Amac Productions

Everything is going to plan.

I think.

I’m not even sure that Arisa is sure everything is going to plan anymore. The line between using Lalin to get to her mother and actually being in love with her seems pretty non-existent at this point.

Although, if you ask me, they were never really there since she was falling for Lalin before she knew anything about her being Wei Ling’s daughter. Just pointing that out. It’s the reason she ran in the first place when they kissed for the first time. She felt something for her.

Meanwhile, back in the present day. Lalin wants to declare to the entire world that they’re a couple at her mother’s fundraiser.

Much to the irritation of Wei Ling who – at first – thinks this is Arisa’s idea. Except it’s not. It’s not even an idea that Arisa seemingly planted for Lalin to suggest.

Rather it’s just something that Lalin wants.

And it was an interesting moment that stuck out to me because it was Wei Ling’s jerk reaction to the idea. It must be something that Arisa is plotting or planning to move against her. How can I stop her? How can I outwit her?

These two are constantly battling each other and using Lalin to do it.

Like when she tells Lalin that Arisa offered to donate to the charity a large sum of money. Knowing that if Arisa wanted to back out of it, she’d have to explain it to Lalin. Would she do that? No. Of course not.

Much like Arisa was using Lalin to get under Wei Ling’s skin and get closer to her enemy to discover more weakness.

As she was clearly trying to figure out whether or not Lalin’s aunt was telling the truth about her cheating on her husband the entire time they were together. Apparently, though, that was unfounded. Which is a little strange to me.

Because why did her sister-in-law think that if there was no evidence? And Arisa if you want evidence for it, perhaps ask the person who brought it up in the first place. Maybe she saw something. Knows something that could help you. Food for thought.

Also, I’m not entirely sure I’m rooting for anyone in this story, but Lalin who is going to be crushed when the truth comes out. Because right now, from where I sit, it doesn’t appear that her mother or the love of her life are good people. They both appear to have a lot of skeletons in the closet.

And they’re not above manipulating the people closest to them that they love to get what they want.

One thing about this little chess match that these two are playing is how good they are at it. Because it’s a chess match to be certain. Trading pieces and pawns back and forth. Making moves and accepting the moves done to them as it’s part of the game. There’s a pretty equal amount of give and take while being open to things changing as the game unfolds.

For example, Arisa’s ally was taken out last episode because Arisa convinced her not to give money to Wei Ling. They trade blows back and forth. Making it feel like it’s anyone’s game.

Except for the part that Arisa has a bit of an edge. She knew they game was coming. Unfortunately, Wei Ling just found herself in the middle of it.

I really enjoy the give and take. Too often, I don’t feel like we get that. The hero just keeps losing or one side just gets all the losses and then has the behind comeback that doesn’t feel earned at the end. Because we’ve seen them lose and be beaten so much in every arena, it’s absurd to think they’d ever win at this point. See literally every season of Arrow.

It’s nice that they both feel like they’re playing. Winning and losing as the game progresses.

While I also love how cunning each of them is. Wei Ling sliding in the donation in an attempt to either get money for charity or make Arisa look bad in front of Lalin. Pretty slick.

Arisa going after Wei Ling’s number two. Giving her an inside man while it appears that Wei Ling doesn’t even know all the players on Arisa’s side of things. Let alone which one to go after.

I love that Arisa managed to flip the script on Wei Ling at the event. Turning it into what she wanted instead of Wei Ling. I do wonder how much of that story is true, if any of it at all.

Or if it was simply all another manipulation of the situation and Lalin.

Who is more in love with Arisa than ever.

I think that moment at the end of the fundraiser realizes that she can’t protect her daughter. She’s lost to her. Arisa has fully ensnared her and there’s really no way to untangle her without hurting her daughter. Without the truth stark in black and white. And she’s not sure how to proceed.

Other than to accept Arisa for the time being.

Which is obviously the last thing in the world she wants to do. While at the same time she has no idea that Arisa has flipped her number two to her side by taking away his wife.

I really do hope that she’s not actually planning on revealing the location of his wife to him. Ever.

Which, if she doesn’t, I’m not sure how exactly she’s going to deal with him. Maybe she’s planning to turn him in when it’s all said and done with the evidence she collected. Just keep him around until he’s no longer useful to her.

I don’t know. Regardless, I’m glad the woman is free.

On the other hand, it’s ironic that Wei Ling is heading a charity to stop violence against women on behalf of her friend, but her number two is hurting his wife. Guess you never really know people.

I did love that Arisa helped the victim. Although, from a human and writing standpoint, the trust between them happened far too quickly. Way too quickly.

Definitely took me out of the moment. Like nope, would not happen. But sure, for the sake of time and story, I get it.

Moving on.

Then there’s the scene I’m sure every lesbian or women loving women want to discuss, the love scene.

I’m going to be honest, it’s definitely the best love scene for any Thai GL series I’ve watched. It’s shot for women to appeal to women. It’s hot and beautifully done by both women, the director, cameraman, and everyone else who worked on it.

It was really good.

For a Thai GL series.

But like… If you’ve never watched Stupid Wife or Xeque Mate, this feels… just weak.

The passion feels sort of off to me. Just like the kissing in all these series where they just sort of gently press their lips together. Like it always looks like we’re forcing two dolls to kiss, instead of a natural moment. It’s one of the things I can never understand or get. I’m pretty sure it’s a cultural thing and we all have our comfort levels or what we like and that’s totally fine.

I’m just saying for me, this is mid.

It’s good. I can watch it and I don’t feel awkward or uncomfortable because to me it looks like every actress in Thai GL has never kissed anyone and is being held at gunpoint for it.

Meanwhile, while watching Xeque Mate, I always feel like I’m intruding on a private moment. Like shit, I’ll come back when you’re done and I’ll just… Yeah.

Stupid Wife does the intimacy the best, I feel. Balancing romance, passion, and chemistry while never feeling like you as the viewer is intruding on the moment. They’re all just effing hot.

That’s my take and you don’t have to agree with it! It’s totally cool if this floats your boat! I’m just giving my opinion and while this is definitely miles ahead of other Thai GLs I’ve watched, I’d rather watch Stupid Wife’s love scenes.

Overall, however, I am enjoying the ride of this series because it is pretty good and I’m really curious as to how the chess match will play out. FYI, I think the chess match here is better than Xeque Mate. But that’s just me!

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