I’m still not sure if “Girl Rules” truly lives up to the reputation built by its male predecessor, “Only Friends.”

With Jojo Tichakorn helming this sapphic version, comparisons are inevitable. “Girl Rules” betrays clandestine meetings behind-the-scenes, unfamiliar sexuality and impossible reconciliations. Their business is chaotic, with every pairing struggling to make ends meet or ensuing on a personal espionage. I’m still not sure if I liked this show any better than “Only Friends”. Frankly, the recently concluded “Only Friends: Dream On” actually sets the bar high. In comparison, “Girl Rules” fails on delivering a storyline that could have been emotionally balanced!!

Prim & Bambi

Reuniting after a bitter breakup is a difficult thing. It is even more difficult when your ex-girlfriend is Bambi (Film Rachanun). Her emotional growth resembles that of a spoiled child, hellbent on spending her mother’s hard-earned money. She breaks up with Prim (Namtan Tipnaree) because Prim is a workaholic, goes abroad, dates someone else, goes into depression when her second girlfriend dies in a major accident and returns home to turn Prim’s life upside down. In the midst of all this turmoil, you feel sorry for Prim because it’s obvious that she genuinely loves Bambi, no matter how difficult she is. Their story has more ups and downs than any normal couple, and they end up breaking again, only to magically reconcile in the finale episode. Not much character development happening here, but at least you feel relieved because Prim won’t be suffering temper tantrums anymore (or she might, with Bambi you never know).

Shasha & Gorya

These two are even more melodramatic than the other two couples. Shasha (Milk Pansa) is the popular supermodel on the block. She is also overtly flirtatious and a total player. Until she meets Gorya (Love Pattranite), the strictest stylist in the universe. Shasha tries her love tricks on Gorya, who is instantly repulsed (because she is in love with Prim). While Prim strings her along for a few episodes, Gorya enters a “Friends with Benefits” relationship with Shasha for the time being. Their relationship has more upheavals than a ship caught in a cyclone. Gorya spends more than three fourths of the show being indecisive. She likes being with Shasha but doesn’t want to acknowledge her feelings. It isn’t until Shasha gets into a major fight with her manager, that Gorya turns defensive and decides to protect her. Milk & Love have insane chemistry, so it does save their drowning romance!

Min & Praew

Min & Praew are the only solemn couple in this show, whose love story makes some kind of sense. After a horrible breakup with her abusive boyfriend, Min (View Benyapa) ensues on a journey of self discovery with Preaw (Mim Rattanawadee). First, it takes some time for her to accept her new sexuality. In fact, by the end of the show, Min still isn’t sure if she is bisexual or lesbian. The tags don’t bother her, as she settles in a peaceful relationship with Praew. They have issues when Min has difficulty accepting their relationship in front of others. But time and tide can heal everything. Min finally acknowledges her relationship with Praew in front of her family. View & Mim have beautiful chemistry!!

Final Impressions

There were certain moments in the show, when I debated if I should drop this show!!

The storyline drags in certain places, like Bambi’s immature behavior or Gorya’s grumpy nature or Praew’s increasing insecurity. You feel sorry for Prim, Shasha & Min’s sanity on a weekly basis. I wanted to enjoy this show, because it has GMMTV’s most popular pairings. Sadly, I couldn’t, no matter how hard I tried.

Rating- 3 out of 5

Streaming on- IQIYI/ Viki