I personally think that the hype around this show is well deserved. Admittedly, at first I was more than a bit skeptical about how the show handled the non-consensual elements (because they were very triggering for me in the novel), but while they didn't completely make it a healthy encounter from the get-go, it was nice watching Kinn get some development and have the courage to accept that he made mistakes, and tried to make up for them.
While most people might find Vegas as their favorite, my own personal pick would be Porsche. I mean- I don't even know where to start; in the novel he came off quite jaded, and somewhat irritating (not in the good way), however, I'm glad that they made his character much more entertaining in the show, and despite what others say, he has been the one who had the most character development, which is to say, negative in contrast to Kinn, who had the positive arc. We saw Kinn go from an arrogant mafia boss with trust issues, to a lover who'd quite literally do anything for Porsche, while trying to solve those trust issues as well. Porsche on the other hand started out somewhat street-smart, but still an adorable ball of sunshine who gave too much second hand embarrassment. The highlight of his character is the love and adoration he has for his little brother, I mean- dude just joined the MAFIA for him, what more could one want? That aside, we saw his development from episode 4, and how broken he was after it, He is a simple and forgiving person, and it is proved again and again, first with Kinn, Vegas, and then Korn., that is his one trait that remains consistent. As much as I love him, some of his decisions were very questioning as seen in the later episodes, I don't know whether they were due to bad characterization in general, or the fact that the writers intended to show how the mafia rubbed off on him By the end of the show, he'd also become hardened, cunning, and extremely selfish. One of his decisions stood out to me was one connected with Pete. It marked one of the first times he'd completely disregarded his value for relationships, and it wouldn't be wrong to say that now he honestly doesn't care about anyone other than Kinn and Chay, he'd probably kill for them or worse. He does what he wants, for his own purpose, and that's what he's become. Apo Nnattawin played the crap out of him in my opinion, and the chemistry he shares with his onscreen partner Mile is unmatched. The best part of his performance for me were in episode 4 , episode 6 and episode 7. He owned his character and no one else could've played him better.
Also, I understand the hype around VegasPete, and while I do like them to some extent, I mostly find myself indifferent to them, they don't excite me as much as the main couple does, but the actors, especially Bible, hold their own quite well. I won't comment more on Build, but his chemistry with his onscreen partner was brilliant, and his acting packed a gut punch (even for an indifferent person like me). I think that maybe I didn't click with them much was due to the non consensual (disturbing) sequence being glossed over, like- I keep wondering how the hell do you want to make out with someone who electrocuted your balls the day before. I like the Pete-heals-Vegas approach, but it doesn't do much for me, I guess.
I think the story could've been written a bit better, especially the way that some characters behaved, it was odd to see KinnPorsche being all cuddly while Big's sacrifice got ignored and shoved under a rug. Then we got a tiny piece of KimChay, with hardly any personality to Kim, like why did he ever ghost Chay like that, and why did he act as if he wanted Chay back so randomly in the end? Also, what was the whole point of Kim snooping around for Porsche's backstory if he never revealed it? If it is to be shown in the next season, then they should've dropped some hints, because all I can say is that it looks a lot like the writers just needed an excuse for Kim to meet Chay as a plot device. Also, Porsche just selling Pete off to Vegas like that disturbed and disappointed me, it felt really out of character to me in the beginning, but I understood that the writers were just intending to show the negative development of Porsche coming from his life spent in the mafia. Still, it was odd, considering Pete went to Vegas just for him, and that's how he repays it. And speaking of Pete, I'm so mad- HOW COME HE DISAPPEARED AND NO ONE BOTHERED TO ASK ABOUT HIM??? Like what sort of boss is Kinn, if he's not even going to ASK about Pete. Porsche, I can forgive, but his best friend went missing, is he not even gonna wonder where he is? It's just out of the place writing there, because in those two episodes, it felt like KinnPorsche were just in their own world, and they didn't give two hoots about what was going around them. And.... The ending...
I'm sorry, but Porsche as the head of the minor family is just killing me. It's so really laughable, but at the same time its a very clever ruse for Korn's benefit.
Also... Vegas did a complete 360 degree in his personality in the post credits, and I can't say I don't feel anything, that was honestly cute.
Almost cute enough to distract me away from- BRINGING PORSCHE's 'MOM' BACK FROM THE DEAD???
*SIgh* feels like a melodramatic soap opera at this point. I don't want to expect a second season because I feel like this 'mom' will drive a wedge between our main couple, which calls for a lot of unnecessary angst. Which is sad, because I really wanted them all lovey-dovey and BAMF together in season 2.
Looks like I'm gonna be disappointed.
Moving on, the entire cast was splendid, Apo and Bible's acting stood out to me the most. Mile was also good, especially in episode 7, where- *Ahem* Never mind. Build also got me shedding a few tears when Pete resigned from being the main family's bodyguard. In short, everyone was well casted. Jeff stole the spotlight for me in the fight sequence in episode 14, Barcode was adorable, but his role wasn't that demanding, though I still wanted to squish him in a hug whenever he cried.
The product placements annoyed the crap out of me , ESPECIALLY the bread. I hate bread now, never having it again. It made me cringe so hard. The only good product placement was the Maserati, probably 'cause Mile was sponsoring it.
Music was nice, I like all the OSTs, especially the opening sequence, Jeff really outdid himself with 'Why Don't You Stay' which I cry over every time I write a fan fiction. Barcode's OST was adorable, just like him and it made me smile.
The direction and camera work was something you don't see everyday in a Thai bl (no offense). It was brilliant and creative, especially using the lighting to portray the mood of the scene, like the green being used for jealousy in episode 7, and the pink and blue representing love and peace in VegasPete scenes together.
Regarding the deviation from the novel, I'd like to say that in most parts the series was definitely better, as seen with how Kinn's development was handled, and how his non-con treatment of Porsche wasn't glossed over (which the novel most definitely did) However, I can't really say the same for VegasPete, but at least the rape scene was removed. I definitely prefer series KinnPorsche rather than Novel, because Novel Kinn was just too annoying and toxic, while Novel Porsche came off whiny and sort of mentally disturbed. However, Novel definitely set up a bigger picture with regards to Korn's plan in the end, while series...
I hope I will be wrong when season 2 comes out, but it seems unlikely. For now, I definitely liked season 1, and I'd recommend it to watch.