Drama Digest
Rak Diao, also known as One Love, is a surprisingly touching 15-episode Thai drama that fulfills genre expectations while supplying its unique creative twist. It is the story of Diao (Win Songsin Jaipon), a highly focused and headstrong 20-something. He moves in with his sister Dao (Sujira Arunpipat) after getting a new job. Dao rents out a part of her property to Rak (Earth Thanakrit Talasopon), who turns out to be Diao’s new boss at the office. Rak is a gentleman with good looks and a jack-of-all-trades. Rak and Diao get off on the wrong foot, and the result is a barrage: bickering and hilarious standoffs, with Diao and Rak bossing each other around at home or at the office. How and when do they end up catching feelings for each other?
The Feel-Good Part
The crucial part is that it never gets boring. All the characters are highly relatable and easy to invest in. Diao is determined to learn continuously and improve, and it is funny to see when things don’t always go to plan. Rak, on the other hand, is easygoing, supportive, and reasonable. That is true for the most part, but bot always. Rak and Diao are constantly at each other’s throats, landing many hilarious punches. However, despite being similar to other enemies-to-lovers plots, this one manages to be a breath of fresh air. This sitcom isn’t only BL-oriented, but goes beyond, touching on universal themes of family and friendship. Sprinkled all over is observation on life, and a love for pets.
The Disappointing Factor
It is too short, and the ending feels unfulfilling. Laugh tracks can feel like an uninvited guest, especially when the English subs don’t match the original jokes in Thai.
In-Depth Analysis
Die-hard fans of sitcoms know how slow the plot progress can feel sometimes. In Rak Diao, however, the pacing of plot development never becomes glacial. Matters are always in-progress. A very realistic observation is present: feelings of the two people grow at different speeds. Sufficient attention is paid to making moments breathe, and eye contacts give you a fluttering heart. A result is that nothing feels rushed or inorganic, and every special moment between the two lovers is well earned. In general, Y dramas unintentionally establish a power dynamic between the two leads, owing to old storytelling tropes and heteronormative writing. That is not the case with Rak Diao, as the dynamic is constantly flipping on its head. Being the boss, Rak has the upper hand at the office. Diao has the advantage of being the landlord. There are scenes with teasing or heated argumentation, and the winner changes every time. Most of all, the more physically-imposing Rak begins to display his feelings first. There’s a strong case for this show not holding to the general pattern of many other Thai BL series. What’s more, the music suits the laid-back, rom-com setting well.
Star Power
The chemistry between the two leads, Earth Thanakrit Talasopon and Win Songsin Jaipon, is electric. Moreover, the whole cast appears at home with each other.
Overall Opinion
Rak Diao will be an irresistible Thai drama for anyone looking for a comforting watch. Its strength lies in not only the spoken — arguments, jokes, etc. It also lies in the unspoken silences, stares, and awkwardness, which betray the intensity with which each of them wants the other.
