I Came for the love story, I Left With Existential Questions
ThamePo is, WITHOUT DEBATE (I will not allow any), an absolutely incredible drama. It has everything, and honestly, even more than anything we could have expected. A genuine reflection on fame and the pop industry, insanely talented actors/singers/dancers, and then just WilliamEst casually playing with our breathing and heart rates every single time they appear on screen.
Seriously, this BL managed to break me with a force that somehow also turned out to be capable of healing me.
This whole reflection on the T-pop industry, and more generally on the pop industry as a whole (especially in countries like Korea, where boy/girl groups are basically at the heart of everything) made me question my own relationship with fame as a fan.
And I came to a few conclusions. Thank you, ThamePo.
Generally, we tend to build an image of an idol or a group, and I think one of the mistakes fans often make is confusing that constructed, idealized image with the actual person behind it.
We love the image we have of them, and because we watch so many interviews and livestreams, we can mistake that feeling of proximity for actually knowing who these people are. And sometimes, that makes us feel entitled to be intrusive about a life we shouldn’t even have a say in.
Anyway
William portrays Thame with a disarming kind of accuracy. All it takes is one look at him to understand the entire duality of his character: someone who constantly prioritizes the well-being of everyone around him, with this endless energy that never really allows him to focus on his own feelings.
And when Po enters his life, of course a strong connection forms.
Because Po doesn’t just teach Thame how to identify his own feelings. He gives him all the love and attention that Thame himself has spent so much time giving to everyone else.
You know that quote:
“Look at yourself. Comforting others with the words you wish to hear.”
When Thame lets Po into his life, he finally allows himself to be comforted by the very words he had been carrying inside him. Po gives him the strength to reignite that spark that was slowly starting to fade away.
Also, Lykn’s performance is simply breathtaking. Musically speaking, the ThamePo OST is just one banger after another, and the dances are visually captivating. And no one here can deny the insane connection between the members.
You genuinely feel like you’re watching a group of friends: people who share laughter, challenges, difficult moments, and acts of solidarity.
The characters are incredibly well written. Every member of MARS has a personality that makes sense, and they constantly surprise us with how well they complement one another.
I’m going to be completely honest, but… NUT!! On top of being insanely handsome, I inexplicably loved his performance as Jun 😭
Obviously, I can’t finish this review without talking about the absolutely captivating chemistry between William and Est. I thank the Lord for blessing us with actors this talented because THEY KNOW BALL ABOUT YEARNING!!!
I could talk for hours about how Thame and Po’s relationship is not only healthy, but also so much more complex than it might seem at first.
Do you know what’s worse than watching a relationship slowly fade away? Having to end it because the consequences of staying together are bigger than you.
Not being able to live your love because other people have the final say over what you’re allowed to have.
And of course, it’s episode 11. It’s ALWAYS episode 11.
I was crying so hard my shoulders were literally moving.
Thank you, William and Est.
Thank you for the eye contact, for the shy little “huh?”, for the tears, for the laughter. Everything becomes an excuse to get way more emotionally involved than expected.
This couple somehow takes possession of your soul, breaks it into a thousand pieces, and then carefully puts it back together.
Thank you for the thorns, but most importantly, thank you for the rose.
OVERALL, I obviously recommend this BL 100000%. For the actors, for the artistic and musical performances, for this incredibly precious representation of love, and for the deeper reflection it encourages.
(HOWEVER. I am a veryyyyyy resentful person, and I WILL NOT FORGET what that awful CEO did. And I do not forgive.)
Anyway, I mainly recommend ThamePo because it somehow managed to raise my standards AGAIN.
And they were already ridiculously high.
“Even if the world doesn’t welcome us, or is falling apart right in front of us, I will stand with everyone and with you.”
Bare minimum. ( ˘ ^˘ )
Seriously, this BL managed to break me with a force that somehow also turned out to be capable of healing me.
This whole reflection on the T-pop industry, and more generally on the pop industry as a whole (especially in countries like Korea, where boy/girl groups are basically at the heart of everything) made me question my own relationship with fame as a fan.
And I came to a few conclusions. Thank you, ThamePo.
Generally, we tend to build an image of an idol or a group, and I think one of the mistakes fans often make is confusing that constructed, idealized image with the actual person behind it.
We love the image we have of them, and because we watch so many interviews and livestreams, we can mistake that feeling of proximity for actually knowing who these people are. And sometimes, that makes us feel entitled to be intrusive about a life we shouldn’t even have a say in.
Anyway
William portrays Thame with a disarming kind of accuracy. All it takes is one look at him to understand the entire duality of his character: someone who constantly prioritizes the well-being of everyone around him, with this endless energy that never really allows him to focus on his own feelings.
And when Po enters his life, of course a strong connection forms.
Because Po doesn’t just teach Thame how to identify his own feelings. He gives him all the love and attention that Thame himself has spent so much time giving to everyone else.
You know that quote:
“Look at yourself. Comforting others with the words you wish to hear.”
When Thame lets Po into his life, he finally allows himself to be comforted by the very words he had been carrying inside him. Po gives him the strength to reignite that spark that was slowly starting to fade away.
Also, Lykn’s performance is simply breathtaking. Musically speaking, the ThamePo OST is just one banger after another, and the dances are visually captivating. And no one here can deny the insane connection between the members.
You genuinely feel like you’re watching a group of friends: people who share laughter, challenges, difficult moments, and acts of solidarity.
The characters are incredibly well written. Every member of MARS has a personality that makes sense, and they constantly surprise us with how well they complement one another.
I’m going to be completely honest, but… NUT!! On top of being insanely handsome, I inexplicably loved his performance as Jun 😭
Obviously, I can’t finish this review without talking about the absolutely captivating chemistry between William and Est. I thank the Lord for blessing us with actors this talented because THEY KNOW BALL ABOUT YEARNING!!!
I could talk for hours about how Thame and Po’s relationship is not only healthy, but also so much more complex than it might seem at first.
Do you know what’s worse than watching a relationship slowly fade away? Having to end it because the consequences of staying together are bigger than you.
Not being able to live your love because other people have the final say over what you’re allowed to have.
And of course, it’s episode 11. It’s ALWAYS episode 11.
I was crying so hard my shoulders were literally moving.
Thank you, William and Est.
Thank you for the eye contact, for the shy little “huh?”, for the tears, for the laughter. Everything becomes an excuse to get way more emotionally involved than expected.
This couple somehow takes possession of your soul, breaks it into a thousand pieces, and then carefully puts it back together.
Thank you for the thorns, but most importantly, thank you for the rose.
OVERALL, I obviously recommend this BL 100000%. For the actors, for the artistic and musical performances, for this incredibly precious representation of love, and for the deeper reflection it encourages.
(HOWEVER. I am a veryyyyyy resentful person, and I WILL NOT FORGET what that awful CEO did. And I do not forgive.)
Anyway, I mainly recommend ThamePo because it somehow managed to raise my standards AGAIN.
And they were already ridiculously high.
“Even if the world doesn’t welcome us, or is falling apart right in front of us, I will stand with everyone and with you.”
Bare minimum. ( ˘ ^˘ )
Was this review helpful to you?
