Heera

This is a beautiful period drama that unapologetically paints the struggles, shortcomings, and bearings of people divided and treated according to their social ranks. It is a gorgeous series with charming acting and deeply engrossed characters.

When I first started watching, I expected another republic-era period drama focusing solely on the oppression of homosexual love. I was wrong. This series fights to prove the equality and dignity that every citizen deserves. I was surprised by how strong the first episode was; thankfully, it did not focus entirely on the two main characters hiding their love from each other. Instead, it continued with them opening up despite being afraid. The pace of the series was thoroughly maintained, so it never felt dragged out.

The actors delivered their characters perfectly. Ongsa was amazing—he is an incredible actor. Oh, his eyes! His eyes are everything; I could completely lose myself in them. He is incredibly expressive and versatile in portraying emotions that seem simple on the surface but hit the soul very hard. Tell me an episode where he didn't cry! Thinnakon got no rest, I am afraid; the poor soul was shattered more than anyone else in the series. Even after completing the show, I find myself needing more of his happy moments.

Inn did a good job too. At first, I wasn't sure how his character would stand out alongside what seemed like Prince Thinnakon's internal monologue, but Phob proved to be a very strong, challenging young man. However, one thing I disliked was when Phob attempted to touch Thinnakon while he was asleep. The kiss felt very disturbing, even after finding out that Thinnakon was actually awake. That scene was a minor flaw in this otherwise big, delightful series.

Is it just me, or does Chai (Prince Vasin, Thinnakon's father) look remarkably similar to Pond? It is as if they are actual father and son; the familiarity in their facial features deeply invested me. Also, I loved, loved seeing Pond! Pond always surprises me with his versatile script choices. He is one of those rare actors who doesn't fixate on a single acting partner, and he is doing incredibly well. Pond as Chat was everything I could have ever wanted. He was ridiculous, idiotic, messy, and cute. Yes, cute! Even with all his imbecilic actions, Pond sprinkled an innate cuteness into the character.

At one point, I was on edge feeling so bad for Chat because of how he was treated by his father. None of his misdeeds could be justified, but somewhere between his egocentric individuality and his determination to prove himself, there was a real, raw emotion craving affection and love for who he is—even if he is perceived as dumb, stupid, or untalented. Though he was indeed a fool, he made me laugh so much with how immature and unaware he was regarding his own brother.

The dynamic between a prince and a servant felt like a traditional start that I thought might lose my interest later. However, the plot's turning point—where Phob leaves the palace to study in France and returns to Siam as a military captain—is one of the finest character developments I have ever been amazed to see.

The conflicts between a hierarchical monarchy and a constitutional government progressed gradually. Admittedly, the series felt like a late-90s soap opera at times, especially during the dramatic outbursts between Thinnakon and his father. I hated Nual (Phob's mother) more than anyone. She was not only trying to show gratitude to the Varakulvathin family by denying her own son's desires and pleas, but she was also hesitant to even understand the core issues just because she felt the family had treated them well growing up. While it is admirable to be loyal to the hand that feeds you, choosing between right and wrong should never be compromised.

"Everyone deserves equal rights, dignity, and the right to love." — Phob

I really liked how courageous and open Phob was with his thoughts on needing societal change for everyone, regardless of boundaries—including the Varakulvathin family and his own mother. He saw a better world and sought to fight for it, knowing it meant a chance for him and Thinnakon to no longer hide. They could love openly, under no veil, and with no guilt or shame.

"What I saw was never just about you and me. It was about countless people who were never given the chance to choose their own lives. I wanted to see a world where no one would have to suffer simply because they were born beneath someone else. And I still believe that when our country truly changes, when everyone is free to choose their own path, our love will no longer have to remain a secret." — Phob

But, I couldn't help but feel sad for Phob because, at one point, he had no one—neither Thinnakon nor his own mother. I am thankful that Thinnakon at least had his grandmother, who understood him. It feels crazy to compare one suffering with another, but I was helplessly heartbroken to see Thinnakon being betrayed just when he was ready to leave his family and everything behind for Phob. Yet, I was deeply impressed that he understood Phob's reasons and remained open-minded, unlike his father and brother who still sought revenge.

I am highly flattered by Prim and Plengkwan. They are so pretty! Oh my god, they are beautiful and brilliant. Prim as Siri had me down on my knees. Siri is so generous—a sweet, young lady. Ugh, how I wished to see her end up with Jan! They are absolutely perfect for each other. I enjoyed seeing Jan; she was an honest, daring, and fierce fighter. She was a good friend to Phob, and I was so grateful for her. One of their shared scene that felt incredible to see was when Phob was feeling insecure that the changes they brought were not improving conditions. It offered a quick insight into how constitutional governments can sometimes become just another consuming force, much like self-serving monarchies.

"Are we turning into the very thing we fought against?" — Phob

The fear and helplessness Phob portrayed were very genuine, reflecting the harsh reality that sometimes a well-intended change can bring its own negative consequences. It shows how heavily our decisions can affect society, for better or worse.

Phob: "Sometimes, I can't help but wonder was everything I lost really worth it?"
Tin: "What matters now is what we do to make things better. We can't always have things go our way. Maybe what you've done hasn't made a difference on a larger scale yet. But at the very least it's already beginning to make a difference in someone's life."

I can't express how much I adored Tin for remaining a wise, empathetic soul, capable of seeing the goodness even amidst the harsh shifts in his life. This might be yet another one of his most admirable features. His way of guiding and supporting Phob despite his own diminished well-being makes their characters truly outstanding.

"Maybe what we do can't change the whole world overnight. But at least it can change someone's life and give them hope." — Phob

Tin's grandma, Patthamapriya, was one of the loveliest characters, and I wished I could have seen more of her. She was such a sweet woman whom I grew incredibly fond of with each passing episode. I am so glad she helped Tin see the positive side during bad times. She taught us how certain changes can still be embraced, and that it is through change that we move forward.

"What matters most is learning to accept and understand the things that change, to live with those changes with grace, and to make the best of what we have." — Patthamapriya

And thank you, thank you, Grandma, for bringing some sense to Nual! I wonder if she hadn't talked to Nual, would she ever have accepted Phob and his love for Tin? *bawling my eyes out For this, and for every fruitful thing, I will always adore Tin's grandma.

"Life is short. Far too short for us to waste it deciding who should love whom, or trying to tell people who they should or shouldn't be with." — Patthamapriya

"Don't let your fear become a cage for those two." — Patthamapriya

Ultimately, though I disliked how overly dramatic the series got at times and how foolish Chat could be, I loved it. I loved how it embraced the concepts of equality, dignity, respect regarding social status, and love. I am so happy that Prince Vasin finally realised how poorly he treated Chat; they got a deserved closure that left me content. As sad as I was to see Phob die and even have a funeral, I was incredibly excited to see him alive again. The happy ending both Phob and Tin deserved was beautifully delivered. It is a very good series indeed.