When Lovemedia Thailand first started with the promotions, “Twins The Series” was marketed as a sport themed BL. Whilst the Thai BL industry is filled with high school dramas or engineering misnomers, we were never offered a full fledged sports drama. As such, the expectations were high from a cast that included handsome hunks who seemed to fit the bill of volleyball players. Either ways, I was never enthusiastic about sports labeled shows. But then my X timeline was filled with spoilers once the show premiered; the end result- I gave in to the urge. The pilot episodes were pretty lame and dragged on; nothing substantial to hold onto. So, why did I continue on this journey? Despite the mediocre writing with abundant potholes, the lead pairing manage to savage the show. Without pulling any punches, let’s dive into this review!

What I Liked About This Show

☆ “Twins The Series” is pretty much centered around the titular leads, Zee & Sprite (Frame Ritchanon). As you may have already guessed, they are identical twins separated since childhood because of their parents divorce. Zee grows up to become a professional volleyball player. Entirely aloof and reserved, he is pretty arrogant and doesn’t get along with any of his team members; especially the outside hitter First (Ryan Panya Mcshane). Sprite is his complete opposite; he has a happy-go-lucky attitude and trains in his school’s jujitsu club. Now the show takes a nosedive into oblivion when Zee is accidentally injured by Sprite’s viscous club members. Thus begins a game of role reversal, whereby Sprite takes up Zee’s identity and joins the volleyball team instead. Frame Ritchanon does a decent job of portraying two different roles; it’s easy to differentiate the characters because of their varied candor and demeanor. As Sprite, he is easy going, optimistic and tries hard to bridge the distance between Zee and his team members. Frame also has an exceedingly brilliant chemistry with First. The “Enemies to Lover’s” trope does drag on for half of the series; but Sprite manages to win over First and their romance is the highlight of this show. Both Frame & Ryan make a handsome couple and their offscreen interactions are equally endearing.

☆ Another saving grace of this show are the supporting couple, Tan (Pooh Phiangphor) and Sam (Team Tatchanon). Tan is Sprite’s best friend and the only one who knows about the switch between the twins. He discreetly helps Sprite to cover up his regular disappearances. Along the way, Tan ends up falling for Sam, a volleyball player who fulfills the “libero” position. Their journey isn’t an easy one; because initially Sam is enamored with Zee (it makes you question his intelligence, because Zee is not exactly the friendly type). But Tan’s earnest efforts eventually win his heart, and they become a couple in the penultimate episodes. Tan & Sam made a sweet couple and I wish they had more screen time.

What I Disliked About This Show

☆ Playing identical twins isn’t an easy job, especially when you need to switch from being an easy going guy to an arrogant one. Frame does his level best and I was impressed. But that doesn’t change the fact that I hated Zee’s characterization. The show never addresses the reason for his transgressions- he doesn’t get along with his teammates, doesn’t respect them, likes to play a solo game and is exceedingly rude to everyone (family included). I was left positively appalled when he repeatedly broke First’s heart knowing that Sprite likes him. He could have made concessions for the fact that they were together and tried not to sabotage their relationship. Another thing that grated on my nerves was Sprite’s hesitancy to explain the situation to First (even when Zee returns). He knows his brother’s prickly nature well, and yet he doesn’t take any precautions nor explains himself beforehand. That was so cowardly and idiotic; I rued over the fact that First genuinely likes him.

☆ A couple which was entirely wasted; both Tuss Thotsawat and Ten Apivit had the potential to make a marketable BL pairing. Their chemistry was unbelievably hot and they look good together. Unfortunately, the script doesn’t make much sense when it comes to showcasing their relationship. We never got down to addressing the miscommunication between that Jack & Mike; Jack’s unassuming nature and Mike’s failure to redress his opinions led to the early demise of this romance. I wish they had a better future or a better scriptwriter.

Is It A Worthwhile Watch

This picture echoes my state of mind; like these twins, I was equal parts annoyed and enamored with this show!

Frame Ritchanon has a meatier role, and he tries to keep up with the odd pacing; as Sprite he is engaging and friendly whilst as Zee, he is frustrating and competitive. Ryan Panya Mcshane as a romantic lead plays to his strength and tries his best to support the story. The only cliche is the way their romance is developed; it’s abrupt and overwhelming. Suffice to say, “Twins The Series” could have been so much better; if it had a decent story line backed with individual development. Watch it on your own risk!

Rating- 3 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala