The first three episodes of Kidnap are a mixed bag of hurt/comfort foregrounding a relationship that begins with a kidnapping.

To describe the show so far, first and foremost, Kidnap is a misleading title, a more appropriate one could have been Cohabitate or Protect. The relationship between Min (Ohm Pawat) and Q (Leng Thanaphon) begins when the former kidnaps the latter with the help of his senior, James (Title Kirati). Even before the titular kidnapping, the episode stresses multiple times how much of a green flag Min is, that he would never take part in illicit activities, but is forced to because he needs to pay the medical bills of his brother Mhen (Ohm Thipakorn), as well as prevent their house from foreclosure.

When James brings up the plan to kidnap Q, Min is reluctant until the point of the actual kidnapping. Even then, he refuses to kill Q as directed, and brings him to his own house to protect him. Instead of being distrustful of his kidnapper, Q seamlessly blends into Min’s life by being comfortable in his own skin. Apart from his recurrent night terrors (which Min helps with, hence the hurt/comfort), it seems like this kidnapping has no effect on his psyche. In fact, it is him who brings up the idea of demanding ransom from his own father to help Min’s financial troubles.

I have mixed opinions about the show thus far. If I could sum it up, I would say the premise is good, but the series seems afraid to go all the way. To explain what I mean, in one scene, when Min is begging his former loan shark for another loan, someone who had threatened Min just a couple of episodes prior, they play goofy music in the background. There are others, but that one scene stood out to me as an example of the show’s confusion of whether it wants to be a serious thriller fully embodying its title, or a romantic-comedy that just so happens to be situated around a kidnapping.

Another thing I have to bring up is that Leng seems to have not completely adjusted yet. His acting is decent in ensemble scenes, but he falters when he has to lead a scene, especially the more serious ones. It would have not been as noticeable if he were partnered up with anyone else, but Ohm has years of experience under his belt, and it shows in how quickly he has taken to Min’s character, portraying him with the right amount of vulnerability and hesitancy that the script demands. In comparison, I can’t understand yet what the show expects the viewer to make of Q’s character. I do hope, as the episodes go on, that he finds his footing and becomes comfortable as Q.

Despite what I have said about the confused way the show started, I am ready to take back my words if the show progresses in a direction that episode 3 alludes to. The third episode teases Min’s entanglement with Yada (Pym Pympan), who has been shown as an ambiguously villainish figure, someone who will play a bigger role tying in Q and his father, and it might just bring in that element of angst the plot desperately needs.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Streaming on- GMMTV YouTube Channel