Every decision has its binary choices.

New Thai BL “Wandee Goodday” deals firsthand with the art of decisions. Our personal decisions and their impacts on our relationships, and the lives of those around. The show centers on orthopedic physician Wandee (Inn Sarin Ronnakiat), who, after suffering a recent heartbreak, begins a friends-with-benefits situation with boxer Yoyak (Great Sapol Assawamunkong). Both men’s lives are filled with what most people desire: steady professions, attractive appearances, and support systems. However, one thing is missing in each of their lives: love. Both men are in unrequited situations with their respective crushes. As a result, they seek solace in each other.

This is where the complicated line between friends with benefits and lovers begins to blur.

Wandee and Yoyak are two men from contrasting worlds. One uses his skills to heal, while the other uses them to inflict pain. One openly communicates and empathizes with others, while the other masks his inner feelings in order to portray a well cultivated image to others. Both feel very deeply, which ultimately leads them to each other whether they are fully aware of that or not. While the goal of their partnership is to have a sexual relationship without invoking personal and intimate feelings, it is evident that both want more. As the story progresses, it will be interesting to witness how they initially suppress these feelings in order to protect their hearts.

Throughout the first two episodes, “Wandee Goodday” also deals heavily with the idea of consent in relationships. At the end of the first episode, Wandee goes out for a night of drinking after being rejected by his eight-year crush, Dr. Ter. After running into Yoyak, the two return to Wandee’s apartment and have sex. However, before having intercourse, Yoyak asks Wandee multiple times for consent and only moves forward after getting Wandee’s permission.

I appreciate the fact that the writers made the act of asking for consent such an existing part of the intimate scenes between Yoyak and Wandee as this is important and desperately needed in more pieces of BL media. However, I do wish Wandee hadn’t just been drinking before being asked as it could have somewhat impaired his judgement. It is important for consent to be fully understood and agreed to by both participants before engaging in sexual or intimate acts.

Overall, “Wandee Goodday” offers a nuanced perspective on muture adult relationships. I’m also thrilled that Great has finally landed a lead position in a BL after falling in love with him in “Manner of Death”, and I’m interested to see where it goes from here.

You can watch new episodes of “Wandee Goodday” on GMMTV’s YouTube account.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5