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Queer as Folks Thailand…maybe
The much-awaited return of WilliamEst is finally here. Since their debut series, their popularity has skyrocketed, and the simultaneous world-wide release on Netflix, IQIYI, VIKI and GMMTV shows just how much they have helped define the rapidly expanding Thai BL industry. As Uncle Ben told Peter Parker, “With great power comes great responsibility.” The expectations placed upon these two are now enormous. For sure GMMTV brought out their big guns (and money) to produce this series.
A breakout series may rely heavily on chemistry and production, but lasting success also depends on choosing the right script. As William and Est gradually move into more mature roles, You Maniac has the opportunity to prove that their appeal extends beyond the characters who made them famous.
The series enters Thailand’s openly visible gay culture through two opposing personalities…Dean, a seemingly open-book player, and Moth, who is far more guarded and reserved. It is a familiar pairing, told many times before, so I hope the writers develop them into something deeper than another hormone-driven gay romance. With its large ensemble of men navigating their own relationships, the series already reminds me of one of my favorite gay shows…the American version of Queer as Folk. Thankfully, WilliamEst were never trapped in high school roles, which should make their transition into this more adult world feel natural.
Perhaps I am asking too much after only one episode, but the potential is clearly there. If You Maniac can come even close to the emotional and sexual intensity of Queer as Folk, WilliamEst may finally break free from the shadows of Thame and Po…and begin defining who they truly want to become as actors.
A breakout series may rely heavily on chemistry and production, but lasting success also depends on choosing the right script. As William and Est gradually move into more mature roles, You Maniac has the opportunity to prove that their appeal extends beyond the characters who made them famous.
The series enters Thailand’s openly visible gay culture through two opposing personalities…Dean, a seemingly open-book player, and Moth, who is far more guarded and reserved. It is a familiar pairing, told many times before, so I hope the writers develop them into something deeper than another hormone-driven gay romance. With its large ensemble of men navigating their own relationships, the series already reminds me of one of my favorite gay shows…the American version of Queer as Folk. Thankfully, WilliamEst were never trapped in high school roles, which should make their transition into this more adult world feel natural.
Perhaps I am asking too much after only one episode, but the potential is clearly there. If You Maniac can come even close to the emotional and sexual intensity of Queer as Folk, WilliamEst may finally break free from the shadows of Thame and Po…and begin defining who they truly want to become as actors.
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