Enemies with Benefits

The series of the year

Without spoilers, all I need to say after having finished the series is that it is a masterpiece. From the amazing soundtrack, having five great original songs, to the acting being phenomenal, the story handling important topics the way they should be handled, the way it shows a real- life relationship that is so relatable, and lastly, the undeniable chemistry between Jan and JingJing... That is it, that is the review. I do not need to say much because the series speaks on its own. Simply put, it would be the definition of perfection if perfection existed. I do not want to spoil stuff about the story, but I do need to mention how beautiful, emotional, and pure Lal's and Wine's relationship is. The way you can notice in their eyes how much they love and care for each other, the fact that they are both mature enough to realize when they have made mistakes, and therefore apologize to each other, the way they always try to communicate, and the fact that their love for each other was never the problem, it was the outside world that, with their misoginy ended up making it harder for them to be together, but them fighting through it and choosing themselves and each other in the end, is what makes this series so spectacular.

Read More

Has GMMTV’s GL Series Entered Its Dark Age?

Good Points:

Jan and JingJing’s acting was absolutely wonderful.

Jan delivered a stable yet consistently high-level performance, and JingJing’s explosive acting power was genuinely impressive.

Bad Points:

(Structure)

First of all, the structure was just terrible. Why did they wait until the latter half of the story to bring in Wine’s past trauma, which should have been one of the most important elements? (The series did depict Wine’s trauma from her previous workplace to some extent, though.)

If Wine had been deliberately written as a mysterious character, with the full picture of who she was gradually revealed as the story progressed, or if there had been a convincing mystery element that justified keeping her past hidden, then revealing Wine’s past in the latter half of the story might still have made sense.

That kind of thing should normally be shown early in the story — in the case of Enemies With Benefits, around Episodes 1 to 4. From there, the story should have shown Wine overcoming that trauma through her relationship with Lal, and then, in the final arc, brought back the source of that trauma as the ultimate test she had to confront.

But in reality, every bit of character depth came too late. By the time they finally started digging into Lal and Wine, I had already lost interest in them, and I was bored with the story itself.

That is what makes it so frustrating. Lal and Wine had enough potential for me to like them, so it feels like such a waste.

(Too Many Unnecessary Elements)

First of all, the side-couple storyline was completely unnecessary.

Lal and Wine were already underwritten, and yet the show threw in even more romantic elements for the side characters in the second half. At that point, it was nothing but noise.

Tangkwa should have been a character who represented the beliefs that Wine could not directly express to Lal. She should have been used to give Wine more depth, showing why she respects Wine and what Wine means to the people around her.

Proud, meanwhile, could have been a tricky character who enters the story midway through, but is also serious and sincere about her work — someone who occasionally shakes up Lal and Wine’s relationship as a counterbalance.

In the early stage of GMMTV’s GL series, there have been successful side couples in works like 23.5, Us, and Whale Store xoxo. But in Enemies With Benefits, whether because GMMTV’s GL series has entered a mass-production phase or not, the side-couple elements ended up feeling extremely sloppy and unnecessary.

(The Setting Is Too Weak)

This series sometimes tries too hard to create tension around the idea that “it would be bad if people at work found out about them.”

But honestly, all I could think was: “Would it really be that bad if they found out?”

The reason is simple: the story never properly shows the threat or background behind what would happen if they were exposed.

If they really wanted to make the idea of being found out feel dangerous, they should have shown something in Episode 1, like Lal witnessing two employees in a relationship being forced out of the company. That would have made her think, “This company is dangerous. We absolutely cannot get caught.”

But the atmosphere in the workplace is actually pretty light. It feels like everyone would probably accept them anyway, so there is no real sense of tension.

Far from feeling like a threat, the employees in Sales and Accounting actually seem to want Lal and Wine to get along.

It is also a waste that the employees in Sales and Accounting mostly become background characters or comic relief. They should have been important supporting characters who helped explain why Lal and Wine are respected, and why their different versions of “being right” clash with each other.

Instead, they simply ended up as comedy devices.

As for Lal and Wine themselves, they were extremely hostile toward each other from the beginning to the middle of Episode 1. But after sleeping together under the influence of alcohol, the very next day, the distance between them suddenly shrinks as if all that hostility had never existed. Then one of them suddenly asks the other to become friends with benefits.

That was way too abrupt.

The show should have carefully portrayed the process of them gradually getting closer. If it had done that, it could have created the kind of painful, frustrating tension where they have physically crossed the line, but they are not lovers, and their emotional distance is still nowhere near as close as their bodies have become.

That is what the story should have shown.

(Conclusion)

Lately, I have been nothing but disappointed in GMMTV’s GL series.

From 23.5 to Whale Store xoxo, they were releasing one god-tier work after another. But from Girl Rules onward, everything suddenly turned to crap.

They do not need to make multiple series at once. I want them to carefully create one high-quality drama at a time.

Laying down a production line and mass-producing GL series like a factory is not the answer.

Read More

Where are the enemies ? but the benefits is there

I really enjoyed this series. I think it's a great adaptation of the novel. One thing I especially liked was that they gave both Lal and Wine assistants. In the novel, they're not surrounded by as many people, so I thought that was a nice addition. I just wish we had seen more of Lal's best friend because I really liked that character.

I also loved Lal and Wine's personalities. They're completely different, yet they're still naturally drawn to each other, and I think that contrast works really well.

That said, I wish there had been more romantic and sexual tension between them. Everything moved way too fast for my taste. From episode one, it already felt like they were a couple, even though they're supposed to be friends with benefits. I really missed the slow build-up that would have made their relationship even more satisfying. Still, their chemistry is cute, and the series fully embraces the classic romantic comedy clichés.

I also appreciated that the show addressed topics like workplace sexual harassment, consent during sexual relationships, and the professional attitude expected in a corporate environment. Those themes added more depth than I expected.

My favorite part was definitely Lal and Wine's relationship. They communicate well, respect each other, and have a genuinely healthy dynamic.

On the other hand, the second couple was completely sidelined. Their development came far too late, even though I think they had the potential to be just as interesting.

Overall, it's a fun series that keeps you entertained while also making you think about some important topics. For that reason, I'd definitely recommend it.

Read More

janjingjing OP pls don't nerf

i just love them so much 😩

it's hard to sum up my feelings when they've been spread out over 2+ months, but wow what a ride. it's not what i expected, but it is what i wanted.

this can't be called enemies to lovers or even rivals to lovers. they're not enemies in any meaningful sense past the first episode. they just appear to be thanks to wine's cold and uncompromising work persona. it's really secret friends (with a *lot* of benefits) to lovers. or maybe even more accurately, secret situationship to real relationship.

these two crazy kids started catching feelings from the jump, it just took them ages to realise it. wine because of ~trauma~ and lal because she doesn't have the first idea how fwb is supposed to work. she knows the words and the basic theory ('it's just sex, no feelings!'), but the practice? not a clue. and like, girl same. the funny thing about feelings is they just happen. you don't get a lot of say in the matter. the best you can do is avoid actions and situations which are likely to stir up feelings, like snuggling, holding hands, sharing secrets, staring deeply into each other's eyes, having incredibly passionate sex...

...but that's all the good stuff! the kind of benefits package you'd struggle to turn down even if you wanted to. thankfully, the premise of the show means we get a good selection of these benefits in every episode, in addition to the series-long will-they-won't-they, which got much more tumultuous than i expected. janjingjing are not only cute as fuck, they bring some serious dramatic firepower too. ep 8's pyjama scene is up there with namtanfilm breakdowns (except with much better narrative justification).

and once again i have to shout out the supporting cast. kapookciize finally getting the spotlight and a happy ending (with a couple extras along the way 👀) warms my heart, even if they didn't get loads of screen time (give them their own series gmmtv!!!). tae as korn does a great job being an evil snake i want lal to beat the shit out of. pompam as lal's flight attendant friend is a delight every time he's on screen. and the mvps are easily ployphach and JJ as lal's sales team. they play off each other so well, with bas' cutting remarks and numnim's devastated facial expressions. I'd love to see this comedy duo again.

finally, the OST is wall-to-wall bangers. they spam them every episode and i don't care because I'm bopping to them every time.

Read More

When it comes to you, I want to try.

Sorry this is a 10, nothing can top this as the rom-com gl of 2026. It is one of the most grounded and beautiful series that has come out of gmmtv and it has been delivered by their two powerhouses, Jan and Jingjing.

Let me explain. Have you felt the need for a gl series which showcases intimacy along with nc, where the story makers get that a relationship isn't just a hot makeout on the couch but also involves hot makeout on the couch (and pulling her close by the time). Did you then wish that it had a plot but not too heavy for a romcom, we don't want a thriller. But we want it realistic, atleast slightly so to balance out the fluff. But if it has brought in issues were you unsatisfied with the resolution? And did you also want the side characters to provide comedic relief but also be their own person. And and that the second couple also got their share of the stage.

Did you wish it was delivered with conviction at a great pacing. Not entirely predictable but no cliffhangers (it's not good for the blood pressure) but with delightful surprises.

Well you have it, the perfect shake: Enemies with Benefits.

EWB will deliver all that and more. It will make you believe in love again. It truly shows how love can be empowering, how it makes us strive to be the better version of ourselves but also that we don't always have to be because it is okay to let go. Your other half is there for you.

My only qualm is perhaps that they lied to us, this isn't enemies with benefits. There are benefits of course. In every episode even. Rather this is a story of i fell a little in love with you the first time I saw you, and then a little more when we spoke, and we've been comfortable with each other for sometime now but forgive me, I didn't even realise when I fell in love with you.

And the gl pairing of JanJingjing and KapookCiize have been wrought by the sapphic gods themselves. I hope they are successful in their future endeavours, be it gl or otherwise, but this chemistry has been blessed by some sapphic power unknown to us. They had us enthralled didn't they, I had little idea about Jan and Jingjing, having previously seen few shows with them. I knew about KapookCiize's fire, and they really came in clutch yet again.

This is obviously a product of love and care from a huge team. A lot of work has been put into crafting the perfect scenes and outfits, the multitude of OSTs have been a gift, the script the direction. Everything deserves so much praise. And the finally tie in to Bake Love Feeling? Take my 10 already.

Read More

amazing acting, intense emotions, and a soundtrack you'll keep replaying

I seriously wish EWB had more episodes. I'm not yet ready to watch the last episode of this series. The lead actors absolutely delivered! They have incredible chemistry, making every scene feel natural, emotional, and unforgettable. They brought the romance and angst to life, and the OST was simply god-tier, elevating every moment. What makes it even more impressive is that the lead actresses (Jan and Jingjing) sang the OST themselves. They're both incredibly talented! Highly recommend EWB if you're looking for a heartfelt romance with amazing acting, intense emotions, and a soundtrack you'll keep replaying. I'm already following both actress.. can't wait to see the next project they'll do.

Read More