Adapted from the web novel “Pit Babe” (พิษเบ๊บ) by _alittlebitch (also known as alittlebixth), Peter Nopachai’s rustic adaptation ended on a high note. Based on the fictional ABO/Omegaverse universe, the show’s ratings skyrocketed because of the natural chemistry between the various pairings littered across this universe. While the storytelling was indeed faulty in some places, the stellar casting made up for the odd pacing. This was one of those shows that leaves you with mixed feelings; I won’t say that I was exactly enamored with the series. Nevertheless, it was flavorful in its own ways. There are reasons to watch this show; let me list them first before we journey into the disaster zone!

What I Liked About This Show

☆ The obvious reason to watch this show is- Pavel Naret. Touted as the “Half Savage” star’s comeback vehicle, Pavel literally carries the show on his shoulders. As Babe, he has to portray a difficult character who is contrasting to his own nature. Despite being an alpha, Babe enjoys bottoming. So much so, that he needs to have sex to rev up his engine, before any upcoming race. Enter Charlie (Pooh Krittin), the wide-eyed spectacled alpha who has his own hidden agenda for following Babe like a lost puppy. Make no mistake, because it’s obvious from the beginning that Charlie approaches Babe for intentions that are kept well wrapped. Now talking about their individual performances; Pavel breezes through his portrayal of Babe. It could be the scenes where he plays the hard-headed pessimist who doesn’t trust anyone or the moments when his high walls crack, and he shows his vulnerable side to Charlie. Pavel is a phenomenal actor and like fine wine, he ages well. As for Pooh, it’s obvious that he is a newbie. He fails to make a mark in the initial episodes, but his acting gets better in the later half. When you are paired opposite someone like Pavel, you need to pull your weight. Pooh does try, but Pavel outshines him.

☆ As against the main pairing, the couple everyone cheered for- Alan (Sailub Hemmawich) and Jeff (Pon Thanapon). If you have closely watched Pon Thanapon in his earlier shows (The Moment, The Moment Since, Gen Y, Gen Y S2), where he was paired opposite Bank Thanathip, you will remember that he isn’t that good in romantic scenes. But with Sailub, Pon is pure magic. These two have a natural chemistry that surpasses even the main and leaves you craving for more. Guess, Pon managed to build a comfortable camaraderie with Sailub, it shows in their intimate scenes. Despite their abundant age differences, Alan and Jeff rocked my world and were my absolute favorite in this show!

What I Disliked About This Show

☆ Nut Supanut surprises with his anti-hero portrayal of Way. Supanut’s obsessive rendition of Way is picture perfect; for almost half of the series, he manages to fool everyone into believing that he is the good guy. His unrequited feelings for Babe are stumbling and although the show did promise a slight romance with Pete (Ping Orbnithi), it never materializes. Way is simply too hung over Babe, that he doesn’t see anything beyond his obsession. This kind of love is dangerous as he constantly puts Babe in a difficult situation, playing with his emotions. The last act does give him a chance at redemption, but I’m unsure if it could undo the damage he caused. The show manages to change Supanut’s image from a chocolate boy protagonist (Oxygen The Series) to a hard hitting betrayer.

☆ Another wasted potential- Kenta (Garfield Pantach) is a misguided antagonist and Tony’s main henchman. He has been groomed from childhood to serve Tony’s nefarious ends. Although he doesn’t agree with Tony’s villainous acts, his feelings of gratitude keep him chained. The surprise element the show managed to spring was the subtle romance between Kenta & Pete. It was unexpected, but Garfield and Ping have loads of chemistry. It’s obvious in the scenes where they grew up together or the scene where Kenta cries while trying to stab Pete. Even though, Kenta redeems himself in the final episode by killing Tony, there is no resolution to Kenta & Pete’s romance. It would have been better if they had at least dropped hints about the same!

☆ Comic relief romance- these two were another wasted pairing. Michael Kiettisak is a brilliant actor, emotional scenes are his strong point. And yet, this show relegates him to the status of comic relief which is so jarring. Add to that, his fresh pairing with TopTen Supakorn (Sonic) was never explored properly. They look so good together; a little romance would have added so much charm to their scenes. But the show doesn’t do much justice to this couple and their love story never transpires!

☆ Another actor whose chocolate boy looks were utterly destroyed. Pop Pataraphol plays the antagonist Winner with such a conviction; that he manages to erase the memories of playing a sweet protagonist in “La Cuisine”. I was totally perplexed and also annoyed with his rendition. But that’s how antagonists are; Winner got everything that he deserved and some more. No one is complaining!

Is It A Worthwhile Watch

I’m a mixed bag of emotions when it comes to this show!

Will I miss it? Most probably not. My Friday’s are so busy with tonnes of shows that I’m actually relieved this melodrama has ended. That being said, I will definitely miss watching Pavel Naret. You don’t know when he would star in another show again (the guy is extremely choosy about his projects). But “Pit Babe” has established Pavel-Pooh as a potential BL pairing, so there is a chance you might see them in future projects. Sailom-Pon are another pairing that I’m looking forward to. Definitely won’t be missing Way, Tony or Winner. Good riddance to all three!

Rating- 3 out 5 stars

Streaming on- IQIYI