We are here with our weekly bankroll of on-air adaptations. BL/GL novels are selling like hot pancakes and so are their copyrights. It remains to be seen if the live action dramas are as succinct as the original works!!

My Only Sunshine

Adapted from the novel “My Only Sunshine” (ตะวันระฟ้า) by Flower of Memory (ดอกไม้แห่งความทรงจำ)

This was an unexpected win from the “Star Hunter Entertainment” campus. Rising actress Sun (Mersedes Siripath) has spent years trying to win the heart of Rafah (Atom Aphichaya), a powerful luxury car executive and the older sister of her best friend. But when Sun’s onscreen chemistry with a rising male co-star sparks viral shipping rumors, Rafah’s buried feelings erupt into jealousy. As scandals, leaked photos, and suspicious sightings begin to swirl, Rafah moves into Sun’s condo to protect and control her. The truth is more shocking than any rumor: Sun has a long-lost twin sister, Jan. While Sun battles scandals that threaten to derail her career, Rafah’s ex-girlfriend returns with the intention to reunite. The show has lots of drama, melodrama and an obsessive top hellbent on protecting her lover. Rafah embodies Rafah’s possessive nature and dominant personality. Mersedes swings between two different personalities; as Sun, she is demure and reserved. As Jan, she is bold, daring & outspoken. I really loved their overall dynamics, even the supporting couple are impressive!!

Sammy’s Children’s Day

Adapted from the web novel “Chusan’s Liuyi Children’s Day” (初三的六一儿童节) by She Xie Dian Dian (蛇蝎点点)

Set in the 1980s Kowloon Walled City, where triads (gangs) run rampant, and corruption infects the police force. He Chu San (He Chang Xi) dreams of studying hard and escaping the chaos. His plans collapse when Xia Liu Yi (He Yan Zhao), a triad deputy leader, forces him to become his lackey, because of his smartness. As they get entangled, Liu Yi’s sister & brother-in-law are murdered. Whilst Liu Yi is gravely injured, He Chu San takes care of him. Liu Yi seeks revenge and becomes the triad leader. As they grow closer, Chu San falls for the ruthless gang leader. Chang Xi and Yan Zhao have excellent chemistry. Their budding romance is addictive, and you can’t help but be intrigued by their future dynamics!!

Life in Smokey Blue

Adapted from the manga series “Smoke Blue no Ame Nochi Hare” (スモークブルーの雨のち晴れ) by Hamada Kamome (波真田かもめ)

Two middle-aged men with a tactile understanding that changes their lifestyle. Azuma Sakutaro (Takeda Kouhei) is a 38-year-old gay man who is currently unemployed. In the past, he worked as an ace pharmaceutical sales representative. Emotionally and physically drained out, he resigned. One evening at a gay bar, Sakutaro is nearly forced into a hotel by a man he just met. At that moment, he is helped by Kuji Shizuka (Shibuya Kento), a former coworker & rival. Kuji now works as a medical translator and lives a different life from before. Kuji invites Sakutaro to work as his assistant. As they work & spend time together, it brings their once-sealed, one-time relationship back to the surface. As buried emotions surface, Kuji begins to question their newfound closeness & intimacy. Takeda & Shibuya have a simmering, steadfast chemistry. They aren’t teenagers experiencing first love, but mature men handling a delicate relationship!!

The Water

Adapted from the novel “The Water” (The Water นทีร้อยเล่ห์) by Salmon (แซลม่อน)

Englot are back with their fourth project and the loyalist fans couldn’t be happier. If you have watched the earlier installment of this show, “The Earth”, then Nam stars as a supporting character there. You get well acquainted with her to know enough that Nam is a workaholic. As the executive director of a popular hotel chain, she mostly spends her time locked in meeting rooms with her assistants, checking for new proposals. Things get interesting when she has a strange encounter with Chonlada (Charlotte Austin), one of the hotel guests. Unbeknownst to Nam, Chonlada is the illegitimate daughter of the Chairman of Watchara Group, their rival company. Since her elder brother is under constant pressure from their father, Chonlada agrees to join Nam’s company as a spy. But as they spend time together, Nam and Chonlada fall in love. The show has the characteristic “Englot” mark; their chemistry is enough to skyrocket the ratings. The storytelling is surreal, so diehard fans should not miss out on this romance!!

Wishing upon the Shooting Stars

Adapted from the novel “Kuan Kan Liu Hsing Te Cheng Chueh Fang Shih” (觀看流星的正確方式) by Chung Min Jui (鍾旻瑞)

A whimsical story that focuses on healing & self-discovery. What happens when you make a bizarre wish upon a shooting star, and it comes true? After getting laid off, He Xiang Yong (Jed Chung) returns to his hometown. Because of constant arguments with his father, Xiang Yong impulsively makes a wish not to be recognized, only to have it mysteriously come true. Mistaken for a stranger and kicked out by his father, he takes on a new identity, Zhong Xiao You to work at his father’s B&B only to discover that his new colleague is his high school crush, Chen Hao Wei (Chu Meng Hsuan). As they are forced into close quarters, older feelings reemerge and Hao Wei starts suspecting Xiao You’s true identity. The main leads have a refreshing chemistry, be it their teenage selves or adults!!

Unexpectedly Naughty Fukami

Adapted from the manga series “Yatara Yarashii Fukami-kun.” (やたらやらしい深見くん) by Matsumoto Ayaka (松本あやか)

Sales ace Kaji (Kashio Atsuki) is quite popular with his office colleagues, but under that charm lies a narcissist personality. He is also secretly gay and often hooks up with random men on apps. However, he grades them by their looks and only hooks up with gentle- looking pretty guys. He is left disgruntled when the higher ups send him on an out-of-town assignment with his seemingly dull colleague Fukami (Miyazaki Yuu). At first glance, Fukami seems underrated, hiding his body under baggy clothes. That is until he showers in their shared hotel room and suddenly transforms into an angel. After a passionate one-night stand, Kaji is hooked while Fukami initially avoids him. Despite the popularity of the manga, the live action is sadly of abysmal quality. The main leads barely have any recognizable chemistry & the production value is low. Watch at your own risk!!

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