'Still 2gether' is essentially an apology letter to viewers of '2gether', which, not to put too fine a point on it, was a mess. This follow-on series manages to tell a more or less coherent, if somewhat implausible, narrative with plenty of cute, silly, and entertaining moments. I also appreciate the effort that 'Still 2gether' makes to address the storytelling holes that '2gether' failed to close. Overall, this is better than its predecessor, and has enough integrity to stand on its own.

Nevertheless, 'Still 2gether' falters on many fronts. Given that Sarawat and Tine are supposed to have been boyfriends for a year by the time the series opens, the two-week separation period that they are constrained to undergo should have been a minor inconvenience. Instead, it is a huge driver of melodrama. Exactly why their relationship isn't healthy or solid enough to withstand temporary apartness isn't explained.

Moreover, while viewers outraged by the ending of 2gether may be gratified that 'Still 2gether' has Sarawat and Tine kiss, the general lack of physical intimacy between these so-called lovers is strange, to say the least. I don't mean that they have to engage in anything explicit—it has more to do with the seeming inability of the lead performers to muster anything remotely resembling romantic chemistry onscreen, which is why I found myself much more interested in the supporting characters. That said, as before, Win Metawin pulls ahead of Bright Vachiwarit in terms of acting.

Finally, on some level, 'Still 2gether' is just a five-episode excuse to peddle various goods: Idolo skincare products, Lactasoy soy milk, Oriental Kitchen noodles, Oishi beverages, and show-related merchandise, such as the Sarawat and Tine dolls and jerseys. I realize that Thai shows normally feature a lot of embedded advertisements, but the product placements here seemed particularly heavy-handed. Perhaps the worst offender is Idolo: Sarawat and Tine use the products that Bright and Win endorse in real life.