This is one of those shows that promised greatness but was mediocre at the best!

Starting from the magical trailer to the first three episodes, I was pretty impressed with the storytelling. There was intrigue woven into Prince Khanin’s character, mystique surrounding the dynasty politics and a “Disney- like” feel to the cinematography. The big budgeted project seemed to align itself with some best written shows in the BL history. And that’s what we were waiting for- history to be rewritten. Sadly, that doesn’t transpire and the storyline drags on, culminating into unwarranted plot twists and character assassination towards the end. They were pretty predictable, except the shocking reveal behind the true villain (who wasn’t actually a villain but just a victim of circumstance). While waiting for the issues to be resolved, you forget what the show is about- is it about Prince Khanin adapting to Emmaly’s culture, is it about his desire for change & evolution; or is it about his risque romance with his bodyguard, Charan? Let’s dissect the storyline as much as we can!

Prince Khanin & His Royal Bodyguard, Charan

There is truly something magical about the “ZeeNunew” combination. They excel in their sensual scenes, it never comes out as outputting and their comfort levels project a camaraderie that is incomparable. But can a project of this scale solely sustain on their chemistry? Sadly, it cannot. As soon as Khanin (NuNew Chawarin) is transported from his humble abode in London to the royal streets in Emmaly, it becomes apparent that he is different. Obviously, he was bought up with the freedom that is attributed to the Western culture and as such, he fails to understand the dogmatic Emmalian culture which is outdated and aristocratic. Khanin & Charan’s story swings between the multiple attempts made on his life, Charan (Zee Pruk) defending him & ultimately falling for him, despite his abundant reservations. In between, Khanin tries to act rebellious and even wins the people’s votes for his defiant thought process. All is well, but the storyline swings so much, that you pretty much lose interest in this couple and their story. They start off as a compelling pair and become lackluster in the later half, because the script doesn’t know what to do with them!

Prince Ramil & His Manservant, Paytai

I’m still not sure where the scriptwriters were going with this couple, but somehow their romance was scripted better than the main leads. I read somewhere on Twitter/X that in the novel, Paytai (Ohm Thanakrit) is portrayed as a strong, resilient person because he is the son of a politician. The saddest part in that in the adaptation, he is reduced to a mere manservant who serves his purpose in bed at night and becomes a punching bag for Ramil’s (Jimmy Karn) father during daybreak. Despite that, this fresh pairing has the oomph factor; given the fact that they had to portray BDSM elements. Putting a new pair to portray such risque scenes isn’t exactly advisable, but JimmyOhm deliver. It shows how much they are comfortable with each other. The mutual pinning, yearning and longing is depicted well. Ohm especially acts as the coy submissive who knows well how to adapt to his dominant’s needs (between them, it’s just mind games, Ramil thinks he is the one in control, but it is always Paytai who keeps him under control).

Is it a Worthwhile Watch

I was banking on this show to launch the newly formed couple, Net Siraphop & JJ Radchapon. Morosely, they did have a marginal screentime, but nothing memorable!

The show submerges too many storylines into a show which gives too little time to develop them individually. The majority portion is relegated to Khanin & Charan’s individual growth so the other characters get sidetracked. Like Ava (Kris Charintip) who is portrayed as a female visionary is reduced to nothing more than a side character who gives up on her ambitions. Similarly, Ramil’s father never faces any punishment for the abuses he has hurled over both Ramil & Paytai. Khanin’s Grandfather dies in peace after having schemed and plotted for ages. And Khanin’s renounces his title to return to London instead of being the beacon of change that the people of his motherland need. The story is pretty convoluted and nothing exciting!

Rating- 3 out of 5

Streaming on- IQIYI