“Politics is war without bloodshed while war is politics with bloodshed”- Mao Zedong

The political intrigue within this show can very much be surmised with the above quote. Monomax’s attempt to portray the political state in Thailand is hardcore, honest & realistic. It doesn’t depict it in the most subtle manner, rather the love story is submerged in the midst of dirty politics that is very much the circumstances in most countries, not just Thailand. Political campaigning involves mudslinging, vote buying and every trick in the book employed to form the government. But what happens later? “Mandate” is the perfect potboiler, it has everything- nuanced performances by a stellar casting, proficient storytelling without any loopholes and most of all, hope for a potential second season where we might meet these characters again. When I first saw the promotions for this show, I was intrigued. Boys’ Land genre is littered with too many tropes, but tackling the political arena was a first. Of course, that means it would involve controversial issues and thankfully, “Mandate” doesn’t steer clear from addressing those concerns. We have flawed protagonists who try their best to handle their situations while attempting to fulfill their dreams and ambitions!

The Kindhearted Doctor Drenched in Melodrama

Dr. Nong Thanit (Boy Pakorn) is certainly not your idealist protagonist. At the behest, he is depicted as a kindhearted doctor who is respected by the masses in his village. It is this very respect that draws Wi’s attention. Nong is an increasingly grumpy character, so it isn’t an easy task to recruit him into the party. Vee spends a huge amount of time canvassing and trying to brainwash Nong. Sadly, he only agrees when his sister is caught in an accident after working exceedingly long hours at the hospita, and he wishes for a change. He steps out of his village, joins Vee’s party and turns into a political candidate of acclaim. Hong’s journey from unknown doctor to a candidate of allure is truly enviable. He easily charms audiences with his ideas and doesn’t bow down easily to his opponents. The problems begin after he is elected as the Minister of Public Health and his turbulent past comes to light. Nong is depicted as a flawed character, he is addicted to drugs which isn’t conducive to his public image as a Health Minister. Despite that, he chooses to serve his terms by striking deals which we won’t expect from the main protagonist. Boy Pakorn plays this character with an honesty that makes Nong too humane!

The Troubled Kid Seeking Recognition

“Wi” Withu Thoetsaksakul (Ben Bunyapol) is the quick-witted & charming illegitimate son of a major political party leader. From childhood, he has been seeking affection and recognition from his power hungry father who pays more attention to his political prospects than his sons. His elder brother hates him and as such, Wi is forced to create favorable situations for himself. One such opportunity lands him in Nong’s village, and he is immediately taken by the kind yet grumpy doctor. Wi is a planner, he doesn’t sit on his hands and wait for the opportunity to present themselves, he creates them. He tutors Nong from being a common man into becoming a stellar candidate with a commendable presence. He is the problem solver, Wi does everything to make sure that Nong stands on the pedestal and wins the race. He is not someone who would take “No” for an answer. Ben steps up the game by playing a character who knows what he wants, and yet Wi is vulnerable when it comes to his loved one!

The Chemistry- Boy & Ben have a natural chemistry. After watching Ben in “Step by Step”, I wasn’t sure if he could handle working in another BL. But he just blew my mind with his flawless performance. As Wi, he is steadfast and trustworthy. Wi falls for Nong at first sight and since then, he makes it his mission to turn him into a proficient Minister. Wi is out and proud while Nong only begins to explore his options after developing feelings for Wi.

Characters Which Leave A Deep Impression

I have seen quite a few political dramas and so, I wasn’t expecting a character like Gale (Pitta Na Pattalung). A political reporter, Gale is both trusted by the masses and feared by the politicians. She has a way with words and a single word from her could tumble your political career. She doesn’t take sides and though, she likes to spice up things; most of the time, she digs up true information without being biased. When she reports, it is God’s honest truth and no one can refute her claim. I was left awestruck by the way, she questioned the politicians and left them exasperated. Another character that draws your attention is Phasakorn Inthradanai (Akk Akarat Nimitchai). A cutthroat politician, he takes over his political faction after his father, the former leader becomes a monk. Phasakorn is ambitious and manipulative; he has his own agendas, and would do anything to achieve his goals. And specifically, he has two goals- one, to form his own government and secondly to win back his ex-boyfriend, Wi.

Is it a Worthwhile Watch

Mandate has a bittersweet ending, so you can keep your hopes for Season Two!

The show tackles the political scenario in Thailand realistically. Frankly, the situation persists not just in Thailand but most Asian countries. What makes this show different is the execution: the actors give a commendable performance, the storytelling is crisp,and it keeps you on the edge. The ending strongly hints at Season Two. There are too many loose ends to tie. Nong & Wi have a breakup but Wi does promise to return. He resolutely joins Phasakorn’s party against his own wishes, so it would be interesting to watch how Nong & Wi find their way back to each other. Nong also has his own battles to fight; after being saved from a “No- confidence” vote, Nong has to work with Wi’s father who tried to kill him. Both are in difficult situations and S2 could definitely be more interesting with unexpected twists & turns!

Rating- 4.5 out of 5

Streaming on- Monomax