the series count for a lot as well. Even with that very real commentary on idol and celebrity culture. Finding that balance is always a tightrope, but ThamePo crossed it almost effortlessly.
Just take the moment in the final episode. Miss Pemika finding the guys after they pulled that stunt at the concert. As soon as she started scolding, I think most of us already knew that it would end with a heartwarming moment. I think some of us probably expected it a bit sooner even. Some moment where she is shown to actually truly care about the guys and decides to set them free. I guess the most logical time to have that moment would be in the finale. A welcome moment, even if predictable or some might even say cliché. But it was a moment that landed so well.
The concert scenes in the finale were also well done. It was almost a MaGMCM for me as they were watching the documentary switcheroo that had Thame tearing up as well.
And it, like many of the satisfying emotional climaxes in the finale, would not have been possible without 12 other episodes that successfully laid the necessary groundwork.
With a talented and charming cast with excellent chemistry, ThamePo overall is a serious, emotional and character-driven story that successfully blends compelling romance with a deeper exploration of the entertainment industry and idol culture. And it has made it a worthwhile and satisfying watch. I am so happy to have been able to follow along in real time as the series aired.